MURRIETA, CALIF.—Green Globe International, Inc., the worldwide owner of the Green Globe brand, announced an exclusive five-year licensing agreement with UAE-based Farnek Avireal to utilize the Green Globe brand, an internationally recognized certification label in the tourism and hospitality industry, covering tourism properties within 20 different countries throughout the Middle East. More than 800 businesses in 50 countries have so far received the paperless Web-based Green Globe Certification (GGC), and it is the only one globally in compliance with ISO17021. The GGC is a leading worldwide sustainability certification for tourism businesses and the Green Globe Index tool allows clients...

BENTON HARBOR, MICH.—Whirlpool Corp. announced it has been named to the 2009/2010 Dow Jones Sustainability Index (DJSI), an international stock portfolio that evaluates corporate performance using economic, environmental, and social criteria. This is the fifth year in a row that Whirlpool has been named to a Dow Jones Sustainability Index. “We are proud to be recognized by one of the world’s most comprehensive reviews of sustainable business practices for five consecutive years,” said Jeff M. Fettig, Whirlpool Corporation’s chairman and CEO. “Our ability to be included on this Index stems from the efforts of Whirlpool employees. I am proud of...

CINCINNATI—Cintas continues to build on its eco-friendly tailored line with the addition of The Momentum Suiting Collection. The stretch, wrinkle-resistant fabric is made using a 54/42/4 blend of recycled polyester, wool and Lycra. The recycled polyester is comprised of 13 recycled plastic water bottles. While eco-friendly, this high-end collection offers an ideal combination of sophistication and long-wearing performance. It can be laundered at home, saving employees approximately $1,000 in dry-cleaning costs each year. The collection is available in black, charcoal and navy. Go to Cintas.

CLEVELAND, OHIO—Hasek Communications, the Cleveland, Ohio-based publisher of Green Lodging News, welcomes Verde International as a Green Product & Service Directory partner. Verde offers chemical-free, natural mineral cleaners for every application. Its products include an All Surface Pro Cleaner, Odor & Dust Control, Super Degreaser, and Concrobium Mold Control. The company’s concentrated powders are more economical for storage and shipping versus liquid solutions containing mostly water. Because Verde’s products include no soaps or detergents, no rinsing is required. To learn more, call David Schwartz at (954) 530-3728, ext. 16, e-mail davids@verdeii.com, or go to www.verdeii.com.

UPLAND, CALIF.—Green Suites International announced that it is now offering the new Sonoma Soap Company amenity collection in waste-reducing paper bottles. The environmentally sound packaging is fully collapsible and leaves behind, on average, only 1 percent of product after use compared to plastic bottles which contain 20 percent to 30 percent leftover product. The result is each guest needing less product to get an ample amount and ultimately means a reduction in waste, energy, and shipping materials. The soaps contain vegetable base and are also packaged using water-based inks that are cured with non-threatening UV rays. The product inside the...

CLEVELAND, OHIO—Hasek Communications, the Cleveland, Ohio-based publisher of Green Lodging News, welcomes the Edro Corporation as a Green Product & Service Directory Partner. Edro washer-extractors are fitted with the company’s proprietary on-board DynOzone—DynaWash Ozone System. The machines reduce hot water requirements and shorten cycles to save on operating costs. Edro washer-extractors feature highly efficient motors and drives and state-of-the-art HMi touch screen controls. The company’s high efficiency tumbler dryers, available in capacities from 35 to 450 pounds, complete the laundering process. For additional information, call (800) 628-6434, e-mail aholaday@edrodynawash.com, or go to www.edrodynawash.com.

TEMPERANCE, MICH.—MTS Seating has introduced a full line of light-weight folding tables for the hospitality market, including convention, foodservice and lodging applications. In addition to folding tables, MTS has also introduced handling trucks, storage racks, portable staging and accessories. “We are excited to be able to offer a complete line of folding tables to complement our core seating business,” said MTS Seating CEO Phil Swy. “Combined with our storage and transport systems, we can provide the same level of sophistication for the behind-the-scenes operational support for our folding tables, as we do with our banquet seating.” MTS folding tables fit a...

NEW YORK—Green Choice Vendors Distribution, a wholesale distributor of sustainable products and packaging for food service, announces the launch of their online store FoodBizSupply.com. FoodBizSupply.com offers a one stop shop for more than 300 biodegradable and compostable products made from natural renewable resources, like sugarcane bagasse, bamboo fiber and corn. Unlike Styrofoam and petro-based plastics, FoodBizSupply.com products are biodegradable with 70 percent being compostable. Their plant-based offerings combined with biodegradable polymers create products that help reduce the impact on the environment in absolute carbon footprint terms. FoodBizSupply.com products include straws, hot and cold cups, plates, bowls, trays, cutlery, take-out containers,...

SAN DIEGO—Bekaert Specialty Films LLC announced it has earned ISO 14001:2004 certification, solidifying its commitment to minimizing the manufacturing impact of its energy saving window films, sold under the Solar Gard, Panorama and Quantum brands. ISO 14001 is an international standard for environmental management systems. Its goal is to reduce the ecological footprint of a business and decrease pollution and waste. To achieve this voluntary certification, Bekaert Specialty Films established an environmental management system (EMS) to ensure the company’s activities and products have minimal impact on the environment. Bekaert Specialty Films’ EMS helps monitor and improve energy efficiency, resource...

SAINT CHARLES, MO.—Expanding its line of eco-friendly amenities, Pineapple Hospitality is now offering Sonoma Soap Company amenities and dispensers. The Sonoma Soap Company amenity collection is formulated to nurture the hair and body—while protecting the environment. All formulations contain natural and organic ingredients and are free of those ingredients identified as dangerous or threatening to the environment. Products available through Pineapple Hospitality include Citrus Medley shampoo, conditioner, body wash, lotion and hand soaps, offered in both daily and gallon sizes. Citrus Medley is a blend of pink grapefruit, sweet orange, spearmint and tangerine created for travelers who appreciate environmentally...