Uniform Rental & Laundry Services Industry Trends

Drop in Industrial Cleaning

Industrial garments and supplies accounts for two-thirds of total industry revenue, but the Textile Rental Services Association (TRSA) projects a drop in industrial-related cleaning. Jobs in the construction and manufacturing industry are shifting from permanent to temporary employees. With the exception of clean room and radioactive environments, temporary workers typically provide their own work garments. Fewer permanent workers could lead to a long-term decline in industrial cleaning service and supply.

Acquisition of Smaller Companies

Rapid consolidation has already shaped the linen and uniform supply industry toward domination by national chains. Large national firms are expanding into smaller cities traditionally serviced by local “mom and pop” supply companies. Fierce competition for market share among the largest companies is driving small-market acquisitions.

Productivity Gains

Productivity, as measured by employee output per hour, in the linen and uniform supply industry has trended upward over the past 10 years. An upgrade in an automated washroom or flatware ironing machine typically reduces the number of laundry workers needed per shift. Sales force automation has improved productivity in orders and deliveries.

Nanotechnology Research

Material scientists are developing textiles with integrated molecular particles that can instantly clean soil, odors, and even contaminants from garments. Light-absorbing chemical dyes pull oxygen from the atmosphere to blast away viruses and bacteria. While nanomaterials are clearly in the R&D stage, significant developments in the field could potentially transform the linen and uniform supply industry.