How to introduce circular economy in professional laundry

Walter Stahel, a founding father of the circular economy, first outlined his vision for a circular economy in a research paper for the European Commission in 1976[1], however it is only in the last 15 years that the concept has truly entered mainstream conversation.

The problems associated with a traditional ‘linear’ economic model are well documented – namely the finite nature of virgin resources and the inability for the natural environment to receive the volume of waste generated.

Thankfully, these concerns are now being acknowledged and legislated for at an international level. Indeed, the very same European Commission to which Mr Stahel first outlined his vision adopted the EU’s Circular Economy Action Plan as part of its European Green Deal, in 2020[2].

However, what does this look like in practice for the commercial laundry market?

Given that the manufacturing phase is often a carbon-intensive stage of a product’s lifecycle, one of the core principals of the circular economy is maximizing the lifetime of a product.

This concept of building products to last is deeply rooted with the Electrolux Professional Group DNA, with each of our professional washers and dryers designed to last for in excess of 30,000 cycles. Our product range also benefits from several features that can tailor the use of energy, utilities and detergents to the weight of the load; all of which can also help reduce the environmental impact of each appliance over the course of its operational life.

To help facilitate this for our own machines, 85% of all core components are stocked centrally and can be shipped worldwide within 48 hours. We also offer a broad range of customer care and service agreements to help make proactive maintenance as easy as possible.

When a machine does eventually reach the end of its operational life, it is important that OEMs help their customers to recycle their appliances. Not only does this reduce the likelihood of components finding their way to landfill, but it can also help the OEM to explore the possibility of re-using any relevant materials or components.

We now offer equipment recycling schemes which can help close the loop. Doing so plays a vital role embedding the concept of circularity in day-to-day life of the textile care industry.

Ultimately, change will not happen overnight. However, the decisions people make today can help meaningfully shape the future direction of the industry. Adopting a more circular approach will require buy-in from stakeholders at every level, but we will all benefit in the long run.

^{[1] the-circular-model-brief-history-and-schools-of-thought.pdf (ensi.org)
[2] Circular economy action plan – European Commission (europa.eu)}