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The Government of Canada is taking steps to address plastic waste and pollution from the textile and apparel sector

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GATINEAU, QC, July 4, 2024 /CNW/ – Textiles is the fifth-largest category of plastic waste sent to landfills in Canada. Furthermore, through regular wear and tear and when washed, synthetic clothing sheds plastic microfibres—tiny thread-like fibres that become microplastic pollution. As part of its comprehensive plan to reduce plastic waste and pollution, the Government of Canada is looking for ways to increase the circularity of the textile and apparel sector to keep these materials in the economy and out of the environment.

Today, the Honourable Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Environment and Climate Change, launched a consultation to solicit feedback on the development of a roadmap to address plastic waste and pollution from the textile and apparel sector.

Building on the early interest and engagement from key stakeholders in the sector, the consultation document suggests a waste-management approach that keeps textiles and apparel in the circular economy for as long as possible. Prioritization will focus on the redesign, reduction, reuse, repair, and recycling of products over energy recovery and landfilling.

Until September 1, 2024, Canadians and interested parties are invited to comment on the consultation document and provide feedback. Comments received will help develop the draft roadmap to be published later this year.

Quotes

“After welcoming the world last April in Ottawa for the Fourth Session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee, we are more committed than ever to ending plastic waste and pollution in our own country. We are now reflecting on how we can prevent textile and apparel waste from going to landfill, being incinerated, or leaking into the environment as pollution. Addressing plastic waste and pollution in all sectors of our economy is the key to protecting the planet and creating a greener and prosperous future, while keeping plastics in the economy and out of the environment.”
– The Honourable Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Environment and Climate Change

Quick facts

Globally, about 80 billion new pieces of clothing are made each year—this is 400 percent more than 20 years ago. Synthetic fibres, such as polyester, represent around 54 percent of the world’s fibre production.In Canada, there is currently very limited collection and recycling of textiles, and approximately 98 percent of plastic textile waste ends up in landfills. In addition, about 878 tonnes of microfibres are released from synthetic textiles during laundering into fresh and marine waters in Canada and the United States annually.According to Statistics Canada’s Physical Flow Account for Plastic Material, around 290 kilotons of synthetic textile products (for example, made of polyester, nylon, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), and/or acrylic) were purchased in Canada in 2020. In that same year, around 280 kilotons were discarded as waste.Since 2018, the Government of Canada has been working with and supported organizations and key stakeholders to advance research on microfibre pollution, assess and identify challenges and opportunities to reduce waste, and pilot recycling and waste diversion programs in the textile and apparel sector.Canada’s Federal Plastics Registry will collect data on plastics in textiles, including quantities of textiles placed on the market and their end-of-life management.Working with the textile and apparel sector to develop and implement targeted solutions is an important part of Canada’s ambitious, evidence-based, and comprehensive plan to reduce plastic waste and pollution and move toward a circular economy for plastics through a range of complementary actions across the plastics lifecycle.

Associated links

Share and View Ideas: Consultation to Address Plastic Pollution and Waste from the Textile and Apparel SectorFederal Plastics RegistryCanada Zero Plastic Waste Agenda

Environment and Climate Change Canada’s X (Twitter) page

Environment and Climate Change Canada’s Facebook page

SOURCE Environment and Climate Change Canada

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TrailIntel Acquires GPS Trailmasters Software Platform to Advance Next-Generation Outdoor Navigation

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This advancement significantly expands the capabilities available to riders, introducing a more powerful, connected, and scalable navigation experience across Garmin, Mobile and Web.

STRONG, Maine, April 23, 2026 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — TrailIntel, the industry’s leading vertically integrated outdoor technology platform, today announced the acquisition and integration of GPS Trailmasters’ Garmin and mobile software products. This milestone builds on the longstanding relationship between the two companies and marks a significant step forward in delivering a more connected, intuitive, and scalable navigation experience for outdoor enthusiasts across North America.

“This is a major leap forward for outdoor recreation,” said Brian Gavin, Co-Founder of TrailIntel. “We’re preserving trusted mapping while delivering a more connected, simplified navigation experience on and off the trail.”

For over 18 years, GPS Trailmasters has been a trusted leader in electronic trail mapping, known for delivering highly accurate and reliable data to riders throughout the Northeastern United States. By integrating this proven dataset into TrailIntel’s modern platform, the combined solution introduces enhanced functionality, real-time capabilities, and a streamlined user experience across both Garmin and mobile devices.

TrailIntel’s mission is to deliver a complete, easy-to-use platform that connects planning, navigation, real-time trail conditions, and community engagement—enhancing safety, simplifying operations, and improving the outdoor experience.

“The evolution of GPS Trailmasters into TrailIntel represents a major leap forward for the outdoor recreation industry,” said Brian Gavin, Co-Founder of TrailIntel. “We’re preserving the trusted mapping foundation riders rely on, while introducing a more powerful, connected experience that simplifies navigation and expands what’s possible both on and off the trail.”

As part of the transition, Eric Murphy, owner of GPS Trailmasters, joins TrailIntel as Chief Geospatial Officer, where he will lead mapping strategy, expansion, and ongoing data development across all supported regions. “I’ve always believed in building high-quality maps and strong relationships within the riding community,” said Murphy. “With TrailIntel, we’re able to take everything GPS Trailmasters has built and scale it nationally, while continuing to deliver the same level of quality, service, and trust our customers expect.”

What This Means for Riders. The integration delivers a seamless upgrade for existing GPS Trailmasters customers, while introducing new capabilities across the TrailIntel platform: for Garmin users: simplified installation and map updates, expanded device compatibility, automatic route syncing from TrailIntel, streamlined experience with no third-party software required.

For Mobile Users: Real-time trail updates and conditions, offline navigation and breadcrumb tracking, turn-by-turn routing, community-driven insights and shared content advancing the outdoor experience.

The combination of GPS Trailmasters’ trusted mapping data with TrailIntel’s modern technology platform creates a comprehensive solution designed to serve the entire outdoor ecosystem: riders gain better planning tools, safer navigation, and more confidence on the trail. Clubs benefit from improved tools to manage, maintain, and grow their trail systems. Businesses and communities gain increased visibility and new opportunities driven by outdoor tourism

A key initiative of TrailIntel is continuing to support the organizations that sustain outdoor recreation, including opportunities to drive engagement and funding back to local clubs and trail systems.

Expanded Role for GPS Trailmasters. GPS Trailmasters will continue to operate under its brand, taking on an expanded role focused on nationwide hardware distribution and support, including: garmin device sales, ride Ready tablets, mounting systems and accessories.

This evolution allows GPS Trailmasters to extend its reach beyond the Northeast while supporting the growing demand for integrated hardware and software solutions.

A Pivotal Moment for Outdoor Recreation. The integration represents a long-term investment in the future of outdoor navigation, one that prioritizes accuracy, usability, and real-time connectivity. By combining legacy expertise with modern technology, TrailIntel is redefining how riders discover, plan, and experience the outdoors.

About TrailIntel:

TrailIntel is the industry’s first vertically integrated outdoor technology platform, designed to connect riders, clubs, businesses, and first responders through mapping, navigation, and real-time data. The platform delivers a seamless experience across mobile, web, and Garmin devices, helping users plan smarter and explore with confidence. For more information about TrailIntel, visit www.trailintel.com and follow along on Facebook and Instagram at @TrailIntel.

About GPS Trailmasters:

GPS Trailmasters has been a trusted provider of trail mapping technology for over 18 years, delivering high-quality GPS-based navigation solutions for snowmobile and ATV riders. The company will continue operations as a leading hardware provider supporting the TrailIntel ecosystem. For more information about GPS Trailmasters, visit www.gpstrailmasters.com and follow along on Facebook.

Media Contact

Brian Gavin, Trailintel, 1 207-241-4745, brian@trailintel.com, trailintel.com

View original content:https://www.prweb.com/releases/trailintel-acquires-gps-trailmasters-software-platform-to-advance-next-generation-outdoor-navigation-302750997.html

SOURCE Trailintel

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Z3 Technology Enables Rapid Project Development with the EXOSENS MicroCube XP Thermal Cores

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LINCOLN, Neb., April 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Z3 Technology, LLC, a leader in embedded camera encoding systems, today announces the release of our CIB-EX22 Camera Interface Board, which enables direct control and power to the EXOSENS MicroCube 640 XP shutterless thermal camera from Z3 OEM Video Encoder solutions through an LVDS digital video output connector, via 30-pin KEL cable. Jumpstart your camera system development with Z3’s cutting-edge hardware encoding technology for real-time video streaming.

Designed for efficiency and performance, our video encoders combine top-tier video compression and ultra-low bandwidth usage into a solution consuming <5W of power. Full camera and encoder control is available through serial or remote APIs, while multiple UART and GPIO interfaces enable seamless integration with external devices such as pan/tilt mounts, heater and wiper triggers, GPS, and range finders. User custom development is supported through our comprehensive SDK and OEM Starter Kits, allowing for rapid adaptation of evolving mission requirements. Hardware Specification documents, 3D model files, and interface schematics are available upon request to accelerate development progress. Z3 Technology solutions support simultaneous video streaming and recording across a wide range of camera models, delivering flexible, reliable video performance at the tactical edge.

“Z3 Technology is excited to announce our support of EXOSENS MicroCube XP series of shutterless thermal camera cores. Our new CIB-EX22 will enable seamless integration and control via our series of Z3 OEM Video Encoders for numerous markets including unmanned vehicles, security, surveillance, and remote sensing,” said Aaron Caldwell CEO of Z3 Technology, LLC.

Our miniature Q603 product line is the perfect platform to compliment efforts that the EXOSENS team has shown, considering the minimal footprint design of the MicroCube 640 XP. Development teams contemplating the addition of a 2nd thermal sensor or a visible zoom block camera should look no further than our FV2K and FV4K models, which have an additional video input for dual camera streaming up to 4Kp30. Proven product applications include camera systems in industries like Security & Surveillance, Unmanned Systems, and Military Video Solutions.

“In a win-win approach, this first bundle CIB-EX22 / MicroCube 640 XP values the true SWaP approach of EXOSENS LWIR thermal cores, required for highly integrated electro-optic systems,” said Mr. Guillaume Bunoz, Executive General Manager of EXOSENS Advanced Imaging Business Unit. “Microcube XP features many USPs (e.g. 1pt-NUC shutterless, tunable functions, OSD, low latency) that make it successful, especially in UAS market segment. This bundle with Z3 enables users to easily implement the DV CMOS 16 bits variant, beside the existing popular MIPI and UVC product versions of the MicroCube 640 XP.”

Explore What’s Possible with Z3 Technology
All Z3 video solutions are Made in the USA and fully compliant with NDAA, TAA, REACH, and RoHS requirements. Product design and manufacturing are performed by Z3 Technology, LLC, an ISO 9001–certified manufacturer.

Z3’s flexible embedded video encoder solutions can help power your next innovation. Learn more about our hardware encoding solutions and contact us to discuss your integration needs.

For more information on Z3 Technology’s SD to 4K Embedded Encoders and Camera Solutions, contact us today. Email sales@z3technology.com or visit our website at https://z3technology.com/products/oem/ to explore available options.

All product and company names mentioned within are trademarks™ or registered® trademarks of their respective owners.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/z3-technology-enables-rapid-project-development-with-the-exosens-microcube-xp-thermal-cores-302751003.html

SOURCE Z3 Technology

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CareScout Joins Ensight™ Intelligent Quote LTC & Life Marketplace

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Ensight, a leading digital sales acceleration platform for life, long-term care (LTC), and annuity insurance, today announced that CareScout Care Assurance, the inaugural long-term care insurance solution from CareScout Insurance Company (CareScout), is now available on its Intelligent Quote Platform.

SAN DIEGO, April 23, 2026 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — Ensight, a leading digital sales acceleration platform for life, long-term care (LTC), and annuity insurance, today announced that CareScout Care Assurance, the inaugural long-term care insurance solution from CareScout Insurance Company (CareScout), is now available on its Intelligent Quote Platform. This partnership marks a significant milestone for CareScout, signaling its rapid growth and commitment to a more integrated model for planning, finding, and funding care.

“By expanding access to Care Assurance through the Ensight platform, we’re making it easier for families to plan, navigate, and pay for long-term care in a more connected way.”

CareScout Care Assurance is a simple, personalized LTC insurance solution designed to help protect clients and their families from future care costs. When choosing CareScout, policyholders gain access to a unified ecosystem that brings together financial protection, expert guidance, and connections to trusted care providers – supporting families across every stage of the aging journey.

“CareScout represents an important and unique value-added addition to the growing range of solutions available in the long-term care market,” said Bill Unrue, CEO of Ensight. “We are thrilled to add the CareScout Care Assurance solution to the Ensight Intelligent Quote marketplace, providing distributors and financial professionals access to a holistic insurance product that expands the value of financial protection with additional integrated services.”

A modern LTC solution built for families, not just policyholders:

Care Assurance connects policyholders and their families to CareScout’s platform, helping them navigate care decisions, identify quality providers, and access trusted resources. This integrated approach reflects CareScout’s belief that insurance alone is incomplete without services, and that families benefit most when coverage, navigation, and support are unified.

“Families don’t experience aging or caregiving in silos,” said Samir Shah, CEO of CareScout. “By expanding access to Care Assurance through the Ensight platform, we’re making it easier for families to plan, navigate, and pay for long-term care in a more connected way.”

Supporting advisors in a changing long-term care landscape:

Ensight’s Intelligent Quote Platform enables financial professionals to efficiently illustrate and compare life, LTC, and annuity products while supporting more informed client conversations. With the addition of CareScout Care Assurance, Ensight’s growing distributor community gains access to an innovative solution built for today’s realities: rising longevity, increasing caregiving responsibilities, and families seeking clarity across planning, care, and funding.

About Ensight™

Ensight™ is the leading cloud-based insurance sales acceleration platform for more than 500 life, long-term care (LTC) and annuity distributors, thousands of financial professionals, as well as many of the largest North American insurance carriers. Headquartered in San Diego, California, Ensight helps drive sales growth and productivity, while addressing the entire sales lifecycle experience – from prospect to policyholder, new business to inforce.

To learn more about Ensight, visit https://www.ensightcloud.com/

About CareScout

CareScout helps older adults and their families navigate the aging journey, find, and fund quality care. Inspired by a mission to simplify and dignify the aging experience, we’re building an integrated ecosystem of care and funding solutions. To learn more about CareScout, visit www.CareScout.com. CareScout is a wholly owned subsidiary of Genworth Financial, Inc. (NYSE: GNW). CareScout is the marketing name for CareScout Holdings, Inc., its affiliates and entities. Affiliates and entities are solely and separately responsible for their own financial and contractual obligations.

Media Contact
Matt Essick, Ensight, 1 (619) 430-0587, messick@ensightcloud.com, https://ensightcloud.com
Evans Mandes, CareScout, 1 804-629-6582, evans.mandes@carescout.com, https://www.carescout.com/ 

View original content:https://www.prweb.com/releases/carescout-joins-ensight-intelligent-quote-ltc–life-marketplace-302750986.html

SOURCE Ensight

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