Abstract: A method includes: obtaining a batch of item group definitions, each item group definition having one or more item identifiers and corresponding quantities; for each item identifier, retrieving (i) a location of a corresponding item in a facility, and (ii) a dimensional attribute of the corresponding item; based on the locations and dimensional attributes, assigning sets of the item group definitions to respective receptacle configurations, each receptacle configuration including, for each item group definition in the set, a receptacle type with a predefined capacity; monitoring availability of a plurality of transporters in the facility, each transporter having a chassis configured to support a selectable set of receptacles; and responsive to detecting that a transporter is available, selecting one of the receptacle configurations, and presenting the selected receptacle configuration via an output device, to initiate placement of receptacles onto the chassis of the transporter according to the selected recep

Abstract: A material for absorbing hydrophobic water-immiscible liquids comprises lignocellulosic plant material which has been rendered relatively more absorbent to hydrophobic water-immiscible liquids by esterification of hydroxyl groups in the lignin of the lignocellulose material. The esterification in one aspect is by acetylation of the hydroxyl groups. Absorbing articles and methods for use with hydrophobic water-immiscible liquids are also disclosed.