Home Publisher's Point of View Something HomeGrown at This Year’s HD Expo

Something HomeGrown at This Year’s HD Expo

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At last week’s Hospitality Design (HD Expo) held in Las Vegas, there were approximately 875 exhibitors in attendance. While it was impossible to chat with everyone, I did come away from the event with some product news and great conversations. Perhaps the most interesting and sometimes above my head conversation I had was with David Greenstein, CEO of Himatsingka America. First some background. T-Y Group, a manufacturer of linens, robes and towels, and Harbor Linen, a similar manufacturer of linens, case goods and apparel (both are Bed, Bath & Beyond companies) introduced HomeGrown Cotton. HomeGrown Cotton is 100 percent sustainably grown on family farms in the United States. What Greenstein’s company has done is provide a way to scientifically verify that the cotton that is grown is the cotton that is used in the product you purchase. Without getting too technical, fibertyping, a genomic test, verifies that the cotton grown is indeed from the said source. Before the cotton leaves the farm, it’s tagged with SigNature T technology. This invisible molecular marker allows the cotton to repeatedly be tested for purity throughout production. It is as scientific as you can get to prove sustainability.

While cotton has been historically a resource-intensive crop, HomeGrown Cotton requires 82 percent less water, 30 percent fewer greenhouse gas emissions, 38 percent less energy, and results in 44 percent less soil loss, 31 percent less land used, and 42 percent greater yields.

Here are some additional announcements made at HD Expo:

MDC, a leading wallcovering and design solutions company, introduced its Platinum Series Unique Effects Collection. It is the first collection in the company’s Platinum Series—a new selection of high-styled materials designed for luxury interiors. Resembling distressed barn wood, Palma uses water hyacinth from the waterways of South East Asia. Another water hyacinth product, Edessa’s intricately woven natural material provides a dramatic contrast of neutral colors with hints of sparkle. Made primarily of recycled newspapers, Newsprint is as environmentally friendly as it is unique. These were just a few of MDC’s new products incorporating natural or recycled materials.

Sterling Sleep Systems announced that it is now an approved mattress vendor for Best Western International. Sterling Sleep Systems specializes in sustainable modular mattresses. Its beds feature interchangeable replaceable component parts and can reduce the cost of bed ownership 50 percent and generate 40 percent less solid waste.

Legrand, a global specialist in electrical and network infrastucture solutions, previewed its new LumiPower Solar Powered Umbrella with USB charging.

SYNLawn displayed its artificial turf products with EnviroLoc biobased backing. SYNLawn can provide up to 24 LEED credits.

SnapPower featured its variety of outlet and switch plates that draw on existing power to provide lighting at night or USB charging.

Organic Coconut Mattress

For green rooms or entire properties, Palmpring offered its unique organic coconut mattress. The mattress is topped with organic latex and includes GOTS certified cotton and wool. The coconut fiber eliminates the need for metal springs.

Interlink Products International, Inc. was at the show with its Notilus showerheads. Developed in partnership with Microban, the showerheads feature unique antimicrobial anti-clog nozzles that inhibit the growth of mold, mildew and bacteria inside and around the jets.

Dispenser Amenities Inc. displayed its array of waste-saving, wall-mounted, locking shower dispensers that come in a variety of styles.

Shaw Hospitality, a leader in commercial flooring solutions and surfaces, introduced Haven, a collection of modular carpet tiles designed to add the comforts and familiarity of a residential space to the hospitality market. The Haven collection is Cradle to Cradle Silver Certified and contributes credits toward LEED certification.

Durkan, the hospitality brand of Mohawk Group, debuted new hospitality carpet and hard surface flooring solutions. One of Durkan’s featured collections was born of an extensive product design collaboration with the Museum of Indian Arts & Culture and the Museum of International Folk Art in Santa Fe, N.M. Crafted Convergence draws inspiration from broad and varied sources, from Native American pottery and baskets to everyday Japanese and African garments.

Better Water Efficiency, Same Performance

Speakman featured its collection of water-saving showerheads. This year, Speakman completely re-engineered its line of fixed and hand-held showerheads to feature lower, more efficient flow rates. “Our team of engineers obsessed over the tiniest details,” the company says. “From thermal retention to spray velocity—we’ve designed a substantial assortment of eco-friendly products that save water without sacrificing an ounce of performance.”

Terrazo & Marble Supply Companies displayed its VOC-free flooring systems that last beyond the life of a building, and that include recycled content and local and regional materials.

Orbital Systems demonstrated its closed loop shower system that uses Certified Space Technology to analyze water quality, recirculate and purify shower water. The Oas Shower is an award winning Scandinavian design that provides guests with a spa-like shower experience, while reducing water waste and energy use up to 90 percent and 80 percent respectively. The Oas uses roughly 2.6 gallons for the entire duration of the shower.

Serge Ferrari featured its wide array of products—outdoor screens, indoor blinds, awnings and patio covers, etc.—that help create shade, save energy and reduce sound.

Dometic displayed its Eco Class Minibars that have a compact design, and that are now available in three types of cooling technologies: Compressor, Absorption, and the new Noiseless Thermoelectric (NTE). The NTE minibars use an energy efficient and silent thermoelectric cooling technology. Available in both a 30 and 40-liter capacity, they are designed to fit into new build projects as well as replace older generations of Dometic minibars within an existing hotel.

Noise Masking Technology

LogiSon introduced MODIO, a sound system that resides on the back of the flat screen TV that gives guests the ability to choose from various noise options for better relaxation and sleep.

Mirage Granito Ceramico USA Inc. featured its porcelain floor and wall tiles for commercial spaces. All the slabs in the Mirage catalogue are LEED compliant and, depending on the color and how it is used, contribute to obtaining LEED credits.

Arete Industries offered its sustainable, commercial-grade R3 Site Furnishings made from DuraLumber Recycled Plastic Products. There are more than 100 possible color combinations.

Veteran-owned Pillowtex included bedding ranging from pillows to comforters and sheets to robes and comforters.

Les Jardins, a leader of the teak furniture market, has since developed to incorporate the full range of modern materials—aluminum, batyline, HPL (High Pressure Laminate), resin wicker, galvanized steel, etc.—and become a key player in the high-end outdoor furniture market. Eco-design is the company’s central concern: it is looking to make products that can be easily recycled and take up little space.

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