More than just ‘soap’
Many hoteliers ask the same question: how sustainable is the detergent used to wash their linen? According to Gerard Bakker, Operational Director Laundry Technology Netherlands at Christeyns, the answer begins with a better understanding of the complete washing process.
“Many people think of laundering as one product that does everything. In an industrial laundry, it works completely differently.”
“At home, everything is in one all-in-one detergent or laundry capsule containing all the components together. In an industrial laundry, it works much more precisely.” In large industrial washing machines, the exact amount needed for the process is dispensed at precisely the right moment. Degreasers, bleaching agents, and other components are added separately, tailored to the type of textile, the level of soiling, and the temperature. This way, only what is truly necessary is used.
“A consumer at home easily uses around 15 liters of water per kilogram of laundry. In a modern laundry, that number is much lower, because processes run continuously, water is used more efficiently, and is partly reused after filtering.” “At home, a washing machine sometimes runs for an hour and a half. In a laundry, that process often happens within half an hour.”
Smarter washing with less impact
According to Gerard, laundry chemicals have changed significantly in recent years. “In the past you needed higher temperatures and larger amounts of chemicals. Nowadays, it is much more about lower temperatures, smart dosing, and more efficient laundering.” New techniques, such as Cool Chemistry, make it possible to achieve a hygienic result at lower temperatures as well. As a result, energy consumption decreases and textiles are subjected to less wear.
Modern products themselves have also changed. Products are becoming increasingly more concentrated and more biodegradable. As a result, smaller quantities are needed and transportation and packaging use also decreases. “With smarter laundering you can reduce impact in places that customers often don’t directly see.”
Everything you dose, you also discharge
What many customers do not know is that used products ultimately end up in waste water treatment plants. That is why there’s a strong focus on biodegradable products and the lowest possible dosages. “Everything you dose, you ultimately also discharge. That is why chemicals are increasingly biodegradable and we work with much lower dosages than before.”
Water treatment systems are set up to process biodegradable wastewater. The biodegradable components even serve as food for bacteria in the purification process.
Safety requires knowledge and discipline
In laundries, highly concentrated products are used. Safety and training therefore play a major role. Employees receive instructions on the use of products, safety procedures, and color coding of products. “You can’t just work with these products. People need to know what they’re doing.”
In addition, systems are designed to prevent incorrect combinations of products as much as possible. According to Gerard, safety therefore lies not only in the products themselves, but primarily in training, processes, and awareness on the work floor.
Innovation determines the next step
Christeyns has been working with Blycolin for decades on further improving washing processes. In doing so, the focus is increasingly shifting toward innovation, circularity, and efficient use of raw materials. “Our strength lies in making the entire process smarter. There is still much to be gained there.”
According to Gerard, developments such as Cool Chemistry, enzyme technology, and water reuse are playing an increasingly larger role in this. By washing smarter at lower temperatures, energy consumption decreases and textiles remain usable for longer. Circular textile fibers will also play a larger role within the sector, according to him. Not only to reduce impact, but also because raw materials are becoming increasingly scarce. “Ultimately, you can only make those steps if the entire supply chain moves along. Machines, chemicals, laundries, and textiles all influence each other.”
“Professional laundering is about much more than a detergent”
– Gerard Bakker, Operational Director – Christeyns