ATLANTA—Acuity Brands, Inc. announced that its subsidiary Acuity Brands Lighting, Inc. has entered into an agreement with Biological Innovations and Optimization Systems, LLC to participate in the BIOS ILLUMINATED partnership program. In connection with this agreement, BIOS will sell to Acuity Brands certain human-centric LED lighting components for use in its architectural lighting fixtures for wellness. Acuity Brands will also have the worldwide right to use the BIOS trademark for marketing and promoting these lighting fixtures that include BIOS SkyBlue technology. “We continue to see a growing demand and business case for design strategies and technologies to promote wellness. Wellness lighting, and specifically in this...

NATIONAL REPORT—Eleven states have enacted laws that ban PFAS, or “forever chemicals,” in food packaging in response to concerns about potential health risks. Another seven states have proposed similar bans—and more states are expected to follow. A recent Restaurant Law Center webinar explores what restaurant operators need to know about per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in food packaging. The webinar, “Outlook on PFAS in 2023,” is available to watch on demand. It features a panel of experts from the international law firm Steptoe. Laura Abshire, Director of Food and Sustainability Policy for the National Restaurant Association, moderates. PFAS is a large, diverse group of human-made...

Euronews just released its 2023 Travel Trend Report. Almost all the trends touch on sustainability or wellness in one way or another. First on the list is regenerative travel—nature positive and carbon positive travel. “Tour operators, destination bodies and hotels are tasked with the job of actively repairing, restoring and investing in nature, in order to keep pace with consumer sentiment,” the report says. Third on the list is Rail Revival. Driving the return to this form of travel is the convenience, cost and lower carbon footprint. “A handful of private companies are reviving night trains across Europe,” the report says....

FRANKLIN, TENN.—Southall Franklin, a farm-based resort, has officially opened its doors. Set on a working farm dedicated to education and exploration, Southall encompasses over 325 acres of Middle Tennessee hillside, creating a unique escape dedicated to saluting the agricultural heritage of the region, while advancing innovative practices for a sustainable future. Southall features 62 guestrooms and suites, along with 16 stand-alone cottages; a spa; a wealth of farm, wellness, and adventure activities, and a signature restaurant and culinary program led by Executive Chef Andrew Klamar and Senior Vice President of Culinary and Agriculture Tyler Brown. “The first seeds for Southall...

SOLNA, SWEDEN—The use of air cleaners has become more frequent during the pandemic, but how effective are they at fighting viruses? A joint study by the Virus Research Centre at Sendai Medical Center and QleanAir Japan center has succeeded in measuring this. The result shows that the QleanAir FS 30 air cleaner can remove over 95 percent of airborne virus particles in only 10 minutes. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the question of whether airborne viruses can be eliminated from indoor air was raised. A joint study conducted by Sendai Medical Center and QleanAir Japan has succeeded in measuring the impact...

ODESSA, FLA.—Green Lodging News has added Charlie’s Soap to the “Cleaning Products/Laundry/Other Areas” section of its Green Product & Service Directory. Charlie’s Soap offers a premium line of naturally derived cleaning and laundry products that deliver an all-natural clean. They have 40 years of experience built on family, good science, and smart chemistry, resulting in an effective clean for the most delicate laundry and toughest outdoor stains. The products are always safe to use and easy on your skin. Ideal for eco-friendly hotels and resorts, Charlie’s Soap’s professional line features all-purpose cleaners and laundry detergents that are safe, effective, fragrance free, and...

SCHLIEREN, SWITZERLAND—HeiQ Materials AG announced that it has signed an Exclusive Supply Agreement with BekaertDeslee, a leading specialist in the development and manufacturing of mattress textiles, mattress covers, and on-trend sleep solutions, for the supply of HeiQ’s recently launched HeiQ Allergen Tech. Under this agreement, BekaertDeslee will have exclusive worldwide rights to apply HeiQ Allergen Tech to mattress ticking, which is used to cover mattresses. HeiQ Allergen Tech, which was launched in October 2022, is a 100 percent biobased, naturally derived technology that reduces exposure to inanimate allergens such as house dust mite matter, and pet allergens with the help of active probiotics. It...

BURLINGAME, CALIF.—In its ongoing objective of bringing advanced performance technologies to enhance better sleep and a healthy home and hospitality environment, Standard Fiber, one of the world’s largest suppliers to the home textile market, and Noble Biomaterials, a global leader in antimicrobial solutions for soft surface applications, have formed an exclusive partnership to bring IONIC+ mineral antimicrobial to the home textile and hospitality markets. IONIC+ is the broadest spectrum of antimicrobial technology that protects against the growth of microbes on soft surface materials. The active ingredient in IONIC+ is silver, which is permanently bound within polymer fibers and will not wash out. When applied properly, positively...

MIAMI—Cayo Levantado Resort, a brand-new resort under the Bahia Principe Hotels & Resorts portfolio, announced they are now open for reservations, which will start welcoming guests on June 1, 2023. Located on the island of Cayo Levantado, just a few miles away from Samaná Bay, this completely rebranded, and extensively renovated property will invite guests to discover the uncharted syncopations of the Dominican Republic through its “A Rhythm All Its Own” concept. Cayo Levantado Resort is dedicated to offering an expertly curated, distinctly Dominican, and decidedly authentic experience. Since the very start, there’s been an alliance with Forbes Travel Guide, the...

BANGKOK—Six Senses is coming to Grand Bahama as part of a project that will boost local tourism, development, and investment. With social and environmental responsibility at its heart, the new resort and residences will create employment opportunities for Grand Bahamians, encourage sustainability and regenerative activity on the island, and engage the surrounding community while protecting the land for future generations of locals and visitors to Grand Bahama. Resort Village Designed by architects 3XN, the resort village will comprise 45 waterfront and canal villas enjoying 2,400 feet (732 meters) of beach frontage and water on three sides. In addition to the guest...