In honor of Earth Day this month, the Chicago uniform company wants to acknowledge the ongoing efforts to enhance efficiencies in our plant, delivery fleets and across operations. Roscoe has always been committed to conserving and recycling natural resources and we PRIDE ourselves in our history of environmentally friendly laundering.
The uniform rental company pioneered waste water pre-treatment (first in the nation) in 1974 in conjunction with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). With that under our wing, we received the Governor’s Pollution Prevention Award for reductions in water usage and solid waste in 1999. To further our efforts in water and energy reduction we consolidated the uniform rental company’s two plants into one in 2009 and earned the prestigious Laundry Environmental Stewardship Innovation (ESP) Award.
As of last week, we solidified our Clean Green certified standing by participating in an external audit. Roscoe became Clean Green Certified in 2012, the first industrial launderer to do so, when the Textiles Rental Services Association (TRSA) initiated the program. To become certified, two tiers of Best Management Practices (BMPs) must be met for a total of at least 100 points. The Chicago uniform company passes with flying colors with 130 points.
The first tier involves water reuse, reclaiming and removing which Roscoe does through reclamation equipment that recovers heat from wastewater and transfers it to fresh water using a shell and tube heat reclaimer that maximizes efficiency through auto-throttling valves. Our boilers are inspected and tuned for optimal efficiency as well.
Furthermore, in line with tier 2 requirements, the uniform rental company has T8 fluorescent lights (use less energy) with motion sensors and skylights installed throughout the plant. We have a program in place that recycles hangers (75% reused), cardboard boxes and pallets. Even our products: towels and garments, are reused if they meet certain quality criteria. Recently implemented for all of our customers is the switch from plastic disposable bags to linen laundry bags. The eco-friendly bags are reusable and Roscoe is able to reduce the waste the 4,000 plastic bags per month created.
Outside of our plant, we have been able to reduce mileage and fleet fuel consumption by 9% year to date using a Route Optimization program that ensures the best possible route with no crossovers. Roscoe also monitors our vehicle idle time and speed, promoting safe and responsible behavior on the road. The Chicago uniform company is conscientious of our environment, therefore, we employ a spill prevention and slug discharge control plan.
We want to be sure we are operating in the most sustainable and environmentally friendly way so we are always looking for new initiatives. On the horizon in the next two years is:
- Nonylphenol Ethoxylate (NPE) Free detergents
- Compressed natural gas for fleet
- Solar power
- Water reuse technology
The uniform rental company Takes Pride in our clean operations and the dedication to reducing our overall carbon footprint for the customers and community we serve.
Choose to be sustainable by using a laundry that is Clean Green Certified.
Contact us to learn more about Roscoe: The Chicago Work Uniform Company
