Every so often someone comes along in our industry with a grand idea to affect major change in hotel operations. I have been fortunate to meet Shawn Seipler, CEO of Clean the World, who has done so much to change the way our industry thinks and acts about soap and amenity waste. Shawn is based in Orlando. Another person I have met is also based in Florida but in Sarasota. His name is Richard Ferrell, and he is President of Purlin, LLC. I first wrote about Purlin in 2018. Richard’s vision is to dramatically change the way hoteliers think...

SARASOTA, FLA.—Purlin, LLC, maker of recyclable linens for the hospitality industry, has won the Lee School Prize for Innovation and Entrepreneurship in the Hospitality category. The Lee Business School at UNLV and Ted and Doris Lee Family Foundation created a worldwide $1,000,000 Lee School Prize for Innovation and Entrepreneurship with the goal of discovering and funding innovative technologies and solutions that make the food and beverage, hospitality, casino, sports and entertainment and travel industries a safe place for employees and guests in the post pandemic world. Purlin’s prize in the hospitality category is $250,000. There were 250 submissions from...

BANGKOK—It is (always) a busy time of year for the culinary, garden and landscape teams at Six Senses Hotels Resorts Spas. As a brand that champions food that is homegrown, seasonable and sustainable, there is a lot of work going on at all properties. Around the world, all properties follow the Eat With Six Senses philosophy, while offering a signature twist according to what’s pushing up through the soil or dropping from the vine. Taking a tour around the world is also an opportunity to share this color, variety and abundance with a few best kept recipe secrets to try...

AUGUSTINE, FLA.—Every day, 8 million pieces of plastic find their way into the ocean. With the consistent use of single-use plastic, the problem is only getting worse. Frequently used items such as travel-size beauty products and takeaway containers contribute to the planet’s plastic pollution. Sustainability consultant, Tara Dodson, targets this problem head-on by providing businesses the opportunity to switch to plastic-free alternatives. Dodson has created a comprehensive online marketplace for businesses to purchase environmentally friendly products in bulk ranging from bathroom essentials and gift shop items to products used by dining services and property operations. Eco Collections Marketplace is a...

CHESTNUT RIDGE, N.Y.—BioHiTech Global, Inc., a sustainable technology and services company, announced it has received an additional purchase order for its Revolution Series food waste digesters from Princess Cruises, valued at approximately $300,000. BioHiTech expects to deliver these digesters for installation on Princess Cruises’ newest ship, the Enchanted Princess during the fourth quarter of 2020. Utilization of the Revolution Series digesters, equipped with BioHiTech’s proprietary data analytics platform, is part of Princess Cruises’ comprehensive plan to limit food waste, achieve safe onboard disposal, and improve associated environmental outcomes. “We continue to see sales momentum for our digesters in the cruise industry and this...

NATIONAL REPORT—Illinois-based PourMyBeer is making it easy to eliminate beer waste while significantly increasing sales and profits at the same time. The company has developed a tap wall system that frees up space in a bar and puts the pouring in the hands of customers who can social distance while choosing up to more than 100 beers on tap. Taps are sanitized between use but customers can choose to use gloves if they wish. “It is about making people feel comfortable,” says Josh Goodman, Founder and CEO of PourMyBeer. “The act of showing customers that you sanitize the taps or...

TROY, OHIO—Hobart understands that health and safety issues are more top of mind now than ever before in a world dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic. With last month recognized as Food Safety Month, Hobart is offering a free download of its Food Safety Fact Book as a resource for restaurants and kitchen operators to focus on the dish room and commercial dishwashers and better understand the terminology, procedures, best practices and technologies that help deliver a safe and quality dining experience. “Knowing that cleanliness and sanitization are integral parts of food safety for every foodservice operation, it’s crucial to be...

LAUSANNE, SWITZERLAND—Nespresso commits that every cup of Nespresso coffee, both for at-home and for professional customers, will be carbon neutral by 2022. This new ambition builds on more than 10 years of work during which Nespresso has reduced its carbon emissions and compensated the remainder through agroforestry. “Climate change is a reality and our future depends on going further and faster on our sustainability commitments. That is why we are accelerating our commitments to offer our consumers a way to drink a carbon neutral cup of coffee by 2022. A coffee, made from the finest and rarest beans, sustainably sourced. I honestly believe that both...

NAYARIT, MEXICO—Mexico’s coveted Riviera Nayarit welcomes a bright new era in hospitality with the official opening of Conrad Punta de Mita—Hilton’s first-ever Conrad brand resort in Mexico, and the second Conrad brand property in the country. Situated beside the sparkling blue waters of the Pacific on a two-mile-long beach, the highly anticipated opening of the 324-room property invites travelers to discover contemporary luxury. “The opening of Conrad Punta de Mita marks an important milestone for Hilton, as we bring Conrad-level style, service and experiences to the shores of Riviera Nayarit,” said Jorge Giannattasio, Hilton’s Senior Vice President and Head of Operations,...

LAFAYETTE, COLO.—At a time when foodservice operators are pivoting to counteract the world’s health pandemic, menu innovation and addressing consumer’s evolving demands are more vital than ever. Innovative Colorado-based start-up Planterra Foods is answering the call and launching a line of OZO plant-based protein products with unbelievable taste, exceptional ingredients and nutritional advantage. Customers can feel good knowing they are eating a clean protein option full of flavor and made with non-GMO, soy-free ingredients. The OZO foodservice line is now available in four delicious plant-based offerings: burgers, ground, nuggets and breakfast sausage patties, catering to all dayparts. The debut of...