One of the main objectives of industrial textile care is sustainable economic development because business success depends to a large extent on efficient machinery and plant coupled with effective processes and durable textiles. Thanks to continuous development, they ensure that commercial laundries and dry cleaners can remain competitive. As an information platform for the latest research results, Texcare International plays a key role in the sector by offering a comprehensive overview of the latest trends in the mechanical-engineering sector, as well as in the fields of detergents and hire-service textiles.
In 2012, Texcare International in Frankfurt am Main from 5 to 9 May will concentrate more than ever before on sustainability. Around 250 exhibitors will illuminate the numerous different facets that constitute responsible textile care, e.g., resource conservations, waste reduction, energy efficiency, ecological methods, sustainable products and ethical production.
Cutting energy costs
Given the very high energy consumption due to the temperatures needed for washing, drying and pressing, cutting energy consumption is an important issue in the field of commercial textile care. To compensate for the constant increase in the price of energy, the mechanical-engineering industry presents new solutions and innovations at Texcare International. Plant and control systems that provide energy at the right time and in the right quantity are the key to the future. Thus, steam-on-demand is the starting point for highly efficient, low-loss heating processes. However, other developments in the field of consumption-dependent control technologies, e.g., relating to electrical energy and metering systems, are also expected at Texcare International.
Recycling is another key issue for the mechanical-engineering industry and includes highly efficient recovery systems for the optimum use of heat energy, as well as the best possible circulation system and practical, economical process-water treatment processes. Additionally, existing technologies, such as solar and bio-energy, are generating new impulses in the world of industrial textile care.
Green detergents and washing additives
Sustainability is also a subject of great importance for manufacturers of detergents and washing additives. With the development of effective low-temperature processes, the chemical industry is making a significant contribution to the reduction of energy consumption. New, customised concentrations of active agents improve washing results at the same time as cutting the need for after-treatment or rewashing to a minimum. Other important issues at the fair in May 2012 will include ecologically harmless ‘green’ detergents, washing and impregnating agents. Food for thought and discussion will be offered by a variety of topics including non-halogen solvents that are not marked as hazardous, as well as alternatives to the fluor-based hydrophobising agents that play an important role in the re-impregnation of operation textiles, protective clothing and outdoor wear. Moreover, increased attention is being given to the ecological balance of a product and the sector will pay increased attention to systems such as carbon footprint, cradle-to-cradle and life cycle assessment.
Spotlighting social standards
Contract textiles, workwear and protective clothing have been subject to the principle of sustainability since time immemorial. Only durable products tailored to the demands of the sector guarantee optimum processing and a long service life, as well as prevent defects and avoid unnecessary waste. At the initiative of various bodies including the Association of the Textile Service Industry (Industrieverband Textil Service – intex) in Frankfurt am Main, the sustainability debate has been expanded to embrace another facet – the corporate social responsibility of manufacturers, importers and wholesales who ensure that international ethical and social standards are maintained across the entire textile chain. Thus, the sector will continue and intensify the discussion about new procurement guidelines at Event Business Interest Group (Interessengemeinschaft Veranstaltungswirtschaft – IGVW).
