NSF International Expands Sustainable Certifications For Apparel, Footwear And Textile Industries

ANN ARBOR, Mich. — October 9, 2017 — NSF International is now an approved certification body for three additional Textile Exchange standards. NSF International’s full portfolio of responsible textile certifications helps organizations demonstrate their commitment to sustainability, transparency and traceability.

As consumers continue to seek greater transparency in the products they purchase, NSF International’s third-party validation of textile content claims helps support and protect brands and strengthen customer trust.

“We now offer a full range of sustainable third-party certifications including recycled and organic content, traceable down and responsible wool,” said Jenny Oorbeck, General Manager of Sustainability at NSF International. “We apply NSF International’s 70-plus years of certification expertise, global presence and quality to help the textile, footwear and apparel industries improve their sustainability, traceability and transparency.”

NSF International’s full responsible textile certification portfolio now includes:

  • Recycled Content – The Textile Exchange Recycled Claim Standard (RCS) verifies the presence and amount of recycled material in a final product through chain of custody verification.

In addition, the Global Recycled Standard (GRS) verifies responsible social, environmental and chemical practices in the production of both finished and intermediate products containing recycled content. The standard covers processing, manufacturing, packaging, labeling, trading and distribution of all products made with a minimum of 20 percent recycled material.

  • Organic Content – The Textile Exchange Organic Content Standard (OCS) provides third-party verification of organic material content in a product, addressing raw material verification throughout the harvest, processing and manufacturing activities.
  • Responsible Wool – The Textile Exchange Responsible Wool Standard (RWS) establishes complete traceability of the wool supply chain and ensures that wool in garments and commercial products comes from a responsible source that respects animal welfare and follows enhanced land management practices.
  • Traceable Down – Developed by NSF International, the Global Traceable Down Standard (Global TDS) ensures that down in garments and other household and commercial products comes from a responsible source that respects animal welfare and can be transparently traced.

Textile Exchange’s Content Claim Standard (CCS) serves as the chain of custody foundation for the above content claim standards. The CCS verifies the presence and amount of raw material in a final product, allowing for transparent, consistent and comprehensive independent evaluation and verification of material content claims on products.

Posted October 9, 2017

Source: NSF International

At SGIA Expo 2017, Aurora To Introduce Expressions Décor, The Latest Addition To Their Acclaimed Expressions Canvas Line

YORKVILLE, Ill. — October 9, 2017 — Aurora Specialty Textiles Group Inc. will introduce its exciting new Expressions Semi-Gloss Décor Canvas at SGIA Expo 2017 in New Orleans, La.

Made in North America but available now to global markets, Expressions Semi-Gloss Décor Canvas is a lightweight, 100-percent polyester, high-output canvas that utilizes Expression’s proprietary, enhanced acrylic coating for excellent ink coverage. It’s the perfect medium for print reproductions sold through mid-range retailer, and used in mid-range hotel chains and office settings.

Although a lightweight, high-output canvas, color output has not been sacrificed. In fact, Expressions Semi-Gloss Décor Canvas has been engineered to deliver a wide color gamut and vibrant, eye-popping color combined with a much higher level of consistent print-ability than comparable canvas print products.

Manufactured on state-of-the-art equipment with state-of-the-art technology in Yorkville, Ill., Expressions Semi-Gloss Décor Canvas competes with inexpensive commodity canvas products. But with Expressions Semi-Gloss Décor, printers do not have to sacrifice print quality, or print output, or worry about costly coating inconsistencies.

Expressions Semi-Gloss Décor Canvas is the latest addition to Aurora’s acclaimed Expressions Canvas line, which includes the full range of gloss levels.  Designed to meet the majority of the canvas market’s printing needs, the Expressions Canvas Line includes: Expressions Matte, Expressions Satin, Expressions Semi-Gloss, Expressions Gloss and now Expressions Semi-Gloss Décor.

Treated with a new proprietary coating developed by the Research and Development team at Aurora, Expressions has been engineered to maximize print output and throughput with today’s newest digital printing equipment.

Expressions is also cross-compatible with the latest generation of latex, solvent/eco-solvent and UV printers without sacrificing quality or productivity. In addition, independent testing confirms that Expressions has the industry’s leading print output with regard to outstanding color reproduction and broadest color gamut.

Ample inventories of the full Expressions Canvas line are now in stock and profiling for HP Latex (300 and 3000 Series) printers and Epson SureColor printers is complete.  Free, downloadable online profiles for HP Latex (300 and 3000 Series) printers and Epson SureColor printers are available for Expressions through the Aurora website.

The entire line is in stock through Aurora’s Yorkville, Illinois, USA, warehouse in widths up to 122 inches in standard roll lengths of 50 yards.  Produced in the United States, and customized roll widths and roll lengths are available on demand.

Posted October 9, 2017

Source: Aurora

New Durable Hydrophilic Ingeo Nonwovens Technology For Absorbent Hygiene Products Offers Fluid Management Superior To Polypropylene

MINNETONKA, Minn. — October 5, 2017 — NatureWorks announces the development of a durable hydrophilic formulation that can promote skin health through improved fluid management and increased breathability for absorbent hygiene applications such as diapers, adult incontinence, and feminine hygiene products. In diapers, the combination of custom surface treatments with Ingeo-based nonwoven fabric for the topsheet can reduce the use of super absorbent polymer (SAP) or pulp by up to 30 percent for thinner, more comfortable, and cost-effective products.

“This innovative technology for Ingeo nonwovens delivers higher performance than polypropylene in fluid management metrics that are key to delivering superior skin health,” said Dr. Aman Kulshrestha, principal scientist, NatureWorks. “The versatility of the new system gives manufacturers the ability to create new structures and differentiate their products.”

Kulshrestha summarized the benefits of the new durable hydrophilic system for Ingeo nonwovens:

  • Surface energy can be tailored via the topical treatments designed specifically for Ingeo nonwovens, enhancing fluid management with improved strike-through, re-wet, and run-off metrics
  • Improved permanence / durability reduces the amount of topical treatment needed for nonwovens and reduces wash-off
    • In diapers, using this Ingeo nonwovens system for the topsheet can increase the efficacy of the absorbent core, enabling a reduction in SAP or pulp by up to 30 percent
  • Reduced aging maintains fluid management performance and increases shelf life of hygiene products
  • Improved breathability due to Ingeo’s higher water vapor transmission rate
  • Easy to manufacture via spunbond, meltblown, or staple fiber processes
  • Biobased material with lower carbon footprint

Key performance improvements over polypropylene

With this durable hydrophilic technology, Ingeo nonwovens surpass polypropylene in key measures of fluid management. The passage of fluid through the new Ingeo nonwoven system is faster and more sustained as measured by both strike-through and run-off. These nonwovens resist re-wet two times better than polypropylene. Significantly less surface finish is needed on the fabric compared to polypropylene, which decreases the potential for skin irritation. Durability in the new formulation is also higher compared to polypropylene as less surface finish is washed off and surface tension remains high.

The hydrophilic formulation delivers improved aging characteristics that prolong hygiene product shelf life. Additionally, melt spinning and calendering optimization studies showed that a range of fabric improvements are possible to improve softness, tensile strength, and elongation in Ingeo nonwovens.

NatureWorks engaged with channel partners in the development of tailored topical treatments for Ingeo nonwovens and ensured solutions work across typical nonwoven manufacturing processes such as spunbond, meltblown, and staple fibers. “We hope to partner with manufacturers and brands in North America, Asia, and Europe that are looking for ways to revitalize hygiene products through these custom structures,” said Tim Vanyo, Principal Applications Engineer for NatureWorks. “Our applications development expertise in tailoring this durable hydrophilic system can help create the right properties for a customer’s application.”

Aman Kulshrestha will provide details of the new durable hydrophilic Ingeo nonwovens at the Hygienix conference in Austin, November 6-9. For additional information, write to inquiry@natureworksllc.com, and visit NatureWorks Fibers and Nonwovens for an overview of Ingeo-based solutions.

Posted October 6, 2017

Source: NatureWorks

Study Assignment For Redesign Of The Rieter Location Winterthur

WINTERTHUR, Switzerland — October 6, 2017 — Rieter intends to create a modern location in Winterthur, concentrating the customer center, product and technology development, assembly and administration on an area of approximately 30,000 square meters.

The official start-up for this project is planned for mid-November 2017. The study assignment has been awarded to the renowned consultancy firms RLC Architekten AG, BDE Architekten GmbH, Giuliani Hönger AG, fsp Architekten AG, and Stücheli Architekten AG from the Canton of Zurich, including two from the city of Winterthur.

The consultancy firms have time until the end of March 2018 to submit their projects. These will then be evaluated by a panel of judges, made up of nine technical specialists and professional experts. The final decision on the realization of the project will be taken by the Rieter Board of Directors during 2018.

Parts of the Rieter site are located in an archaeological zone. Rieter wants to give the authorities sufficient time to carry out the necessary archaeological surveys and any possible rescue excavations. The early demolition of the building “Werkhalle 40”, Klosterstrasse 18, in the area of the former Töss Monastery, is necessary for this purpose. The demolition is expected to take place in 2018.

Posted October 6, 2016

Source: Rieter

Stäubli On Display At ITMACH, India

PFÄFFIKON, Switzerland — September 29, 2017 — Represented in the Indian textile market since 1947 and established with a company-owned liaison office in India since 1996, Stäubli has been an important supplier to numerous local weaving mills for decades. Stäubli machines incorporate state-of-the-art technology and stand out by virtue of their impressive service life, simple maintenance, and easy integration. Offering these and many more advantages to weaving mills and supporting them as a reliable partner, Stäubli helps mills to improve their workflows, achieve more economical production, increase their output, and expand their technical capabilities.

Shedding systems for frame weaving – a range that covers every need

At this year’s ITMACH visitors can experience the latest electronic rotary dobby S3260 featuring the unique Stäubli locking system that assures the reliable selection of heald frames even at the highest production speeds. This dobby will be shown in combination with the latest harness motion e32/33, featuring a new construction concept that completely eliminates the need for maintenance of the major parts of the harness motion. This setup churns out high-quality weaves and allows the mill to step up the pace.

As a leading supplier of shedding solutions for frame weaving, Stäubli provides not only rotary dobbies but a wide range of cam motions for a broad variety of weaves, from basic to heavy. The recently launched S1691 and S1692 models for basic weaves are equipped with a new mechanical levelling system, directly lubricated in an oil bath, and feature a lubrication network integrated into the housing. This impressive housing also features optimised sealing and high mechanical resistance. These cam motions can also be run in combination with the high-quality e32/33 harness motion.

Jacquard expertise supports weavers’ creativity

Stäubli offers a comprehensive range of versatile Jacquard solutions. These high-performance machines are suitable for weaving delicate damasks, tapestries, Gobelins, brocades, wall fabrics, terry and silk fabrics, narrow textiles, name-list weaving on selvedges, and technical textiles with Jacquard constructions. The latest SX and LX/LXL Jacquard machines are in use in numerous weaving mills around the world, appreciated for their versatility as well as their robust and compact design. With optimised air flow and many other high-performance engineering features, these machines ensure reliable and precise shedding – the basis for high-quality fabrics economically woven at the highest production speeds.

As the perfect complement to its Jacquard machines, Stäubli offers the MX module. Made of composite material, this is the heart of the Jacquard machine, ensuring precise positioning. Stäubli harnesses, which can be tailored to each customer’s needs, complete the setup for mills that seek excellence and creativity in Jacquard weaving.

Automated weaving preparation – the key to enhanced performance

The perfectly prepared warp is a prerequisite for any weaving process and a key to high-quality weaves. Stäubli offers automated weaving preparation solutions that support mills in this crucial production step with precision, reliability, and speed. The renowned SAFIR automatic drawing-in installations offer invaluable ‘Active Warp Control’ features such as optical recognition of colours and yarn twists. ITMACH visitors will receive detailed information about these and other Stäubli workhorses designed to easily integrate into any weaving mill. Visitors to the booth are also invited to a hands-on demonstration of the TOPMATIC warp-tying installation – to see in person how quickly and easily reliable knots can be automatically tied with a variety of yarn types.

Posted October 6, 2017

Source: Stäubli

RadiciGroup Releases Its 2016 Sustainability Report

BERGAMO, Italy — October 6, 2016 — RadiciGroup emissions reduced by 51 percent during the last 6 years.
51.6 percent of electricity used by Group plants in 2016 came from renewable sources. Strong emphasis on employee training, with 53,228 hours of courses in 2016. Real commitment to a sustainable supply chain.

The RadiciGroup 2016 Sustainability Report has been officially released. The document — available in Italian and English — reports on the objectives and goals achieved by the Group in the field of economic, environmental and social sustainability, sets new challenges for the organization and communicates its performance to all stakeholders in a transparent way.

The 2016 edition is the Group’s 13th annual Sustainability Report, which, as in the prior year, has been drawn up according to the guidelines of the Global Reporting Initiative — version 4 (GRI G4 Core). For the 6th year in a row, the Report has received external assurance by Certiquality, an accredited certification body.

In all, 21 RadiciGroup production companies, in addition to the parent company, supplied information and data for the 25 quantitative and qualitative performance indicators covered in the Sustainability Report. More than 70 people were involved in the preparation of the document.

“I am really proud of our Sustainability Report,” said Angelo Radici, president of RadiciGroup. “It represents a kind of Group ‘identity card’ with an annual renewal date, which we see not only as certification of our history as a company committed to social responsibility — a trait that has defined us since our very beginning — but also as motivation for new initiatives that will, year after year, reinforce our commitment to the social and economic development of the communities we are honoured to be a part of, operating at all times with due respect for the environment.”

Despite the fact that the margins for improvement are getting slimmer as a result of the extensive work done by the Group during previous years, all environmental performance indicators in 2016 turned out positive. For instance, 51.6 percent of the electrical energy used by RadiciGroup in 2016 came from renewable energy sources. This achievement was the result of a deliberate choice made by the company to shift increasingly more towards energy sources with lower environmental impact. During the past 6 years, this corporate policy led to an increase in the percentage of electricity from renewable energy sources, which went from 40.8 percent in 2011 to 51.6 percent in 2016.

In the same 6-year period, the Group also reduced its total consumption of energy from fossil sources per unit of product processed by 17.5 percent (from 7.6 GJ/t in 2011 to 6.3 GJ/t in 2016). Finally, thanks to an improved energy mix and a corporate strategy more heavily geared towards the use of Best Available Techniques, the emissions by Group companies during the last 6 years dropped from 1.00 tCO2eq/t (2011) down to 0.49 tCO2eq/t (2016), a 51 percent reduction.

Additionally, air emissions have consistently improved, with a 68 percent drop in pollutants, mostly due to the implementation of the latest generation abatement technologies, which have greatly contributed to the Group’s improvement in overall environmental performance.

“Our Group has the capability to create wealth for all its stakeholders, but, at the same time, we are committed to reducing the amount of resources needed to generate it, “ stressed Maurizio Radici, vice president of RadiciGroup. “Such a goal is attained through our experience, the tireless efforts of every single employee, and, of course, ongoing investment to improve plant technology. We’re aiming at environmental sustainability combined with economic sustainability. This strategy of resource optimization, plant efficiency improvement and energy consumption reduction provides the Group with the conditions for continuous growth.”

Indeed, from the Report, it can be seen that, while the Group’s net total value added — understood as the capability of a company to generate wealth to be distributed among its stakeholders — increased during the last few years (over EUR 206 million in 2016, +12 percent compared to 2015), its resource consumption decreased, yielding a “virtuous” ratio.

“I’d say that our approach to sustainability can be summed up in these words: ecodesign and the circular economy,” Angelo Radici concluded. “In practical terms, it means that RadiciGroup is committed to developing low environmental impact materials and, what’s more, having its products and processes certified. The Group can be considered an ideal upstream supplier for an ecodesign-oriented market, which thinks about materials even in terms of the end of their useful life, putting into practice the European Union’s circular economy proposal. One of our greatest challenges, which we are concentrating on group-wide in all business areas, is the complete recyclability of our synthetic fibres: the goal is for all our textile products to be mechanically recycled, so they become new plastic materials for technical and industrial uses.”

Moving in this direction is Radici Novacips, a company in the RadiciGroup Performance Plastics Business Area (a manufacturer of polyamide and plastics engineering plastics with headquarters in Chignolo d’Isola in the province of Bergamo, Italy). The plant specializes in plastics recovery and the recycling of polymer scrap from all Group plants (polymerization and extrusion scrap and spinning waste). An Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) for the polyamide scrap recovery service has been independently verified and registered. Other plants in the Group’s Performance Plastics Business Area, located around the globe, can thus use both the primary polymer raw material and the secondary recycled raw material.

Concerning social sustainability, the Report, as in the past, highlights the Group’s workers: “As a private company, where we Radici brothers are the sole shareholders, we care greatly about our employees,” Maurizio Radici noted. “Not just our people who work here in Bergamo, where the Group was born and took its first steps (1,000 of the Group’s 3,000 employees are based in Bergamo), but also everyone working in all the communities where the Group operates. One of the aspects we have invested in seriously in recent years is safety, and we’ve achieved good results. Last year alone, over 330 workers were involved in safety training sessions for a total of about 7,790 hours of classes and workshops. We plan to continue along the same lines in order to motivate all Group staff to build a real company culture of accident prevention.”

Training courses on other topics were also carried out, for example: management systems (quality, environment, energy, etc.), introduction to the new business management information systems, regulations and technical subjects needed to improve company processes, for a total of 53,228 hours of training in 2016.

However, to RadiciGroup, sustainability means more than products, production processes and organizational dynamics. Sustainability involves the entire system. This is why all RadiciGroup companies have published new Supplier and Customer Codes of Conduct: voluntary formal commitments shared with the key players in the supply chain to help make sustainability an integral part of business strategy. Both Codes identify the values that should guide the business activities of everyone who interacts — long or short-term — with the Group’s companies. Legality, transparency, fairness, trust and collaboration are the principles underpinning the development of a supply chain focused not only on product and service quality, but also on the environmental, social and working conditions where the products are made.

Posted October 6, 2016

Source: RadiciGroup

INDA Launches New Directory Of Pilot Lines For Nonwoven Product Development

CARY, N.C. — October 6, 2017 — INDA, Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry, has launched print and web versions of a new Directory of Pilot Lines for Nonwoven/Engineered Materials Product Development. This is the first and only compendium of those pilot facilities who offer commercially available machine time for the necessary trial activity associated with the development of new nonwoven fabrics/structures.

The directory catalogs 32 pilot facilities in the US, Europe and Asia. There is a brief description of each facility’s process capability, size or throughput limits, and contact information.

“Product development for new business in engineered materials requires sample materials, and samples require small scale pilot production equipment as it is often too costly to utilize commercial equipment for such needs,” said INDA President Dave Rousse.  “We expect this new document to be a living, growing listing for technical/research professionals and product developers.”

The Directory is available on the INDA website or by contacting INDA.

Posted October 6, 2017

Source: INDA, Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry

Engineered Floors Has Entered Into An Asset Purchase Agreement

DALTON, Ga. — October 6, 2017 — Engineered Floors LLC and Beaulieu Group LLC have entered into an asset purchase agreement for substantially all of the operating assets of Beaulieu. The companies had previously announced that they had agreed to terms in a letter of intent. They have now concluded those negotiations and executed a definitive agreement.

Beaulieu, which us under Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, will seek court approval of this transaction. The transaction is now expected to close in early November. Engineered Floors plans to operate the assets going forward and to continue to grow the residential and commercial businesses.

“This will be good for both our business and the community,” said Robert E. Shaw, chairman and CEO of Engineered Floors.

Posted October 6, 2017

Source: Engineered Floors

Hardwick Clothes, America’s Oldest Made In America Tailored Clothing Company, Relaunches Brand, Growing Heritage Fashion Appeal

CLEVELAND, Tenn. — October 5, 2017 — America’s oldest Made in USA tailored clothing maker, Hardwick Clothes, has launched a new flagship website and brand identity update, and announced a “Win a Wardrobe” contest to commemorate the event.

The 137 year old purveyors of 100-percent American Made, impeccably crafted blazers, sport coats, suits, and pants continues their transformation into makers of world class, finely constructed, Made in America tailored garments.

Drafting off of steady seasonal increases in both wholesale and retail sales, including the company’s first line in legendary clothing retailer Saks Fifth Avenue’s New York City stores and iconic Southern department store Dillard’s, as well as a growing business with an illustrious group of fine regional specialty stores, the Cleveland, Tenn.-based brand’s new identity is both a nod to the modernization and elevation of the company’s product offerings and a clean, retro homage to its proud small town USA roots.

Hardwick’s website and brand relaunch are the culmination of a process that began with its 2014 acquisition by Cleveland business icon W. Allan Jones, in an effort to save American jobs in his hometown. “Hardwick is Cleveland, and Cleveland is America. I could not stand by and let such a proud historical legacy drift into oblivion,” noted Jones. “Saving our country and our economy starts with building and buying American Made, and keeping Americans working. This is an investment in the future of America. This is personal.”

It is also the first step in what Hardwick believes will continue to be a proud, lasting renaissance in craft-focused Made in America tailored clothing. “Re-shaping and re-launching the brand and the website are the final pieces of the puzzle. The most crucial element in this transition began with nailing down the make,” notes CEO Bruce Bellusci, industry veteran and former Hart Schaffner Marx heavyweight.

“To have broken down and rebuilt the entire design, sourcing, and manufacturing process, to the point where we are now making garments with luxurious Vitale Barberis Canonico Super 150’s and Reda Super 110’s wool, stacked custom horn buttons, pick-stitching, patch pockets, etc. is no small feat. Our people make heirloom quality, yet eminently affordable pieces, here in Tennessee, every day.”

Under Bellusci, and guided by the seasoned sartorial eye of Head of Design & Merchandising John Parenti, Hardwick has successfully shifted its focus to a decidedly modern look, feel, and fit, without abandoning its classic foundation. The fall line incorporates seasonal tweeds, plaids, and patterns alongside its time-tested stable of classic blazers, suits, and premium khaki pants. Hardwick also expands its fit offerings, adding a Neapolitan-inspired Trim fit alongside its Modern and Classic bodies. An archival, undarted, Trad sack coat, the Ivy fit, drops in Holiday.

Parenti notes, “Discerning customers — the folks we are focused on selling to — want lasting value. That goes beyond price. It comes down to quality and fit, which comes down to the materials and ultimately the make of the garment. Our make is truly world class, and that drives our value proposition.”

The venerable Southern brand aims to cement its existing position as a maker of award winning American classics — the Chairman’s Collection 1880 Blazer won Garden & Gun Magazine‘s ‘Best in the South’ award in 2015 — while growing as a leader in the exploding realm of stylish seasonal offerings, in increasingly modern fits and fabrics.

“Having a rich historical legacy to leverage, including the unique claim to the title of America’s Oldest [continuously operated, 100-percent Made in America tailored clothing company], we are operating from an unrivaled position of strength in terms of storytelling,” notes Vice President of Marketing, Chris Fleming, Hardwick’s Polo Ralph Lauren-trained marketing lead. “But we are also relatively unknown. We are essentially the world’s oldest start-up.”

“Tailored clothing’s nostalgia factor and built-for-Instagram aesthetics have clearly struck a chord with a younger, more diverse, style-obsessed consumer. They appreciate both the principle and practice of our Made in USA craft focus, as well as our grassroots approach: we do our photoshoots here in Cleveland, our employees are our models. We believe this consumer is itching to make a meaningful connection with a Made in America brand that has remained true to its roots — principles over profits — for 137 years,” adds Fleming.

Echoing the company’s deep connection to Cleveland and the city’s own auto-racing past, Bellusci lauds the work that has been done so far, while highlighting the opportunity ahead: “This is special, what we are doing here. It has meaning, and that meaning is beginning to resonate. Better buckle up ….”

Posted October 5, 2017

Source: Hardwick Clothes

First-Ever Hygienically Clean Hospitality Certification To K-Bro, Calgary

ALEXANDRIA, Va. — October 5, 2017 — K-Bro Linen Systems Inc.’s Calgary, Alberta, laundry is the first linen, uniform and textile services facility to earn Hygienically Clean Hospitality certification, reflecting their commitment to best management practices (BMPs) in laundering as verified by on-site inspection and capability to produce hygienically clean textiles as quantified by ongoing microbial testing.

The certification confirms their dedication to compliance and processing textiles using BMPs as described in their quality assurance documentation, the focal point for Hygienically Clean inspectors’ evaluation of critical control points that minimize risk. The independent, third-party inspection confirms essential evidence that:

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

In addition, K-Bro passed three rounds of outcome-based microbial testing, indicating that their processes are producing hygienically clean linens and garments with no harmful presence of bacteria and fungus.

To maintain certification, laundry plants 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.

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 hotels, bed and breakfasts and other lodging industry segments.

Certified laundries use processes, chemicals and BMPs acknowledged by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and others. Introduced in 2012, Hygienically Clean incorporates 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 TRSA launderers to ensure the certification continues to enforce the highest standards for producing clean hospitality textiles. With 100+ years as the textile services industry’s leading business association, TRSA’s expertise in laundry BMP development is unmatched.

Based in Edmonton, Alberta, K-Bro is recognized as Canada’s largest owner-operator of laundry and linen processing facilities, with nine across the country from Victoria, British Columbia to Quebec City, Quebec. The company has earned Hygienically Clean Healthcare certification in Calgary and Vancouver (Burnaby), British Columbia.

“Congratulations to K-Bro on their certification,” said Joseph Ricci, TRSA president and CEO. “This achievement proves their dedication to building their customers’ confidence that their laundry takes every step possible to prevent human illness.”

Posted October 5, 2017

Source: TRSA

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