02.15.12
ASTM has invited all interested parties are invited to join in the development of a proposed new ASTM International standard that will identify and define sustainable best management practices that are used in commercial laundry facilities to reduce their impact on the environment.
ASTMWK35985 Practice for Sustainable Laundry Best Management Practices is being developed by Subcommittee D13.40 on Sustainability of Textilesunder the jurisdiction of ASTM International Committee D13 on Textiles.
“We are looking to further reduce our carbon footprint and enhance our environmental stewardship by developing ASTM WK35985,” said Gary D. Gramp, Textile Rental Services Association, and chairman of the task group developing ASTM WK35985. “Our goal is to encourage the implementation of best management practices for sustainability at all commercial laundry facilities.”
According to Gramp, the methodology contained in ASTM WK35985 for assessing best management practices will be used in the commercial laundry industry to certify that the laundry process of a given establishment is sustainable and compliant to the standard. Areas to be covered in the proposed standard include environmentally friendly low temperature detergents and nonylphenol ethoxylate-free detergents among other issues.
In addition to owners of commercial laundry facilities, Gramp said that potential stakeholder groups for ASTM WK35985 would include users of reusable textiles in the restaurant, hospitality and healthcare industries, government agencies and environmental organizations.
More info: www.astm.org