LOS ANGELES—Contract-grade pillows and throws by bläanks won two awards in the product category of the recent Hospitality Design Magazine’s 20th annual HD Awards. The first award is for Sustainable Solutions, the latter is the coveted Best in Show. Pillows and throws by bläanks are sustainably knitted to size with zero waste in the USA—no cut-and-sew techniques are used in their manufacturing process. They pass NFPA 260 as well as Wyzenbeek 50,000 double rubs testing for commercial-grade durability. bläanks offers a collective vision of high-quality contract knits with unique textures and colors to deliver a soft and 3D tactile experience for the hospitality industry. Their textures are...

ENGLEWOOD CLIFFS, N.J.—LG Business Solutions USA has opened its latest Business Innovation Center (BIC), a 3,600-square-foot showroom at LG Electronics’ North American headquarters in Englewood Cliffs, N.J. The new center provides resellers, partners and customers with a one-stop technology showcase that demonstrates LG’s full portfolio of innovative commercial technologies and wide-ranging business solutions. This newest location joins LG Business Innovation Centers in Atlanta, Chicago, and Los Angeles. According to David Bacher, head of marketing at LG Business Solutions USA, the latest LG BIC assists business-to-business (B2B) partners and customers as they research and plan for the future of their workspaces, customer environments...

GÖTEBERG, SWEDEN—PulPac and Matrix Pack Group announced their strategic partnership aimed at delivering a more cost-effective and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional single-use plastic and wooden cutlery. This innovative collaboration involves PulPac, Matrix Pack, and PA Consulting. PulPac and PA Consulting will lead the development of the cutlery, with MatrixPack acting as a co-developer in the industrialization of the post-processing solution. MatrixPack will be the first producer to introduce Dry Molded Fiber Cutlery to the market, with a fully industrialized cutlery set expected to be available by early 2025. “Our goal within this partnership is to develop a consumer-friendly solution that not only meets...

WASHINGTON, IOWA—Aspire Pavers, the innovative and sustainable material solutions brand, announces the launch of its latest products—the Bullnose with Legs, Bullnose Corner, Transition with Legs, and Transition Corner. The innovative products promise to revolutionize the installation process for roofers, landscapers, and DIY enthusiasts. Excellent for rooftop decks, balconies, resurfacing patios, and more, the pavers are made with up to 95 percent recycled rubber and plastics removed from the waste stream, offering a blend of efficiency and aesthetic appeal. The Aspire Bullnose Paver with Legs is designed to integrate with Aspire’s existing line of Resurfacing Pavers, thereby making them more secure....

NORTON SHORES, MICH.—EarthTronics, dedicated to developing innovative energy-saving lighting products that provide a positive economic and environmental impact, introduces its new energy-saving 4-foot, 10.5-watt EarthBulb Type B Direct Wire Linear LED T8 with a flexible design that eliminates the need for an electronic ballast or driver for operation on 120-277V to deliver 1700 lumens. The new EarthBulb LED T8 offers an easy to install solution for direct wiring fixtures that might require single- or double-end direct wire solutions. With a high-color rendering of 82, the lamp provides a 300° beam angle to produce a wide distribution pattern for directing more...

TROY, OHIO—Hobart has introduced its new CL conveyor type commercial dishwasher series with features designed to save time and money and simplify operation. The series has been awarded the 2024 Kitchen Innovations (KI) Award from the National Restaurant Show (NRA) due to its cutting-edge technology. “We are honored to be recognized by NRA for this innovation in commercial dishwashing equipment and are thrilled to introduce our latest innovation in high-volume washing technology,” said Jaehan Kim, Product Manager for Hobart Warewash. “With simplified and improved cleaning and maintenance features, the CL offers unmatched performance, efficiency, and reliability. Whether our customers are...

FAIRLAWN, OHIO—Koroseal, a leading name in interior finishes, announces the launch of its dynamic new brand. Building on a foundation of product performance and customer support for more than six decades, this transformation marks a pivotal moment for Koroseal as it adapts and innovates to demonstrate its commitment to the industry. To ensure the rebrand effectively connects with and reflects the entire interiors community, the company collected and incorporated thoughtful feedback from its customers. “In the ever-evolving interior design industry, our customers face a dual challenge: staying ahead of trends while delivering functional, awe-inspiring spaces. By embracing innovation, enhancing our...

WASHINGTON, D.C.—Under its “Care About Earth” program, Groupe GM, the global leader in sustainable hotel amenities, is enforcing its commitment to environmental stewardship. The company, renowned for its eco-responsible approach, has an ambitious goal of eliminating virgin plastic derived from fossil fuels in favor of more sustainable materials such as recycled or plant-based materials. Groupe GM has introduced several product novelties recently. In a groundbreaking move they have just launched the first cardboard tube for the hospitality sector. This eco-innovative packaging can be customized to meet the specific desires of hoteliers and helps to reduce plastic usage by 99 percent...

MIAMI—Tuuci, the Miami-based manufacturer of nautically-inspired indoor-outdoor living products, announced they have been named Best of Competition in the 2024 IIDA/HD Expo Product Design Awards as well as winner in the Casegoods and Freestanding Furniture Category with the Ocean Master Voilare Collection. This esteemed competition recognizes products that excel in seven different criteria, including aesthetics, cost and value, design innovation, environmental responsibility, need, technical advancements, and usage. This year’s entries were evaluated by a panel of distinguished design industry experts. “We are grateful for the opportunity to share our passion for creating inspirational and comfortable, open-air destinations with the design community,” said Dougan Clarke, Founder, CEO...

NEW YORK—Room & Board, the furniture retailer committed to sustainable sourcing and American craftsmanship, and industry-leading luxury refrigeration brand for the home, True Residential, announce the expansion of their partnership. The collaboration marks a significant milestone as the two American-made brands cement a groundbreaking new category of furniture with the introduction of a series of new additions—including their first outdoor products with integrated refrigeration—to their growing portfolio of solutions-based designs for residential and commercial environments. Expanding the partnership and product portfolio with five elevated launches, Room & Board and True Residential have unveiled the Copenhagen Storage Cabinet with Refrigeration, the...