Equipment Manufacturing: Chuck Anderson, Chicago Dryer Company, San Diego, Calif.
Since our industry encompasses so many types of laundry operations—OPLs (on-premises laundries), for-profits, co-operatives, government, industrial, vended, etc.—there are probably a thousand things that owners and management need to consider and plan for next year.
While most companies spend this time hyper-focused on their budget for the coming year, I would spend equal time looking at the metrics to see what areas of my operation were profitable and which were not and tweak accordingly.
At the end of the day, we are all serving customers, either directly or indirectly, so emphasis should be put on evolving customer expectations and behaviors. This may require investment in new systems and technology to anticipate and support customer’s needs such as online ordering, AI (artificial intelligence) chatbots and virtual assistants, real-time messaging, or my new favorite, prioritized callbacks.
Hopefully, you already have systems in place to capture these metrics, and if not, I have just given you the first item to put on your planning list (you’re welcome!).
AI and sustainability have been the buzzwords for the last few years and are not going away. Both have something for everyone at this point.
On the AI side, soil-sort automation, automated towel machines, and smart conveyors are ready for market and are currently in use throughout the country.
Regarding sustainability, it’s not hard to look around and identify opportunities in responsible sourcing and circular economy models. One item that checks the sustainability box, and is my personal pet peeve having spent time as a laundry tech, is overlooked steam and air leaks.
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, steam leaks can account for up to 20% of total steam production in an industrial facility and approximately 30% of compressed air produced is lost to leaks. Let that sink in for a minute.
This is a good time to inventory parts stock and order any critical components heading into next year and a good time for heavy repair and maintenance such as respringing ironers, replacing bearings and seals, and replacing fluid in self-contained gas-heated ironers if you have them in your plants.
Schedule boiler inspections, tank inspections, fire/safety inspections, etc., and make sure all permits and fees have been paid and posted for the upcoming year.
Before winter fully sets in inspect roof condition and make sure drains, gutters, and scuppers are free and clear of debris, and don’t forget to have drain pits and clarifiers pumped out.
Here’s to a happy and healthy laundry!
Hotel/Motel/Resort Laundry: Samantha Propson, The Osthoff Resort, Elkhart Lake, Wis.
When planning for 2025, there are several key trends and considerations to keep your laundry operations, whether for business or personal use, healthy and efficient in the coming year. Here’s what the focus can be:
Sustainability & Eco-Friendly Practices
- Energy Efficiency: As energy costs rise and environmental concerns increase, it’s important to invest in energy-efficient washers and dryers. Look for machines with higher Energy Star ratings and explore alternative energy options like solar or heat pump dryers.
- Water Conservation: Many regions are facing water scarcity, so minimizing water usage is essential. Low-water consumption washers, or even machines that reuse rinse water, can help. Also, optimizing the laundry load to avoid overuse of water is critical.
- Eco-Friendly Detergents & Products: The demand for biodegradable, non-toxic laundry detergents continues to rise. Moving toward plant-based, phosphate-free and cruelty-free laundry products can help meet consumer demand and environmental goals.
- Waste Reduction: Look for ways to reduce waste, such as using reusable laundry bags, promoting the use of microfiber-catching filters in washers to reduce microplastic pollution and adopting bulk purchasing practices to reduce packaging waste.
Changes in Consumer Behavior
- Subscription and Laundry-as-a-Service: The growing trend of “on-demand” services will likely continue to impact both residential and commercial laundry. Subscription services, where customers get their laundry picked up, cleaned, and delivered, could see further growth.
- Convenience Focus: Consumers are looking for more convenience, so businesses should consider offering features like app-based service requests, flexible scheduling and more efficient washing methods to cater to busy lifestyles.
- Sustainability as a Selling Point: Green practices will likely continue to resonate with customers. Being able to promote sustainability efforts—whether through packaging, product choice or energy usage—can be a significant differentiator.
Supply Chain & Raw Materials
- Availability of Detergents and Fabric Softeners: Supply-chain disruptions, which have been frequent since the COVID-19 pandemic, could continue to affect the availability of laundry detergents or equipment parts. Staying proactive in sourcing materials and building relationships with suppliers will help ensure continuity of service.
- Repairability: With the trend toward longer-lasting appliances, more consumers and businesses may begin to value the repairability of washers and dryers. Offering repair or maintenance services may become a profitable opportunity.
Cost & Budgeting
- Cost of Energy and Water: With rising energy and water costs, it’s essential to plan for budget-friendly yet effective laundry solutions. Businesses might want to consider leasing equipment or upgrading it to more energy-efficient models.
- Service Pricing: If you offer laundry services, keep an eye on competitor pricing and consumer willingness to pay for services. Competitive pricing, combined with excellent customer service, will likely be a key to success.
To keep your laundry healthy in 2025, focus on eco-friendly practices, consumer trends, and the overall health and hygiene of your laundry.
Anticipating these shifts in both the residential and commercial laundry sectors will help you stay ahead of the curve, improving efficiency, sustainability, and customer satisfaction.
Commercial Laundry: Rodrigo Patron, Lace House Linen, Petaluma, Calif.
As we look ahead to 2025, our industry continues to evolve, and staying updated is essential for maintaining a successful business. There are several key trends and factors to watch for in the coming year that could significantly shape our operations and ensure our plants run smoothly.
First and foremost, sustainability is no longer just a buzzword; it is a necessity for today’s consumers.
As people become increasingly aware of their environmental impact, they seek services that align with their values. This means investing in energy-efficient machines, eco-friendly cleaning products, and practices that conserve energy and water. Companies that prioritize sustainability will not only cultivate a loyal customer base but also differentiate themselves in a competitive market.
By 2025, we also anticipate stricter regulations, particularly regarding microplastics and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). Taking proactive measures now can prevent significant challenges later.
Another important consideration is technology. Smart laundry equipment and automation are transforming the industry.
While it’s unlikely that robots will replace all production laundry jobs anytime soon, staying updated with software and new applications is crucial, especially for attracting younger customers who often prefer using apps over interacting with people. Embracing these technological advancements will be vital to remaining competitive.
Moreover, data analytics plays a significant role. Collecting and analyzing information about customer preferences, machine usage, and overall efficiency can lead to more informed decision-making.
By 2025, companies that leverage data effectively will be able to tailor their services to better meet customer needs, optimize operations and ultimately increase profits. Investing in analytics tools now will lay the foundation for making informed choices in the future.
The job market is also evolving. Finding and retaining skilled workers in the industry has been challenging, and this trend is unlikely to change soon. Offering competitive wages and benefits is just the beginning; fostering a positive work environment and investing in employee training are essential.
By 2025, businesses that prioritize workforce development will likely see the best results. Fostering a culture of growth and opportunity can enhance employee satisfaction and reduce turnover.
Customer experience cannot be overlooked either. With numerous options available, delivering exceptional service can truly distinguish your company.
In the coming year, enhancing communication with customers—whether through social media, e-mail or face-to-face interactions—will be essential. Being responsive to inquiries, addressing complaints and seeking feedback will help build a community around your brand. Strong customer relationships will be invaluable as we approach 2025.
Finally, keep an eye on the economy. Factors such as inflation, supply chain issues, and changing consumer spending habits can significantly impact the laundry industry. Staying informed about economic conditions will enable businesses to adapt swiftly.
Being flexible with pricing and service offerings can help companies remain stable, regardless of external circumstances.
In summary, as we prepare for 2025, focusing on sustainability, technology, data analytics, workforce development, customer experience and economic awareness will be critical. Keeping these priorities in mind will not only help our industry survive but also thrive while positively contributing to the environment and the community.
The future appears promising, and with the right strategies in place, we can confidently navigate the coming year.
Check back tomorrow for insights from healthcare laundry, equipment/supply distribution and textile/uniform experts.
Have a question or comment? E-mail our editor Matt Poe at [email protected].
