What information technology was in the 1990s, green technology is set to be for this decade. We all know how it grew by leaps and bounds, and none of us were able to keep up with all the changes. Just think of all the possibilities in green technology! 

One of the most prominent debates we have daily is: reusables vs. disposables. TRSA and ARTA, among other associations, have been strong advocates, and have supplied us with tools and arguments to share with our customers on the advantages of reusable textiles. Overflowing landfills are a concern for all of us. By educating our customers who operate healthcare facilities on the benefits of reusables and their positive impact on the environment, we can significantly affect what could lead to major ecological disasters for future generations. But it is not only a “philosophical” change; we believe there are significant savings to be made by our facilities by going reusable. Most textile manufacturers are working hard at providing reusable alternatives that perform as well – if not better – than their disposable counterparts. There are many options already available on the market, providing durability, great absorptions, and most of all great patient care. Strong believers in disposables, influenced by what they see on the news and various lobby groups, are becoming increasingly open-minded and willing to listen. This is an area that will not only save the environment, but also out industry.

Natural vs. Synthetic
We often believe that going back to age-old methods will help us go back to an era where we had no concerns about the future of our planet. If only it were that simple. So what are ecological textiles? What might first come to mind is natural fibers. But unless raw goods suppliers are using organic cotton, there’s no substantial data to support the theory that cotton based products are more enviro-friendly than synthetic fibers. Did you know that cotton is the second most damaging crop in the world? Twenty-five percent of all pesticides used globally are applied to cotton crops. That’s not to say that synthetic textiles are better or worse than cotton, but rather, there are no simple answers. There are many aspects to consider. Each textile presents a different set of priorities, and you need to decide what factors are at the top of your list. Quick drying? Better absorption? Once you’ve identified the issue at hand, the appropriate selection of textiles will become clear and lead to positive results. In addition, you need to consider the number of uses you get from what you are purchasing. In general, the better the quality of the product, the longer it will last, thus lowering ragouts and disposals over time.

As an industry, we need to examine what happens at the end of the useful life of our reusable textiles. How will we dispose of them? Textile recycling facilities are gaining traction in the laundry industry. They are often part of larger recycling companies, and they are accommodating our need to dispose of our products, while reducing our impact on landfills. Some manufacturers are even working at finding recycling processes that won’t endanger the environment. This could be the next boom in green technology.

The ‘Greening’ of the Laundry Process
Increased cooperation among textile manufacturers, equipment producers, and chemical suppliers is creating a dynamic in which everyone is pulling in the same direction, to benefit from the latest developments in all related fields. Water consumption is one of the areas where we have seen a significant impact. In the past 25 years, the average water consumption in tunnel washers has declined by roughly 20% thanks to the introduction of new products and the re-use of rinse water. Cold-water wash and the recycling of dryer exhaust to heat the facility are only two examples of how to implement a greening of laundry process. The actual items undergoing laundering also have experienced tremendous changes. Rare are institutional laundries that only expect to buy a product from their suppliers. They now buy a service, including assistance from experts to ensure that they are getting the best products with a reduced impact on the environment. In the new decade, no professional should be satisfied with dealing with a peddler who bring the cheapest available product. We all know that cost per use, not purchase price, is the best yardstick in determining value and that we need to consider other factors that, in the end, will add to our expenses: disposal, storage, rewash, drying times, etc. We also need to think that buying/sourcing from the usual list of “low-cost” manufacturing countries will consume significant amounts of fuel. While there’s no way to completely eliminate this, buying domestically or from neighboring countries will help limit the release of toxic fumes into our atmosphere.

Some resolutions are easier to keep than others. Wherever we are in our thinking process regarding ecological concerns, it cannot be ignored. As much as certain things can’t be denied, there are significantly different schools of thought over the environment and what can be done. The least we can do is keep thinking about it, keep talking about it, and stay informed.

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