Standard Textile Co. Inc., Cincinnati, announced its latest initiative in environmental sustainability on Earth Day 2024. In alignment with this year’s theme of “Planet vs. Plastics,” the company is eliminating poly bags from its U.S.-made products, marking a significant stride toward reducing plastic waste and preserving our planet.

UniFirst Corp., Wilmington, MA, recently partnered with HOLT Renewables to finalize three rooftop solar power systems at UniFirst industrial laundry facilities in Austin and San Antonio, TX, and Stockton, CA. Combined, the solar-power systems boast over 2,000 high-efficiency solar panels, promising substantial long-term benefits including clean energy, reduced emissions and significant lifetime utility savings.

TRSA recently held a Legislative Conference in Albany, NY, in which 13 operator members visited their respective legislators, both assembly members and state senators.

The Lindström Group, Helsinki, recently released its 2023 Sustainability Report, which outlined the company’s success in meeting its financial targets; customer and employee satisfaction gains; and progress in improving the sustainability of its services and operations.

The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine (NASEM) will host a virtual public workshop this upcoming Monday and Tuesday, March 4-5, to examine opportunities to increase the use of reusable healthcare textiles (HCTs) for personal protective equipment (PPE) in healthcare settings. Please log on to the NASEM workshop to help provide accurate information to policymakers, and counter potentially inaccurate or unfounded claims by presenters and attendees.

The Textile Services Association (TSA-UK) has released its sustainability report that outlines the industry’s journey to a sustainable future where industrial laundering thrives on radical innovation to decarbonize the industry’s primary energy demands. The report also shines a light on the importance of actively engaging with its global value chain and the critical role played by people at all levels to make a lasting difference.

K-Bro Linen Inc., Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, recently released its inaugural Sustainability Report outlining the company’s strategy related to Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) processes, and providing a foundational framework to move forward on future objectives and initiatives.

Cintas Corp., Mason, OH, recently published its 2023 Sustainability Report, which provides an update on the company’s continued efforts to elevate its corporate, environmental, social and governance impact.

Honors for workplace diversity and environmental conscientiousness will be presented among other TRSA Industry Awards at the 14th Annual Legislative Conference and Annual Industry Awards Dinner, slated for April 10-11 in Washington, DC.

Research led by the Canadian Coalition for Green Health Care on personal protective equipment (PPE), intentionally designed and manufactured as reusable, including gowns, goggles, face shields and elastomeric respirators, was conducted to identify prospects for reducing plastic PPE waste with a focus on opportunities for reduction and reuse in the health system. Most of the PPE used in Canada is made of plastic, and much of it is disposable, according to a news release.