WASHINGTON, D.C.—A Greenpeace USA report just released, Throwing Away the Future: How Companies Still Have It Wrong on Plastic Pollution “Solutions,” warns consumers to be skeptical of the so-called solutions announced by multinational corporations to tackle the plastic pollution crisis. These false solutions, such as switching to paper or “bioplastics,” or embracing chemical recycling, are failing to move us away from single-use packaging and divert attention away from beneficial systems that prioritize refill and reuse. “Despite the increasing scientific understanding of the irreversible damage plastic can cause to our environment and communities, plastic production is projected to dramatically increase in the...

MINNETONKA, MINN.—Flo S.p.A., a major European food packaging producer increasingly engaged in research of sustainable high-quality products, introduced three new capsule formats in the GEA family that are industrially compostable, fully biobased, and able to provide a brewing experience that is expected of the most popular capsules on the market. Building on the success and adoption of the GEA compostable version for the A Modo Mio system, Flo again partnered with NatureWorks—a leading company in the production of functional biomaterials—to develop new GEA capsules suitable for Nespresso, Lavazza Blue, and Keurig systems. The GEA capsules are all made with Ingeo, a...

SACRAMENTO, CALIF.—The Mattress Recycling Council (MRC) has launched the Sleep Products Sustainability Program (SP2), a new environmental certification and sustainability initiative for mattress manufacturers in the state of California. SP2 training and certification is offered at no cost to mattress manufacturers that want to improve operations at their manufacturing plants, distribution centers, warehouses and/or offices. “SP2 is designed to reduce waste and energy consumption in the manufacturing process while increasing operational efficiencies and generating cost savings,” says Ryan Trainer, President of the Mattress Recycling Council (MRC) and the International Sleep Products Assn. (ISPA). “Developed as part of the bedding industry’s...

SURREY, B.C.—Noel Asmar Group, the successful lifestyle brand behind Noel Asmar Uniforms, Pedicure Bowls and Asmar Equestrian, announced their latest sustainability initiative, Hospitality Lifecycle—sustainable textile recycling for hotels and spas. Noel Asmar Uniforms is the preferred uniform supplier for numerous global hospitality and spa brands and recently received the 2019 ISPA Innovate of the Year Award winner for their collection of sustainable uniforms made from recycled plastic bottles. Noel Asmar Group is taking its commitment to the environment one step further with Hospitality Lifecycle. The textile industry has a massive annual carbon footprint of 1.2 billion tons of CO2 equivalent, which...

ODESSA, FLA.—Green Lodging News has added a new vendor video to its Vendor Videos section. The video from Dispenser Amenities details why dispensers are a superior option to individualized plastic amenity bottles for the vanity and shower. The video includes testimonials from travelers. “I can’t understand why every hotel wouldn’t do this,” one says. “It is easier to use,” says another. The video explains how a 100-room hotel operating at an average annual occupancy could keep 51,000 small amenity bottles out of the landfill each year by using dispensers. “It is great for the environment and great for me,”...

Almost every sporting event, wedding, conference, and public gathering has an accommodation partner. Often the accommodation partner is benign and not really part of the organization committee. However, there could be a significant value added for leading facilities to look beyond their own practices and provide leadership and tools for making the hosted event or activity environmentally sustainable. In fact, this could be an important choice decision point in the very competitive accommodation market. We find most caring leaders want to become more considerate of the environment, but don’t know where to start. Below are listed areas of consideration with...

LONDON—Winnow, the technology company behind Winnow Vision, the artificial intelligence tool helping chefs cut food waste in half, is announcing the completion of its series B round of funding at a total of $12 million. This follows a recent $8 million loan from The European Investment Bank (EIB), with the help of the Juncker Plan, which focuses on boosting investment to generate jobs and growth. The company, with U.S. offices located in Iowa City, has recently made headlines in the country, having been selected as a food waste innovator and recipient of the Zero Hunger | Zero Waste Kroger Foundation...

SYOSSET, N.Y.—Emerald Brand has created the first USA made Tree-Free hot cup. The technology mimics many of the newest rollouts by Emerald Brand utilizing their newest technology in Tree-Free, non-virgin or recycled traditional tree pulp. Traditional virgin and recycled pulp have and will continue to contribute to the deforestation and climate change epidemic. Not only will deforestation impact the lives of the species that live there, but it is also impacting the lives of humans. Trees are disappearing at an alarming rate due to deforestation. According to the United Nations’ Food and Agriculture Organization, an estimated 18 million acres (7.3...

CHESTNUT RIDGE, N.Y.—BioHiTech Global, Inc., a technology and services company that provides cost-effective and sustainable waste management solutions, announced that it has received orders for 20 of its Revolution Series Digesters for delivery to several leading international hospitality companies, including two new end-customers. The orders consist of several direct sales as well as rental contracts. The company has already shipped six units and expects to complete delivery of the remaining units in the fourth quarter. The digesters will be installed in hotel and hospitality locations in both Europe and the United States. The company sees significant opportunity for additional unit...

FRANKFURT, GERMANY—This year World Cleanup Day united 179 countries and 18 million devoted volunteers across the world for one day and with one aim—to clean up our planet. “Leaving everything better than we found it” is fundamental to the philosophy of Penta, the neighborhood lifestyle hotel brand. Penta employees joined forces with neighborhood volunteers to participate in the worldwide cleanup and give something back to both local communities and the planet. From China to Germany, Czech Republic to Russia, and from Southern England to Northern Scotland, the Penta Hotels plus the Head Office engaged in community cleanups of local...