Environmentally friendly. Green. Renewable. Zero waste. Carbon neutral.

These are just some of the buzzwords we often hear when discussing sustainability. While popular, they are sometimes misunderstood or used too conveniently. In the context of the textile and laundry industry, sustainability is far more than a trend—it’s a necessary commitment. But how does the concept translate into real-world practices, especially in commercial laundries?

Breaking Down Sustainability in the Textile Industry

Here are some core areas within commercial laundries where sustainability can be implemented:

• Recycling cardboard, plastic, and wire hangers
• Low-temperature washing
• Water filtration and recycling
• Switching to LPG (liquefied petroleum gas)
• Controlling microplastics
• Increasing linen longevity
• Eco-conscious packaging of finished goods

While these may seem straightforward, each comes with its own set of trade-offs, particularly in cost and operational changes. Let’s look at them individually.

Recycling Basics: A Simple Win

Recycling wire hangers, plastic, and cardboard is one of the easiest sustainability goals to achieve. It requires minimal investment—just collaboration with a local recycling service provider and designated bins placed outside the laundry facility. The real investment is time and consistency.

Low-Temperature Washing: Vast Benefits, Rarely Used

Low-temperature washing has been around since the early 1990s in Europe but is underutilized in the Gulf region. Many global chemical suppliers now offer low-temperature programs operating at 40–55°C. These solutions rely on balanced pH levels and peracetic acid compounds to deliver effective cleaning while:

• Reducing energy consumption
• Extending linen life
• Lessening environmental drain impact

Surprisingly, this switch comes at no additional cost yet offers a massive sustainability boost. Despite its benefits, its adoption in the Gulf remains limited—a gap that commercial laundries could bridge with immediate effect.

Water Filtration & Recycling: The Elephant in the (Laundry) Room

Water scarcity is a growing concern, and filtration systems present an opportunity to act responsibly while reducing long-term operational costs.
Global Radax LLC in Oman is leading by example with a cost-effective, non-ceramic filtration system for their new central laundry in Muscat.

Ceramic filtration systems—used widely in the past—have often failed in the Gulf due to:

• High maintenance costs
• Frequent part replacements
• Persistent odor issues and decreased linen whiteness
• Complex chemical management

Due to these past failures, many owners and GMs are hesitant to try new systems—even proven non-ceramic ones with a 2-year ROI.

Currently, it's estimated that only 2% of commercial laundries in the Gulf Region treat water, revealing an opportunity for major environmental and financial improvements.

Microplastic Pollution: A Hidden Threat

Synthetic textiles like polyester and nylon contribute to 35% of ocean microplastics, with 60% of clothing today made from these materials. Most laundries lack filters in their drainage or exhaust systems to capture microfibers released during wash and dry cycles.

Installing filters that capture up to 90% of microfibers is possible—and affordable—especially when integrated with water filtration units. Global Radax LLC is implementing such a system, proving that environmental responsibility can be achieved with practical planning and minimal added costs.

Smarter Packaging: Going Beyond Plastic Wrap

Packaging of linens can shift away from single-use plastic to reusable alternatives like plastic trolleys with built-in curtains or liners. Though the upfront cost is higher, the ROI is short, and the environmental benefits are long-lasting.

By reusing transport trolleys, commercial laundries can eliminate plastic waste while keeping goods clean and fresh—meeting both operational and sustainability goals.

Switching to LPG: A Calculated Carbon Upgrade

Transitioning from traditional steam systems to LPG-powered dryers and ironers can improve efficiency and reduce carbon footprint. However, this shift must be calculated carefully. The initial investment is significant, and the success depends on a well-balanced business model and supplier reliability.

Where Do We Begin?

The path to sustainability in commercial laundry isn't about making all the changes at once. Start small—perhaps with recycling or low-temperature washing in 2025—and map out a phased plan for the coming years. Whether it’s microplastic control, filtration systems, or LPG conversions, the long-term benefits—in cost savings, environmental impact, and brand value—are too significant to ignore.

Planning for a Greener Tomorrow

Sustainability in commercial laundry is a mix of innovation, investment, and bold decision-making. With examples like Global Radax LLC leading the way and technology making green practices more accessible, the time to act is now. Let 2025 be the year your facility adopts at least one impactful change and lays the groundwork for a more responsible and profitable future.

Good luck—and here’s to building greener laundries, one initiative at a time.

About the author

Gary Teeley is the General Manager, Global Radax LLC, Muscat Oman.