How keeping linen working
longer helps the environment
Changing how hotel guests apply
sunless tanning treatments to avoid staining linen during visits can have
significant positive environmental impacts, says the Textile Services
Association (TSA). This is following on from media stories highlighting the
financial impact on the hospitality industry caused by badly stained linen.
A recent survey carried out by
the TSA showed that over half the linen purchased by laundries servicing the
hospitality industry is lost, stolen or damaged every year. Indeed, 50% of
rented linen products last less than four months, well below the two year
working life they could achieve if looked after correctly. Tanning lotion can
cause serious staining that cannot be removed.
Helping to reduce the amount
of linen that is destroyed not only saves money but reduces the environmental
impact of having to replace it. It requires 15,000 litres of water and 8kg of
carbon to produce one large bath towel, and a king size duvet cover takes
29,000 litres – enough to fill 365 bathtubs! Increasing the lifespan of linen
products is hugely helpful to improving the sustainability of the planet.
“The laundry process is
already circular, and we are committed to continuing to improve the
environmental impact of the laundry industry further” says David Stevens, CEO
of the TSA. “A key part of that needs to be collaborating with the hospitality
industry to improve how linen is used and how we can all help to reduce the
amount badly stained items.”
Kimberly Nkosi is a renowned
skin health specialist, entrepreneur and mentor who has provided her expertise
for some of the biggest stars in the world and recently provided sunless
tanning for the hit film Barbie. She explains, “There are so many benefits to
using sunless tanning products, with society being more mindful and more aware
of the damaged and prolonged exposure to UV rays. For some people having a
sunless tan is a huge confidence boost. Who doesn’t feel better when they look
tanned?”
The TSA is keen for hotel
guests to still be able to use sunless tanning products guilt-free during their
stays. This is why the Association feels it’s important to find ways to inform hotel
guests about how to tan themselves without also tanning bedsheets and towels,
as well as ensuring hotel staff are aware of best practice around handling
serious stains.
Kimberley and the TSA have put
together some advice for hotel guests looking to use sunless tans:
·
With “guide colour” treatments, it is essential
that you are aware of how long the tanning treatment takes to develop, as this
can be anything between 3 and 8 hours. During this time the risk of staining is
high and therefore avoid any contact with linen where possible.
·
Ensure to shower off the residue guide colour
after the development time.
·
Recommend using modern alternatives that lack
guide colours, or even body butters where possible as they can provide the same
look as traditional tanning treatments without the risk of leaving residue.
·
It is recommended that application tanning is
done prior to arriving at the hotel. If applying during your stay, please be
mindful of the effect tanning treatments can have on linen.
·
Onesies or similar clothing are a great way of
stopping transfer to other materials after the tanning is applied. Therefore we recommend guests planning on
tanning during their stay should bring something protective like this.
“Sunless tanning treatments
have increased in popularity in recent years, and there are many hotel guests
who might apply them for a special night out during their stay,” says David.
“Staining from tanning lotion is just one of the ways that hotel linen can
become damaged. We’ve been building initiatives both for our members and in
collaboration with our partner sectors in order to minimise this as much as
possible. Finding ways to inform hotel guests is a challenge and we are looking
for the support from the hotel sector to help make these simple behaviour
changes as they can have huge positive effects on the quality of laundry and
the environment.”
“Many people have no idea of
the environmental impact of things like linen production,” says Kimberley.
“It’s important to be mindful of our use of makeup and tanning products, and
the small ways we can change our behaviour to improve things.”
The TSA is currently engaged
with UKHospitality and UK Housekeeping Association by creating supporting
material including training videos to help improve the understanding on how we
can all make difference by looking after the millions of pieces of hospitality
linen in circulation.
UKHospitality Chief Executive
Kate Nicholls says, “Alongside our members, we’ve been working with the TSA for
more than a year on a number of issues, particularly extending the life of
linen in hotels. We’re pleased to see the hard work on this issue coming
together and will continue to work with the TSA to share these important
messages.”
The TSA is the trade
association for the textile care services industry. The TSA
represents commercial laundry and textile rental businesses. Membership
ranges from family-run operations through to large, multi-national
companies. Visit www.tsa-uk.org
for more information.
Press Enquiries:
The Publicity Works: 01263 761000; teaboy@publicityworks.biz
David Stevens, CEO, Textile Services Association,
T: +44 (0)20 3151 5600 M:
+44 (0)7966 531954 E:
david.stevens@tsa-uk.org
Get the latest news on the TSA from tsa-uk.org or from
the TSA
press office at publicityworks.biz