
Apirl-2025 | ISBN: 978-93-6786-910-9
by: Dr. (Ms.) Ritu Madhan
Overview of the book
Commercial laundries, which provide large-scale washing services for industries such as hospitality, healthcare, and garment manufacturing, consume significant amounts of water, energy, and chemicals. As environmental awareness grows, sustainability in these operations has become a critical focus. This topic explores how commercial laundries affect the environment through their use of resources and generation of waste, including wastewater discharge, carbon emissions, and solid waste from detergents and packaging materials.
The environmental impact evaluation typically includes an analysis of water consumption per wash cycle, energy sources used for heating and drying, and the types of detergents and chemicals employed. Modern sustainable practices involve implementing water recycling systems, switching to biodegradable or low-impact detergents, and using energy-efficient machines. Additionally, incorporating renewable energy sources, such as solar thermal systems for heating water, can drastically reduce a facility’s carbon footprint. Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) tools are often used to quantify and compare the environmental impacts of traditional vs. sustainable practices.
By focusing on sustainability, commercial laundries not only reduce their environmental impact but also improve operational efficiency and long-term cost-effectiveness. This evaluation highlights the importance of industry-wide adoption of eco-friendly technologies, policy compliance, and green certifications. Ultimately, the shift toward sustainable laundering practices is not just an environmental necessity, but a strategic move for businesses aiming to meet regulatory standards, consumer expectations, and corporate social responsibility goals.
Click the link below to access the index
About the Authors'

Dr. Ritu Madhan is an Associate Professor with more than 24 years of teaching experience in the Department of Textile and Fashion Technology, College of Home Science Nirmala Niketan affiliated to University of Mumbai, India. The areas of expertise are in the subjects related to Fabric Structure and Construction, Finishing of Garments and Textiles, Testing & Evaluation of Textiles, Marketing & Management, Entrepreneurship in Textiles & Apparel, Traditional Indian & Historic World Textiles, Draping and Pattern Drafting & Apparel Making. She uses varied and innovative techniques for introducing curriculum, such as creative expression through case studies, markets, demonstrations, workshops and hands on experience with graduate and post graduate students. Several research students have been guided and presented and published research papers at National and International level in the related fields. She is also a recognized guide for Ph.D under the University of Mumbai and is currently guiding students for their research. She is associated as a member of multiple organizations, such as Textile Association of India, Indian Science Society, Society of Dyers & Colorists and also on Board of Studies of colleges as well as co-opted member of the esteemed HSAI (Home Science Association of India).