TRENTON, N.J.—Taco Bell is expanding its recycling program with international recycling leader TerraCycle to now collect all brands and types of sauce packets. This means that all condiment or sauce packets, whether Taco Bell or otherwise, can be collected, mailed back with a prepaid shipping label, and given a spicier second life. As an added incentive, for every shipment of waste sent to TerraCycle through this program, collectors earn TerraCycle points that can be donated to a nonprofit, school, or charitable organization of their choice. “Earlier this spring, we tested the idea with consumers to responsibly recycle any brand of...

HELSINKE, FINLAND—Scandic Helsinki Hub recently opened its doors in the Finnish capital. Located in downtown Helsinki, the hotel is housed in a 1920s printing house that has been transformed into a large 352-room hotel. Along with unique loft-style rooms, the hotel features inspiring event, meeting and coworking spaces along with a trattoria and bars. Scandic Helsinki Hub is strategically located at the crossroads of downtown Helsinki and the charming Helsinki south district. Vestiges of the former printing house have been elegantly preserved in the design throughout the building, and guests can choose accommodations that offer a variety of special features...

What are the 6 Food Waste Prevention Myths? Leanpath, a food waste prevention specialist, recently released a document explaining the myths. If you have an F&B operation at your property, or even if you don’t, I highly recommend reading the document. First, the six myths, according to Leanpath: 1. My team doesn’t have time to track and prevent food waste. 2. Food waste prevention technology is too expensive. 3. Food waste is a result of poor performance. 4. My kitchen controls its food waste: we donate and compost. 5. You fix food waste once and you’re done. 6. It’s not the time. I have too...

WASHINGTON, D.C.—The JW Marriott Washington, DC announced, during Environmental Awareness Month, that the hotel has been awarded a Gold level LEED certification for Building Operations and Maintenance. LEED (Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design) is developed by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) and is the most widely used green building rating system in the world and an international symbol of excellence in green building. The JW Marriott Washington, DC is also expected to receive the Energy Star award in late September. The LEED Certification achievement, along with JW Marriott Washington, DC’s energy conservation awards, achievements, and efforts, such as using solar energy,...

PALMA DE MALLORCA, SPAIN—On the United Nations International Day of Awareness of Food Loss and Waste, the Iberostar Group announced its ambitious plan to install artificial intelligence in its more than 100 hotels globally to become zero waste, reduce food waste and save more than 1,600 tons of food in the first year. This commitment by the company will become a reality thanks to an innovative system, based on technology from the Winnow company, which will contribute to ending food waste and bringing the company closer to its goal of being free of waste sent to landfill by 2025. The Iberostar Group committed itself to this zero-waste objective in 2020 with...

LONDON—Pasta straw company Stroodles has extended its product range into a fully edible tableware range. This new range includes biscuit spoons, wheat bran plates and bowls, and wafer cups. All the company’s new products are 100 percent biodegradable, vegan, zero waste and even edible, and most importantly, don’t compromise your drinking or dining experience. Since the launch of their pasta drinking straws in 2019, which have since become a global and viral trend, Chief Stroodle and founder Maxim Gelmann, says that the company is now ready to grow their movement and own the eco-tableware category. The company’s aim is to...

CLEARWATER BEACH, FLA.—One of the most recent additions to the Sheraton Sand Key Resort culinary staff is 22-year-old prep cook, Jenna Wieneke. Wieneke, almost completely blind following a life-threatening motorcycle accident, was not sure she would ever be able to work again, especially not in a kitchen. But Sheraton Sand Key Resort’s award-winning Executive Chef, Andrew Basch has a secret ingredient for joint success. Since Wieneke connected with Hands On Education Services and Executive Chef Andrew Basch, her life has been forever impacted. “Jenna is one of the most positive people I have ever met, and our entire culinary team loves the energy she...

HUNTERSVILLE, N.C.—Microban International introduces Refresh—its newest, patent-pending, sustainable odor capture technology that is completely metal free. This innovative technology is proven to reduce odors by up to 93 percent on polyester and polyester-rich blends, even after 30 launderings. Microban is a global leader in antimicrobial and odor control technology and has developed Refresh as part of its ongoing dedication to sustainable textiles manufacturing. This patent-pending formula is designed to address the needs of both manufacturers and consumers, by providing an effective solution to tackle permastink without relying on traditional heavy metal chemistries. Refresh is proven to effectively reduce odors on polyester and polyester-rich blends,...

BURLINGAME, CALIF.—To ensure consumers get a full night of deep, restful sleep and wake up refreshed, Standard Fiber, one of the world’s largest suppliers to the home textile market and manufacturer of basic bedding products, has expanded its collaboration with 37.5 Technology, a global leader in sustainable thermoregulation material science, to offer a broader scope of bedding products made with the innovative temperature regulating technology. Bedding made with 37.5 Technology helps keep you warm when you’re cold and cool you down when you’re hot—continually adjusting to maintain a climate of personal comfort throughout the night. By using the thermoregulating properties of volcanic minerals, which...

OSLO, NORWAY—Scandic Holmenkollen Park in Oslo has a 128-year history. The hotel recently reopened following a comprehensive 15-month renovation. The hotel has 376 rooms spread over 10 buildings and with its unique location in Oslo, guests from all corners of the world will once again be able to enjoy a unique destination hotel in eastern Norway. Over the past 15 months, Scandic Holmenkollen Park has been undergoing an extensive renovation that has preserved the rich history of the building while adding modern concepts and solutions. The renovation has been a collaboration between Scandic and property owners Eiendomsspar and Rica Eiendom...