Background

Chris Tebbs has always believed that this industry is truly international, and that international cooperation is essential! During his career he was involved with various Associations (e.g. Dyers & Cleaners Research Organisation, British Launderers Research Association and Fabric Care Research Association), before he became one of the first members of the new CINET board and eventually became executive director of the International Drycleaners Congress.

International Cooperation

Chris: “All my positions come down to the fact that I believe in international cooperation. For instance, not every system within the industry will work in every area. Some things are better in Japan, other things go better in Europe. However, all ideas that emerge somewhere can be beneficial to the entire industry. We’re no longer just a laundry and dry-cleaning business. We can operate in various types of textile services, but we can also operate in other ‘care’ areas, such as shoe repair or handbag and purse cleaning. So… it’s all about developing the business and international cooperation is a must!”

International Platforms

Chris: “The first benefit of cooperating (internationally) is that nobody is worried about taking business away from each other. People don’t see an international cleaner as a competitor. Then, the dry-cleaning and laundry industry is very much a technical industry that requires skills and training. We often forget that, to our disadvantage. Associations and conferences can bring the information that enables the industry to produce better services.That is important in view of the environmental uncertainties as well as health and safety concerns. We need to have a very professional industry and congresses/conferences can help to develop the professionalism”.

A changing industry….

Chris: “The industry as I knew it, started as a major laundry industry operating from factories With small  dry-cleaning sections and with most of the work being collected by van rounds. The business changed when dry-cleaning moved out into small independently operating shops and the laundries moved to garment rental and linen hire. Over recent years dry-cleaning has increased the amount of laundry work and “gone back” to factory operations, albeit smaller ones supporting dry stores and introduced  pick-up and delivery services, although it has gone forward in terms of technology, research, and services. The country and global associations can help.in the need to go forward.”

Global staff shortages

Chris: ”Too often young people look at the industry as if there’s nothing to learn inside the operations. We should push more on the qualifications that are needed. Everybody thinks to only learn something by sitting next to somebody at a desk, but there’s an awful lot to learn in this industry – particularly when you think of the textiles-side. For instance, many garments are not made of one fabric, but are made from multi fabrics or there are textiles that cause problems. People who enter the industry need to know all that as well as the chemistry of the processing! The industry itself should also be more aware about this knowledge and skills. It should be promoted in a much wider sense than is happening now.”

Hiring next-generation laundry staff

Chris: “With the AWARDS systems CINET is already working on inspiring youngsters and making them see the opportunities. But I think that at a more local level, the industry has to start co-operating with schools and colleges. There are many events for students to discuss various career opportunities but I have not once seen a laundry and dry-cleaning company, or for that matter, an industry association standing on a booth to present itself. They should be there!!  This is an important role particularly for the country associations and they must seize that opportunity. For the Industry to move forward in the future, it has  to get to schools and get through to young people”.

Conclusion

Chris: “There many challenges and an international congress as we’re going to have this year, is a good starting point for thinking about them and most of all …  getting things done”.