For decades public opinion and also governments blamed the Laundry and Drycleaning industry for being “dirty guys”. Working with chemicals, waste disposals, old fashioned technologies and working methods, often lead to negative publicity. And, in many countries still do. The Perc discussions and more severe legislation did not help either.
Hence, it took time and a lot of effort to proof the sustainability of the sector. This was done in 2010 already. But only very few people today are aware of that. PTC Professionals seem not always to accept the facts. That is understandable because most professionals world-wide do not work yet according to Best Practices Principles. Hence, there is still a tremendous job for education and training to let people Understand how best practices can be implemented. Step by step or by investments in the latest technologies. In both directions it has proven to be a huge challenge, especially in economic less developed countries. But, increasing sustainability is in most cases also increasing profitability in the longer run. So there is hope.
Circularity
The latest insights in textile cleaning are even more exiting. Cleaning textiles according to best practice principles leads to a longer life time of textiles /garments. This is not so effective with Fast Fashion, but extremely interesting when using the best quality of textiles. Postponing a purchase of new textiles is the best sustainable choice. So, increasing a longer lifetime, and increasing circularity of textile materials by cleaning them more often, makes a great difference in CO2 savings. Hence, EU legislators are forcing the industry to reduce waste, reuse materials and redesign textiles for improving the negative impact of textiles in societies.
Sustainability and circularity according to best practices make the difference and offer societies incredible opportunities.
Consumers and as a result of that, also governments, are more and more convinced. The PTC industry can take the lead in this transformation, but is still reluctant to develop the opportunities. It seems that it needs young entrepreneurs to take this to a next level.
