PCIAW and TRSA Sign MOU, Strengthen Industry Collaboration

The Professional Clothing Industry Association Worldwide (PCIAW®) and TRSA have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to formalize their collaboration on key industry initiatives.

The agreement was signed by Yvette Ashby, CEO of PCIAW, and Joseph Ricci, the president and CEO of TRSA. It aims to amplify the messages of both associations in the textile and textile services industries and promote sustainability and supply-chain security within their memberships.

The MOU lays the foundation for a rich future of collaboration between the associations. Both PCIAW and TRSA express commitment to exploring further partnership opportunities moving forward, and members can expect joint initiatives from the associations in the future.

Ricci spoke at the PCIAW Summit 2023, held in Portugal, on an industry panel about the security of supply benefits to the healthcare industry for procuring reusable PPE, alongside PCIAW members advocating the environmental benefits.

PCIAW represents and supports businesses from across the supply chain from the fiber producers and fabric weavers, through to garment manufacturers and end-user buyers in a network that reaches more than 100 countries globally, offering education, research, networking and collaboration.

Trusted members of PCIAW design, develop and supply uniform, workwear and PPE in diverse industries to identify and protect employees in potentially hazardous working environments. The members focus professional clothing solutions to consider comfort, functionality and inclusivity.

The two associations have many overlapping interests and goals, as both organizations have interests in sustainability and responsible business. The professional clothing and textile rental and services industries are often intertwined with professional clothing markets from hospitality and healthcare to fire and rescue services requiring laundry and rental solutions.

The memorandum outlines several areas where PCIAW and TRSA will work together, including:

• Jointly advocating for sustainability and security of supply
• Promoting and supporting each organization’s initiatives
• Fostering connections between the memberships
• Sharing information between the organizations

“This agreement represents an important step in strengthening collaboration between our organizations,” Ashby said. “By working together, we can more effectively advocate for our members and promote responsible growth and positive change in the professional clothing and textile rental industry.”

Ricci added that, “We look forward to jointly and collaboratively developing and disseminating information and resources to stakeholders that improve environmental and supply-chain sustainability, safety and comfort, and highlight our respective organizations’ member commitment to corporate social responsibility and customer service.”