Data Gathered for Your Use in Promoting Reusables vs. Disposables

View Reusables’ Competitive Edge

A new TRSA.org webpage links to research and reporting that linen, uniform and facility services can use to promote the greater sustainability of reusable textiles compared with disposable equivalents. The page, titled Reusables’ Competitive Edge, initially presents data proving that from manufacturing to disposal, reusables have less impact than disposables throughout their product life cycle and this translates to greater savings for users.

Separate sections of the page focus on healthcare textiles facing strong competition from disposable equivalents: isolation gowns, operating room and bedpads. Another section covers a variety of products, including microfiber cleaning pads and cleanroom coveralls. Other items highlight how large-scale laundry has become more efficient, improving reusables’ competitive position.

Users can easily customize a Microsoft Word document in each of the four sections that summarizes the primary environmental and economic benefits of the corresponding product. Emphasis is on how these reduce solid waste and other costs and provide reliable back-up stock. Life-cycle assessments are featured as well, such as TRSA’s research that showed that even the most environmentally friendly production and use of disposable gowns had higher global warming potential than the worst case for reusable gowns – higher acidification, eutrophication and smog creation potential and primary energy demand.

Among other highlights:

• A news report on the Virginia health system that switched from a disposable isolation gown to a custom reusable model, which ensured an adequate supply of such protection, eliminated waste and provided wearers with an alternative that’s better fitting, cooler to wear, and easier to don and doff. The health system (Inova) was featured at TRSA’s recent Healthcare Conference.
• A process that hospitals can use to switch from disposables to reusables in the operating room, beginning with involving infection-prevention personnel through comparing costs and processes to training staff and tracking savings.

Bookmark the page and check for updates in the weeks to come. Planned additions include an opinion/editorial article to place in local media and data on the superior hygiene of reusables compared with disposables.