Swedish Mat Launderer Wins Euro ‘Green’ Award
TRSA international member, Hr Björkmans ENTÉMATTOR AB, a mat launderer based in Malmo, Sweden recently was named a winner in this year’s European Eco-Management and Audit Scheme (EMAS) 2014 Awards program sponsored by the European Union. Carl-Johan Björkman, the company’s owner/operator, also serves on TRSA’s board of directors.
"We are proud that a floor mat company from Malmo can be involved in leading the development at the European level," said Björkman. "This shows that anyone can join in and do their part and we hope to inspire others."
“Since we have been committed to our environmental policy for 15 years, it is especially gratifying when our activities get this kind of recognition on the international arena.”
TRSA President Joseph Ricci added that, “Our European friends are truly outstanding in their pursuit of environmental conservation, so this is a tremendous recognition for Hr Björkmans. We extend our sincere congratulations to Carl and his team in Malmo. It’s also noteworthy that Hr Björkmans earlier this year became the first European company to certify with TRSA’s Clean Green program for environmental sustainability.”
Hr Björkmans was chosen along with four other nominees in the small private-sector organization category. Winners in several categories were announced on April 7 during an EMAS awards program in Hanover, Germany. An independent panel of judges selected the winners based on “effective eco-innovations supporting improvements in environmental performance” according to information on the program’s website.
A summary of Hr Björkmans entry noted that the company is a “proud green pioneer in the floor mat rental and laundry market.” Hr Björkmans’ innovative approach to laundering mats features a closed system that employs low washing temperatures, special detergents and a water reuse rate of up to 98%. These efforts have resulted in significant water and energy savings, plus reduced outflows of waste water to the municipal sewer system.