Environmental Issues
United Kingdom( UK). Most K-Bro customers view sustainability as a high priority. But they’ re also concerned about controlling costs.“ Customers have been supportive of enhanced sustainability efforts,” says McCurdy.“ However, the importance of sustainability, relative to other criteria, including price, quality and reliability, varies by customer.” Like the operators quoted above, sustainability is critical to K-Bro’ s mission.“ Embracing sustainable practices is part of who we are,” she says.“ We’ re proud of our seven-decade history of putting people first, supporting our partners and environmental stewardship. Our talented, diverse and motivated workforce shares our values and represents our local communities.”
Thomas Tsolakoglou, customer service manager for Shasta Linen Supply, Sacramento, CA, acknowledged that not all customers share his company’ s enthusiasm for environmental conservation. Nonetheless, it’ s a smart way to advance business goals.“ It depends on the customer,” Tsolakoglou says of attitudes toward sustainability among his company’ s mainly food and beverage( F & B) client base.“ A customer that is looking to secure the lowest price possible isn’ t going to be supporting these efforts if they increase the cost. For the most part, however, customers seem to appreciate any sort of sustainability effort that we promote, and it is always a good talking point during a sale process.” Either way, Tsolakoglou, the son of former TRSA Chair Noël Richardson, recommends forging ahead toward a greener future, if for no other reason than to ensure compliance.“ I believe that we should proceed with sustainability efforts regardless, as sustainable practices are not only beneficial for everyone, but will also inevitably become mandatory.”
Welch says companies with strong environmental credentials can’ t expect customers to pay a premium for these practices. However, having a strong sustainability record can enhance a company’ s image.“ Customers may require or strongly encourage these efforts,” he says.“ But there is no pricing favorability given to firms that demonstrate strong execution in this area. Firms should be active in developing sustainable practices when there is both an economic and a brand incentive to do so.”
Björkman adds that demonstrating leadership in sustainability also helps lower costs, while enhancing a company’ s reputation— a win-win by any measure.“ Economy and sustainability go hand in hand,” he says.“ Reducing environmental impact also lowers costs by reducing energy consumption and chemical use, while creating greater value for our customers and their customers.”
Trends in Recycling
Repurposing ragged-out textiles is an area that’ s always held great potential. However, more progress is needed, according to the operators we contacted. Björkman notes that he’ s using recycled materials in floor mats, which are themselves highly sustainable.“ We use recycled yarn in all the mats we purchase,” he says.“ Mat rental in itself is a form of textile reuse and circularity.”
From the supplier side, Frank Kerley, vice president, North America Healthcare and Hospitality at Standard Textile, says he’ s optimistic on innovations in this area.“ Yes, we see momentum growing in textile recycling, including increasing interest in recycled synthetic fibers and other reclaimed materials, such as recycled polyester made from ocean-recovered plastics,” Kerley says.“ We are also seeing greater focus on closed-loop and circularity programs, along with designing products with recyclability in mind
Below:( l / r) Ecotex Healthcare Linen Service staff with President and CEO Bryan Bartsch; an overview of a K-Bro Linen Inc. plant, courtesy of the JENSEN Group.
14 Textile Services • May 2026