Industrial laundry technology advancements offer significant benefits that boost overall efficiency, sustainability and customer satisfaction. These improvements encompass various aspects of laundry processes, from washing and drying to water and energy conservation.
Although it’s common to resist change, improvements in laundry technology will ultimately enhance safety, save money, help the environment and increase productivity. Keep reading to learn about these five benefits of industrial laundry technology improvements.
Improved Efficiency
Advancements in industrial laundry technology lead to efficiency. Here are some of the benefits:
Automation and the use of robotics reduce the need for manual labor and speed up some processes.
Energy-efficient machines use less electricity and water, thereby cutting costs.
Water-saving features mean less water waste, saving money and promoting sustainability.
Gentle washing techniques extend the life span of fabrics. Because fabrics don’t wear out as quickly, there is less need to replace them frequently.
With fast cycle times, you can handle larger laundry volumes more quickly.
Many modern systems maintain data analytics to identify inefficiencies, allowing for continuous process improvements.
Precise chemical dosing saves on detergent and additives, limiting waste and saving money.
Remote monitoring enables proactive upkeep, reducing downtime when equipment breaks down unexpectedly.
Modern machines are more compact, optimizing facility space.
Safe designs minimize accidents, leading to smooth operations.
Reduced Water Use
Modern industrial laundry technology is designed to save water and increase overall efficiency. The goal is to reduce water use without compromising the quality of cleaning. Here’s what you can expect:
Modern laundry machines use less water per load, but they still offer excellent cleaning results.
Laundry operators can adjust water use according to load size and type of wash. This ensures large amounts of water aren’t used when they aren’t needed.
Some laundry facilities recycle water, treating it to enable reuse along with improved water filtration systems. This reduces the use of fresh water and contributes to eco-friendly practices.
Modern laundry machines have cycles that are designed for lightly soiled items. These cycles use less water while maintaining overall cleaning quality.
Beyond technology, simple steps like presorting loads and fixing leaks contribute to water conservation.
Reduced Energy Use
Through smart, efficient features, improvements in industrial laundry technology lead to energy savings. Again, the goal is to reduce use without sacrificing cleaning quality. Here are some advancements:
Modern laundry machines employ better insulation, advanced heating ability and efficient motors. These aspects save energy during operation, especially when compared to older machines.
Modern machines can often automatically adjust amounts of water and energy used according to load size.
Automation and robotics can manage tasks more efficiently. Because the machine will do some of the “thinking,” it can prevent downtime and decrease human error.
Fast wash and dry cycles mean less time and energy are needed for each load.
Software designed to track real-time energy use provides tracking capabilities, enabling managers to make effective energy-saving choices when they have an idea of total energy use.
Better insulation in modern machines retains heat, reducing energy loss during cycles.
Increased Safety
Improvements in industrial laundry technology have resulted in enhanced employee safety because new practices prioritize employee well-being and a safe working environment. These upgrades cover both laundry machines themselves and overall operations. Here are some of the advancements:
Modern industrial laundry machines come with safety sensors and interlocks that automatically stop operations if potential hazards are detected, resulting in fewer accidents and injuries.
Automating laundry operations reduce the need for manual handling of heavy loads. This decreases the risk of physical strain and injury from repetitive tasks.
Technology innovations frequently incorporate ergonomic design principles, often making it easier and safer for employees to operate the machines comfortably.
Monitoring systems can provide valuable data on machine performance. They can also prompt users to maintain the machines on a schedule, helping ensure the machines run safely and optimally.
Modern laundry machines have easily accessible emergency stop buttons. By pressing this button, employees can ensure the machine quickly stops, often averting serious injury.
Better Quality
As in any industry, upgrades in industrial laundry technology result in better outcomes via the use of advanced features and practices. You can expect these improvements:
Modern industrial laundry machines use advanced washing technologies that produce results without damaging fabrics, increasing the life span of fabrics.
Upgraded machines use only the exact amount of detergent and additives necessary to get fabrics looking their best, reducing waste.
Automation can help streamline processes, minimize errors and ensure quality with every wash.
Modern technology allows operators to customize wash cycles for different fabric types, enabling better results.
Modern washing methods remove more detergent and moisture from fabrics, making the wash smell and look cleaner.
Remote monitoring gives operators access to monitor laundry processes from a distance and enables quick, necessary adjustments for optimal results.
Alsco Uniforms & Advanced Industrial Laundry Technology
Alsco is a leader in environmentally sustainable laundering practices. We use American-made fabrics that last longer, work with chemical suppliers who create NPE-free formulas for our laundry and choose eco-friendly options for uniforms.
Our practices include the use of recycled materials and reduced water usage, contributing to a greener planet. Rather than having to track down the latest upgrades in laundry technology, the right detergents and the most sustainably sourced towels, and then having to maintain them every day, let Alsco Uniforms help. We can take care of it all for you, delivering fresh towels, uniforms and linens to your facility and taking away those to be cleaned.
Discover how Alsco Uniforms can support you with our eco-friendly laundering and rental solutions. Reach out today for more information.
References
Laundry Practices and Water Conservation. (August 2021). National Park Service.
Strategies for Incorporating Tech Improvements, Training (Part 1). (July 2023). American Laundry News.
Technological Improvements in Commercial Laundry Services. CINET Professional Textile Care.