If you want to talk about the laundry industry in Canada, you won’t talk long before the name HLS Linen Services comes up. And rightly so. The company is celebrating 50 years in business, and it’s CEO, Rocco Romeo, received a prestigious lifetime achievement award this year. To get a better handle on where the industry is right now and where it’s going, we asked Rocco to share his insights.

Key 1: Reusable is Back

You’ve been in the industry a long time, 24 years at HLS alone. You’ve seen things come and go. Do you feel the industry is growing, shrinking, or maintaining the status quo? Why?

I have been in the industry for approximately 30 years now and have seen a lot of changes. I find the industry in many ways is growing. The importance and attention being made towards reusable textiles has increased in the last few years. We have a huge opportunity to regain market share lost to disposable products, which were taking away market share from the industry. We have started to see a shift back to reusables, with isolation gowns and OR products showing strong numbers.

COVID knocked every industry for a loop, but laundry seemed to weather the situation well; sanitation was the buzz-word for the crisis. But how has the industry fared now that the pandemic is in the rear-view mirror? Did the growth it experienced continue?

The industry I believe fared well during COVID.  During and post-COVID there was an increased awareness of the importance of laundry in the healthcare system.  We were able to tighten up infection control processes including introducing some new technology such as UV during the process.  The limitations and procurement issues associated with disposable products were highlighted during COVID and hence made a strong argument for the use of reusable products. 

Warehousing of 60,000 reusable gowns takes up approximately 50 skids while the equivalent disposable gowns would take up 3750 skids–which is 75 times the warehouse space.

We now have impressive data that shows that 60,000 isolation gowns represent the equivalent of 4,500,000 disposable gowns that would be sent to land fill. Warehousing of 60,000 reusable gowns takes up approximately 50 skids while the equivalent disposable gowns would take up 3750 skids which is 75 times the warehouse space a significant increase in costs. These costs are now highlighted in any analysis of reusable versus disposable. We shipped post-pandemic about 36,000 gowns a week and now ship between 125,000 and 200,000 a week. 

Key 2: Automation

What is the greatest challenge facing the laundry industry right now? What challenges do you see around the corner?

Right after COVID we were facing labor challenges. A lot of that has now subsided, but it did highlight the importance of automation. As we move forward, future purchasing decisions need to take into account a potential shrinking labor pool. As mentioned earlier, reusables have a major opportunity to regain market share lost to disposables, and its important the laundry industry act quickly to regain market share.  Artificial intelligence and robotics represent both challenges and opportunities for the laundry industry which needs to adapt to stay competitive. 

What’s the latest innovation you’ve implemented at HLS? Why did you take this direction?

In recent years we implemented a UV Cart Wash System for carts and a UV Truck Sanitization System. Both projects involved taking advantage of the consistency and effectiveness of UV  in infection control. These were both successfully implemented in our processes and addressed consistency of infection control practices.  We have also implemented some sophisticated bagging systems to address new packaging methods for items such as pillowcases, facecloths and microfibre products.

Key 3: Efficiency is King

What frustrates you most in the laundry industry? How would you solve it if you had a magic wand?

The laundry industry does not get the recognition it deserves. There is a lot of work in running a laundry and linen service business that provides an essential service and needs to deliver daily without fail. The importance and the power of people, effective process control, and strong logistics management are some of the key strengths of the laundry business. I have always tried to promote the effectiveness and efficiency of laundry operations and promote the strength and character of the industry.

What gets you up and going every morning? What helps you maintain enthusiasm?

This industry is ever-changing and I get up every morning inspired to learn more and make things better. We strive for excellence everyday in all that we do. Our accreditations and certifications that we have achieved are the end result of these efforts. We have been fortunate to have received most industry accreditations and certifications, including ISO 9001 , ISO 14001, HLAC, Hygienically Clean. Positive energy yields positive results, and I am fortunate to be working with driven, hard working people in our plants and within the industry. 

Are there people in the laundry industry you’d like to salute or thank? Why?

I have been very lucky in my career. I was mentored by many people in the industry including people like Don Pedder and Ole Carlsen . They shared information and knowledge, they gave me confidence, and they knew that what was important was making the industry better and passing on all that knowledge and wisdom. 

I have been lucky to have unwavering support and guidance from many. I have had many teachers, mentors and colleagues in the past. I’m grateful for them believing in me, for inspiring me and for standing by me through every challenge, victory, and lesson learned.  To my hardworking team at HLS, my thanks for their unwavering loyalty and commitment.

I am beyond grateful for each opportunity, experience, victory, and lesson learned.

Editor’s Note: You can learn more about HLS and Rocco Romeo in August Industry News.