Climate impact analyses for laundries show that low energy consumption and extended textile life are crucial in reducing a laundry's CO2 footprint. Our ECOLAB 3R-Concept (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle) includes low-temperature washing solutions, water reuse as well as effluent and finishing heat recovery, bringing sustainability and energy efficiency to laundry operations. This helps our customers achieve better results with fewer resources, so they can do more with less.  

By partnering with Ecolab and embracing a sustainable approach focused on reducing, reusing, and recycling, Ring-Textilservice in Waiblingen, Germany—a fourth-generation, family-owned laundry specializing in healthcare and long-term care linens, as well as industrial garments—has seen significant benefits. 

The Managing Director of Ring-Textilservice GmbH, reflects on the collaboration: “Since partnering with Ecolab in 1998, we have enhanced our operational efficiency, extended the lifespan of our textiles, and significantly lowered utility consumption and costs across multiple areas of our business.” 

Reducing energy consumption and textile damage in the main wash 

The partnership achieved a significant milestone / major breakthrough in 2012 with the implementation of Ecolab’s innovative 40°C disinfection process. This cutting-edge solution not only enabled Ring-Textilservice to significantly reduce energy consumption but also extended the lifespan of their linens, further enhancing the efficiency and sustainability of their operations. 

Reusing process water means reusing energy 
  

In both 2006 and 2021, Ring-Textilservice took bold steps to challenge industry standards, committing to further optimizing water and energy consumption. 

The first step was implementing Ecolab’s process water filtration system. This enables complete control over textile classification and water quality, allowing for the reuse of depth-filtered water rich in valuable chemicals and energy. In 2021, the system was upgraded to accommodate the laundry’s growth. 

Thanks to these strategic initiatives, the company has successfully reduced water consumption by over 50%, all while maintaining high standards of washing quality, disinfection, and fabric whiteness. 

Harnessing energy from effluent and a load of hot air to achieve further savings

Through the integration of Ecolab’s heat recovery technology, leftover laundry water is repurposed to extract energy, which is then used to warm fresh water for washing processes. 

One of the most recent innovations, Ecolab W&E’s Energy Optimizer (EOP) Air Technology, allows Ring-Textilservice to recover energy from dryer and ironer exhaust air, further boosting the temperature of fresh water. This increases rinsing efficiency, resulting in reduced linen moisture, faster drying times, and improved finishing productivity. 

The final stage in optimizing energy consumption at Ring-Textilservice's wash floor was the implantation of ECOLAB steam-free washing solution which completely eliminated the need of a boiler in the laundry. This has enabled the laundry to reduce its energy consumption for washing to less than 0.08 kWh/kg and to save space and minimise maintenance costs. 

Over the past four years, Ring Textilservice has achieved remarkable results, cutting its annual energy consumption by over 40%. Water savings have also been substantial, with usage decreasing by more than 50% in 2024. These efforts have contributed to an 811-ton reduction in CO2 emissions. 

By reaching an industry-leading low energy consumption rate for a 60-ton/day healthcare laundry operation, Ring-Textilservice is setting a new benchmark for efficiency and sustainability. 

This partnership with Ecolab not only enhances operational efficiency but also aligns with Ring-Textilservice’s sustainability goals, helping them achieve more with less while contributing to a greener planet.