We keep hearing how the tunnel washer is the best and most efficient, ecologically sound way to launder items in large commercial laundries but there will always be room for washer-dryers which, to be fair, are not slouching in the sustainability stakes.
Mick Christian, training and development manager for Electrolux Professional UK & Ireland says: “While managing a laundry site isn’t always plain sailing, the past five years have been exceptionally challenging for many businesses. From the pandemic to a global energy crisis, many have been forced to adapt simply to survive. With the latter driving laundry service costs to levels rarely – if ever – seen in the 21st century, it’s understandable why decisionmakers would be tempted to settle for more affordable equipment to make immediate savings.
“It’s important to remember, however, that the initial investment in a washer typically represents just 10% of its overall lifetime costs, with the remaining 90% attributable to OpEx outlays such as chemicals, energy and water.
“The first point of consideration for any washer extractor should be dewatering. The more efficient this is during the washing stage, the less energy is required when it comes to drying, as linen with higher moisture retention naturally needs longer to dry. A dryer tends to consume up to three times more energy than a washer, meaning that failing to use the washer to maximise dewatering will only increase the cost of an already energy-intensive process.
Here, Christian explains, Electrolux Professional’s Line 6000 washers incorporate Electrolux’ Power Balance technology to guarantee the lowest possible water retention, saving time and money throughout the drying stage. The washers’ Automatic Savings program also ensures that only the necessary volume of water is used in line with the weight of the load.
Combined with an extraction speed of 450G, a Line 6000 machine uses as little as six litres of water per kg of laundry – a reduction of over 50% compared to a machine from two decades prior.
Innovations on ClarusVibe models in the range include Integrated Savings, which provides real-time data to avoid overloading or underloading the machine. This is helped by Intelligent Dosing, which automatically adds the necessary amount of detergents based on load weight.
“Take all these features into account, and it’s clear that the pragmatic approach is to explore equipment which provides a reliable operation of the highest quality, all while reducing energy and water bills. Doing so will offer long-term protection against any future uncertainty around utility costs,” says Christian.
Ecovolution is the range of energy-saving products from Domus loaded with the latest technology, with significant claimed benefits, according to the company. These are:
Water: The goal is to use water efficiently. The washing machines are designed for better programming and optimisation and come with ECOTANK reservoirs for water recovery.
Energy: Saving energy is crucial in any laundry, which is why the machines are specially built to maximise energy efficiency.
Chemicals: The washing machines are designed to use chemicals more precisely, which means greater savings and better care for garments.
The Domus high spin, high speed washers DHS- 60C, 80C, 100C, 120C TOUCH II industrial machines with large load capacities are specially designed to meet the needs of laundries with large volumes of work, always offering the maximum level of efficiency possible, says Domus.
They are equipped with Domus’ TOUCH II technology with easy-to-use microprocessor, fully programmable with a 7’’ touchscreen. Via the USB port the software will configure, update, and analyse machines without internet connection.
The machines come with eight standard dosing signals and 6as an optional extra
Spin speed is provided through the machine’s high G-factor of 500 (11-18 kg), 450 (22-80 kg), and 350 (100-120 C), which reduces residual moisture
The machines offer manual indication of weight, automatic adjustment of water and soap consumption (standard) and can be paired with ECOTANK and ECOTANK XL water recovery tanks for low water consumption.
DOMUSCONNECT is fitted as standard offering remote technical service as well as management for laundries, OPL and coinop, and remote payment via the DOMUS LAUNDRY App (mod. DHS-11 up to DHS-45C).
The Ecotank XL water recovery systems, Domus adds, are perfect for front-loading washers as well as sanitary barrier washers as they help create a more sustainable and efficient laundry, allowing water recovery and promoting environmental care.
Real choice ensures there’s a solution for every need, says Nicolas Gostony at Jensen, which realises not all linen can be handled in tunnel washers. “Items such as delicate textiles or potentially infectious laundry require separate treatment. Additionally, nursing homes may prefer to wash residents’ personal garments separately from rental linen for practical or hygienic reasons. To meet these needs, Jensen provides standalone washer-extractors and dryers ideal for medium to large loads—an excellent way to enhance operational flexibility and better serve end customers.
The JWE jensen Washer Extractor for small to medium volumes is available in loads ranging from 24 to 110 kg. Based on a very simple construction, these free-standing, high-spin machines (up to 360G) are highperformers. The minimum drum spacing allows a fast heating and reduces the water consumption down to below 10l/kg on an average wash cycle. High-capacity inlets speed up the water ingress and heating.
The new JWE 270/600 Washer Extractor is great news for laundries with big volumes, processing 270 kg at one go. Thanks to its 12° two-way tilt and loading hopper, it can support both fully automatic loading and unloading. Delicate or heavily soiled linen can receive excellent washing results thanks to specialized washing programs with customised cycle times, water levels, temperatures, and spin speeds. Also, detergent is dispensed by actual linen weight for maximum wash control.
The JBW JENSEN Barrier Washer Extractors ensure the most reliable protection against the spread of germs and bacteria, as they prevent contamination of linen thanks to maximum disinfection. The washer extractor is designed to be installed into the wall, allowing for the loading of the linen on the soil side and unloading on the clean side. Volumes can be easily adapted when the business grows, as the JBW is available in a range from 16 to 230 kg.
All machines are designed to offer the highest quality of washing with minimum water, energy and chemical consumption. The design and the use of advanced materials ensure longevity, safety, userfriendliness, and a very cost-efficient operation, says Gostony.
For Texcare 2024 Krebe Tippo added a new size to its popular hardworking, hard wearing barrier washer range, which it re-imagined over the Covid years and “made all new inside”, and launched its HygioVisionTM hygienic monitoring software system .
Anja Uranjek, head of sales and marketing at Krebe Tippo told LCNi: “Krebe Tippo is concentrating its attention within the clean room market with quality, robust, heavy duty machines for heavy duty laundry needs. Our barrier washers are all produced to ISO clean room standards.”
Jennifer Frentrup at Kannegiesser says laundry operators looking for a “revolutionary solution with maximum efficiency, minimum energy consumption and simple principles with phenomenal results” can find it through the combination of the PowerSwing washerextractor, Lift Shuttle Conveyor and PowerDry dryer. This complete wash aisle solution perfectly balances cost-savings, performance and hygienic laundering in one package, she says.
The PowerSwing washer extractor, according to the company, is the ideal choice for laundry operations seeking simple principles and phenomenal results. The optimized loading and unloading system makes use of the rotatable inner and outer drum, allowing for efficient and fast loading and unloading. Due to its unique loading principle, maximum use of the drum volume is achieved, offerring larger loading quantities. Additionally, due to the variety of layout options available, the PowerSwing has seamless integration into any laundry facility, with loading possibilities such as a simple inclined conveyor, cart dumpers, bag systems and more.
At Girbau, improvements to the Genius series, a connected washer with what the company claims is the fastest cycle on the market (450G), enabling up to 15 cycles per day, are “boosting productivity like never before”. Its robust design, with 27% fewer repairs than competitors, according to Girbau, ensures continuous operation. 24/7 remote monitoring and control through the Remote Machine Program Editor, allows management of productivity and efficiency from anywhere.
An accelerometer monitors and corrects wash cycle vibrations to achieve an efficient, safe wash. “The integrated weighing system will dramatically improve your laundry efficiency and wash quality, and simultaneously, you’ll enjoy easy maintenance accessibility and Girbau’s characteristic machine durability,” says Girbau, adding that Genius Series washers also offer remote connection and monitoring, and the ability to control all alarms from your mobile phone.
Meanwhile, Girbau’s Zero Water solutions allow the recovery of up to 85% of water, saving money, guaranteeing efficiency, and actively contributing to the environmental protection.
Girbau is also getting a firm foothold in the North America market as it has just announced EVI Industries, one of the largest distribution networks in the sector in the United States, and Girbau have formalised a strategic alliance to reinforce the company’s presence in the North American market.
As part of this agreement, EVI integrates Girbau North America (GNA), Girbau’s former subsidiary, into its distribution network, ensuring continuity for the entire team, product offering and customer service. As an EVI company, GNA will conduct business as usual moving forward without changes to leadership, staff, services or support.
Simultaneously, Girbau will maintain a key role in the development and expansion of its solutions in the region, reinforcing its commitment to the US market. Girbau, EVI and GNA will collaborate to enhance distribution and develop innovative products that will drive their growth in the commercial and industrial laundry industry. See more in News, page 4.
The S.wash e 100/120kg from CLM Texfinity showcases an exceptional build quality with SUS304 stainless steel used for both inner and outer drums. This material choice ensures long-lasting durability and prevents rusting, thereby eliminating any potential washing quality accidents due to corrosion.
The series features a meticulously crafted linen feeding port. The junction between the inner and outer drums is designed with a 270-degree crimping mouth. This design not only enhances the smoothness and strength of the machine but also minimises the gap, effectively reducing linen damage.
Commercial laundry solutions provider Miele Professional has announced the evolution of its digital platform solution with the launch of Miele MOVE Connect. This upgraded platform builds upon the success of Miele MOVE, further supporting efficiencies in commercial laundry processes while offering greater transparency into sustainability metrics.
Miele MOVE Connect now provides detailed insights into CO2 emissions based on electricity and water consumption, allowing businesses to make informed decisions for a more sustainable and resource-conscious operation.
With an intuitive interface, the platform simplifies everyday laundry management for all users. Miele MOVE Connect ensures optimal machine utilisation, real-time performance tracking, and fault reporting, minimising downtime and increasing efficiency across all business locations.
Clare Humphrey, country marketing and product manager GB and Ireland at Miele Professional, said: “In line with our ethos of Immer Besser (Forever Better), we continually integrate sustainability into every stage of our products and services. That’s why we’re thrilled to announce the upgrade of Miele MOVE to Miele MOVE Connect. The platform now helps businesses take laundry management to the next level, making it easier to operate efficiently while keeping sustainability at the forefront. As more businesses prioritise eco-friendly solutions, our improved platform provides real-time insights to reduce waste, optimise resource use, and make smarter, more sustainable decisions—all without compromising on performance.”
Well adjusted water resources
Commercial laundries of all sizes are facing water and energy challenges: the cost and availability of water, increases in energy costs and tightening of environmental regulations pertaining to wastewater. Regardless of size and budget, there are practical, economical solutions for all laundries to help reduce water and energy costs while operating in a manner less harmful to the environment.
Christeyns UK Laundry division work with laundries across the UK to understand their specific issues and design bespoke solutions to support efficiency goals. In Isleworth, West London, TDS, a small washer extractor site, owned and managed by Rona Tait, caters to a wide range of customers in London and the home counties. The 6000sq.ft facility employs around 30 staff and cares not only about the quality of service it delivers but about ensuring that its operations are as sustainable as possible.
Working with Dan Bircham, sustainability engineering manager at Christeyns, TDS has had a water recovery system tted, known as Lint-X Lite. This is a complete ltration system for washer-extractors that reduces water and energy consumption and allows the re-use of rinse water.
Christeyns used existing infrastructure on the site, water tanks, in order to minimise the costs and make it viable for a smaller laundry. A catchment tank has been installed behind the washer extractors to recover the rinse water from all white work. The water is pumped via a rundown filter tank to a buffer tank and this filtered water is then used to supply the main wash across the largest five machines. There is also potential to repurpose the rainwater capture system to feed this tank.
The system has functioned well so far with an immediate and obvious reduction in freshwater use. The laundry processes around 1.25m kgs of laundry per annum and based on this quantity Christeyns forecasts a total water saving of 3,744m3, equivalent to over £9k in water and energy savings.
To further assist laundries with wastewater costs, Christeyns introduced a system called EPIC, Enzymatic Process Innovation by Christeyns.
Surfactants give a detergent its cleaning properties, but it is these components that have a negative impact on wastewater quality. The innovative EPIC detergent system is designed to reduce these surfactants by 50%, supplementing them with biological enzymes.
Christeyns has recently installed an EPIC box at the Camplings site in Great Yarmouth, Norfolk, in eastern England, which will run in conjunction with its Cool Chemistry, proven to deliver outstanding results in terms of soil removal, whiteness, bleaching, and disinfection at low temperatures. Results for EPIC show that in a standard laundry process for hotel linen, the detergent dosed per kilogram of linen is reduced by more than 50%.
