Top 10 Sustainable Laundry Tips for Your Business

In today’s eco-conscious landscape, businesses are increasingly focusing on sustainable practices, yet laundry operations often go overlooked as a major contributor to carbon footprints. Adopting sustainable laundry practices can significantly reduce environmental impact while offering cost savings and enhancing brand reputation. From investing in energy-efficient appliances and switching to renewable energy sources, to using environmentally friendly detergents and promoting air drying, there are numerous ways to make laundry operations greener. Regular maintenance, employee engagement, and monitoring environmental impact also play vital roles. By implementing these sustainable laundry tips, businesses can move toward carbon-neutral and net-zero operations, benefiting both the planet and their bottom line.

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By
Freya Gutteridge

Business & Insights

Short-Lets

In today's world, businesses are increasingly recognising the importance of adopting sustainable practices to reduce their environmental impact. One crucial aspect often overlooked is laundry operations, which can significantly contribute to a company's carbon footprint. 

However, implementing sustainable laundry practices not only benefits the environment but can also lead to cost savings and enhance your business's reputation. Here are the top 10 sustainable laundry tips to help your business achieve carbon-neutral and net-zero operations.

  1. Use energy-efficient appliances

Investing in energy-efficient washing machines and dryers is the first step toward sustainability. Modern appliances are designed to use less water and energy, helping your business minimise its carbon footprint. 

Look for appliances with high energy efficiency ratings and advanced features like sensors that optimise water and detergent usage.

  1. Switch to renewable energy sources

Transitioning to renewable energy sources such as solar or wind power can significantly reduce the carbon impact of your laundry operations. By relying on clean energy, your business can move closer to achieving a net-zero carbon footprint. Consider installing solar panels on your premises or purchasing renewable energy credits to offset the electricity consumed during laundry processes.

  1. Optimise washing cycles

To achieve sustainability in laundry practices, it's essential to optimise washing cycles. Encourage your staff to wash full loads and utilise cold water whenever possible. Most of the energy consumed during laundry comes from heating water, so embracing cold water washing not only reduces energy consumption but also helps preserve fabric quality.

  1. Implement water-saving technologies

Water is a precious resource, and reducing its usage is a critical aspect of sustainable laundry practices. Invest in water-saving technologies such as high-efficiency washing machines and reclaim systems that capture and filter water for reuse. In addition to saving water, installing filters to prevent the release of microfibres and microplastics is also important. Organisations like The Cleaner Seas Group are experts in this field, and are always happy to help.

Implementing these technologies not only reduces water consumption but also minimises the environmental impact of wastewater discharge.

  1. Choose environmentally friendly detergents

Selecting environmentally safe detergents is a crucial step in achieving sustainable laundry operations. Opt for detergents that are biodegradable and free from harmful chemicals. Avoid the likes of Perc, which is increasingly being perceived as an unhealthy and polluting detergent. Instead, look for new methods of cleaning, such as ozone cleaning.

These detergents not only contribute to a cleaner environment but also ensure that harmful substances do not find their way into the water supply, promoting a healthier ecosystem.

  1. Promote air drying

Dryers are notorious for their energy consumption, and air drying is a simple yet effective alternative. Encourage your staff to air dry clothing whenever possible, either by hanging them on clotheslines or using drying racks. 

This not only reduces your business's carbon footprint but also extends the lifespan of fabrics, leading to less frequent replacements.

  1. Regular maintenance of equipment

Ensuring that your laundry equipment is well-maintained is crucial for sustainability. Regularly clean lint traps, inspect hoses, and perform preventive maintenance on washing machines and dryers. 

Well-maintained appliances operate more efficiently, reducing energy and water consumption and extending their lifespan, which is inherently sustainable.

  1. Implement a recycling program

Sustainability extends beyond the laundry room. Establish a comprehensive recycling program within your business to manage waste effectively. Recycling materials such as cardboard, plastic, and paper packaging from laundry supplies contributes to a circular economy and reduces the overall environmental impact of your business.

  1. Educate and engage employees

Employee engagement is key to the success of any sustainability initiative. Educate your staff about the importance of sustainable laundry practices and provide training on the implementation of these tips. 

Encourage them to be mindful of their actions, such as turning off equipment when not in use, to collectively work towards achieving a carbon-neutral laundry operation.

  1. Measure and monitor environmental impact

To continuously improve sustainability efforts, it's essential to measure and monitor your business's environmental impact. Implement key performance indicators (KPIs) to track energy and water consumption, detergent usage, and waste generation. Regularly review the data and adjust your practices accordingly to strive towards achieving a net-zero and sustainable laundry operation.

By adopting at least some of these sustainable laundry tips, your business can make significant strides towards becoming carbon-neutral and aid you on your path to net zero. Implementing these practices not only benefits the planet but also enhances your brand's reputation, attracting environmentally conscious customers and contributing to a more sustainable future.

If you’re looking for sustainable laundry options that don’t involve huge capital expenditure, speak to the Oxwash team to see how we can help you.

Why we practise what we preach

We put a lot of effort into our sustainability reports because our clients deserve to see exactly what we’re doing and how it affects the planet. Dive into the findings from our 2023 Sustainability Report.
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