MUSKEGON, MICH.—EarthTronics, dedicated to developing innovative energy-efficient lighting products that provide a positive economic and environmental impact for its customers, combines energy-efficiency and aesthetics to introduce new architecturally designed square and round Mini Panel LEDs for interior and exterior commercial and residential surface-mount applications. “EarthTronics Mini Panel LEDS could be considered the first major change in flush-mount fixtures in the last 20 years,” said Matthew Wagner, Business Development Manager—LED Products. “This important fixture category has been lifted from being simple drum or cloud fluorescent interior fixtures to a contemporary architectural design that includes upgraded color characteristics, mounting options and wet...

VALDESE, N.C.—Valdese Weavers, the largest decorative textile mill in North America, leverages the latest in design and technology to announce the launch of the first all-in-one performance fabric—Inside Out Performance Fabrics. It is engineered to be durable enough to withstand interior wear or exterior elements. “We take great pride in our responsibility as an industry leader to bring both new and innovative products to market,” said Valdese Weavers Chief Sales and Marketing Officer Blake Millinor. “Our commitment is to extend the current limits of performance and design while ultimately satisfying the needs of our customers.” Performance fabrics are one of the...

MANCHESTER, N.H.—Xeros, the innovator of polymer cleaning technologies, announced a partnership with Consolidated International Corporation (CIC) Middle East to distribute and service its award-winning commercial laundry system in the UAE. The UAE has an exceptionally arid climate which receives less than four inches (100 mm) of rainfall a year. It is one of the most water-scarce countries in the world so the Xeros system with its dramatic reduction in water consumption is the perfect solution for hotels and commercial laundries in the region. Xeros recently showcased this system at popular exhibitions in the region—The Hotel Show Dubai and Gulf Laundrex. “CIC...

ENGLEWOOD CLIFFS, N.J.—Aiming to enrich the lives of 5.5 million youth in the United States by 2021, LG Electronics USA is launching a unique new corporate social responsibility initiative called “Life’s Good: Experience Happiness.” The science-based platform is designed to engage nonprofit partners who help equip American youth with the skills for sustainable happiness. Experts define happiness in a number of ways, including the ability to consistently recognize that life’s good—even if it’s hard sometimes. Seventy years of research shows happy people are healthier, live longer, and do better in school and life. Yet, in the United States today, two out...

MIAMI—Prominent Miami-based indoor environmental air quality, mold inspection and mold removal company, Miami Mold Specialists, has forged an alliance with AirBiotics, an organic, green, eco-friendly cleaning products manufacturer. The mission: to improve indoor environmental conditions for the masses by creating an affordable, multipurpose, eco-friendly cleaning product line. The new product line was developed working in collaboration with AirBiotics. Both companies came together for this special product line, side by side, utilizing years of mold remediation and indoor air quality restoration experience, knowledge and project data. AirBiotics utilized this information and data, in culmination with their specialized expertise in the field of...

DES PLAINES, ILL.—Chicago Faucets, a leading manufacturer of commercial faucets, has accepted an invitation from The Handwashing Leadership Forum, an alliance of advocates who are invited to join based on their demonstrated leadership and commitment to lowering the risks of nosocomial and foodborne illnesses. “This is an important initiative for Chicago Faucets,” said Richard Nortier, Director of Marketing, “and accepting it emphasizes a philosophy that is at the core of our company: the safe delivery of water.” Jim Mann, Executive Director for the Handwashing For Life Institute, the organization behind The Handwashing Leadership Forum, points out that members agree that by...

MINNEAPOLIS, MINN.—CSM Corp., a Minneapolis-based lodging, commercial real estate and development firm, announce the company’s new Aloft and Element Hotels in Redmond, Wash. have been awarded Bronze level certification from Green Seal. This achievement is based on a rigorous, independent evaluation of the Aloft and Element Hotels’ features, operations and processes. Both hotels opened in June 2017. To earn this highly-regarded qualification, environmentally- and socially-conscious hotels like Aloft and Element must demonstrate their commitment to: Protecting human health and environment—using nontoxic, biodegradable housekeeping products and non-toxic paints with minimal VOCs; Demonstrating stewardship—having an environmental mission and purchasing policy; Conserving water—incorporating...

ATLANTA—UPS announced an agreement with Big Ox Energy (a wholly owned subsidiary of Environmental Energy Capital LLC) to purchase 10 million-gallon equivalents of renewable natural gas (RNG) per year. This is the largest investment in RNG to date for the company, and the agreement runs through 2024. Use of RNG yields up to a 90 percent reduction in lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions when compared to conventional diesel. In addition to the agreement with Big Ox, UPS signed a five-year agreement earlier this year with AMP energy for 1.5 million-gallon equivalents of RNG per year from the Fair Oaks dairy farm in...

CALHOUN, GA.—Mannington Commercial has launched Color Anchor, a bold collection of LVT, that brings cohesion and coordination across the company’s full portfolio of flooring products. The collection’s two patterns bring color cohesion, by enabling designers to blend fields of color or accent pieces, experiment with exuberant bolds and understated neutrals, or use color coordinates and unite products from across Mannington’s portfolio of commercial products. Available in 20 colors, two patterns, as 18x18” or 12x24” tiles, and 6x36” planks, Color Anchor LVT features a 20 mil wear layer and 2.5 mm overall thickness. Mannington’s patented Quantum Guard HP technology is an...

FALL RIVER, MASS.—Guardian Energy Management Solutions has completed an extensive lighting retrofit at the Whirlpool Corp. in Fall River, Mass. The 300,000-square foot state-of-the-art engineering and design center manufactures coin-operated industrial and specialty laundry equipment. In November of 2016, Guardian began the processes of auditing the facility and evaluating options for a lighting retrofit. The project was completed in September 2017 with outstanding results. Whirlpool had several challenges with the lighting on the plant floor. The light levels were inadequate for the tasks being performed, and portions of the floor were lit 24/7, regardless if they were occupied or not,...