ATLANTA—Eco-minded Walmart shoppers can now find innovative sustainable beverage supplies on shelves across the country with marine biodegradable, home and industrial compostable phade hot drink paper cups, as well as new phade Flex straws, created by WinCup, Inc. The phade brand’s unparalleled sustainable characteristics are due to PHA (polyhydroxyalkanoate), a groundbreaking new biopolymer derived from the fermentation of canola oil that safely biodegrades in a matter of months. The phade hot beverage cup is the world’s first-ever paper cup lined with PHA rather than a plastic film, allowing it to quickly return to earth, whereas the plastic lining in traditional...

COOPERSBURG, PA.—Lutron Electronics Co., Inc., a global leader in lighting control, automated shading solutions, and intelligent fixtures, announces its acquisition of Orluna LED Technologies Limited, a premier United Kingdom-based manufacturer specializing in high-quality architectural lighting fixtures. The acquisition marks Lutron’s first outside North America. Founded in 2010, Orluna is known for its high-quality downlights, uplights, and surface and track fixtures. Orluna’s sleek, compact architectural fixtures complement Lutron’s advanced lighting, shading, and control solutions for luxury residential and hospitality markets, ensuring both aesthetic appeal and functional precision. “This strategic move strengthens Lutron’s commitment to delivering exceptional lighting solutions, further expanding our global...

SAN LUIS OBISPO, CALIF.—Native Trails, a leading manufacturer of artisan-crafted, sustainable kitchen and bath products, welcomes Avalon 66—a NativeStone freestanding bathtub that provides optimum comfort. The concrete tub’s soft, rounded form and smooth, deep interior provides proper insulation to ensure a hot, deep, and relaxing soak in a variety of residential and commercial applications. Avalon 66 joins Avalon 62 and Avalon 72 as the perfect middle ground in the brand’s award-winning NativeStone Bathtub Collection. True to Native Trails’ commitment to the planet, Avalon 66 is also another step towards sustainable living. Each tub is handcrafted by artisans in Vietnam using NativeStone, a...

HICKORY, N.C.—Best in Show presents a distinguished textile trio of patterns that combine tailored sophistication with a pedigree of playfulness. From the boardroom to the lobby and everywhere in between, this collection champions both style and performance. From the handsome Haberdash plaid to the refined Perrito houndstooth and the two-tone Brushed Canvas designed by 20-year trusted HBF Textiles partner Erin Ruby, each pattern is crafted to meet the demands of commercial and hospitality environments while delivering warmth and character that stands apart in the show ring of contract textiles. “Best in Show sits at the intersection of market demand and expressive patterns,” says Casey Baxter, Vice President...

BOSTON—Force of Nature, the toxin-free cleaning brand on the Inc. 5000 list of fastest-growing private companies in America, is launching Force of Nature Pro On-Demand, a new commercial-scale system that empowers businesses and organizations to make a powerful EPA-registered disinfectant and cleaner that’s toxin-free and more powerful than bleach. From stadiums and sports facilities to food service providers, hotels, and spas, organizations of all sizes can now eliminate harmful chemicals and reduce plastic waste by up to 98 percent. Force of Nature Pro On-Demand converts water and a recyclable Activator Cartridge containing salt, water, and vinegar into a hospital-grade cleaner,...

Despite a challenging year for the electric vehicle (EV) industry, one truth remains constant: the future is still electric. While the current market may seem clouded by uncertainty—driven by shifting policy signals, cost concerns, and uneven infrastructure, there are powerful developments quietly setting the stage for a robust EV resurgence. From unprecedented charging infrastructure initiatives to supportive domestic policies, the groundwork for long-term success is being laid, even if the path is bumpy in the short term. The Current Climate: A Crossroads, Not a Crisis The EV market is experiencing what many experts would describe as a period of recalibration. The...

DULUTH, MINN.—As part of their ongoing commitment to sustainability, the environment and fostering a communal appreciation for the outdoors, Loll Designs planted 1,000 trees, half white and half red pine, near Lester Creek Golf Course in Duluth on May 22. This 40-acre area has a rocky soil which is better suited for native pine trees for strong long-term growth versus its current species makeup. Restoring these native trees will help prevent erosion along the creek while adding much-needed biodiversity to the area. The tree planting initiative was done in partnership with the City of Duluth and Rajala Woods, an...

CHICAGO—Commercial design leader Momentum Textiles & Wallcovering is exploring the next level of biophilic design in its latest wallcovering launch: the Renaturation collection by 13&9 Design. Renaturation, named for the concept in which nature reclaims manmade or developed spaces, employs natural fractals for an approach to commercial design deeply grounded in science, design and wellness. The power of fractals, intricate, self-repeating patterns, is core to nature itself and has a proven impact on brain health and healing, improved wellbeing, and enhancing overall cognitive function. The resulting wallcovering collection transcends aesthetics, creating restorative environments with measurable benefits for occupants. Renaturation sprung...

CINCINNATI, OHIO—Standard Textile Co., Inc., a global leader in healthcare and hospitality textiles, announced the release of its 2024 Sustainability Impact Report and its commitment to the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi), a global organization enabling businesses to set ambitious emissions reductions targets grounded in the latest climate science. This dual milestone underscores Standard Textile’s commitment to sustainable innovation, operations and transparency in environmental impact reporting. In March 2025, Standard Textile took a significant step by officially registering its commitment with the SBTi. Over the next 24 months, the company will develop science-based emission reduction goals and submit them for validation, striving to...

WILLIAMS, ARIZ.—In alignment with its ambitious corporate sustainability goals, Xanterra Travel Collection has partnered with RoomOne to complete a large-scale recycling initiative at the Grand Canyon Railway & Hotel and The Grand Hotel. Through this collaboration, 112 used PTAC (packaged terminal air conditioner) units were responsibly removed and recycled, supporting Xanterra’s ongoing mission to reduce waste and minimize environmental impact across its operations. This project, coordinated between RoomOne and Xanterras’ facilities management and sustainability teams, exemplifies operational efficiency and environmental leadership. RoomOne’s zero-cost, turnkey PTAC recycling service made the process seamless—handling logistics, freight, and environmentally responsible processing of the units....