For almost a year now, CINET –  the International Committee of Textile Care – has been making preparations for the ‘World Congress of Textile Care’. Since laundries in Europe and US are faced with entirely different situations compared to those in Asian and African continents. CINET prepares a holistic program that is relevant to all parties involved. In a recent interview, CINET Executive Board Member – Mr. Rolf Slickers – shared his visions on the impact of the event, as well as on PTC market trends and challenges. 

Personal Profile Rolf Slickers

Mr Slickers started his career in the hotel industry and gained experience in various countries and functions before taking on the role of managing director at textile services provider Servitex – headquartered in Berlin – in 2017. Based on his expertise and experience he contributes to the program of the WORLD CONGRESS with valuable insights to the laundry industry and its players.

PTC Industry Developments & Trends

Mr. Slickers, what Opportunities & Challenges you see in the European market for PTC?

Slickers: “In many countries finding well-trained, dedicated employees is a bigger challenge than finding the right customer. The only chance to provide the capacities required, will be to replace employees by technology – a big chance for robotics!

At the same time, digital technology – for instance for chipped linen – makes linen processes more transparent. Thus, loss of linen and its costs can be diminished.

Furthermore COVID seems to have increased the appreciation for laundries and laundry owners’ self-confidence has grown after the pandemic. In Germany for instance, the situation has never been better, despite increasing costs. Although many businesses have to shut down because children do not feel the need to take over the business, the number of hotels will be increasing. So if you are doing a good job, your company will have a solid future.

At the same time, the hotel industry relies on the many small enterprises to be found in the industry, which have difficulty in finding skilled employees. In Germany for instance, business owners have started to hire oversees employees and trainees. It means that smaller companies need to start thinking globally while acting locally. A real challenge!”

What prospects you see for smaller companies?

Slickers: “There is a difference between ‘working in your company’ and ‘working at your company’. In my former industry (hotel industry) I once thought that big companies would have all the action. I was surprised to see that people working in smaller hotels had to make so many decisions! In my opinion it is quite refreshing to give people from large laundry operations the opportunity to exchange views with people from smaller companies. They will look at situations from a completely different angle and perspective, while still facing the same challenges such as employer branding and sustainability. Smaller companies tend to be much more flexible and they can meet changing customer demands faster”.

Do you reckon that the CINET World Congress will be the perfect place for meeting colleagues from all over the world?

Slickers: “We all come from different starting points, even in Germany or in Europe. At the same time, we are facing the same challenges, when it comes to finding trained employees, giving leadership and empowerment. However, the most important overall challenge is sustainability! Clients all over the world will ask for our commitment to develop programmes to reduce our carbon footstep.

It means that although laundry businesses in all continents experience different developments, they all have the same needs and challenges and use the same machinery or detergents. So they have a lot in common – more than they are aware of.

I am convinced this Congress will reach out to everybody involved and that our program will provide a major contribution towards intercontinental cooperation.

Although COVID has learned almost everybody to participate in online meetings, a great need is being felt by now to personally meet people. That exactly is the aim of this special event!”