At a time where maintaining environmentally-friendly and efficient operations is crucial, sustainable laundry practices have never been so important in the commercial sector.
From top-of-the-line technology to optimised fleet routes, there are now a number of ways in which commercial laundries can stay green and efficient.
If you wish to transform your operations to include more sustainable activity, our blog below takes a look at the best practices for commercial laundries. Continue reading to find out!
Invest in new hardware
As outlined in previous blogs, upgrading old hardware is an important part of implementing sustainable laundry practices.
In general, it is recommended that washers over 10 years should be replaced with new equipment. Nowadays, newer models on the market tote incredible water-saving and efficiency features, which cut down on bills in an almost unprecedented manner. Here, solutions such as continuous batch washing machines use a mere two gallons of water, or less, for each pound of fabric.
In this regard, water reuse technology – those that reuse, reclaim, or recycle water – are becoming increasingly popular. These even take the form of treatment systems that reduce water usage by recycling a whopping 90% of greywater produced through laundry operations.
Some of this technology also reduces the need for laundry chemicals, which prevents these from entering the environment after use.
Additionally, boiler heat recovery equipment that recovers the heat produced from the laundry’s water boiler system, is also proving to be highly useful in this process. Not only does this recycle heat already produced for core laundry activity, but it also saves a significant amount of energy in the process.
Collectively, these solutions save water, energy, and time, contributing towards sustainable laundry practices from the get-go.
Make use of alternative power sources
Another significant way in which commercial service providers can maintain sustainable laundry practices is through the use of green energy sources.
In this regard, solar solutions are becoming a popular feature in modern commercial laundries. Beyond powering the electricity consumption of the business as a whole, this option also allows companies to meet their hot water requirements through renewable energy.
While many cite high installation costs as a factor that impedes adoption, the growing affordability of this technology coupled with the numerous rebates available renders this argument null and void.
Beyond this, heat pumps are also growing in use in the commercial market. These devices extract the heat available in the environment – whether in the air or the earth – and power internal heating and cooling requirements, which includes hot water.
Consider fleet optimisation
Commercial laundries can also stay sustainable through fleet fuel and delivery route optimisation. In this process, not only are more environmentally-friendly fuels used to complete deliveries, but routes are also optimised to prevent unnecessary detours, thereby maximising the efficiency of fleet services.
To cater to these needs, a variety of software and other technological tools are now being used. Certain services even promise improved operations with up to 40% shorter routes.
Purchase low-temperature detergent
Investing in energy-efficient low-temperature detergent is another component of sustainable laundry practices.
Given the availability of liquid detergents that can deliver exceptional cleaning at lower water temperatures, optimising the washing process is now easier than ever. Here, certain solutions even show a reduction in up to 40% of water usage and up to 50% of energy usage.
Some are even phosphate and NPE-free, which helps protect waterways and the external environment.
Commence laundry recycling programs
Another way in which companies can maintain sustainable laundry practices is by implementing a holistic recycling program.
Here, empty laundry bottles and paperboard laundry care packaging can be recycled or dropped off at centres that undertake this sort of activity. This way, preventing wastage and the disposal of toxic material in the environment can be minimised, ensuring cleaner operations from start to finish.
Key takeaways on sustainable laundry practices
Given the trends of the present day and age, sustainable laundry practices are an important part of running a successful commercial laundry.
While this may seem daunting, the availability of a number of technological tools has made this process significantly easier. Whether through the use of low-temperature detergent, effective recycling programs or any of the other practices we’ve highlighted above, ensure sustainability in laundry operations for greater profits and improved longevity.
For more insights on sustainable laundry practice in the commercial space, stay tuned to the Bundle blog!