ALEXANDRIA, Va. — November 6, 2019 — With the traditional hotel industry in a state of upheaval in response to consumer expectations, executives and upper management of laundries that process outsourced hotel linens will want to hear from keynote presenter John Burns, president of Hospitality Technology Consulting, at TRSA’s 2nd Annual Hospitality Conference, set for February 4-5 in Las Vegas.

Considered one of the 10 hospitality experts changing the travel industry, Burns will discuss “The Hotel of the Future: Understanding the Unprecedented Wave of Change in the Hospitality Industry.” The keynote will cover market drivers and trends, as well as challenges that exist for partners who supply the hotel industry.

Attendees for this event will benefit from opportunities to build skills, learn best practices from industry leaders and spend time collaborating and sharing information. Agenda highlights include these general session topics:

• Current Market Conditions and Issues;
• Hotelier Laundry-Linen Practices Research; and
• Best Practices in Inventory Loss Customer Service.

Panel discussions pay professional growth dividends in the form of networking and information-sharing. The TRSA Hospitality Conference’s agenda includes these interactive opportunities:

• Panel discussion: What Customers Really Want; and
• Facilitated Roundtables featuring topics such as the significance of outsourcing laundry, converting potential customers, labor issues and more.

Day two of the agenda will consist of tours at the state-of-the art Las Vegas plants of Alsco Inc. and Brady Linen Services LLC. Following the plant tours, management teams will offer debriefing sessions that allow for comparison of operations, thereby enriching the discussion of alternative approaches to similar tasks among conference attendees. Additionally, there will be a CEO/Executive Roundtable and networking reception on February 3 before the conference begins.

Boost the value of your professional-development dollars by bundling this event with TRSA’s inaugural F&B Conference, February 5-6 at the same location, and save even more with early registration by December 20. There’s an additional savings of 10-percent off registration for three or more who register from the same company is also available.

Posted November 6, 2019

Source: TRSA

DALTON, Ga. — November 6, 2019 — Shaw Industries Group Inc. has debuted a program to recognize diverse organizations intently focused on products and initiatives that support the well-being of people and the planet. The company’s sustain[HUMAN]ability™ recognition program, which kicked off with a webinar in conjunction with Sustainable Brands on Oct. 17, will explore what is driving these organization’s varied efforts, the challenges they’ve faced, keys to success and what’s on the horizon.

“At Shaw, we put people at the center of sustainability — what we call sustain[HUMAN]ability. That’s why we’re focused on the ingredients that go into products and the impacts of sound, moisture and other design elements,” stated Susan Farris, vice president of sustainability and corporate communications. “There are so many great people and organizations striving to make a positive impact on people and the planet. By showcasing a range of organizations that share our focus on putting people at the heart of their sustainability efforts, we hope others will be inspired to drive change and learn from these organizations’ successes, innovations and challenges.”

The 10 organizations Shaw is recognizing as part of this effort over the coming year are (in alphabetical order):

• American Family Insurance, headquartered in Madison, Wis., is one of the nation’s largest property/casualty insurance groups. With a company mission to inspire, protect and restore dreams, American Family created DreamBank in 2012, an empowering public space where community members can gather to find inspiration and resources for discovering and pursuing their own dreams. DreamBank is located in downtown Madison at American Family’s Spark building, which was constructed with a commitment to energy-saving building techniques and healthy spaces, designed to enhance well-being and reflect the company’s sustainability values.
• Eastman is a global specialty materials company that produces a broad range of products found in items people use every day. In early 2019, the company announced two recycling innovations to tackle the global problem of waste plastic by recycling plastics that cannot be processed by mechanical recycling, and thus end up in our landfills and waterways. Carbon renewal technology was first announced in April and has already begun commercial operation. The other – advanced circular recycling – will process polyester waste, while carbon renewal technology is a game-changer for recycling because it provides an end-of-life solution for almost any kind of plastic.
• Harvard University is the oldest institution of higher education in the U.S.  Harvard’s Healthier Building Materials Academy (HBMA) is a partnership between the Harvard Office for Sustainability and public health, medical, and engineering faculty. HBMA’s goal is to implement a standardized holistic approach to optimize for human health in the built en vironment and throughout supply chains. Harvard works with businesses, manufacturers, and non-profit organizations to collaboratively transform the marketplace for health.
• Health Care Without Harm is a nonprofit organization that works to transform health care worldwide to reduce its environmental footprint, become a community anchor for sustainability and a leader in the global movement for environmental health and justice. Among its efforts, the organization has created environmental criteria, guidance, and goals to help healthcare facilities and others make purchasing decisions that support people and the planet.
• Healthy Building Network (HBN) is a nonprofit that has helped define the leading edge of healthy building practices. For nearly two decades they’ve worked to increase transparency in the building products industry, reduce human exposures to hazardous chemicals, and create market incentives for healthier innovations in manufacturing. HBN’s HomeFree is a national initiative helping leaders in affordable housing “do better” through scientific guidance and educational resources, including their collaboration with the Housing Partnership Networking (HPN) and HPN Select EcoGuide.
• HeiQ is a leader in textile innovation that helps textile brands and manufacturers quickly identify, target and manufacture novel technologies. The company’s 80 employees on four continents work closely with a network of more than 40 PhDs to leverage academic research and internal development specialists to create disruptive textile technologies and the marketing narratives to communicate the added value to the consumers. Recently, HeiQ collaborated with IKEA to create GUNRID, a groundbreaking air purifying curtain concept.
• Perkins and Will is a global architecture and design firm that ignited an industry movement toward healthy building materials in 2008. The firm’s Material Performance Lab—one of seven research labs—continues to investigate product ingredients and their impact on human health, and to and educate design professionals on how to choose healthier, more sustainable products for the built environment.
• Purpose Built Communities is working to break the cycle of intergenerational poverty with a focus on creating healthy, thriving neighborhoods. The nonprofit organization helps local leaders revitalize struggling neighborhoods, and brings together the vital components necessary for holistic community revitalization: high quality mixed-income housing, an effective cradle-to-college education pipeline, and comprehensive community wellness resources, organized and driven by a single purpose non-profit entity that is part of the Purpose Built Communities network.
• Schott Design is an Indianapolis, Ind.-based architecture and design firm committed to providing safe, sustainable and healthy workplace solutions. With a commitment to advancing a circular economy, the firm has launched a product exchange program, SchottXchange, going beyond its already expansive carpet reclamation and recycling efforts on all of its projects. SchottXChange facilitates the reuse of items within or between buildings diverting materials from the landfill.
• The University of Georgia New Materials Institute partners with industry and businesses to design materials that create less waste and are safe for people, animals and Earth. It also works with governments and organizations to redesign systems to generate less waste and promote circularity in materials management. The Institute trains the next generation of scientists and engineers in the Principles of Green Engineering.

As part of this recognition program, Shaw will profile these organizations in a blog series on SustainableBrands.com beginning in November 2019.

Posted November 6, 2019

Source: Shaw Industries Group Inc.

HIGH POINT, N.C. — November 6, 2019 — Known as one of the oldest and most respected textile brands, American Silk Mills will introduce two new collections at Showtime Market on November 17-20. Drawing from its design legacy, the company will feature sophisticated constructions and rich color palettes that present a range of styles and bold textures.

Off-Loom

With a right-off-the-loom spirit, American Silk Mills celebrates this beautifully imperfect collection consisting of relaxed textures and hand painted geometrics. Inspired by the Maker Movement, this unique, artisanal line displays elements of large, chunky fibers, slub yarns, and double beam weaving complexity. The rich, earth-toned palette consists of colors such as indigo, sage, eucalyptus, and newly favored, raisin. These plains and feature textiles are among the first products manufactured for American Silk Mills by parent company, Sutlej Textiles and Industries Limited.

“In collaboration with our partner, Sutlej, Off-Loom weaves one-of-a-kind design and value that are commercially creative,” said Susan Hedgecock, Creative Director for American Silk Mills. “We’ve created textiles that look hand woven in intriguing color palettes.”

Anthology 

Layering in decades of archival history, American Silk Mills draws from a rich provenance of sumptuous and lavish textiles to create this treasury collection. Inspired by classic trade routes connecting the East and West, Anthology is refined velvets, epingles and silks spread across three saturated color palettes.

Inspired by Chinese Chippendale and Japanese stylized florals, the English Folly palette offers luxury and romance to any interior space. With emphasis on elegance and charm, rich colors include midnight garden, emerald, delphinium, hydrangea, aegean and French blue.

Reminiscent of Persian carpets and coromandel screens, the Tabriz palette features intricate patterns and saturated colors such as saffron, pomegranate, lacquer and henna. This timeless collection brings warmth to any room.

Inspired by organic art nouveau, ferns and leaves, and Japanese fans, the Lalique inspired palette radiates glamour and prestige with colors of thistle, mauve, platinum and moonlight.

“Anthology’s velvet, epingles, pure silk and silk blends showcase the exceptional design and product versatility of American Silk Mills,” added Susan. “There is a very intentional sense of lux in the color and construction of Anthology.”

American Silk Mills was acquired by Sutlej Textiles and Industries Limited in November 2017. ASM was founded in 1896 and remains among the oldest and most established of the American textile brands. The Company specializes in designing, weaving and distributing innovative textiles to customers across residential, contract, transportation and specialty markets. ASM products include fine jacquard textiles, high quality silks, a variety of luxurious velvets and Sensuede®, an eco-friendly synthetic suede.

Posted November 6, 2019

Source: American Silk Mills

HIGH POINT, N.C. — November 6, 2019 — Sparked by an industry need for affordable luxury, American Silk Mills delivers incredible value and timeless American Silk Mills’ aesthetics with the debut of ASM Loft™ at Showtime Market in High Point, N.C., November 17-20. The brand, much like its desirable living space namesake, is accessible yet sophisticated and chic.

The ASM Loft brand showcases beautiful complex yarns and constructions from American Silk Mills’ parent company, Sutlej Textiles and Industries Limited. As the first physical expression of the American Silk Mills and Sutlej partnership, ASM Loft brings impeccable design and quality craftsmanship at a value price point. The much-awaited collection benefits from the innovative and inspiring designs of American Silk Mills, and the efficient and skillful production of Sutlej in India.

“ASM Loft is one of the first brands to bring truly affordable luxury to market,” said David Corbin, CEO for American Silk Mills. “We saw a need in the industry for high-end, luxury fabrics that fit budgets at every level. We collaborated closely with our partner and parent company, Sutlej, creating a collection we’re all extremely proud to share. We believe this will open the door to new accounts that need more accessible price points.”

ASM Loft focuses on delivering a luxurious hand and touchable texture for an easy organic feel. Textured plains and feature fabrics incorporate novelty yarns such as twist, slub, space dye, bouclé and chenille yarns. Intentionally developed around a chameleon-like spectrum of organic hues such as blush, thistle, linen, graphite, sage and indigo, this collection effortlessly coordinates with most palettes.

“ASM Loft offers easy extravagance, and just like the tall walls of urban lofts, this brand takes luxury value to new heights,” said Susan Hedgecock, creative director for American Silk Mills. “We drew inspiration from the industrial, yet modern appeal of loft living, weaving touches of sheen and glimmer into fabrics rich with texture and subtle nuances. Curated for everyday livability, this fashionably classic collection and color palette is like the perfect pair of jeans — it goes with everything.”

ASM Loft fabrics will stock a majority of SKU’s shipping within 48 hours of order. Corbin said that the expected price points for body cloths will be between $9-14 per yard, while jacquards will top out at approximately $15 per yard.

American Silk Mills was acquired by Sutlej Textiles and Industries Limited in November 2017. ASM was founded in 1896 and remains among the oldest and most established of the American textile brands. The Company specializes in designing, weaving and distributing innovative textiles to customers across residential, contract, transportation and specialty markets. ASM products include fine jacquard textiles, high quality silks, a variety of luxurious velvets and Sensuede®, an eco-friendly synthetic suede.

Posted November 6, 2019

Source: American Silk Mills

ALEXANDRIA, Va. — November 1, 2019 — Metro Linen, an independently owned and operated launderer serving the healthcare and hospitality markets of Texas as well as the South Central and Southeastern regions of Oklahoma recently had its McKinney, Texas plant recertified Hygienically Clean for Healthcare. Hygienically Clean is the quantified, validated standard and measure for hygienically clean textiles in North America since 2011, and this re-certification reflects this laundry’s ongoing commitment to best management practices (BMPs) in laundering as verified by on-site inspection and its capability to produce hygienically clean textiles as quantified by ongoing microbial testing.

Metro Linen’s renewal certification confirms the organization’s continuing dedication to infection prevention, compliance with recognized industry standards and processing healthcare textiles using BMPs as described in its quality assurance documentation, a focal point for Hygienically Clean inspectors’ evaluation. The independent, third-party inspection must also confirm essential evidence that:

• Employees are properly trained and protected;
• Managers understand regulatory requirements;
• OSHA-compliant; and
• Physical plant operates effectively.

To achieve certification initially, laundries pass three rounds of outcome-based microbial testing, indicating that their processes are producing Hygienically Clean Healthcare textiles and diminished presence of yeast, mold and harmful bacteria. They also must pass a facility inspection. To maintain their certification, they must pass quarterly testing to ensure that as laundry conditions change, such as water quality, textile fabric composition and wash chemistry, laundered product quality is consistently maintained. Re-inspection occurs every two to three years.

This process eliminates subjectivity by focusing on outcomes and results that verify textiles cleaned in these facilities meet appropriate hygienically clean standards and BMPs for hospitals, surgery centers, medical offices, nursing homes and other medical facilities.

Hygienically Clean Healthcare certification acknowledges laundries’ effectiveness in protecting healthcare operations by verifying quality control procedures in linen, uniform and facility services operations related to the handling of textiles containing blood and other potentially infectious materials.

Certified laundries use processes, chemicals and BMPs acknowledged by the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation, American National Standards Institute and others. Introduced in 2012, Hygienically Clean Healthcare brought to North America the international cleanliness standards for healthcare linens and garments used worldwide by the Certification Association for Professional Textile Services and the European Committee for Standardization.

Objective experts in epidemiology, infection control, nursing and other healthcare professions work with Hygienically Clean launderers to ensure the certification continues to enforce the highest standards for producing clean healthcare textiles. Metro Linen also holds a current certification for the TRSA Clean Green certification (environmental stewardship).

“Congratulations to Metro Linen on their re-certification,” said Joseph Ricci, TRSA president and CEO. “This achievement proves their continued commitment to infection prevention and that their laundry takes every step possible to prevent human illness.”

Posted November 4, 2019

Source: TRSA