DENKENDORF, GERMANY—Following the successful debut of OBJECT CARPET’s first DUO carpet as the red carpet at the Berlinale in February, the journey of this circular sensation continues. By 2026, the entire range of over 1,000 products will be gradually converted to the recyclable DUO technology. This means full design flexibility using only two basic materials: polyamide and polyester. Traditional carpets consist of over 30 different materials on average, which means they pose an ecological challenge after their use—it is not possible to efficiently separate and fully recycle them back into their original components. However, it is essential to recycle these...

Our guest news blogger this week is Jon Strassner. He is the founder of Jon Strassner Consulting LLC. I recently had the good fortune to present at HD Expo in Las Vegas. Along with my good friend and podcast partner, Verda Alexander, we wanted to dive into the idea of reusing furniture in hospitality. Verda and I produce a podcast together called Break Some Dishes, just now embarking on its fifth season. We find people out there doing extraordinary work, quietly, to impact the effects of climate change. The hospitality design industry has notoriously dragged its collective feet when it...

MCLEAN, VA.—Hilton, a leading hospitality company, and the Hilton Global Foundation, Hilton’s philanthropic arm, announced the latest progress towards their shared goal of creating a better world for travel with the release of the 2023 Hilton Global Foundation Impact Report and the 2023 Hilton Travel with Purpose Report. Hilton’s Travel with Purpose Report outlines the hospitality leader’s progress towards its Travel with Purpose environmental, social and governance (ESG) strategy to drive responsible travel globally. Travel with Purpose outlines Hilton’s 2030 energy, water, and waste reduction targets as well as community engagement and governance goals. Through carbon reduction targets validated by the Science Based Targets initiative and...

RACINE, WIS.—Hotel Verdant, the newest hotel built in downtown Racine, Wisconsin in decades, has officially earned a LEED Gold Certification for its outstanding sustainable design and operations, including the use of geothermal, solar and wind technologies. The Gold level of the certification solidifies Hotel Verdant as the most sustainable hotel in the state of Wisconsin. The 80-room boutique property, which is managed by the renowned hospitality group Charlestowne Hotels, is a revitalized adaptive reuse project that prioritizes mindful amenities and a positive environmental impact. Formerly the iconic Zahn’s Department Store, the property boasts two on-site food and beverage outlets, Marguerite,...

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....

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...

DALTON, GA.—The Carpet and Rug Institute (CRI) announced that the California Carpet Stewardship Program has surpassed its annual carpet recycling goal for the second year in a row. The new data released by the Carpet America Recovery Effort (CARE) show the Program achieved a 35.1 percent recycling rate in 2023, surpassing its target goal of 31 percent. This achievement is attributed to collaborative efforts between the carpet industry and CalRecycle. “As significant contributors to carpet recycling in California, The CRI and our members are encouraged by the ongoing accomplishments of the California Carpet Stewardship Program. The continued growth is a clear indication of the valuable collaboration among...

LAS VEGAS—Wynn Resorts has released its 2023 Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Report and Corporate Responsibility Review outlining the company’s 2023 responsibility programs. The reports showcase ongoing initiatives including nationwide philanthropic efforts and impactful sustainability practices. The Wynn Resorts ESG Report presents information that references select Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) Standards and Sustainability Accounting Board Standards (SASB). The Corporate Responsibility Review recounts commitments to employees, the positive impacts of Wynn’s activities in the communities in which it operates, and long-term goals of doing the right thing for the planet. “If you look at our Core Values and Behaviors in this report, you will see that...

CORCOVADO, COSTA RICA—Soul Community Planet (SCP) Hotels, a holistic hospitality company serving those who value wellness, social good and the environment, announced the grand opening of SCP Corcovado Wilderness Lodge (CWL). CWL uniquely sits at the intersection of two thriving ecosystems: Corcovado National Park, which is known as the world’s most biologically intense terrestrial ecosystem, and the Isla del Caño Biologic Reserve, a vibrant marine ecosystem. The all-inclusive 189-acre private reserve is 100 percent off the grid, offering a blend of environmentally conscious accommodations, local and sustainably sourced gourmet cuisine, first-class service, and a range of immersive adventures from professionally guided interpretive...