Sustainability is usually considered first in an ecological context and rightly so. The natural resources of planet Earth are not infinite – environmental scientists, politicians and the media all regularly remind us that water and energy resources will eventually run out unless action is taken – though probably in the lifetime of future generations, rather than my own.
I believe the attitude of the textile care industries has been responsible. Manufacturers in both laundry and drycleaning sectors have consistently committed themselves to producing equipment that conserves resources, whilst trade associations and training bodies have encouraged best operational practices to the same end. Projects such as E-Dryclean, which will be launched at Expo Detergo, may do much to assist.
Legislation has been a dominant influence and has had some positive effects though at times, especially in drycleaning and in the USA, the enforcers have been criticised for being reluctant to consider the impact on local businesses.
There are many examples where small sections of authority have tried to tighten up, broaden or speed-up regulation in ways that might only have a limited effect in the short term but evoke fears that their success will encourage others and eventually make survival more difficult right across the drycleaning industry.
The recent Cinet conference looked at sustainability across the global drycleaning sector and in spite of all the difficulties came to the conclusion that drycleaning was sustainable.
Interestingly some speakers widened the scope of the argument and looked beyond the question of solvents.
A German consultant looked at sustainability from quite another angle. He pointed out that scale of operation should be considered – central plant versus unit shop, professional textile care versus the domestic washer. The professional combines high quality results with good sustainability and is far ahead of the domestic process. The industry needs to publicise this.
I too would argue that sustainability of our industries goes beyond the eco angle. To survive, the textile care industries must be sustainable in all aspects and look to the future from a business angle as well as an eco one. We need to have the right kind of businesses with good skills both in the craft and in management.
We need to ensure thorough training in both respects. The survival of any industry relies upon its people, not only the current generation but those who will carry on the business in the future. Family businesses decline because the sons and daughters have no interest. Textile care industries need to make themselves attractive to the right people at all levels.
Sustainability has many aspects – we must consider them all.
Janet Taylor – jtaylor@laundryandcleaningnews.com
