SWITZERLAND—Swiss retail giant Migros has launched CoffeeB—a new, capsule-less Coffee Ball that could potentially stir up the single-serve coffee market. The Coffee Ball is part of a first-of-its-kind, zero-waste system that brews coffee without the need for plastic capsules. Plastic coffee pods produce 100,000 tons of waste globally per year; and while some of the pods in the marketplace are recyclable or biodegradable, the majority still end up in landfill. “The next generation of capsule coffee is here, and it comes without a capsule,” says CoffeeB’s Dr. Caroline Siefarth, who co-developed the system. “After half a decade of research, we’ve created CoffeeB—which will revolutionize the way the world drinks single-serve coffee.” All the Taste,...

WASHINGTON, D.C.—The Recycling Partnership’s Polypropylene Recycling Coalition is celebrating the How2Recycle upgrade of polypropylene (PP) rigid containers to “Widely Recycled” in the U.S. This major milestone comes as the Coalition marks its two-year anniversary. Launched in July 2020, the Coalition brings together stakeholders across the PP value chain—from resin suppliers and manufacturers to consumer-packaged goods, and recycling processors—to improve PP recovery and recycling in the U.S. and to further develop end markets for recycling PP. In the two years since the launch of the Coalition, its catalytic grants have proven highly successful at rapidly impacting the recycling system. The Coalition has...

NATIONAL REPORT—Biodigesters that reduce food waste to grey water have been effectively used by hotels for many years now and for good reason. According to Power Knot, a supplier of 10 different models of biodigesters, the machines greatly reduce the cost to dispose of waste food, reduce the size, quantity, and smells of trash bins, eliminate flies and rodents that may be attracted to garbage bins containing waste food, save time and injuries of employees carrying trash outdoors, and allow one to weigh and dispose of food waste in one machine. According to Orca, a supplier of four different...

NEW YORK—Selina, the fast-growing lifestyle and experiential hospitality brand targeting millennial and Gen Z travelers, issued its inaugural Environmental, Social and Governance, or “ESG” report, with robust reporting of tangible progress made in 2021. With environmental and social consciousness in its DNA and “impact” among its five core values, Selina’s operating philosophy fuels ESG initiatives rooted in care for the planet, starting with its host communities. In 2021, the company focused on setting a baseline for achieving its long-term ESG goals, putting in place a comprehensive infrastructure to enhance its mission and measure its impact on people and the planet....

Nine in 10 consumers say they are looking for sustainable options when traveling, according to Expedia’s Spotlight on Sustainable Travel. And the 2022 Booking.com Sustainable Travel Report reveals that 63 percent of travelers want to make more effort in the next year to travel more sustainably, up 10 percent from 2021. These decisions are setting the pace for hoteliers’ sustainability efforts for 2022 and beyond. Green initiatives can result in tax breaks, government subsidies and more for properties willing to reduce their carbon footprint. One way to step up a hotel’s sustainability game is to work with their property-management system provider to identify new ways...

COLUMBUS, OHIO—arbOUR announces the debut of its eco-effective cleaning and laundry collection. The launch introduces consumers to arbOUR’s commercial-grade cleaning products, which are formulated with plant-based, non-toxic ingredients strong enough to cleanse and disinfect, and safe for people, pets, and the planet. Already used by pro-sports teams, hospitals, restaurants, schools, and other corporate, civic, and commercial institutions, the affordably priced collection is now available directly to consumers. arbOUR’s launch products include eight essential cleaning and laundry solutions that elevate “clean” hygiene for everyone and every environment. “No one should have to choose between strong cleaning products and safety,” said Carol Mehas,...

MADRID, SPAIN—Palladium Hotel Group continues to reinforce its firm commitment to sustainability with a structured approach to three fundamental areas: the environment, the circular economy and the social sphere. The hotel group, which is present in six countries around the world, has announced new advances in all its hotels globally, including: advocating renewable energies, the reduction of plastics, and a focus on working and supporting local producers. Responsible Use of Energy Regarding energy management, Palladium Hotel Group has been committed to the responsible use of resources and the reduction of its environmental impact. In Spain, 100 percent of the energy consumed in all...

KINGSTON, JAMAICA—The Tourism Enhancement (TEF) has invested approximately $6.9 million in this year’s International Coastal Cleanup Day initiative, which is spearheaded locally by the Jamaica Environment Trust (JET). Speaking at the launch of the event on August 19, in Port Royal, Jamaica, TEF’s Executive Director, Dr. Carey Wallace, stated that the partnership with JET not only improves the island's tourism product but also encourages a behavioral change in the people that is required to combat pollution in the long run. “The assets of Jamaica, from a tourism perspective, its natural beauty and, obviously, it makes sense for us to invest...

MCLEAN, VA.—Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts announced a partnership with skin care brand Aesop. Select formulations, available in signature Aesop aromas, will now be the in-room toiletries for Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts worldwide. This collaboration marks the first and only global hospitality brand with which Aesop has partnered to provide its product at this scale. “This new partnership is an exciting moment for our luxury portfolio and represents Waldorf Astoria’s and Hilton’s ongoing commitment to offering exceptional amenities to loyal guests. As we reinvigorate our amenities around the world, aligning with Aesop’s global recognition and reputation as an industry...

CHICAGO—As inflation, supply chain challenges, labor issues, and increased food costs bedevil operators, many are seeking ways to control expenses. Reducing back-of-the-house food waste is one of them. From using technology to track the amount of waste they produce to monitoring how much food they purchase to using up the ingredients stored in their pantries and walk-ins, restaurateurs are getting more creative about operating more efficiently. Swapping Supplies Chad Langston, District Manager for a Zaxby’s franchise in Clarkesville, Ga., says his group of 12 stores controls costs by communicating regularly and swapping supplies. Each store purchases what they need, and then trades and shares...