Association Execs Meet to Share Information on International Issues

The annual in-person meeting of global linen, uniform and facility services industry association executives highlighted the value of collaboration to address issues impacting the industry. Leaders from a dozen organizations representing laundry operators and supplier partners across Europe and North America met in Bern, Switzerland, in April to share best practices for promoting the industry’s positive impact on safety, comfort, hygiene and image of their customers and economic impact, as well as analysis of increased costs and pending regulation.

Facilitated by the European Textile Services Association (ETSA), these global associations meet regularly virtually to tackle collaborative initiatives that help protect and expand the global markets ranging from research that demonstrates value regarding patient and employee safety to highlighting the positive economic impact and essential services.

“Since joining this group a decade ago,” said TRSA President & CEO Joseph Ricci, CAE. “We have been able to identify initiatives and share best practices that have provided value to our respective memberships while saving valuable resources. Despite language, cultural and market differences, the fact remains that we all use similar processes to remove the same soils using similar machines and chemicals; and global markets, customers and governments are driving the same regulations and standards. Working together reduces the amount of time and money required to support the industry and increases the experience and expertise addressing industry issues.”

During the most recent meeting, National Association leaders discussed the results of advocacy, environmental and skills and diversity working groups, presented association-specific promotional campaigns and recruitment/retention activities, and identified specific areas of future collaboration including reducing the risk of fires and the end-of-life of textiles. In addition, the associations are sharing resources to track emerging standards and regulations, as well as responses to increasing concerns regarding water discharge (PFAS and microplastics) and textile reuse, repair, repurposing and recycling.

The National Associations agreed on several new initiatives including establishing a:

• Research and Innovation Steering Group to gather existing global research as resources for members and to identify potential new areas for future collaborative research projects.
• Working Group to identify the scope, resources and expertise necessary to develop a global industry CO2 emission calculator including standard metrics and terminology for measuring Scope 1, Scope 2 and Scope 3 emissions based on increasing demands from member customers.

Finally, during his visit to participate in the National Associations’ meeting, Ricci traveled to the Textile Services Association (TSA-UK) Spring Conference in England, meeting with their supplier partners to discuss TRSA’s expanded services for these essential partners, and presenting existing and potential areas of cooperation with TSA including advocacy, certification and research.

“Although we are separated by a common language,” Ricci said. “TRSA and TSA leaders have communicated for decades and we anticipate expanding our relationship to create deliverables that support our respective members market growth and safety.”