Industrial and small laundries. Wet and dry-cleaning. Which washing techniques are being used? For the industrial laundries, and particularly in the healthcare sector, where there are strict protocols to be fallowed, with a little bit more leeway for the laundries servicing the tourism and the hotel industry. For the local laundries, it depends of course on the garments to be treated, but also on the fashion trends, which has undergone a real metamorphosis in the recent years. The tourism dynamics, after the inauspicious episode of the pandemic crisis, has restarted at full speed: the cities have recovered and even the seasonal tourism despite some difficulties due to soaring prices and the inflationary spiral has had and is having a rather positive response. This leaves more room for the economic growth of the companies and opens up opportunities for investment in innovative washing technologies. Which are the companies’ proposals, which are the innovations?
We begin this month’s in-depth analysis on washing techniques by meeting Carlo Miotto, the CEO of Imesa SpA, who emphasises that “water-washing is the present and the future of the laundry: water and detergents guarantee cleanliness and hygiene while respecting the environment. The combination of water and detergent, as part of a washing cycle where temperature, mechanics and time are accurately calibrated, guarantees the result and at the same time takes care of the fabrics and maintains the colours. The possibility of cleaning various types of textiles by water-washing and the increased focus on ecology and respect for the environment are generating a high interest for this washing system.
People are getting always more informed, preferring innovative techniques with a very low environmental impact, and, if possible, they are choosing to manage the laundry service by themselves, making it part of their business. IMESA is addressing to all these users by offering them a complete washing system that goes beyond the washing machine and that includes tailor-made detergents and washing formulas. We have upgraded over the years our range of washing machines, to intelligent instruments, equipped with digital interface and internet connection, with IMConnect, a completely user-friendly programming and data collection network. Like all digital technologies, our tools are being constantly updated to enhance the “user experience” and this is how the Laundry for You and Laundry for You PAY app for the self-service world and the Tap. Tech NFC technology for service and maintenance operations, were born.
The new line of detergents OPTIWASH® by IMESA is coming to complete the washing technology. The commitment in offering the customer a complete fabric treatment system, has driven us to extend our washing solutions to professional detergents, allowing us to study and test on first-hand specific washing cycles for each need, focusing on water, detergent and energy consumption. IMESA water washing system is now a complete system available to all types of customers. But the guarantee of reliable washing machines is not enough, customers ask to be supported in their activities and advised by experienced specialists to facilitate their work”.
Among the industrial laundries’ suppliers, couldn’t be missing Kannegiesser Italia and more specifically Alessandro Rolli, the Managing Director of the company. “When it comes to washing there are several variables involved. There is no washing technique, but multiple variables and changing conditions that generate different approaches from one situation to another. As manufacturers, we must ensure that the machine performs an adequate mechanical action, that the drums volume ratios are corresponding to the loaded weight, that the drum structure is efficient enough to ensure an appropriate “rolling friction” of the linen, that temperatures remain constant at the beginning of the washing process, and also to ensure that the outlet and the inlet water volumes are correct, compared to the pre-set values, not forgetting to mention that the time factor is a crucial aspect in the production process. Some other important elements are, for example, the process chemistry, the type of fabric and its use. We are dealing with highly complex washing systems. We have been building machines with bath separation for about ten years, and this makes them easy to be managed and more practical to be adapted to different market situations. The only thing that cannot be changed is the size of the machine, as it cannot be adjusted. The length, capacity and number of chambers are all constraining elements. Normally, the washing technique is the result of mechanical action, chemicals, temperature and time. Three of these four parameters are controlled by us: temperature, mechanics and time, the so-called machine factors. In the last thirty years we have witnessed a revolution in the evolution of the machines: we focus on design but also on hydraulics. The technical evaluation of all the above-mentioned variables must be carried out thoroughly in order to achieve optimal results. Our company has been committed for many years in research and development to provide advanced technological solutions aimed to satisfy every market need,” concludes Rolli.
We meet Gabriele Cuppini, the Commercial Director of Union SpA, a major player in the dry-cleaning sector. ” In times when optimising costs, consumption and having a greater respect for the environment are crucial, at UNION we have been working to offer innovative cleaning technologies that are not only able to offer better quality but also sustainable technologies, significantly reducing the operating costs. The experience acquired in over 40 years of activity has allowed us to acquire knowledge on environmental and sustainability aspects, that we are continuously enriching for being able to offer a better response to the needs of our customers: we are paying a special attention to the issue of “carbon footprint” for some time now, both regarding our machines but also our company, where, among some other things, we have installed photovoltaic panels, making the company practically autonomous in terms of energy consumption.
The watchword is cost optimisation, because the best way to increase earnings is to reduce costs. Using our wide knowledge and many years of expertise, we have developed a new dry-cleaning machine concept, equipped with a distillation system, for cleaning any types of garments, highly efficient against almost any kind of dirt. For this revolutionary project, we focused on reducing consumption: by implementing the “Eco Concept” system, we have minimised energy loss, by keeping as much as possible the energy inside the machine, without any unnecessary dispersion. But also, significantly less solvent used, thanks to the “cloud” washing system, keeping a constant mechanical action, while profitably using the entire drum volume. The solvent carrying 90% of the dirt is being released during the spinning stage, and then distilled using less energy.
It is passing then to the rinsing phase, enhancing the washing cycle. Finally, for the drying step there is no longer needed the energy dissipated by the distiller, so the machine’s power consumption is reduced to more than half, optimising the distillation and drying cycle”. For designing our machines, we have applied all our experience acquired in the past, especially the experience gained on cooling systems for the air conditioning installations, which has helped us today in developing a system to reduce the consumption for the cooling water. For 8/10 washing cycles we have never exceeded the consumption of about 1 cubic metre of water, and either an energy consumption of about 8kW/h. The result achieved is very satisfactory as it is combined with a high cleaning quality. We have developed a concept, a new method, named “Eco Concept”, with certain modified volumes and parameters, for the moment applied only on the machines in electrically heated versions. This method is compatible with almost all cleaning solvents such as Sensene, Intense, hydrocarbons, etc.
We are currently defining some collaborations with the detergents manufacturers with the aim of better combining the machine/ detergent synergy. Always on the topic of reduced consumption, we would like to emphasise the UNION models from the NOVA series, already available on the market for years, particularly suitable for the small laundries as they are easy to install and use, also thanks to the low maintenance required by these models. NOVA operates using the solvent filtration technique, without the need for a distillation system. Energy consumption is extremely low, and the air-colling version suitable to be installed in rooms with enough air exchange, does not require cooling water, offering additional savings. Energy saving, but also eco-sustainability as our machines have no external discharge and therefore, they do not release microplastics or other pollutants in the environment. All washing residues are sent to recycling systems”.
We pass now the floor to Marco Niccolini, the General Sales and Mkt Director of Renzacci SpA, a company producing washing and dry-cleaning machines. “As Renzacci, we are focusing on few key and highly effective elements. When it comes to water washing, and especially to Wet cleaning, we are strongly believing in our Oceano system, highly efficient and placing the water-washing to its proper dimension. In fact, the water wash should not be seen as an alternative to dry-cleaning, as they are two complementary technologies. They both allow the laundry professional to give a complete service to the customers. The Oceano system offers highquality washing, in a sustainable and circular perspective. How? With two very important techniques: first, the EcoCare system allows water savings through a recovery system that doesn’t needs any additional space than already occupied by the footprint of the machine. The recovery system is placed under the machine, offering it an ergonomic structure, with high stability and no vibrations.
Also in line with environmental protection is the exclusive Plastic guard microplastic filter that is now available in most of the Renzacci models present on the market. The constantly evolving laundry of nowadays can only combine cleanliness, health and well-being. Regarding the dry-cleaning, we have further developed the models and series of Bio dry-cleaning machines that are using biodegradable, hypoallergenic and biocompatible solvents, which, combined with natural cleaning techniques, provide high quality results while respecting the environment. Our Bio dry-cleaning machines are also equipped with Sentinel system, allowing for a remarkable disinfection and efficient sanitisation of the garments”.
“Miele Professional is supporting the tourism sector with solutions tailored to every need”. This is how Egizia Maria Felice, the Marketing Manager of Miele Professional, begins our conversation. “A free preliminary consultancy allows us to identify the most suitable machines and programmes for the smooth running of the facility, based on the number of beds, working hours of the laundry staff, and the weekly frequency of towels and linen changing. This is our company’s approach. All these data allow the Miele consultants to calculate the daily linen quantity (Kg) to be washed and in how many hours, helping us to design customised laundry projects. For the structures with special needs, Miele offers high-tech programmable machines.
For their installation, Miele is customising and setting unique programmes specifically studied for the needs of each individual customer. In fact, technical textiles, as well as helmets, snorkels and masks used for beach and mountain activities, are daily washed and treated in the Miele machines. These specific programmes not only guarantee the highest standards of hygiene, always appreciated by our customers and their guests; but are also designed to ensure greater longevity of the washed fabrics. Finally, for touristic facilities with public laundries such as camping sites and holiday resorts, Miele has created appWash, a digital payment system that reduces the customers’ initial investment to zero, improves the experience for the end user, and ensures continuous service thanks to the well-proven quality of Miele machines. Thanks to a completely online system, appWash allows users to book, monitor and pay for the washing cycles remotely, and to receive immediate assistance in case of a failure”, concludes Egizia Maria Felice.
“Our machinery range allows us to meet the market needs in a crosscutting way, starting from industrial laundries, small laundries, and up to in-house laundries in the Ho.Re.Ca., sanitary or self-service sectors”. We are speaking about this with Vittorio Maglione, the Country Manager Italy of Alliance Laundry Systems. “The trend that we are observing today in all sectors is the evolution of the chemicals, enabling the wash at low temperatures, with significant energy savings. In addition, the market is focusing on water savings, water recovery systems and optimising production cycles.
Furthermore, the world needs a faster, simpler and a more efficient laundry. In recent years, we have made major investments in research and development in this context. Our dedication and involvement in various international markets allows us to dedicate resources and efficient solutions to the challenges of the future. A commercial laundry is a complex place. Water, chemicals, energy, textiles and substantial mechanical force must be precisely calibrated with the minimum amount of noise, vibration and heat. Safety is crucial. Quality results and reliability are key elements of the entire process,” concludes Maglione.
In the conclusion of this Reportage, we speak with Gabriele Giotto, the Sales and Product Manager of Grandimpianti, a company producing professional laundry equipment (and more). “I would like to emphasise two different but very important elements related to washing. The first one is the wet-cleaning and clothes treatment, so garments in general, while the other element is related to the washing of floor-cleaning mops used by the companies for cleaning their premises. When speaking about washing, we are improperly referring only to the washing machine treatment phase; while we should also mention that a washing process involves also the drying phase. When it comes to wet-cleaning, the washing technique called Gentlewash®, a brand of Grandimpianti, allows for a higher flexibility in programming.
This system enables, in fact, a double possibility. Firstly, we can set a different loading ratio, depending on the item to be treated, avoiding excessive felting and friction, adapting all the features of the washing machine: mechanical action, detergent, water, energy and cycle length. The “Sinner diagram” adapted to the treated garment. he second important element is the 3D unbalance sensor, designed for preventing the excessive balance movements of the machine, preserving the mechanical life of the mobile elements. If the machine is underloaded, maybe only with some light garments, thanks to the 3D sensor, the loading weight will be equally distributed inside the drum, avoiding the risk of unbalance that could compromise the mechanical components of the washing machine. Our tumble dryers are also designed with a similar solution, that are also following a specific drying diagram.
As for the cleaning companies, on the other hand, one of the problems they are confronting with, is the treatment of the floor-cleaning mops, that are usually very dirty and often require pre-washing, before loading them into the washing machine. The Grandimpianti washing machine is specifically designed with a pre-treatment of the mops: at the beginning of the washing cycle, the drain valve remains open, creating a kind of shower effect, allowing the removal of the excess dirt. Then, the drain valve is closed, and the real washing cycle begins, following a well-defined diagram. This specific washing process can include a phase when the mop is “soaked” in detergent, and a phase that is using a calibrated spinning cycle for preparing the final product, with the right moisture degree, ready for use”, concludes Giotto. •
by Marzio Nava
DETERGO Magazine # December 2023
