NEW YORK—LOLIWARE, the world’s leading seaweed-based material technology company replacing plastics, announced the close of a $6MM financing round, led by prominent New York venture firm Hatzimemos/Libby. As part of this announcement the company added new leadership, a new board member and announced that demand for billions of LOLIWARE’s Straw of the Future—seaweed-based, biodegradable straws—spans 68 countries across six continents. LOLIWARE will use the proceeds to meet global demand from Fortune 500 companies, scaling its first straws into the billions in 2020. LOLIWARE, co-founded by Chelsea Fawn Briganti, is focused on changing the way people think about single-use plastic. LOLIWARE’s...

SAN FRANCISCO—Visa announced the company has met its goal to use 100 percent renewable electricity by 2020, furthering the company’s commitment to lead responsibly and sustainably across the company’s global operations, including 131 offices in 76 countries and four global processing centers. Since setting the 100 percent renewable goal in 2018, Visa achieved quick action across its global facilities portfolio by advancing to a sustainable mix of renewable energy sources such as solar and wind. “At Visa, we see both a responsibility and an opportunity to make broad shifts toward a sustainable and inclusive future,” said Al Kelly, CEO of Visa...

PHILADELPHIA—Aramark, the leading U.S.-based food service provider, announced a partnership with Certify My Company, to assist self-classified suppliers in obtaining third-party diversity certifications. The partnership furthers Aramark’s commitment to increase overall spend with small and diverse suppliers to 25 percent by 2025. Aramark’s robust supply chain already includes more than 6,000 small or diverse suppliers, about 18 percent of which are third-party certified as diverse. A diverse business is generally defined as one that is 51 percent owned and controlled by women, ethnic minorities, veterans, LGBTQ, or disabled person(s). By working with Certify My Company, which provides certification assistance to diverse...

JASPER, IND.—Indiana Furniture began taking orders on four new seating collections and for enhancements to four other, already-established series. Following through on an announcement made last year of a new partnership with UK-based Edge Design, Indiana Furniture has launched three contemporary collections: Me, Myself And I, Natta, and Spirit. With the growth of open and breakout areas in office spaces, and the lean toward contemporary seating styles, Me, Myself And I provides a relaxed and collective seating solution. Multiple back options, tailored button detailing, the ability for contrasting upholsteries, and coordinating tables help outfit a variety of applications with comfort and...

FORT LAUDERDALE, FLA.—In the hospitality industry, sustainability in all areas of design is essential. From the drapery to upholstery and even the bedding, nearly everything in the room can be made from plastic bottles otherwise destined for a landfill or a water source. At Valley Forge Fabrics, being able to ensure the durability and performance needs of these textiles while also creating them from a source like plastic bottles, is a big win. It’s no secret that plastic bottles are forever, so being able to use them as a fiber that’s woven into upholstery fabrics is vital to Valley...

MONTREAL—Verdant has entered the New Year with yet another top honor. In December 2019, the provider of energy management solutions for commercial buildings was awarded the GOOD DESIGN 2019 award in the Building Products category for its Verdant ZX thermostat. The tribute, which recognizes products with cutting-edge design and innovation around the world, was bestowed by the Chicago Athenaeum Museum of Architecture and Design and the Metropolitan Arts Press Ltd. Since 1950, the Good Design program has rewarded pioneering design from the likes of 3M Company, Apple Computer Inc., Coca-Cola Co., General Electric Co., LG Electronics Inc., Microsoft Corp., Samsung...

NEW YORK—Rocean announced its partnership with Conrad New York Downtown. The partnership will bring Rocean Zero smart filtration devices to each of Conrad New York Downtown’s 463 rooms, with the goal of reducing single-use plastics, and encouraging a circular economy across hotel operations. “Everyone wants to be doing something to help the overwhelming issue of plastic pollution, but not many people know where to start,” said Sunjay Guleria, Rocean Founder and CEO. “By acting now in 2020 and not years from now, we can save literally billions of single-use plastic water bottles over the next decade as we expand this...

ATLANTA—Oxy-Gen Powered, a leader in innovative odor control solutions, has unveiled TerminOdor, an odor eliminating spray that harnesses the power of the company’s proprietary malodor eliminator, Neutra-lox, to quickly neutralize odor molecules rather than mask them. “TerminOdor knocks out a variety of odors that can negatively impact people’s perception of a facility and its level of cleanliness,” said Chris Whiting, Executive Vice President—North America, Oxy-Gen Powered. “Fast and effective odor control makes TerminOdor ideal for a variety of environments, such as offices, hotels, hospitals, schools, fitness centers and more.” Available in 22-ounce spray bottles—sold individually or in cases of six—TerminOdor features a...

ADAIRSVILLE, GA.—Shaw Industries Group, Inc. (Shaw) has achieved the USGBC’s LEED Silver designation for its carpet tile manufacturing and recycling facility in Adairsville, Ga. (known as T1). LEED is recognized globally as the premier mark of achievement in green building. Five green design categories are considered for certification: sustainable sites, water efficiency, energy and atmosphere, materials and resources, and indoor environmental quality. The $85 million facility, which became operational in the fourth quarter of 2016, currently employs more than 300 associates and is undergoing a $20 million expansion. The facility construction and installation of new equipment is expected to be completed...

DENVER—Silicon Valley-incubated FloWater is one step closer to making it easier than ever before for the growing numbers of consumers looking to ditch the plastic water bottle. Attendees at CES this year (Las Vegas, January 7 to 10) will get the first glimpse at a “smarter,” IoT-connected drinking water platform. FloWater, makers of new-tech water refill stations, will unveil a development project for a cloud-connected, smart water Refill Station and mobile app, powered by Microsoft’s Azure Sphere, at Sichuan Changhong Electric’s booth (# 11439). FloWater’s development of an IoT mobile app works hand in hand with its smart water Refill...