WASHINGTON, D.C.—Plastic Pollution Coalition, a project of Earth Island Institute, filed a complaint in the District of Columbia Superior Court on Friday, January 31, against The Wonderful Company, LLC and FIJI Water, LLC, makers of FIJI Water bottled water, for alleged “false and deceptive marketing” in violation of the District of Columbia’s Consumer Protection Procedures Act (CPPA). The Wonderful Company, LLC and FIJI Water, LLC promote FIJI Water as “natural artesian water,” “protected from external elements,” and “untouched,” despite test results revealing that these products contain health-harming microplastics and plastic chemical bisphenol-A (BPA). An independent laboratory evaluation revealed both microplastics...

NILES, ILL.—The Mitchell Group, a major converter of coated fabrics to upholstery markets around the world, announces the addition of four new products to its groundbreaking NetZERO collection. The line now comprises five patterns with its initial offering, Evergreen. NetZERO is the first coated textile completely free of organic solvents, establishing a new industry standard for eco-friendly materials without sacrificing durability or performance. These new additions—Arbor, Birkin, Burlap, and Lin—introduce fresh innovation to a standout line, blending style, sustainability, and versatility to meet the evolving demands of commercial environments. Using The Mitchell Group’s proprietary hydro-based polymer manufacturing process, NetZERO eliminates the...

ORLANDO, FLA.—A. O. Smith will showcase two new tankless water heaters for the first time at the upcoming 2025 AHR Expo, set to kick off on February 10 in Orlando, Fla. The Adapt NC Tankless and the Adapt SC Tankless will join the Adapt+ Tankless Water Heater with X3 Scale Prevention Technology as part of the Adapt line. This expansion will add to the existing product family, offering more options for a variety of customer needs. AHR Expo attendees are invited to visit A. O. Smith’s booth and see the new technology first-hand. Visitors can also check out other A....

LONDON—HotelREZ, one of the world’s leading and fastest growing hotel representation companies, has teamed up with Greengage, sustainability solutions provider, to introduce ECOsmart certification—international certification to demonstrate venues’ commitment to sustainable practices and achievement of recognized standards—to its member properties. The partnership enables hotels, accommodation and hospitality providers to prove their sustainability credentials and cater to the growing demand for sustainable accommodation, positioning HotelREZ at the forefront of the hospitality industry’s environmental revolution. Under the new partnership, ECOsmart certification will now be available for all HotelREZ properties, providing them with a certification platform to showcase their commitment to sustainability and consultancy support for...

NATIONAL REPORT—The importance of indoor air quality (IAQ) has never been more pronounced. In an age where health, wellness, and sustainability dominate industry trends, HVAC professionals are looking for ways to offer more holistic solutions to their clients. One of the most impactful ways to achieve building wellness, while keeping efficiency in mind, is by incorporating localized air purification systems alongside HVAC setups. Indoor air, in which people spend 90 percent of their time, has been shown to be two to five times more polluted than outdoor air, especially in commercial or industrial buildings. Research has revealed the troubling correlation...

DELANCO, N.J.—Commercial furnishing expert, Stylex, in collaboration with industry-leading design and research firm, Gensler, unveils Ambi, a modular furniture collection designed to address the evolving needs of technology and accessibility in the modern workplace. Drawing inspiration from “ambient noise” and “ambiance,” Ambi offers a solution that enhances user comfort while minimizing distractions, promoting both individual focus and team collaboration. “Ambi showcases Stylex’s commitment to creating adaptable furniture that responds to the dynamic needs of contemporary workspaces,” said Randi Pastrovic, Chief Creative Officer for Flokk US. “This collection effortlessly combines flexibility, technology integration, and sustainability, delivering a solution that supports productivity...

YUCCA VALLEY, CALIF.—From the Cosmic Language Codes Series comes Morph Code, a Star Tile pattern that embodies all the energy, dynamic structure, and function found in the geometry of insect wings. A true biophilic creation, Morph Code consists of an even number of left and right pentagon shapes (6 in. x 3 ¾ in.) that make up one fixed layout applicable for interior and exterior walls and ceilings. Paired with unlimited glazing options, each tile achieves a lightweight yet powerful form that can be utilized across a spectrum of interior styles. Just like a wing does in flight, Morph Code illustrates...

WEST HARTFORD, CONN.—Legrand’s latest product enhancement continues to fortify its EV Charger portfolio. Legrand continues to expand its suite of commercial EV charging solutions with their latest product upgrade: The Networked Level 2 EV Charger with One Year of AmpUp. The AmpUp software sets the commercial charger apart, providing yet another amenity for commercial facility managers, landlords, and business owners to offer to customers and guests. AmpUp simplifies the process of monitoring vehicle charging status, reserving EV charging stations, and accessing 24/7 customer support when needed. In tandem with recent launches like the Residential EV Charger Bracket and the Dual-Sided...

READING, PA.—Ambius, an industry leader in creating sensory-driven environments through biophilic design, announced its exceptional performance at the International Plantscape Awards, held during the TPIE (Tropical Plant International Expo). The company secured 17 design awards across various categories, including Living Wall, Freestanding Containers, Silk, Replica and Preserved, Holiday, and more. In addition to the design awards, Ambius earned three technician awards for its talent and horticultural service. The International Plantscape Awards recognize outstanding achievements in interior and exterior plantscaping, honoring companies that push the boundaries of creativity, sustainability, and functionality. The annual event brings together industry leaders and visionaries to...

FRAMINGHAM, MASS.—Ameresco, Inc., a leading cleantech integrator specializing in energy efficiency and renewable energy, announced the progression of two groundbreaking solar projects on former landfill sites in North Ayrshire, Scotland. The Nethermains and Shewalton solar farms, developed in partnership with Detra Solar, represent a significant milestone in North Ayrshire Council’s Sustainable North Ayrshire Strategy to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2030. The two sites, with a combined DC capacity of 12.91 MW, will house 20,650 solar panels, generating approximately 13,177 MWh of clean energy annually—enough to power over 2,000 homes. These projects transform previously unusable land into a source of...