HUDSON, WIS.—Standex Refrigerated Solutions Group (RSG) has reached a definitive agreement to sell its Master-Bilt and Nor-Lake refrigeration businesses to Ten Oaks Group, a family office focused exclusively on corporate divestitures. The closing is expected to occur in the next 45 days. Standex continually assesses its portfolio of businesses to ensure alignment with its long-term strategic vision. As part of this assessment, Standex determined that the Refrigerated Solutions Group (RSG), specifically the Master-Bilt and Nor-Lake brands, no longer aligns with its long-term strategy. This review was a thoughtful one in which a variety of factors were carefully weighed and ultimately...

BOULDER, COLO.—Eco-Products, a Novolex brand, is expanding its Regalia line of foodservice ware to feature new soak-proof, compostable half pans and lids—ideal for restaurants, caterers and others seeking innovative, environmentally preferable solutions for their events. The Regalia line will also now feature half pans made from sugarcane and lined with PLA—a plant-based, compostable material derived from sugar cane, bamboo and other renewables—for extra protection against leaks. They are available in one-, two- and four-compartment sizes, with a compostable lid that fits all the pans. “At Eco-Products, we are always searching for innovative solutions for our customers seeking environmentally preferable options,” said...

ARLINGTON, VA.—The Food Waste Reduction Alliance (FWRA)—a collaborative effort of the Consumer Brands Assn., FMI-The Food Industry Assn., and the National Restaurant Assn.—released a new report, Messy but Worth It: Lessons Learned from Fighting Food Waste, that highlights experience-driven advice to keep perfectly good food out of landfills. For the guide, FWRA interviewed food manufacturers, grocers and foodservice operators to get their best tips on how to successfully launch a food waste reduction program and to sustainably nurture it over time. Some of the report’s key recommendations include: Forge an internal food waste prevention culture. Education and cross-functional teamwork will...

NEW ORLEANS—The New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center has installed the first two of more than 60 planned water bottle refill stations as part of ongoing efforts to make the facility an industry leader in sustainability. These first installations are a pilot test for a building-wide rollout in the coming months. Both of the newly installed refill stations can be found on the Convention Center Boulevard-side of Lobby B. Visitors to the Center can place their reusable water bottles up to the station’s infrared sensor, which will then dispense chilled and filtered water. The station will keep a running...

DARIEN, CONN.—Smile Coffee Werks has unveiled compostable coffee pods made from renewable raw materials with over a 12-month shelf life. The patented technology utilizes a plant based, BPA-free cup and top, creating a commercially compostable coffee product; a seamless fit for waste-conscious consumers, private labels, retailers and hospitality groups alike. The pods are compatible with Nespresso classic style coffee makers, BPI-certified and commercially compostable in 12 weeks. Made from renewable plant-based products, the pods are the first carbon neutral, single step disposal product to hit the market. Smile Coffee Werks is available for purchase at SmileCoffeeWerks.com in compatible 100 percent...

I spoke with Kristen Pryor this past week. Kristen is the general manager of the LEED Silver Westin Riverfront Resort & Spa Avon, Vail Valley in Colorado. She has been General Manager of the 240-room property for almost five years and has overseen many of the property’s green initiatives. Several of the hotel’s programs caught my attention—some because of their uniqueness and others because they address issues that many of you are currently facing. First, the resort is in the process of phasing out all single-use plastic bottles. This will be done by May 1. No longer will plastic water...

NEW YORK—SH Hotels & Resorts, a subsidiary of Starwood Capital Group, a global private investment firm, announced that Princeville Resort in Kauai will temporarily close on May 1 to undergo a multimillion-dollar complete transformation. The Princeville Resort is situated on a hillside overlooking the breathtaking Hanalei Bay and the verdant cliffs of the Na Pali coast, and surrounded by the lush tropical flora of Hawaii’s Garden Island. Starwood Capital acquired the Princeville Resort in 2018 with the intention of repositioning the resort as the finest wellness resort in the United States and as the flagship of its 1 Hotels,...

NATIONAL REPORT—These days, sustainable manufacturing and consumerism are the most important things we can do to contribute to lessening our impact on global resources. We can help with this goal with every small decision we make, even down to our choices of bedding, by opting for eco-friendly bedding when we come to replace our existing bedding. But what should we be looking for in eco-friendly bedding? Should We Choose Cotton or Other Fibers? Cotton is somewhat the default when we choose our bedding. It’s hard-wearing, it stays cool, and it’s quite absorbent when it needs to be. The problem with cotton,...

PHILADELPHIA—ThePureBag company that offers thoughtfully designed antimicrobial bags plus accessories for adventuring lifestyles, introduces a new line of antimicrobial and sustainable Eco-Cinch Bags. The cinch bags were created to be a traveler’s best friend providing germ and odor-resistant protection for clothes, shoes, laundry and swimsuits. Additionally, the cinch replaces single-use plastic bags and helps minimize plastic pollution. Powered by the mother-daughter team, Lori and Jessica Gildea, ThePureBag’s mission is built on wellness and sustainability. Their collections provide high-quality, germ-resistant and environmentally conscious products. Designed for Portable Antimicrobial + Environmental Protection Today’s travelers pack for everything from fitness and leisure activities to sight-seeing...

MIAMI BEACH, FLA.—VERO WATER, a leading provider of eco-friendly luxury still and sparkling water to the hospitality industry, announced the introduction of a new and improved Vero Signature glass bottle. The new Eco-Bottle maintains its sleek and elegant design and durable break-resistant glass structure that set the standard in the hospitality industry, but now features an innovative ink-free permanent logo decoration guaranteed never to fade, maximizing the eco-friendly reusable life of the bottle. The Vero Eco-Bottle features a wide mouth for optimal pouring, refilling and for sanitation in commercial dishwashers. In addition, the easy-grip twist cap that preserves sparkling...