FROM BOREHOLES for water to eco-friendly chefs wear made of recycled plastic bottles, Stalbridge Linen is actively helping the textile services industry reduce its carbon footprint through continued investment in, and development of, energy efficient processes and sustainable practices.
As a major specialist supplier of table linen, bed linen, towels and chefs wear to the hospitality, catering and leisure industries, Stalbridge Linen processes around 60 million pieces every year across its four UK plants. A sustained programme of investment in energy and water recycling systems now ensures that the company maintains best practice in terms of environmental legislation, sustainability and corporate responsibility.
Two water boreholes in Dorset now contribute up to 100 cubic metres a day a significant amount which would otherwise have to come out of the local water supply. And, says operations director Alan Mulholland, because the company has invested significantly in the use of the boreholes, its not going to waste the water and therefore respects it as a valuable resource.
Our use of water is monitored very carefully and we have implemented a range of systems to ensure that it is used and recycled as efficiently as possible, adds Alan.
The average amount of water per kilo of laundry processed is now five litres as compared to 10 litres six years ago.
Another innovative environmental initiative implemented by Stalbridge Linen is the inclusion of Ekocloth in some items of chefs wear – a recycled fabric made from recycled plastic bottles and PET packaging. Ekocloth has all the traditional qualities of polyester such as durability and strength, but it is stronger and much more eco-friendly.
Making polyester from recycled PET bottles reduces the amount of plastic that is otherwise buried in landfill, adds Alan Mulholland. For every metre of polyester fabric made of 80% recycled PET, eight plastic beverage bottles are kept out of landfills. The production of one tonne of Ekocloth also uses six tonnes less fossil fuel than traditional polyester.
Another eco-measure employed by Stalbridge Linen is a fleet management programme designed to reduce repeat journeys and minimise CO2 emissions. Closer to home, last year the company sent 67 tonnes of redundant linen for recycling into wipe cloths!
Our environmental policy places great value on the importance of regular and continued investment in energy recovery, waste reduction and sustainability, adds Alan, and we enthusiastically and actively support any action, large or small, which increases environmental awareness and responsibility.
Stalbridge Linen Hire & Laundry
For catering, hotel & leisure industries 0800 093 9933 www.stalbridge-linen.com