TRSA DC Conference Features Sustainability, Diversity, Fleet Awards

TRSA’s Legislative Conference in Washington, DC, will recognize the industry’s concern for the environment, respect for diversity in the workplace and ability to convey its strengths through fleet graphics. This acknowledgment takes place at the conference’s Industry Awards Dinner on Feb. 18 with the presentation of industry honors to companies that exude these qualities.

Clean Green Sustainability

Five Star Laundry, Aurora, CO (PureStar Group), took Gold-award-level honors for the plant’s new water reuse system, which sparked a 62% reduction in water use.  Conservation is crucial in Denver due to the city’s dependence on the Colorado River basin. PureStar sees reducing water use in processing as key to the industry’s part to reduce pressure on water supplies.

Also winning gold: Mark Roberts, managing director, Alsco Uniforms, Australia/New Zealand. His sustainability successes have included recycling all retired garments and table-linen products, sending 60,000 kg. (132,000 lbs.) for recycling each month. Polyester is separated from cotton and repurposed.

Hybridworks Textile Solutions, Xenia, OH, won Gold for its hydrothermal chemical recycling process, which tackles cotton/polyester textiles, separating these blends into intact cotton fiber and fully recoverable polyester monomers. This reduces reliance on virgin cotton (reliant on ~43,000 liters of water to produce) and cuts energy demand for polyester production (up to 60% and 3 kg. CO₂ emissions per lb.).

Kannegiesser North America, Minneapolis, MN, received Silver recognition for its Green Laundry concept, supporting laundries on their path to energy savings and carbon neutrality with more efficient equipment. This manufacturer outlines optimization measures, providing recommendations for using energy efficiently and making energy supplies future-proof.

Honorable mentions went to operators UniFirst Corp., Wilmington, MA,  for its electric vehicle initiative that started in 2021 with a few vehicles in Southern California and Boston and is now at 35 EVs; and to HLS Linen Services, Ottawa, ON, for a variety of efforts, including advanced water-recycling systems, energy-efficient washers and dryers, and chemical optimization protocols.

Fleet Graphics

City Laundering Co., Oelwein, IA, previously mirrored the look of its industrial laundry fleet on its first aid vehicles. In a Gold-winning effort, the company reimagined the fleet to give CITY First Aid its own distinct presence while staying true to the corporate brand identity. Yellow is the cornerstone color, symbolizing safety, visibility and reliability.

Honorable mention went to Bates Troy, Binghamton, NY, with its darker blue water drop and a lighter blue water wave. A green aspen leaf signifies the company’s commitment to sustainability and resource management.

Diversity Recognition

Employees represent more than a dozen cultural backgrounds at Gold-level-winner HLS Linen Services, which seeks to foster an inclusive, equitable workplace where all team members are valued, respected and empowered to contribute their best. Training is provided to prevent unconscious bias, encourage cultural competency, and develop leadership that strengthens collaboration across the workforce.

A Gold in this category went to Penn Emblem Co., Trevose, PA, for opening doors to disabled and neurodiverse candidates. The company created a “work-based interview box,” a hands-on method that allows candidates to demonstrate their abilities in real time. By observing applicants complete the actual work, the company evaluates what someone can do, rather than filtering them out based on what may or may not appear on a resume.

Kai Anglin, HR VP, Novo Health Services, Atlanta, received honorable mention for building a community that celebrates multiple cultures. With employees from all backgrounds, she asks about their origins and cultures.

The presentation of these awards to member laundry operators and suppliers will be among the accolades in eight other categories. The 16th Annual Legislative Conference takes place Feb. 17-19 at the Royal Sonesta Capitol Hill. It starts the first afternoon (Tuesday) with a symposium for suppliers featuring consultant presentations on generational change and value-driven relationships. TRSA committees open the Feb. 18 agenda, enabling every member to join discussions on how to improve the association’s work.

Later that afternoon, attendees prepare for Laundry Hill Day on Feb. 19. In small-group visits to congressional offices on Thursday, members personally engage legislators and their staffs. Insightful stories about the industry are shared, addressing the industry’s key legislative priorities, emphasizing its economic impacts on cleanliness, sustainability and workplace safety contributions.

Click here to register for the conference.