CINCINNATI—For the second consecutive year, the Hobart Center for Foodservice Sustainability (HCFS) is awarding a $5,000 grant to the individual or company judged to have the best-executed foodservice or food retail sustainability project of the year. Submissions are currently being accepted, and the recipient will be announced at the 2008 Greenbuild Expo in Boston, November 19-21, 2008. “In addition to clear planning and implementation, the Hobart Center for Foodservice Sustainability seeks best practices from sustainability programs in foodservice and food retail that showcase a strong return on investment,” said Rick Cartwright, vice president and general manager of retail systems, ITW...

SHREVEPORT, LA.—Frymaster, LLC’s new multi-efficiency electric Protector fryer has received a 2008 Kitchen Innovations (KI) award from the National Restaurant Assn. (NRA). The Protector was one of only 25 equipment innovations to earn a KI award this year. “With its oil, energy and labor-saving features and safety benefits, the new Protector fryer has earned its award for innovation by helping to meet the needs of foodservice operators,” said Brenda Fried, vice president of marketing for Frymaster, an Enodis company. “We are very proud to be recognized for our legacy of innovation, pushing fryer performance to higher levels to improve both...

CHICAGO—The 2008 National Restaurant Association Restaurant, Hotel-Motel Show, to be held May 17-20 at Chicago’s McCormick Place, will feature more than 2,150 exhibiting companies and once again offer a slate of environment-related educational sessions. The show is expected to draw 74,000 industry professionals from all 50 states and 115 countries. Programming will also feature trendsetting chefs and restaurateurs, leading experts, celebrities and more. Located on Level 3 of the North Hall, the Organic & Natural Pavilion will highlight exhibitors offering certified organic food and beverage products. Organic is one of the hottest menu trends right now, and show attendees...

RIPON, WISC.—Energy efficiency is only part of the story of UniMac’s new 55-pound drying tumbler. Hotel laundry managers will appreciate that UniMac built the UT055 to fit through a standard 36-inch doorway—unlike most drying tumblers of similar capacities. In addition to fitting through a standard opening, the tumbler is a foot shorter than its 50-pound counterpart. Its design maximizes cylinder capacity, while not wasting any cabinet space. The end result is a leaner (and greener) design that utilizes 20 percent less steel than a 50-pound tumbler. Perhaps the most impressive feature for on-premises laundry managers is the tumbler’s performance. In-house...

BENTON HARBOR, MICH.—Whirlpool Corp., the leading appliance manufacturer, has been recognized with its third consecutive Energy Star Sustained Excellence award. Provided by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), the award honors Whirlpool Corp.’s contribution to providing innovative efficient products that help consumers reduce utility bills and greenhouse gas emissions. Whirlpool will accept the award at ceremonies in Washington, D.C., on April 1, 2008. This is the company’s ninth Energy Star award win. “Whirlpool Corp. is proud to again receive the Energy Star Sustained Excellence award,” said Mike Todman, president, Whirlpool North...

TROY, OHIO—Hobart’s new line of The Enzyme Factor cleaning products is specially developed to help restaurants and commercial kitchens fight grease and win. The cleaners, blended with organic enzyme formulas, use nature’s power to clean and remove grease from floors, drains, grease traps and other equipment. Enzymes break down organic matter. As a result, The Enzyme Factor cleaners are significantly more effective than conventional surfactant-based cleaners that just push dirt and grease around work surfaces. Hobart’s The Enzyme Factor cleaners are biodegradable, non-corrosive and do not contain caustic ingredients. They also do not contain bleach or ammonia, which may be...

AUBURN, N.H.—“If North Carolina implemented 85 percent cold-water washing using ozone at laundry facilities in colleges, universities, hotels and nursing homes statewide, the savings in water and natural gas could provide enough energy to run a city of 45,000 people for one year,” said Ralph Daniels, founder of Aqua Wing Ozone Injection Systems (AWOIS) LLC. Daniels was an invited speaker at the recent North Carolina State Energy Office Strategic Water Technology Conference, a meeting held in response to the state’s severe drought. Gov. Michael Easley tasked the North Carolina State Energy Office with investigating and recommending strategic measures for public...

FORT LAUDERDALE, FLA.—Electrolux Professional North America announced its release of SMART Refrigeration to the North American market. Each Electrolux Smart Reach-In Refrigerator or Freezer is fully equipped with a control system to ensure back-of-house efficiency as well as the preservation of food safety and quality. Unlike traditional refrigerators, the Electrolux Smart Refrigerator is linked to a total of four temperature probes, allowing for continuous management of ambient, internal storage, condenser and evaporator temperatures. The Electronic Control System includes a memory function that will record up to 24 hours of performance time and temperature history. This feature also allows the appliance...

MT. PLEASANT, MICH.—Enhancements to Delfield’s 6000XL reach-in refrigeration make it an even better value for the foodservice operator. Units are now standard with the new Energy Efficient/Performance Capable refrigeration systems that lower operating costs while delivering safe, fresh food even in the most demanding conditions. Doors have been beefed up with new, reliable edge mount hinges, a heavy-duty locking system and easy-to-use, quick-grip long-length vertical handles. These new features have been coupled with existing ones like the tough, seamless, one-piece ABS interiors that provide easy cleaning and easy shelf adjustment. All 6000XL units deliver low energy consumption with many meeting...

OSHKOSH, WISC.—Continental Girbau has unveiled the new M-Series hard-mount line of washer-extractors, available in 25-, 40- and 55-pound capacities. The new M-Series Washers deliver improved energy efficiency and higher G-force extract speeds than many hard-mount washers on the market, according to Joel Jorgensen, vice president of sales and customer services at Continental. “M-Series Washers are built using the same manufacturing platform as our high-performance E-Series Washers,” Jorgensen said. “They share many of the same components including the control systems—resulting in a higher performance hard-mount washer with unrivaled energy efficiency. This will save on-premise laundries gas, water and electricity. Superior programmability...