Please see our latest published Laundry Cost Index for 2023/2024 FYQ4 below:
If you have any queries or would like any further information, please do not hesitate to get in touch with us.
T: +44 (0)20 3151 5600
E: tsa@tsa-uk.org
With speakers that include broadcast legend John Sergeant, the TSA Spring Conference is back with a bang!
15-16 April 2024, Hilton St George’s Park, Burton Upon Trent
The TSA Spring Conference is back and with bookings already high the association is asking anyone who plans to come to reserve their ticket as soon as possible. Last year’s Autumn Conference attracted a record 160 delegates and, with another formidable programme for the Spring edition, places are becoming limited. “We’re looking forward to welcoming everyone back, and perhaps setting another record!” says David Stevens, CEO of the TSA.
The Spring Conference features a range of topics, from diversity and inclusion to hygiene and sustainability, along with a keynote address from one of the UK’s most revered broadcast journalists, John Sergeant. The event deep dives not only into hot topics of the laundry services industry, but also those of the broader cultural climate.
Following positive feedback from its Autumn Conference, the TSA has adopted a similar format for the Spring Conference by beginning with a series of Industry Workshops. They will start immediately after the welcome refreshments.
The workshops will cover a variety of topics, including exploring how research conducted by De Montfort University, in association with the TSA, can help ‘sell’ hygiene. Another will discuss the success of the association’s first foray into animation with ‘Pasha the Pillowcase’, and the plans for the launch of an NHS Campaign that takes on board Pasha’s message and applies it to hospitals. The other two workshops will cover the vital topics of sustainability and diversity and inclusion. A dinner with entertainment closes day one.
Charlie Betteridge, chair of the TSA, will open proceedings on day two, followed by David Stevens, who will provide a quick update on the association’s work. A packed morning follows with addresses from Louise Adamson, on health and safety, and mental health training within the laundry industry, by Adrian Thomas of Via Vita. Next is an ‘industry challenges’ discussion with the TSA team and an insightful keynote address from economist Simon French.
Following lunch, the TSA Team discuss lobbying and grant funding before welcoming legendary broadcaster and journalist John Sergeant to provide the final keynote address, “From Politics to the Dancefloor.” John will cover his humble beginnings in journalism, through the iconic media events as a political correspondent for the BBC that gained him national recognition, to being a contestant on Strictly Come Dancing. His talk is sure to be an event highlight.
The TSA Spring Conference always sells out, so advance booking is essential. Anyone interested should contact the TSA as soon as possible. Email events@tsa-uk.org for information or visit https://tsa-uk.org/tsa-spring-conference-2024/.
If you have any queries, please do not hesitate to get in touch with us either via email or phone:
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TSA, the European Textile Services Association (ETSA) and other national laundry associations join to promote textile service careers with Laundry Open Week: 11th-15th March
The UK’s Textile Services Association (TSA) has come together with the European Textile Services Association (ETSA) and others to throw open the doors of the commercial laundry industry to the public. The aim? To demonstrate and promote careers in textile services. The method? Commercial laundry sites across the UK will allow visitors access inside their premises on specified days between March 11th and March 15th, where they can see and discuss the range of careers available in this growing sector.
The actual washing process is only part of it. While there are currently over 24,000 people working in the textile services industry, only about a third handle the laundry. From engineers to customer service reps and HR, from sales and finance teams to drivers, behind every clean piece of linen is a vast number of different skills and jobs. While one purpose of Laundry Open Week is to showcase the diversity of career paths within the commercial laundry industry, it’s also to celebrate some of its forward-thinking initiatives as championed by the TSA, from sustainability to inclusivity and mental health, as well as explaining the industry’s importance in supporting the broader UK economy.
“While these issues are vital to us, we want this week to demonstrate that it’s a fun industry to work in, too!” says David Stevens, CEO of the TSA. “Anyone interested in a career in textile services, or simply curious about what goes on behind the scenes, should consider getting involved.”
While this is the first time something like this has been done in the UK, its potential for success has already been tried and tested overseas. “France has been doing this for a few years now, and with a great turnout,” says David. “The fact we have ETSA and others behind it now is really encouraging. We are keen to showcase to the general public what our industry can offer.”
There’s still time for commercial laundries to apply to be part of the open week. They just need to get in touch with the TSA via its website and specify a day between March 11th and 15th that works best for them to participate. If you are looking to attend the event, please get in touch with your local laundry to see if they are taking part in the initiative.
“It’s fast approaching, and we see this very much as a pilot event, our hope is that it grows and becomes an annual week,” says David.
Commercial laundries are vital to UK Plc. Without them, 90% of hotels would be forced to close within just three days, while the same percentage of hospitals would close after 24 hours. For Pharma and Food Processing Factories, the story is much the same.
“The message is simple: laundry matters, and working in the laundry industry can be a highly rewarding career,” says David.
For those attending Laundry Open Week, sharing images and social media posts is encouraged to help spread the word and the success of this first-time event. Those interested in finding out more should visit tsa-uk.org.
If you have any queries, please do not hesitate to get in touch with us either via email or phone:
T +44 (0) 20 3151 5600
The new report explains how the laundry industry is developing its sustainability roadmap
The Textile Services Association (TSA) has released its sustainability report that outlines the industry’s journey to a sustainable future where industrial laundering thrives on radical innovation to decarbonise the industry’s primary energy demands. The report also shines light on the importance of actively engaging with its global value chain and the critical role played by people at all levels to make a lasting difference.
The report was developed and overseen by the TSA’s Sustainability Steering Group in collaboration with their consulting partner, Grain. The bold and evolving approach lays out ambitions for the laundries and their value chain to stay ahead of the UK government’s plans for net-zero targets. The goals, targets and KPIs for this year include launching a newly developed carbon footprint measurement tool which will help the industry measure its footprint with consistency and comparability.
Laundry is one of the oldest industries in the world, and the inherent nature of the operation is a circular model. The industry always aims to wash textiles as many times as possible while maintaining the functionality of the linen. The report outlines how the TSA can inspire the industry to raise the standards by adopting a holistic approach to developing sustainable practices in the industry. This means placing equal emphasis on issues like employee well-being and training in addition to working with suppliers and clients to reduce waste throughout the commercial textile supply chain.
The TSA and its members have been focusing on efforts to improve sustainability for many years. Since 2012, the industry has reduced the energy used to process textile products per kg by 31% and water usage by 60%. The TSA developed initiatives like the Infinite Textiles Scheme which provides a platform to aggregate the national textile stock and bring together charities and innovative technology solutions for reuse and to employ fibre-to-fibre recycling options. In addition to this, the TSA has been collaborating with the laundry’s end-user sectors, such as hospitality, manufacturing and the NHS and care sector, to develop resources aimed at educating housekeepers, managers and purchasing teams about the importance of caring for textiles to improve the longevity of these products.
Efforts like this will form a vital part of the industry’s ongoing evolution as laid out in the report, as the initiatives will have a significant impact on the Scope 3 emissions, not just for the laundry industry but also the industries such as hospitality that rely on it.
The release of the report is the first step in the TSA’s sustainability journey for 2024 and beyond, which will include the carbon footprint measurement tool. The latter will provide a toolkit for commercial laundries to help them measure and develop their own plans for further decarbonisation and sustainability.
“The laundry industry has long recognised the importance of building a sustainable future,” says David Stevens, CEO for the TSA. “The TSA is committed to continuing to help its members to not just meet but exceed their targets in this area. While there will undoubtedly be challenges the report clearly shows the opportunities for businesses willing to invest in sustainability.”
The TSA is also holding a Sustainability showcase day on March 7th 2024 which will provide a chance for the industry to get together to discuss the current state of play and plans for the future.
The complete 2024 sustainability report is available to download from the TSA’s website.
If you have any queries, please do not hesitate to get in touch with us either via email or phone:
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Event will cover exceptionally diverse range of subjects for a more sustainable laundry industry
DoubleTree by Hilton St. Anne’s Manor, Wokingham, 7th March 2024
The TSA has organised a special day to showcase the latest solutions, innovations and new developments to help the laundry industry move towards a more sustainable future. The Sustainability Showcase takes place at the DoubleTree by Hilton, St Anne’s Manor, Wokingham, on Thursday March 7th. As well as thought-provoking presentations and panel sessions there will be the chance to question expert speakers and take part in networking opportunities.
The event will cover an exceptionally diverse range of subjects, including designing sustainability, PFAS, microplastics, decarbonisation, and future drying technology. The TSA will also give updates and the latest news on its important initiatives, including the Industry Sustainability Roadmap and the Infinite Textiles Scheme.
The event will close with a presentation covering grant funding, looking at the various opportunities and sources available to commercial laundries, as well as discussing what makes for a successful funding application.
The day starts at 10am and finishes at 4pm. There is ample parking on site and lunch and refreshments will be served. Tickets cost £120 for TSA members, £240 for non-members. The day is tailored for a wide audience, including directors, owners, senior management, sustainability managers, engineering teams, purchasing teams and production teams within laundries, as well as linen, garments, chemicals and equipment suppliers.
For more information or to register for the Sustainability Showcase, see the event details at tsa-uk.org/events or email events@tsa-uk.org.
If you have any queries, please do not hesitate to get in touch with us either via email or phone:
T +44 (0) 20 3151 5600
Please see our latest published Laundry Cost Index for 2023/2024 FYQ3 below:
If you have any queries or would like any further information, please do not hesitate to get in touch with us.
T: +44 (0)20 3151 5600
E: tsa@tsa-uk.org
TSA launches new Wellbeing Hub for its members
As part of its commitment to helping the laundry industry to create a supportive and inclusive working environment for its staff, the Textile Services Association has launched a Wellbeing Hub for its members. The Hub provides resources to help laundry businesses support their employees with any mental health challenges they may face. This includes bitesize video guides aimed at promoting wellbeing in the workplace.
The Wellbeing Hub is the latest addition to the TSA’s portfolio of training and support resources tailored to the needs of the laundry industry. The bitesize videos examine issues surrounding wellbeing in the workplace. The Hub also provides access to materials from the TSA’s mental health support drive, which includes training courses and webinars. These are also suitable for sharing with staff.
The videos were created in partnership with Via Vita Health, which helps organisations to meet occupational health targets. Director Caroline Sidell announced the Hub at the Autumn Conference, giving a presentation on mental health and trends for 2024.
The Hub builds on the work of the mental health support programme the TSA launched in 2022. This includes courses aimed at increasing mental health awareness for line managers, as well as a mental health first aider course. These courses have been very successful, with over 80 people having attended them so far. The courses are designed to give attendees the knowledge they need to feel confident about advocating for mental health issues, as well as how to spot signs of mental ill health and skills to support positive wellbeing.
“The TSA has been working on ways for its members to help make the laundry industry an even more supportive working environment,” says Emma Andersson, director of finance and membership for the TSA. “Increasing support and awareness of mental health issues is crucial to this, and the Wellbeing Hub puts a lot of really useful information together in one place, designed to support the most important part of the industry – the people in it.”
The Wellbeing Hub can be accessed by TSA members by logging in to the member’s area at tsa-uk.org and going to the Support Services section.
If you have any queries, please do not hesitate to get in touch with us either via email or phone:
T +44 (0) 20 3151 5600
In October 2023, the Textiles Services Association (TSA) held its Autumn conference for commercial textile rental and laundry members. The agenda included environmental matters’, and for good reason.
A laundry will typically supply linen through a rental agreement, collect it when dirty, wash, repair, or replace it if needed, and then return it. This method is intrinsically sustainable because it embraces a circular business model.
The laundry operations aim to make these textile products last as long as possible, even after hundreds of uses with highly optimised energy, water, and detergent usage. However, the preciousness of these commodities is often not fully realised in several parts of the value chain, resulting in significant levels of unaccounted stock volumes.
The TSA reports that annual stock losses on rented linen and towelling to the hospitality industry could be over 60%. For its rented linen and uniforms service to the NHS, the losses are nearly 90%. The scale of this waste becomes substantial when you factor in that the TSA’s members process over 50 million items of linen each week for hospitality and healthcare.
The TSA is driving the change by engaging with its end-user sectors to raise awareness, and providing training support for housekeepers and laundry staff through well-designed guidance and bitesize videos such as Pasha the Pillowcase. The training focuses on the environmental impact of these annual losses, which on water alone equates to 900 million baths tubs of water in the UK for the hospitality sector and 300 million for the NHS.
This project forms part of the laundry industry’s larger sustainability programme where the TSA is developing a roadmap for the industry. Over the last year the TSA has been developing an ambitious sustainability strategy together with Grain Sustainability and as part of this process has now engaged Compare Your Footprint carbon calculation software, and TSA’s Infinite Textiles recycling scheme to establish a harmonised approach to help measure, benchmark and reduce the global industry’s environmental impact.
David Stevens, CEO of the TSA comments:
“We are extremely proud of the commercial laundry industry’s circular credentials, and we are well-placed to make a difference as we serve most of the primary and secondary sectors in the UK. By working with Grain and Compare Your Footprint, we are doing our part to enable our members to tackle some of the barriers they face today. Our aim is to take our members together on this journey by providing them with the tools and the awareness they need to make well-informed decisions early on.”
Compare Your Footprint will be the central measurement platform for the TSA’s members in the UK and potentially the global industrial laundry sector to set a baseline carbon footprint, identify their carbon hotspots and set targets for reduction.
Under the TSA’s Infinite Textiles recycling scheme, the TSA and the UK Hospitality Association are working with national stock aggregators such as Salvation Army, charities such as Multi-Bank, recyclers, logistics, and technology partners to deliver a valuable recycling operation for the UK commercial laundry industry. Infinite Textiles is on a mission to facilitate the largest laundry industry textile recycling project in the world.
The industry has mastered the art of reusing textiles, providing an opportunity to pioneer the circular use of products through re-use and recycling. For example, increasing the portion of surgical textiles used within the NHS to reusable options as it is the more sustainable and responsible choice.
Infinite Textiles estimate that the scheme, which encompasses the entire life cycle of the products, will save tens of thousands of tonnes of carbon per year, save billions of litres of water per year, achieve significant efficiencies, and contribute to overall carbon reductions in the future of textile manufacturing.
Jon Cooper, Operations Director of Johnsons Hotel Linen comments:
“The Infinite Textile Scheme can potentially provide a sustainable solution for our industry’s three-tier solution – Reuse, Repurpose and Recycle – to the hundreds of tonnes of linen that has reached its end of primary use. The TSA scheme enables a single focal point for collaboration and partnership between SMEs and large PLC laundry companies such as Johnsons Hotel Linen to achieve a significant step towards a sustainable textile life cycle and avoid sending end-of-life textiles to landfills. Johnsons Hotel Linen is proud to be involved and leading this innovative approach that spans across the value chain and not just recycling.”
If you have any queries, please do not hesitate to get in touch with us either via email or phone:
T +44 (0) 20 3151 5600
