In the business of running a commercial laundry, textiles form a core area of focus and consideration. With clients hailing from large healthcare institutions to world-class hotels, textile trends and usage play a significant role in how laundries operate.
In our blog this week, we take a look at how trends in the textile industry can affect commercial laundries. From changes in healthcare and hospitality practices to the rise of microfibre, find out all you need to know for improved and cost-effective operations!
Microfibre towels are growing in use
Now used in the manufacture of resort towels, microfibre material is renowned for its ability to dry quickly and its inability to trap sand and dirt, compared to conventional terry cloth. This material is also light and thin, which means that more of it can be transported and washed at once, making cleaning significantly easier for commercial laundries.
Custom printed monograms or logos are also preserved at a much better rate compared to cotton, although care must be taken to dry microfibre linen at lower temperatures.
While synthetic fibres such as this guarantee lower electricity bills – when considered in terms of cleaning – it’s likely that certain establishments may shy away from it owing to its potential for micro-plastic pollution. In addition to this, certain varieties of microfibre including rayon may cause heavy shrinking when washed at low temperatures.
The hospitality sector is moving towards high-end textiles
In an effort to replicate a lush residential experience, hotel chains are likely to gravitate towards more high-end textiles in their selection of towels, bed sheets, and other hotel linen.
Another focus area will be textile that can withstand the effect of heavy and thorough laundering – leading to a long-term reduction in textile-related costs. Other priorities may also pertain to a shift towards colourful material, which while enhancing the aesthetic of rooms and suites, can pose a certain level of complexity for laundry operations.
Hotels are likely to adopt wicking and cooling technology
Another one of the many fabric trends that can be anticipated in 2019 is the use of cooling and wicking technology for hotel linen.
While costs are still somewhat prohibitive and surface finishes may not be entirely durable, this innovation is likely to take flight owing to the comfort it promises guests. In this regard, wicked sheets eliminate moisture, are known to dry 4 times faster compared to standard sheets, are 3 times more breathable, and are also hypoallergenic.
All of this is owing to the fact that wicked sheets are free of dyes, bleaching agents, and chemicals that can cause skin irritation.
The selection of healthcare linen is becoming more performance-based
Another textile trend likely to dominate the new year is the use of synthetic-rich and performance-based fabrics in the selection of scrubs. Alongside a use in colour-coded fabrics, this is likely to change how commercial laundries process these loads for healthcare clients.
While treated and delicate stretch material such as these may prove somewhat of a change to how laundries clean this type of fabric, it poses a great opportunity for businesses that can get it right.
Apart from scrubs, healthcare institutions will also look to improve patient apparel through the use of softer fabric, synthetic blends, stain and fade-resistant prints, and improved coverage. All of this combined is expected to make processing and cleaning considerable easier for commercial laundries.
This shifting focus on making every aspect of the patient experience comfortable likely stems from research, which shows that healing and recovery are faster in comfortable spaces. Performance-based fabrics, which form a large part of fabric trends this year, such as polyester that’s geared to feel like cotton, can microclimate around the patient’s skin.
Sheets, blankets, and other healthcare linen are now being designed in a way that removes pressure and moisture from patients’ skin, preventing skin breakdown. This type of material is proving to be easier to launder and preserve, given that they are stain-resistant and can dry faster.
Key takeaways
Fabric trends in 2019 are evolving to improve customer experience on more than one level. From commercial laundry clients to patients and vacationers, these developments seek to improve the lifespan of fabric, its comfort, and the cost efficiency of laundering.
Curious about emerging textile trends?
For more insights on what to expect this year and other textile trends, head to the Bundle Laundry blog today!
