SUSTAINABILITY The true cost of clean
Mark Jankovich, CEO and Founder of Delphis Eco, explains why sustainable laundry starts before the wash cycle.
Laundry is often overlooked when contract cleaning companies, FM providers and other cleaning sector organisations review operating costs, but it represents a significant opportunity for savings. With energy prices continuing to fluctuate, we’re seeing more operators focus on reducing wash temperatures, improving first-time wash success
and extending textile lifespan as practical ways to reduce costs without compromising standards.
Laundry is essential to daily service delivery. Uniforms, microfibre cloths, mop heads, towels, bedding etc. all need to be cleaned safely, consistently and efficiently. However, with inefficient wash processes, costs can quickly add up through energy use, water consumption, labour, product waste, fabric wear and rewashing.
The true cost of clean isn’t measured by detergent alone. It sits across the whole laundry lifecycle: water used, heating energy required, ingredients discharged into wastewater, plastic packaging, dosing accuracy, washing frequency, fabric impact and the need to rewash when needed.
The conversation around sustainable laundry often starts with choosing an eco-friendly detergent, and that’s important. However, the bigger opportunity comes from looking at the full process before the wash begins.
Temperature is a significant factor. At Delphis Eco, we’re seeing more businesses reassess traditional 40-60°C wash cycles and move to lower-temperature washing, reducing energy consumption without compromising hygiene standards. This is particularly relevant where laundry products are formulated to perform effectively at reduced temperatures.
A big misconception is that improving laundry efficiency requires new machinery investment. In reality, some quick wins can come from changing wash processes and using products designed to deliver strong lower temperature results. Saving 10°C on a wash cycle, multiplied across hundreds weekly loads, can make a meaningful difference to both energy costs and carbon emissions.
However, performance cannot be compromised and laundry isn’t just about appearance: it’s about hygiene, safety, consistency and trust. If products fail to remove soiling first time, the result is often rewashing, meaning additional water, energy, labour and detergent, undermining sustainability and cost-savings.
First-time wash success is central to responsible laundry management. Choosing products which deal effectively with everyday soils, stains and odours helps reduce waste within the process. Good stain removal, correct pre-
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treatment, appropriate load sizes and accurate dosing all contribute to better outcomes.
Dosing is another area where small changes can make a measurable difference. Overdosing does not necessarily mean cleaner results; it can lead to product waste, residue build-up, unnecessary chemical discharge and increased cost. Underdosing can result in poor cleaning performance and rewashing. Clear dosing guidance, staff training and suitable dispensing systems can help improve consistency.
The ingredients going down the drain also deserve attention. Businesses should consider the product formulation, looking for responsible, biodegradable ingredients wherever it's possible and avoiding unnecessary harsh chemicals. Independent accreditations and transparent product information can also help procurement teams make informed decisions.
Packaging is part of the picture too. Concentrated products, larger-format containers, recycled packaging and refill or closed-loop systems can all reduce plastic waste. For those managing multiple sites, these choices add up.
Textile lifespan should also be viewed as a sustainability issue. A product which cleans well but degrades fabrics too quickly is not truly efficient. Extending the life of uniforms, cloths, towels and bedding reduces replacement costs, cuts waste and lowers procurement pressure.
Sustainable laundry isn’t one decision, but a series of connected choices. By reviewing wash temperatures, load sizes, dosing, product selection, stain treatment, packaging, staff training and textile care together, organisations can reduce waste, protect resources, improve efficiency and deliver the standards of clean that building users, staff, patients and residents rightly expect.
At Delphis Eco, we believe sustainable laundry starts long before the wash cycle begins. It starts with understanding the true cost of clean and making smarter decisions at every stage.
www.delphiseco.com
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