NATIONAL REPORT—The well-known benefits of being in and around water have been supported by scientific research, confirming that taking a vacation by a lake can increase general wellbeing while lowering stress levels. After a year of uncertainty and restrictions, vacationers are looking for outdoor space and a greater connection to nature, and, as a result, the enduring popularity of lakefront hotels, lodges and campsites shows no sign of fading. A weekend getaway or a longer lakeside stay offers the opportunity to relax and cool off with a swim, or take part in activities on the water such as boating or water skiing....

GÖTEBORG, SWEDEN—PulPac, PA Consulting (PA) and Seismic Solutions announced a new global partnership to replace single-use plastics with a sustainable, affordable alternative. PulPac, the inventors behind the novel Dry Molded Fiber technology will work with PA to develop a wide range of technical and commercial applications and scale up the manufacturing process. Seismic Solutions, the business development consultancy, will introduce PulPac to its extensive network of brand owners and manufacturers in North America. PulPac’s “Dry Molded Fiber” is a patented manufacturing technology for the circular economy—using renewable pulp and cellulose resources to produce low cost, high performance, fiber-based packaging, and...

CINCINNATI—Tide announced its 2030 Ambition, a set of broad-reaching sustainability and purpose-driven commitments, spanning Tide’s full United States and Canadian supply chain and community initiatives. Tide is reinventing clean on its journey to decarbonize laundry at every step—from design, manufacturing and distribution to consumer use and end of life. To make this goal a reality, the brand will focus on key areas. In 2020, Tide reduced absolute greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in its direct manufacturing by more than 75 percent annually versus a decade ago and has set a new goal to cut GHG emissions in half at its direct...

Oahu, Hawaii—Outrigger Hospitality Group announced a grand new voyage—the $80 million transformation of the brand’s flagship property, Outrigger Reef Waikiki Beach Resort, located directly on the golden sands of world-famous Waikīkī Beach. The investment transforms the resort into a contemporary beachfront retreat, rooted in Hawaiian culture. With a focus on wellness and unmatched hospitality, sophisticated property enhancements include upscale residential-style rooms and suites, chic poolside experiences and a fully reimagined Kani Ka Pila Grille and stage—the home of Hawaiian music. “As a premier beach resort brand, we charted a strategic course to enhance Outrigger’s current portfolio and deliver exceptional, authentic experiences...

RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA—In response to growing consumer demand for sustainable products and travel experiences, The Red Sea Development Company (TRSDC)—the developer behind the most regenerative tourism project in the world—and SOURCE—the earth’s first renewable, sustainable water brand, have come together to set a new global standard in bottled water. TRSDC is the first company to collaborate with SOURCE Global, PBC as it launches its sustainable bottled water brand, making The Red Sea Project the first destination on earth to offer bottled water made purely from sunlight and air. SOURCE water is produced using patented solar technology that draws pure water vapor...

ODESSA, FLA.—Green Lodging News has added Meyers to its Green Product & Service Directory in the “Key Cards/RFID” category. The AssureCard is a better RFID hotel key card, offering all the plastic key card’s best features—durability, convenience, and low cost—while minimizing the environmental impact. These eco-friendly key cards are made from renewably sourced paper pulp. According to Meyers, they are so much better for the environment that you could throw them away after each guest visit while still improving your overall sustainability. Meyers is the first major producer of paper gift cards in the United States, manufacturing about 140...

Meyers Paper RFID Hotel Key Cards—The AssureCard™ The AssureCard™ is a better RFID hotel key card, offering all the plastic key card’s best features—durability, convenience, and low cost—while minimizing the environmental impact. These eco-friendly key cards are made from renewably sourced paper pulp. They’re so much better for the environment that you could throw them away after each guest visit while still improving your overall sustainability. The AssureCard™ is produced by Meyers, a large, well established card supplier. We were the first major producer of paper gift cards in the U.S., manufacturing about 140 million paper cards per year. For more...

NEW ORLEANS—The New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center (NOENMCC) has made sustainability a top priority and is taking steps to reduce environmental impacts. While the coronavirus pandemic impacted hosting events in 2020, NOENMCC took advantage of the downtime and made critical facility upgrades that will reduce their environmental footprint, and in turn, help make the facility a leader in sustainable events. “As one of the top convention center facilities in the nation, it is crucial that we meet and exceed national standards when it comes to sustainability and environmental impact,” said Michael J. Sawaya, Convention Center President. “Nowadays, sustainability...

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA—TOMbag, an Australian social enterprise brings to the world an innovative and sustainable alternative to single-use plastic garbage bags. Made from discarded plastic bottles, TOMbag reusable garbage bags are 100 percent waterproof, easily washable and extremely durable. TOMbag reusable garbage bags are a perfect and one of a kind solution for the hospitality sector that is moving away from single-use plastics in their fight against climate change and global warming. Sasha Pestano, Co-Founder of TOMbag, explains, “Single-use bin liners fly under the radar of society, but they are one of the major contributors to climate change. Globally, households use...

SAUSALITO, CALIF.—CREO, a green tech company on a mission to make buildings healthier and more resilient, unveiled the BioBulb technology platform, a smart, green living system that offers a sustainable solution for growing nature indoors and in environments with scarce resources. The system uses artificial intelligence (AI) to learn the optimal growth for a plant within its surroundings and autonomously infuses it with the precise amount of water and nutrients it needs. BioBulb is a virtually zero-waste system and uses up to 80 percent less water than existing high-tech hydroponic solutions with the potential to save thousands of gallons...