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...

SWITZERLAND—Swiss retail giant Migros has launched CoffeeB—a new, capsule-less Coffee Ball that could potentially stir up the single-serve coffee market. The Coffee Ball is part of a first-of-its-kind, zero-waste system that brews coffee without the need for plastic capsules. Plastic coffee pods produce 100,000 tons of waste globally per year; and while some of the pods in the marketplace are recyclable or biodegradable, the majority still end up in landfill. “The next generation of capsule coffee is here, and it comes without a capsule,” says CoffeeB’s Dr. Caroline Siefarth, who co-developed the system. “After half a decade of research, we’ve created CoffeeB—which will revolutionize the way the world drinks single-serve coffee.” All the Taste,...

WASHINGTON, D.C.—The Recycling Partnership’s Polypropylene Recycling Coalition is celebrating the How2Recycle upgrade of polypropylene (PP) rigid containers to “Widely Recycled” in the U.S. This major milestone comes as the Coalition marks its two-year anniversary. Launched in July 2020, the Coalition brings together stakeholders across the PP value chain—from resin suppliers and manufacturers to consumer-packaged goods, and recycling processors—to improve PP recovery and recycling in the U.S. and to further develop end markets for recycling PP. In the two years since the launch of the Coalition, its catalytic grants have proven highly successful at rapidly impacting the recycling system. The Coalition has...

NATIONAL REPORT—Biodigesters that reduce food waste to grey water have been effectively used by hotels for many years now and for good reason. According to Power Knot, a supplier of 10 different models of biodigesters, the machines greatly reduce the cost to dispose of waste food, reduce the size, quantity, and smells of trash bins, eliminate flies and rodents that may be attracted to garbage bins containing waste food, save time and injuries of employees carrying trash outdoors, and allow one to weigh and dispose of food waste in one machine. According to Orca, a supplier of four different...

NATIONAL REPORT—Starting your own restaurant business is an exciting decision that can lead to a prosperous future. It is far from easy, however, and the better prepared you are before throwing yourself into it, the more likely you will be to find ongoing success. There are so many different aspects to starting a restaurant that are easy to forget, so it is essential that you make sure you have as much knowledge and, if possible, experience before you get started. This is particularly relevant if you intend to focus on sustainability within your business, as the additional consideration can...

NEW CASTLE, PA.—Berner International, New Castle, Pa., North America’s leading air curtain manufacturer and innovator, was recognized for its Architectural Contour air curtain product design for hotel applications in the 2022 Dealer Design Awards (DDA) Program, sponsored by trade publication, The Air Conditioning, Heating and Refrigeration News (ACHR News) magazine. The Contour Series, the newest member of Berner International’s growing Architectural Collection, won the silver award July 16 for excellence in design in “HVAC Light Commercial Equipment,” one of the DDA’s 13 categories with more than 130 entries. The DDA’s 30-judge panel of contractors/engineers were impressed with the air curtain’s geometric...

COSTA RICA—Managed by Aqua-Aston Hospitality, Botánika Osa Peninsula, Curio Collection by Hilton, a premier eco-resort is now open. Located beside two of Costa Rica’s most prized natural jewels—Corcovado National Park and the Pacific Ocean’s Golfo Dulce—Botánika Osa Peninsula is set across 21 acres of lush flora and fauna. The resort provides travelers an unspoiled rainforest escape with well-appointed residence accommodations, upscale dining outlets, a 100-seat event space, along with rainforest-inspired experiences at the resort’s Clubhouse, neighboring Crocodile Bay Marina and the new Botánika Science and Nature Center. Activity guides curate unforgettable recreation experiences and excursions throughout the Osa Peninsula. Guests...

COLUMBUS, OHIO—arbOUR announces the debut of its eco-effective cleaning and laundry collection. The launch introduces consumers to arbOUR’s commercial-grade cleaning products, which are formulated with plant-based, non-toxic ingredients strong enough to cleanse and disinfect, and safe for people, pets, and the planet. Already used by pro-sports teams, hospitals, restaurants, schools, and other corporate, civic, and commercial institutions, the affordably priced collection is now available directly to consumers. arbOUR’s launch products include eight essential cleaning and laundry solutions that elevate “clean” hygiene for everyone and every environment. “No one should have to choose between strong cleaning products and safety,” said Carol Mehas,...