NEW ORLEANS — The American Reusable Textile Association (ARTA) is increasing its industry outreach, revamping print and e-mail communications, presenting its first educational session at Clean this week and increasing its online resource library, association President Steve Tinker told members over breakfast at a convention center hotel today.
“We’re focusing on our ‘green’ message,” Tinker says. “ARTA has always presented a strong environmental message. Green is in, and we’re going to take advantage of that message.”
ARTA is also considering updating a 10-year-old life-cycle analysis to support its position of using reusable healthcare textiles instead of disposables. Tinker said it was likely the board would solicit members for financial support to conduct a new study.
Tinker introduced Robert Hewett, ARAMARK, who recently retired from the ARTA board, having served as association president, vice president, and, for many years, treasurer. Tinker presented Hewett with a special award in recognition of his service to the association.
Dr. Nathan Belkin was instrumental in leading a group of forward-thinking companies in forming ARTA nearly 30 years ago to take a stand against the disposable nonwovens industry.
Tinker acknowledged the founding members: Angelica Corp.; Best Mfg.; Cotton Inc.; Fashion Seal (now Superior Uniform); Geri-Care Products; Milliken & Co.; Tingue, Brown & Co.; and Thermopatch.
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