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Visual Detection Systems, Rockline Industries and The University of Akron Recognized for First Defense™ Fentanyl Detection Wipe Innovation

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First-of-its-kind presumptive fentanyl detection wipe honored with the 2026 World of Wipes Innovation Award® for scientific innovation, field usability and professional safety applications

MINERVA, Ohio, Aug. 4, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Visual Detection Systems (VDS), The University of Akron and Rockline Industries are proud to announce that the First Defense™ Fentanyl Detection Wipe has received the 2026 World of Wipes Innovation Award®. The award was presented at the World of Wipes® International Conference, held June 29–July 2, 2026, at the Grand Hyatt Nashville in Tennessee.

The foundational chemistry behind First Defense™ originated at The University of Akron’s School of Polymer Science and Polymer Engineering, a nationally recognized leader in advanced materials and polymer research. Scientists at the university developed the first-generation formulation, using their expertise in polymer behavior and surface-interaction chemistry to establish the detection mechanism that became the foundation of the wipe’s plant-based technology.

The award was presented to Rockline Industries for the First Defense™ Fentanyl Detection Wipe, developed in collaboration with Visual Detection Systems and The University of Akron’s School of Polymer Science and Polymer Engineering. The recognition highlights the product’s innovative approach to presumptive fentanyl surface detection and its potential to support professionals working in high-risk environments where unknown substances may be present.

First Defense™ is a single-use presumptive test designed to rapidly detect trace fentanyl through a clear, visible color change. Its technology has been independently validated by a third party to detect both laboratory-grade and street-level fentanyl at very low concentrations. The wipe utilizes plant-based technology and was created to provide a simple, practical and field-focused detection method for professional-use environments.

The University of Akron’s early research helped enable First Defense™ to rapidly identify trace fentanyl through a visible color change, providing the scientific groundwork for a practical detection tool designed for real-world professional environments.

Designed for law enforcement, fire and EMS, military personnel, airports, schools, correctional facilities and other safety-sensitive settings, First Defense™ gives professionals a convenient tool to help improve situational awareness during unknown substance encounters.

“This recognition represents an important milestone for First Defense™ and for every organization involved in bringing this product from an innovative idea to a practical, professional-use solution,” said Ann Hull of Visual Detection Systems. “The University of Akron provided the foundational scientific research, and our partnership with Rockline Industries helped transform that work into a first-of-its-kind detection wipe that can be used in real-world environments. We are incredibly proud to see that collaboration and innovation recognized by the wipes and nonwovens industry.”

In the INDA announcement, Doug Cole, Vice President of Global Product Development at Rockline Industries, stated: “Rockline is honored to receive the 2026 World of Wipes Innovation Award for the First Defense Fentanyl Detection Wipe. This recognition reflects the innovation, passion, and dedication of our team to develop a first-of-its-kind solution that helps protect first responders, EMS, law enforcement, and others with a convenient, single-use product that performs effectively in real-world environments.”

The World of Wipes Innovation Award® recognizes products that demonstrate creativity, technical achievement and market potential within the wipes industry. Fellow 2026 finalists included The Clorox Company with Clorox™ Refreshables™ and Lenzing Fibers, Inc. with Lenzing™ DualWipe.

For Visual Detection Systems, the award underscores the importance of collaboration between scientific research, product development and advanced manufacturing. It also highlights the need for practical, professional-use detection tools that can support greater awareness and more informed decision-making in the field.

As fentanyl-related risks continue to challenge first responders and public safety professionals, First Defense™ provides a convenient presumptive detection option developed specifically for real-world use.

About The University of Akron School of Polymer Science and Polymer Engineering

The University of Akron’s School of Polymer Science and Polymer Engineering is nationally recognized for education and research in polymer science, polymer engineering and advanced materials. Its researchers pursue innovations in polymer behavior, surface interactions, material performance and other disciplines with applications across industry and society.

About First Defense™ Fentanyl Detection Wipe

First Defense™ Fentanyl Detection Wipe is a first-of-its-kind, single-use presumptive detection wipe designed to rapidly detect trace fentanyl through a clear, visible color change.

The initial formulation was developed in partnership with The University of Akron’s School of Polymer Science and Polymer Engineering. Its pioneering work in polymer-based detection chemistry laid the foundation for the plant-based technology that powers the wipe.

First Defense™ is intended for professional-use environments where unknown substance encounters may occur, including law enforcement, fire and EMS, military, airports, schools, correctional facilities and other safety-sensitive settings.

About Visual Detection Systems

Visual Detection Systems develops advanced detection solutions designed to support enhanced safety, awareness and response in professional-use environments. Through practical, field-focused products, VDS helps provide professionals with tools that support more informed decision-making when unknown substances may be present.

About Rockline Industries

About Rockline Industries Rockline Industries is a leading manufacturer of wet wipes and coffee filters for retail, commercial and professional markets. With decades of world-class product development and manufacturing experience globally. Rockline is committed to advancing cutting-edge innovations across a broad range of wipes and nonwoven product applications.

To learn more about First Defense™ Fentanyl Detection Wipes, visit firstdefensewipe.com.

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Guidepoint Relocates Shanghai Office to Strengthen Regional Presence

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SHANGHAI, Sept. 21, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Guidepoint, a global pioneer in access to expert insight, today announced the relocation of its Shanghai office to the Bund Center on East Yan’an Road.

Building on more than a decade of sustained growth in China, the relocation positions Guidepoint in the heart of Shanghai’s business district, bringing the firm closer to the clients and partners it serves while providing a modern, collaborative workspace for its growing team.

“Research today has evolved beyond standalone expert calls to more connected, AI-enabled workflows,” said Michael Wang, Guidepoint’s Director and Head of China. “The new Shanghai office brings together capabilities across research, product innovation, compliance, and operations, reinforcing Guidepoint’s commitment to delivering source-backed insight through rigorous standards, transparency, and integrity.”

“Shanghai remains one of the world’s most influential centers for business and finance, connecting decision-makers across industries and markets,” said Chris Bonsi, Head of APAC. “This relocation reinforces our long-term commitment to the region and strengthens our ability to serve clients and attract top talent.”

As demand for expert-led, source-backed insight continues to grow, Guidepoint is focused on expanding its research capabilities by combining expert knowledge, proprietary content, and technology-enabled workflows to help clients move from uncertainty to conviction with greater speed and confidence.

About Guidepoint
Guidepoint provides real-time access to expert insights, combining human expertise with AI-powered research tools to deliver knowledge at scale. Backed by a global network of more than 2M+ subject-matter experts, Guidepoint equips institutional investors, consulting firms, and corporations with the context they need across companies, markets, and trends. Through live, asynchronous, and agentic workflows, Guidepoint embeds expert knowledge directly into decision-making, turning answers into action when timing matters most.

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Reap Launches First Ever Managed Fraud and Risk Service for Card Programs

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Reap Sentry configures and manages fraud controls for clients’ card programs, eliminating the need for additional monitoring tools or in-house fraud specialists.

HONG KONG, Sept. 21, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Reap, a global financial technology company that enables financial connectivity and access for businesses worldwide through stablecoin-enabled infrastructure, today announced the launch of Reap Sentry, a managed card fraud and risk service. Through Sentry, Reap manages a client’s end-to-end transaction risk management – from configuring fraud rules and screening authorisations in real time to investigating alerts, processing chargebacks, and reporting confirmed fraud to Visa. Clients do not need to build or license additional fraud-monitoring tools, or hire a dedicated fraud team.

Payment card fraud losses worldwide totalled USD 33.41 billion in 2024 (The Nilson Report, January 2026), tied to global card volume of USD 51.920 trillion (The Nilson Report, January 2026). Every card in circulation is a live payment instrument, with authorisation decisions made in milliseconds. Fraud must be stopped at the point of authorisation, not afterwards, as the knock-on costs of fraud can often exceed the value of the fraud itself. Meanwhile, evolving attack patterns make fraud management an ongoing operational function.

Built on the technology within Reap’s issuing portfolio, Sentry combines the fraud policy, tooling, and day-to-day operations required to manage transaction risk effectively. Having issued millions of cards over eight years of card issuance, Reap brings to Sentry controls informed by fraud patterns observed across its entire issuing portfolio. These controls are tailored to each client’s business profile, including its cardholder segments, geographic footprint, and stated risk appetite.

Sentry conducts ongoing screening and declines suspected fraud in real time at authorisation; triages and investigates alerts; and continuously updates controls as new threats emerge, including BIN attacks and merchant breaches. The service also processes and represents chargebacks submitted by clients, reports confirmed fraud, and provides program performance reporting on an agreed cadence. Controls are reviewed and refined as each program evolves, without requiring client intervention. Clients can integrate with Sentry through a single Reap API.

Reap protects the authorisation layer it operates and observes, while clients retain responsibility for the cardholder relationship and key first-party fraud entry points, including onboarding, identity verification and account access.

“Most companies launching a card programme have to build a fraud function from day one. Doing so requires specialist tooling, dedicated expertise and several months of preparation before they can safely issue a single card, by which point the threat landscape may already have shifted. That is rarely how a team wants its first months to go.” said Harris Leow, Head of Product, Reap. “Sentry takes on that entire card fraud function: our controls, data and specialists, tailored to each card programme.”

Sentry is available to new Reap card issuing clients and to existing clients at contract renewal, on Reap’s own API.

To find out more about Sentry, visit our website: https://reap.global/products/sentry-fraud-risk-management

About Reap
Reap is a global financial technology company that enables financial connectivity and access for businesses worldwide through stablecoin-enabled infrastructure. We transform the financial landscape through more efficient money movement by merging traditional finance with digital assets, bridging disparate economies and connecting key financial markets.

Reap was an early leader in Asia to incorporate stablecoins into our solutions. In 2025, Reap processed billions in stablecoin-funded transaction flows. From stablecoin-enabled corporate cards to cross-border payments, we streamline financial operations and empower companies to scale with our integrated business accounts and embedded finance solutions.

Founded and headquartered in Hong Kong, Reap employs 300 people worldwide. More information about Reap can be found at reap.global.

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Envision Energy Powers Morocco’s First Large-Scale Battery Storage System at OCP’s Benguerir Mining Site

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BENGUERIR, Morocco, Sept. 21, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Envision Energy, a global leader in green technology, today announced the successful energisation of Morocco’s first large-scale lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery energy storage system at OCP Green Energy’s Benguerir mining site. The 25 MW / 125 MWh system was supplied and commissioned by Envision Energy under a contract signed in late 2025, and is now undergoing testing before entering commercial operation.

Envision Energy provided the full storage system and led the commissioning work, integrating the BESS with the site’s solar generation, grid conditions and industrial load profile. The system is designed to shift surplus solar power from daytime generation to peak consumption hours, reducing the site’s peak-hour electricity bill by approximately 25%.

With five hours of storage capacity, the BESS functions as an industrial energy management tool rather than a short-duration grid asset. It is supported by USD 20 million from the Clean Technology Fund, managed through the African Development Bank Group, and is designed for a 25-year lifetime with daily charge-discharge cycles. For OCP, the value lies not in battery capacity, but in the system’s ability to reduce peak-hour costs over a 25-year operating life.

“The successful energisation of Morocco’s first large-scale battery storage project demonstrates the reliability, flexibility and cost-effectiveness of integrated renewable-plus-storage solutions in industrial applications,” said John Lee, General Manager of Envision Energy for the Middle East and Africa. “Envision is proud to be part of this landmark project and to contribute green technology to Morocco’s energy transition.”

As highlighted in OCP Group’s official press release announcing the milestone, Omar Kadir, CEO of OCP Green Energy, said: Storage is the natural extension of our energy strategy. It allows us to reconcile the variable output of renewable energy with the continuous needs of our industrial platforms, while strengthening the reliability of our energy supply. Beyond OCP Group’s own needs, this technology paves the way for a more harmonious integration of renewable energy into the national power system. By bringing greater flexibility and resilience to the grid, it will help accelerate the deployment of renewable capacity.”

The project marks a significant milestone for battery storage and industrial decarbonisation in Morocco. It supports the country’s target of achieving 52% of installed electricity capacity from renewable sources by 2030 and serves as a benchmark for industrial decarbonisation across Africa.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/envision-energy-powers-moroccos-first-large-scale-battery-storage-system-at-ocps-benguerir-mining-site-302884224.html

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