Running a commercial laundry business involves high energy consumption, water usage, and chemical use—all of which can have a significant environmental impact. However, with increasing sustainability awareness, many businesses are trying to become more eco-friendly. Going green doesn’t just help the environment; it can also reduce operational costs and attract customers who value sustainability. Here’s how to make your commercial laundry business greener and more environmentally responsible.
1. Invest in energy-efficient equipment
Energy-efficient washing machines and dryers are essential for reducing electricity consumption. When choosing equipment, look for machines with high energy ratings, which indicate that they consume less power while still delivering top-notch performance.
For example, Tolon Washer Extractors are designed to handle large volumes of laundry while maintaining energy efficiency. These machines allow you to clean more laundry in fewer cycles, reducing electricity and water usage. Additionally, Tolon washers come equipped with advanced features such as intelligent water use technology, which ensures that the machine only uses the necessary amount of water for each load. This can result in savings of up to 50% in water consumption.
Tip: Use washers with inbuilt water heaters to ensure that water is heated more efficiently, which can reduce energy consumption by up to 30%.
2. Use eco-friendly detergents and chemicals
Conventional laundry detergents contain harsh chemicals like phosphates, surfactants, and optical brighteners that can harm the environment. Switching to biodegradable, phosphate-free detergents reduces your environmental footprint and is gentler on fabrics, making them last longer.
The AblaChem range of stain removers and cleaning agents is designed to be effective yet environmentally responsible. AblaChem products are phosphate-free and biodegradable, which means they break down naturally and don’t contribute to water pollution. For example, AblaChem Tannin Stain Remover is excellent for removing organic stains like coffee, wine, and tea, while being gentle on fabrics and the environment.
Tip: Ensure that your chemical disposal practices are eco-friendly by partnering with recycling programmes or companies that can safely handle chemical waste disposal.
3. Reduce water consumption
Water conservation is critical in the laundry industry, where huge volumes are used daily. To minimise water consumption, invest in washing machines with water-saving technology. Many industrial washers are now equipped with recycling capabilities, allowing them to reuse water from previous cycles for pre-washing, which can cut water usage by up to 50%.
You can also install low-flow valves and automatic water level adjusters to ensure that only the necessary amount of water is used based on the size of each load. Regular maintenance of your equipment is crucial to prevent leaks, which can lead to significant water wastage.
Tip: Encourage your staff to use cold water cycles where possible, as heating water requires a lot of energy and is often unnecessary for lightly soiled fabrics.
4. Adopt a green dry-cleaning method
Traditional dry-cleaning methods use perchloroethylene (PERC), a toxic chemical that can be harmful to both the environment and human health. Switching to green dry-cleaning methods, such as wet cleaning or using CO2-based solvents, can drastically reduce your business’s environmental impact.
Wet cleaning is a water-based alternative that uses biodegradable detergents and advanced machines to gently clean delicate fabrics. CO2 cleaning uses pressurised carbon dioxide to clean garments, which is both non-toxic and environmentally safe.
Learn more about our eco-friendly chemicals here
5. Maximise load efficiency
One of the simplest ways to increase the eco-friendliness of your laundry operation is to run full loads in your machines whenever possible. Running machines at full capacity maximises each cycle’s energy and water efficiency. Halfloads waste water and energy and can wear out machines faster due to inefficient operation.
Tip: Train staff to group similar fabrics to ensure that each load is balanced, preventing the need for extra cycles or wasted resources.
6. Use renewable energy sources
Where possible, power your commercial laundry with renewable energy sources such as solar or wind power. Installing solar panels can be a long-term investment that reduces your dependency on grid electricity, lowers operational costs, and significantly cuts your carbon footprint.
If installing solar panels isn’t feasible, consider switching to a green energy supplier that sources power from renewable sources.
7. Encourage reusable and recyclable practices
Promote the use of reusable bags for laundry collection and delivery, rather than plastic bags. Encourage customers to bring their laundry bags or offer incentives for doing so. Also, be mindful of your packaging materials; opt for recyclable or compostable alternatives where possible.
Tip: Recycle old equipment and materials whenever you upgrade your machinery, and ensure any spare parts are disposed of responsibly.
Making your commercial laundry business eco-friendly is beneficial for the environment, helps improve operational efficiency, and reduces costs. Investing in energy-efficient equipment, using eco-friendly detergents, conserving water, and adopting green dry-cleaning methods, you can play your part in creating a more sustainable industry. Additionally, these efforts will likely resonate with environmentally conscious customers, providing a competitive edge for your business.
Need help with laundry detergents, parts and machines for your commercial dry cleaning or laundromat operation across Australia or New Zealand?
Universal Dry Cleaning Solutions (UDS) offers a range of high-quality commercial-grade laundry products and detergents as well as equipment and machinery.
Whether you’re operating a local laundromat, retail store, or other commercial operation, we can help.
Useful links:
Laundry Supplies Wholesale Australia and New Zealand
Commercial Laundry Supplies and Equipment Melbourne
Commercial Laundry Solutions and Equipment Queensland
Commercial Laundry Supplies and Equipment Adelaide
