GREENSBORO, N.C.—UNIFI, Inc., the makers of REPREVE and one of the world’s leading innovators in recycled and synthetic yarns, launches REPREVE with CiCLO technology, recycled polyester and nylon embedded with a biodegradable technology that enables synthetics to break down naturally. REPREVE with CiCLO technology was created in collaboration with Intrinsic Advanced Materials, LLC, a joint venture between Parkdale Advanced Materials, Inc. and Intrinsic Textiles Group, LLC. REPREVE with CiCLO technology is enhanced with a patented additive at the fiber level that allows synthetic yarns to mimic natural materials such as wool. This will enable them to break down in environments such...

Last week I attended the AAHOA Convention & Trade Show in New Orleans. One of the most interesting companies I came across at the trade show was AdReach. The company makes it easy for upscale properties to supply affordable water to guests in Tetra Prisma Aseptic 330mL cartons made from 63.4 percent renewable plant-based materials. All paperboard used in the cartons comes from Forest Stewardship Council-certified forests and other controlled sources. The recyclable cartons include a plant-based cap that is also recyclable. A lodging establishment must commit to purchase at least 1 pallet (2,304 cartons) per month for 12 months....

MIAMI—Groupe GM, an international leader in guest amenities, is marking Earth Month by addressing one of the hospitality sector’s biggest challenges: the environmental impact of waste. The hospitality industry generates a startling 150 million tons of plastic waste annually, much of which comes from food and drink consumption, bathroom toiletries, and laundry packaging. As modern travelers increasingly seek out hotels that prioritize sustainability, it is crucial for hospitality businesses to adopt eco-conscious solutions. Hotels can make a meaningful difference by carefully selecting and optimizing the amenities they offer. Groupe GM is committed to providing innovative solutions that help hotels reduce their...

WASHINGTON, D.C.—Oceana released a new report, “Plastic Foam Needs ‘To Go,’” revealing the dangers behind single-use plastic foam products like clamshell takeout food containers, cups, packing peanuts, and disposable coolers. According to the report, plastic foam, which is also called expanded polystyrene, compromises our health and our oceans. Plastic foam is made with hazardous chemicals, like its main building block styrene, which is toxic to the human nervous system. Styrene is linked to cancer and considered a probable human carcinogen by the U.S. National Institutes of Health. Styrene and other chemicals can easily leach into food and beverages at all temperatures,...

NATIONAL REPORT—Key cards have become a symbol of the hospitality world, acting as a unique customer touchpoint. Did you know that plastic cards aren’t a business’ only option? The hospitality sector has undergone a significant shift in terms of what key card material options a business can choose, especially as eco-conscious practices take center stage. The advancement from keys to electronic cards has streamlined guest access and security, but the materials used in these cards matter almost as much as the technology they contain. Selecting the right material not only enhances functionality but also supports sustainability goals and communicates your...

INTERNATIONAL REPORT—Sustainability is no longer an optional consideration for the hospitality industry—it is a business imperative. With buildings accounting for 1 percent of global carbon emissions and hotels producing significantly more energy usage than other types of structures, the call for sustainable practices in hospitality has never been louder. According to Booking.com, 83 percent of travelers believe sustainable travel is essential, and the demand for eco-friendly hospitality is growing dramatically. This article explores the importance of sustainability in the hospitality industry, showcases real-life examples of sustainable practices in action, and highlights key trends and strategies hotels with a sustainability mindset can adopt...

Today’s design decisions for the hospitality industry, and the built environment generally, will have an impact on human health, ecosystem health, and planetary health for generations. So, it’s important that “cost” is appropriately defined and understood. This is made more complicated by a lack of published information (the majority of products used in the built environment do not fully disclose their contents and only a small minority of HPDs are prepared by an independent third party) and the prevalence of greenwashing. Polyvinyl chloride (PVC or simply “vinyl”) is very familiar to many designers and has been for decades, so understandably,...

NATIONAL REPORT—Packaged terminal air conditioners (PTACs), properly maintained, are a reliable source for heating and cooling hotel guestrooms and other small spaces for up to seven to 10 years. Not properly maintained, and especially in higher-humidity environments, PTACs have a shorter life and can keep hoteliers—and guests—up at night and be the reason for negative reviews and lost room revenue. It is at the “end of their life” that PTACS truly become problematic. Do you send a PTAC to a landfill? Nathan Faircloth, Director/Business Development & Vendor Management, RoomOne Solutions, says the landfill option is not a good one for...

FONTANELLATO, ITALY & PLYMOUTH, MINN.—A new era for sustainable coffee begins with KEYGEA, the innovative compostable single-serve pod born from the synergy between FLO Group, a leading European player in the vending and food packaging sector, and NatureWorks, the world’s largest producer of PLA-based biopolymers. Designed to meet the growing demand for renewable solutions in the North American market, KEYGEA combines sustainability and outstanding performance, ensuring flawless coffee extraction without compromise on quality. Made with Ingeo PLA, a biopolymer derived from renewable resources, KEYGEA is a sustainable innovation for the future of coffee and a true revolution in the pod industry. It’s certified...

TRENTO, ITALY—What was once considered impossible is now within reach. After more than ten years of relentless research and innovation, Aquafil has unveiled a breakthrough in textile recycling: the world’s first demonstration plant capable of chemically separating elastic fibers from nylon. This pioneering technology tackles one of the textile industry’s most complex challenges, opening the door to new possibilities in recycling and circularity, confirming Aquafil’s role at the forefront of responsible innovation. The story began in 2013, when Aquafil partnered with Georgia Tech University to explore solutions for recycling mixed fibers—a task long deemed insurmountable. Although the initial patent did...