TRSA is taking a proactive approach to influence policy impacting the linen, uniform and facility services industry before it gets to the United States. To accomplish this goal, Kevin Schwalb, TRSA’s vice president of government relations, recently participated in an in-person meeting of the Environmental Working Group of the European Textile Services Association (ETSA) in Basel, Switzerland.

“Much of the policy that originates in Europe eventually makes its way to the United States, and by the time it gets to the states, industry, many times, has a steep hill to climb to comply,” Schwalb said. “By getting involved when it is being developed in other countries, there may be opportunities to influence the impact on the industry once the initiative reaches the United States. The influence is already working on topics such as microplastics and PFAS.”

During the meeting, the Working Group discussed topics such as extended producer responsibility (EPR), microplastics, PFAS, Greenwashing Claims and digital product passport for textiles, among other issues.

“We enjoy very much Kevin’s participation in the Working Group,” said Elena Lai, ETSA Secretary General. “We have calls throughout the year, and are able to get together once. Kevin and TRSA bring a different vision to our conversation and agenda, which gives us more information to use when discussing our issues with the European Union.”

The meeting took place over two days which included a plant tour of a Bardusch healthcare plant.

TRSA Podcast
Sign Up For Our Newsletter

Receive the latest updates on the linen, uniform and facility services industry from TRSA delivered straight to your inbox.