NORTH AMERICA
US Linen and Uniform, the Richland, Washington-based laundry company whose six plants serve southeast Washington state and the Portland, Oregon subway area, recently received Clean Green recertification. This recertification reflects the company's continued commitment to operational efficiency and sustainability.
Companies that have earned or recertified this adhere to the thresholds set by TRSA for water and energy use and employ Best Management Practices (BMPs) that conform to the ASTM International Standard for Environmental Laundering. CLS customers can be assured that their uniforms, towels and other reusable bedding are washed, dried and finished using processes that maximize sustainability and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Clean Green-certified companies show a considerable commitment to environmental protection and environmentally friendly companies through these BMPs:
· Recovering heat from drained hot water and removing heat from the process of heating water
· Drainage of drained water from the rinses for reuse
· Use of environmentally friendly cleaning agents
· Removal of solids and liquids from wastewater
· Solar energy and energy efficient lighting
· Recycling programs
· Redirecting trucks to save vehicle fuel
· Spill prevention plans
The Clean Green certification is valid for three years. TRSA inspects laundries applying for certification and approves the documentation of their water and energy consumption as well as BMP use based on production reports that they present to the auditors during the inspections. TRSA's certification management protocol includes auditor training by the association's inspection program administrator.
Clean Green complies with the international ASTM standard "Guide for Sustainable Laundry Practices", which recognizes important criteria for certification as universal indicators for maximum sustainability in commercial laundry work. ASTM's review of the TRSA-BMP confirmed that these are the most effective and practical techniques for a wash to meet environmentally friendly goals.
TRSA members initiated the development of the standard, which was reviewed in the Sustainability Subcommittee of the ASTM Committee on Textiles. Top technical experts, scientists and environmental experts from outside the linen, uniform and facility services industries reviewed the BMPs. ASTM is a world leader in developing and delivering unparalleled voluntary consensus standards to build consumer confidence in product and service quality.
"I applaud US Linen and Uniform for their sustainability efforts and adherence to the highest standards in their manufacturing and supply operations," said Joseph Ricci, President and CEO of TRSA. "It's not easy to meet all of the certification criteria, but they are committed to industry-leading processes and technologies."
Information on the Clean Green and Hygienically Clean certification programs can be obtained from E: (email protected)
