WEST CONSHOHOCKEN, Pa. — As the commercial laundry industry commits to a more sustainable future, ASTM International is proposing a new standard to identify and define sustainable management practices to help commercial laundries reduce their impact on the environment.
The standard, known as ASTM WK35985 or Practice for Sustainable Laundry Best Management Practices, is being developed by a subcommittee under the jurisdiction of ASTM International Committee D13 on Textiles.
Gary Gramp of the Textile Rental Services Association (TRSA) is chairing the task group developing the new standard. “We are looking to further reduce our carbon footprint and enhance our environmental stewardship by developing ASTM WK35985. Our goal is to encourage the implementation of best management practices for sustainability at all commercial laundry facilities.”
Gramp says the methodology for assessing the best practices will certify that any given laundry process is sustainable and compliant to the standard. The proposed standard hits on such areas as water-reuse technology; heat recovery; environmentally friendly and low-temperature detergents; wastewater treatment; and energy-efficient lighting, among others.
In addition to commercial laundry facilities, Gramp says potential stakeholder groups include users of reusable textiles in the restaurant, hospitality and healthcare industries; government agencies; and environmental organizations.
The next ASTM Committee D13 meeting is set for June 24-27 in San Diego. For more on the proposed standard or to participate in its development, contact Gary Gramp at 703-519-0029, ext. 111; e-mail ggramp@trsa.org.
ASTM International is an international firm focused on standards development and delivery systems. Visit astm.org to learn more about the organization.
