Leadership Voice increase productivity ranked highest among operational priorities, followed by improving operational efficiency and adopting AI tools. However, the CEOs acknowledged that implementation remains complex due to integration challenges, capital requirements and a shortage of skilled technicians.
The North American survey data and discussions reinforce this outlook. Nearly two-thirds of respondents identified technology investment and efficiency improvements as the most significant operational factors facing the industry in the coming years. Artificial intelligence and automation are gaining traction but still lagging behind core infrastructure upgrades.
Customer expectations and sustainability pressures further unite the findings from the UK and North American executives. These results reveal growing concern about customer demands for transparency and sustainability, as well as a strong interest in expanding into new market segments and in responding to heightened environmental expectations.
TRSA Resources
Textile Services, cont.
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June 2023
Chemicals / Water Treatment— Sustainable Solutions: Latest in Wash Chemistry and Water-Management Systems
• Ecolab, St. Paul, MN. Optimizes water use at every stage of commercial laundry operations, from pre-treatment to post-treatment.
• EllisLudell, Itasca, IL. Wastewater-discharge systems are modular: wastewater-feed pumps, tube flocculators for chemical reactions, and dissolved-air flotation to separate solids from water.
• JENSEN Braun, Syracuse, NY. Open-pocket washer / extractor water reclamation system has a 173-gallon tank for a 450-lb. washer and a 225-gallon tank for a 650-lb. washer. Customers reported saving( on average) 2,500 gallons per day.
• Gurtler Industries Inc., South Holland, IL. Low-alkaline technology avoids the use of harsh caustic chemicals on the toughest industrial soils and is also effective for F & B laundries. Promotes textile longevity, eliminates effluent pH compliance issues and prevents hardness build-up for fabric softness. Wastewater technology
In Europe, there are strong concerns regarding the impact of energy costs and availability. This apprehension is further exacerbated by the recent conflict in the Middle East and the ongoing war in Ukraine. Both conflicts have led to a greater emphasis on efficiency and alternative energy sources.( Note: The North American CEO discussions and surveys were conducted prior to the start of the current round of hostilities in the Middle East.)
Rapid advances in automation will surely impact these issues as well. The early adoption of artificial intelligence( AI) and robotics can confer a competitive advantage in global competition. In addition, a transition away from fossil fuels and management-succession efforts underscore the need for long-term investment, collaboration and adaptability as the industry evolves.
Together, the findings paint a consistent picture: whether viewed from the global executive suite or across the broader industry in North America and the UK, workforce capability, cost control and strategic adoption of technology are shaping the path forward for linen, uniform and facility services companies. TS
reduces the sludge volume of traditional treatment programs.
• Kemco Systems, Clearwater, FL. Water recycling removes all emulsified, suspended and dissolved contaminants from wastewater without requiring large volumes of chemicals. Ceramic membrane elements filter wastewater, reverse osmosis( RO) membranes remove remaining color, hardness and dissolved constituents.
• Norchem Corp., Los Angeles. Produces recycled water for a range of applications( from heavy industrial workwear to healthcare, food service and hospitality) with no added treatment chemicals. Detergent uses biodegradable, safe surfactants to clean and treat stains on 100 % cotton, synthetics and blends for hospitality, cleanroom, healthcare, linen rental and industrial product mixes.
• Spartan Chemical Co., Maumee, OH. Stain fighters in water-soluble packets are individually packaged and labeled for safe handling and accurate dosing, including chlorinated, oxygenated or rust- and iron-removal formulas. Reported to reclaim over 50 % of rejected linens.
• WSI, Washing Systems, Cincinnati. Engineers and chemists for water management and treatment offer consulting and services, wastewater chemical products, legacy and new wastewater system hardware, and ceramic filtration. TS
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