For a shop towel plant that processes heavily soiled wipers used to clean printing presses and other machinery, Lindström Ltd.’s plant in northern England makes sustainability the key to its operation. Consider, for example, the fact that this plant in Bradford, England (west of Leeds), recycles not just a percentage but all of its wastewater (aside from 6%-7% lost to evaporation). As for solid waste, 75%-80% is recycled as fuel for cement kilns, due to its high caloric value, says Managing Director Peter Jones. The rest goes to incineration certified for hazardous waste.

Leading European laundry operators like Lindström emphasize ...