fade and become less attractive while the items themselves remain robust and serviceable.
In many cases, re-dyeing items makes textiles as good as new, and fit for many more months or even years’ service in commercial or organisational contexts. In fact, custom dyeing part-worn towels in rich, deep shades for spa use is more environmentally sustainable and cost-effective than ordering new ones in the desired colour.
As linen goes, workwear is at the more expensive end – and a fresh colour for staff uniforms will make tired items as good as new, as well as being useful in denoting rank or job type.
Some firms are commissioning more specialist dyeing such as transforming tired-looking continuous roller towels with a dark blue makeover or tinting old bedding bright pink or yellow for use as cleaning rags.
While there is no historical tradition of dyeing pieces that are no longer factory-fresh in this way, times are changing and as organisations look to save both carbon and money where they can, this is being seen as an increasingly attractive and innovative solution.
Pursuing low carbon ideals
For many hospitality companies and healthcare settings, becoming carbon neutral is a long way off – though in a growing number organisations, ambitious plans are now in motion to make this happen in the longer term. Where paying better attention to sustainability perhaps used to be as much for appearances as a desire to do the right thing, it’s now recognised as a crucial part of business survival.
Minimising impact on the environment – and building corporate eco-credentials – requires detailed analysis of all areas of operations, and getting into better habits with linen is a relatively easy and quick way to make a big difference. As part of a wider programme to reduce carbon emissions, a laundry must hang onto every piece of linen for as long as possible, without compromising customer expectations for unblemished, high-quality stock.
In all, unless fabric is damaged with holes or tears, management must strive to avoid any ‘early exit’ of linen at all.
While laundries will naturally turn their attention to their own water usage and matters such as the use of detergents, they must also think about the impact their suppliers have on natural resources, and these include textile manufacturers. New stock should be ordered only when this is unavoidable in order to minimise the impact of fresh manufacturing, as recommended in the waste hierarchy guidance.
Saving money is the added bonus
While faring better in sustainable practice is a highly-valued goal for many companies, saving money by ordering fewer items of new linen is another significant benefit that can easily be achieved along the way.
As we’re only too aware, the laundry and hospitality sectors particularly have been left severely depleted by the disruptions and uncertainties of the pandemic, including reduced business caused by periods of hospitality hiatus, and a lack of government help despite concentrated lobbying.
www.tomorrowscleaning.com “A laundry must hang
onto every piece of linen for as long as possible, without compromising customer expectations.”
So, there’s no better time than now to herald a new era of thrift – making the most of stock and avoiding unnecessary spend on top-up items, for any business that wants to be in better financial shape, ready to greet more fruitful times ahead. Forward thinking company owners and managers are already routinely sending stained linen for specialist treatment, and seeing benefits that are giving them an edge over their competitors.
It’s not too late for others to take inspiration from their lead. For any organisation that uses or supplies linen, the possibilities of revolutionising their linen management and reaping the benefits are right there in the basket marked ‘condemned’.
Regenex is currently offering a 400kg free trial to all new customers: visit the website to find out more.
www.regenex.co.uk COMMERCIAL LAUNDRY | 57
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