PITTSBURGH—RoadRunner Recycling, the innovative technology platform built for commercial recycling, announced it raised a $28.6 million Series C financing round. The round was co-led by e.ventures and Greycroft with additional participation from Franklin Templeton and existing investors, Adams Capital Management and FJ Labs. The funds will be used to double the size of the company’s current team, invest in its world-class AI/machine learning technology, and continue its U.S. expansion in current markets and launch in up to 10 new markets, including Austin, Phoenix and San Diego. In addition to funding, King Goh, Principal at e.ventures Growth, will join RoadRunner’s...

BOULDER, COLO.—Eco-Products, a Novolex brand, is expanding its Regalia line of foodservice ware to feature new soak-proof, compostable half pans and lids—ideal for restaurants, caterers and others seeking innovative, environmentally preferable solutions for their events. The Regalia line will also now feature half pans made from sugarcane and lined with PLA—a plant-based, compostable material derived from sugar cane, bamboo and other renewables—for extra protection against leaks. They are available in one-, two- and four-compartment sizes, with a compostable lid that fits all the pans. “At Eco-Products, we are always searching for innovative solutions for our customers seeking environmentally preferable options,” said...

ARLINGTON, VA.—The Food Waste Reduction Alliance (FWRA)—a collaborative effort of the Consumer Brands Assn., FMI-The Food Industry Assn., and the National Restaurant Assn.—released a new report, Messy but Worth It: Lessons Learned from Fighting Food Waste, that highlights experience-driven advice to keep perfectly good food out of landfills. For the guide, FWRA interviewed food manufacturers, grocers and foodservice operators to get their best tips on how to successfully launch a food waste reduction program and to sustainably nurture it over time. Some of the report’s key recommendations include: Forge an internal food waste prevention culture. Education and cross-functional teamwork will...

ITASCA, ILL.—To shed light on the current state of recycling and to help advance the circular economy, Hi-Cone, a leading manufacturer of beverage multi-packaging solutions, presents their first annual report on The State of Plastic Recycling. More than 5,000 consumers in the United States, Mexico, the United Kingdom, and Spain participated in the global survey. Among the many findings, the report shows that 26 percent (or 1 out of 4) Americans recycle all of their plastic waste, compared to the overall 34 percent reported from the other countries. However, at the same time, 19 percent do not recycle any...

NEW ORLEANS—The New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center has installed the first two of more than 60 planned water bottle refill stations as part of ongoing efforts to make the facility an industry leader in sustainability. These first installations are a pilot test for a building-wide rollout in the coming months. Both of the newly installed refill stations can be found on the Convention Center Boulevard-side of Lobby B. Visitors to the Center can place their reusable water bottles up to the station’s infrared sensor, which will then dispense chilled and filtered water. The station will keep a running...

DARIEN, CONN.—Smile Coffee Werks has unveiled compostable coffee pods made from renewable raw materials with over a 12-month shelf life. The patented technology utilizes a plant based, BPA-free cup and top, creating a commercially compostable coffee product; a seamless fit for waste-conscious consumers, private labels, retailers and hospitality groups alike. The pods are compatible with Nespresso classic style coffee makers, BPI-certified and commercially compostable in 12 weeks. Made from renewable plant-based products, the pods are the first carbon neutral, single step disposal product to hit the market. Smile Coffee Werks is available for purchase at SmileCoffeeWerks.com in compatible 100 percent...

I spoke with Kristen Pryor this past week. Kristen is the general manager of the LEED Silver Westin Riverfront Resort & Spa Avon, Vail Valley in Colorado. She has been General Manager of the 240-room property for almost five years and has overseen many of the property’s green initiatives. Several of the hotel’s programs caught my attention—some because of their uniqueness and others because they address issues that many of you are currently facing. First, the resort is in the process of phasing out all single-use plastic bottles. This will be done by May 1. No longer will plastic water...

SOLON, OHIO—Tarkett, a worldwide leader in innovative and sustainable flooring, has introduced two new modular carpet designs—Vellum and Bindery. Through crisp pattern detail, color contrast and lustre variation, these complementary patterns draw on the rich tradition of book binding and impart the handcrafted patinas of early papermaking, enabling architects and designers to craft a story through interior spaces. “The passing down of story is an honored tradition in every culture, and the attention given to the craft of book binding has as much to say as the words on the page—adding a memorable richness to the experience,” said Terry Mowers,...

How do you know what plastic is recyclable and really recycled in the U.S.? I strongly suggest reading a new Greenpeace report entitled, “Circular Claims Fall Flat: Comprehensive U.S. Survey of Plastics Recyclability.” A comprehensive survey of plastic product waste collection, sortation and reprocessing in the U.S. was performed to determine the legitimacy of “recyclable” claims and labels on consumer plastic products. Key results of the survey include: 1. Only some PET #1 and HDPE #2 plastic bottles and jugs can be legitimately labeled as recyclable in the U.S. today. 2. Common plastic pollution items, including single use plastic food service and...

HOUSTON—Waste Management has been recognized by Ethisphere, a global leader in defining and advancing the standards of ethical business practices, as one of the 2020 World’s Most Ethical Companies. Waste Management has been recognized 11 times for the designation and is one of only two honorees in the Environmental Services industry. In 2020, 130 honorees were recognized spanning 21 countries and 51 industries. “Being recognized by Ethisphere as a ‘World’s Most Ethical Company’ is a tremendous honor,” said Waste Management’s President and CEO Jim Fish. “Our success begins and ends with the 45,000 employees of our WM family, and this honor...