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FEBRUARY 2026 NEWS

Gurtler Introduces Pulse Protect

PFAS-Free fabric protection technology for healthcare and hygiene textiles

Gurtler Industries, Inc., a leading provider of specialty chemical solutions for the industrial and commercial laundry industry, has introduced Pulse Protect, a PFAS-free fabric fluid repellent designed to enhance protection, durability, and sustainability in healthcare and hygiene textiles. Gurtler’s national headquarters and research center are located in the Midwest with distribution points across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

Pulse Protect is a water-based polymer emulsion that contains no PFAS, PFOA, or other fluoropolymers commonly referred to as “forever chemicals.” It is engineered to provide a supplemental fluid-repellent barrier on critical healthcare textiles, including surgical drapes, surgical gowns, isolation gowns, and other personal protective equipment. The formulation delivers strong repellency to water-based fluids while maintaining the breathability and softness required for comfort and wearability.

Unlike traditional fluorochemical treatments, Pulse Protect offers a high-performance alternative that supports both safety and environmental responsibility. By eliminating PFAS, the technology helps reduce long-term environmental persistence and minimizes the risk of chemical accumulation in water sources. This makes it a practical solution for industrial laundries and their clients who are working to meet sustainability goals while maintaining strict performance standards.

Pulse Protect also supports workplace safety and regulatory compliance. PFAS-free fabric finishes reduce the potential for chemical leaching and exposure, helping laundries and healthcare providers protect both workers and end users while preparing for evolving regulatory requirements.

With Pulse Protect, Gurtler continues its commitment to innovation in textile finishing technology, providing industrial laundries with advanced tools to improve textile performance, extend product life, and support responsible processing.

Gurtler Industries, Inc. develops and supplies specialty chemical solutions for the institutional and commercial laundry markets, including health care, hospitality, textile rental, and F&B linen supply laundries. The company partners with laundries across North America providing innovative products and expert service that maximizes quality and productivity while minimizing costs and environmental impact.
For more information: Steven Tinker sjtinker@gurtler.com, Mobile: 708-870-7743.

America’s Best Cleaners affiliates awarded exclusive category leadership in The Home Trust International

America’s Best Cleaners (ABC) announced its selection as the exclusive textile and garment care partner for The Home Trust International, the world’s most prestigious invitation-only network for luxury home services. The partnership establishes ABC’s CoutureCareTMcertified affiliates as the designated experts for all textile, home furnishing, and apparel preservation needs for The Home Trust’s elite global clientele.

Modeled after prestigious organizations such as Leading Hotels of the World and Relais & Châteaux, The Home Trust International curated collective represents the pinnacle of craftsmanship. As the newly minted “Category Leader” for cleaning services, ABC affiliates will now sit alongside iconic brands like Steinway & Sons and Kravet to provide a seamless “Circle of Trust” for high-net-worth families.

“Being conferred membership into The Home Trust is a profound recognition of the mastery our affiliates bring to the industry,” said Christopher White, Executive Director of America’s Best Cleaners. “This isn’t just about dry cleaning; it is about ‘wardrobe asset management’. Our affiliates are now the vetted, peer-recognized advisors for the preservation of a client’s most precious textile investments, from bespoke couture to museum-quality home tapestries”.

To maintain the exclusive status, ABC facilities continue to undergo rigorous audits, including annual on-site inspections and quarterly mystery shopping conducted in accordance with global standards originally set by the Hohenstein Institutes in Germany.

Christopher P. Ramey, Founder of The Home Trust International, added: “We created The Home Trust to solve a specific challenge for affluent families: finding service and product providers who can be trusted.. ABC was the clear choice because their standards are aligned with the world-class design professionals and resources in our network. Our members and their clients now have the peace of mind that the excellence they expect in their home is matched by the technical complexity and discretion provided by their garment care specialists”.

This partnership allows ABC affiliates to collaborate directly with interior designers and estate managers, ensuring that exotic fabrics and high-end specifications are professionally maintained from the moment they enter the home.

About ABC
America’s Best Cleaners is an independent certification and consulting agency dedicated to elevating standards in the garment care industry. ABC identifies the top 1% of garment care specialists in the country, ensuring they meet the world’s most rigorous technical and service standards. For more information, see www.AmericasBestCleaners.com.

Gurtler’s New Website Supports Commercial Laundries

Gurtler Industries, Inc. has launched a newly redesigned website as part of its ongoing
investment in supporting commercial laundry clients, distributors, and industry partners.

A key feature of the new website is Gurtler’s expanded Technical Blog, which serves as a
knowledge resource for commercial laundry professionals seeking practical guidance, industry
insight, and expert perspective on laundry operations, chemistry, and service programs.

One featured article, “Choosing a Laundry Chemical Supplier: The 5-Step Buying
Process,” written by Steven J. Tinker, Senior Vice President of Research and
Development and Marketing, walks laundry operators through the critical questions they
should ask when evaluating a chemical supplier. The article examines trust in service
representatives, company support, product performance, cost versus value, and implementation
planning, offering a structured framework for making informed supplier decisions.

Additional Technical Blog articles will explore related topics designed to help commercial
laundry operations evaluate programs, improve performance, and better understand how
chemical service impacts quality, efficiency, and long-term operational success. Look for one or
two new blog entries every month throughout 2026.

Beyond the Technical Blog, the new website has been built to better reflect Gurtler’s expertise in
laundry chemistry, injection systems, and technical service while making it easier for clients and
partners to find information, request support, and connect with Gurtler’s team.

The redesigned site clearly positions Gurtler as a laundry chemical expert serving healthcare,
hospitality, industrial uniform rental, and food and beverage laundry operations. Market-
specific content and client testimonials reinforce the Gurtler Advantage and demonstrate how
the company helps commercial laundries achieve consistent, reliable results.

The site also strengthens Gurtler’s brand story by balancing its global reach with its family-
owned heritage. This reinforces the stability, trust, and long-term partnerships that have defined
the company for more than forty years.

A modern, clean design and improved structure guide visitors through key information while
keeping the focus on Gurtler’s products, services, and markets. Clear calls to action such as
Need a Second Opinion? and Schedule a Consultation make it easy for clients and partners
to connect directly with Gurtler’s technical and sales teams.

“This new website reflects how we are investing in the future of Gurtler and the clients we
serve,” said Greg Gurtler, President of Gurtler Industries. “The Technical Blog is an
important part of that investment. It allows us to share our knowledge, support informed
decision-making, and continue building strong, long-term relationships across the commercial
laundry industry.”

Gurtler Industries is a leading manufacturer of advanced detergents, specialty chemicals, and
injection systems for the commercial laundry industry. From its headquarters and research
center in suburban Chicago, Gurtler supports healthcare, hospitality, industrial uniforms, shirt
laundries, textile rentals, and food and beverage laundries worldwide. Now in its third generation
of family ownership, Gurtler continues its tradition of innovation, service, and partnership.

For more information, contact Gurtler Industries at 1-800-638-7300 or visit www.gurtler.com.

Healthcare Laundry Accreditation Council Names 2026-2028 Board

John Hopper

HLAC is proud to welcome John Hopper as President, continuing his leadership and service to HLAC in this role.

The Board and Staff look forward to the guidance, expertise, and collaboration of the full HLAC Board as we move into the 2026–2028 term and continue to support excellence across the healthcare laundry community.

Other members of the Board:

Kelly Zabriskie Gralnick
HLAC Vice President
System Director-Infection Prevention & Control, BayCare

Jeffrey Courey
HLAC Past President
President & CEO, George Courey Inc.

Karl Fillip II
CEO, NOVO Health Services

Lumey Gamboa
CEO, Bay Linen

Cort Naab
Western Regional Manager, Tingue

Kaustav Ghosh
Director, RD&E – Global Textile Care, Ecolab

Nick Swartz
VP of Sales, Healthcare Linen Services Group

Dr. Priya Balachandran
CEO, Advisor, and Co-Founder, Life Sciences Tools and Digital Health Space

Rocco Romeo
CEO, HLS Linen Services

Christine Zirges
System Director Infection Prevention, SSM Health

Krissy Thayer
Executive Director

JANUARY 2026 NEWS

Laundry Lounge Powered by LG 

Dorm project launched at University of Tennessee

LG Electronics USA announced the opening of the inaugural “Laundry Lounge powered by LG” at the University of Tennessee, at Knoxville.

Designed to simplify the process of doing laundry while encouraging connection and relaxation, the state-of-the-art laundry space transforms an essential chore into a more engaging and enjoyable experience. Located in Fred D. Brown Residence Hall, which houses 680 students, the newly reinvented space sets a new standard for campus laundry facilities.

This unique pilot project features 16 advanced LG commercial washers and 24 high-performance LG commercial dryers, complemented by extensive upgrades, fresh paint, sleek lighting, signage and stylish décor and furniture. Designed with students in mind, the space makeover goes beyond laundry by offering premium amenities such as a 65-inch LG OLED TV, LG monitors for gaming or studying, and an LG air purifier for ensuring a clean and refreshing environment. 


A student uses the Laundry Lounge inside the Fred Brown Hall. (Photo by Steven Bridges/University of Tennesee)

For busy students on the go, LG’s Laundry Crew smartphone application enables them to remotely monitor their laundry cycles from their dorm room or class and receive notifications via their smartphone when their clothes are ready.

“At LG, we’re redefining the college laundry experience to make it more convenient, enjoyable and community oriented,” said Kevin Jeong, LG Electronics USA’s appliance division president. “The Laundry Lounge demonstrates our commitment to enhancing student life through convenience and connection by giving students a unique laundry experience that transforms a lengthy and tedious chore into an enjoyable and time-saving experience that complements dorm life.”

This project “reflects a shared commitment to innovation and to creating spaces that meaningfully support students in their everyday lives,” according to Frank Cuevas, Vice Chancellor of Student Life, University of Tennessee, Knoxville.

“The space a student calls home at UT is foundational to their academic success, personal development and well-being. Through our partnership with LG, the Laundry Lounge meets evolving student needs by elevating the residential experience with upgraded machines, modern amenities and smart technology,” he said.


Interior of the Laundry Lounge at Fred Brown Hall. (Photo by Steven Bridges/University of Tennesee)

The machines in the new Laundry Lounge include LG’s advanced Inverter Direct Drive™ motor innovation, delivering premium performance, durability and efficiency. They also feature LG’s innovative 3D Gyro Sensor and Gyro Balancing System, which precisely monitors drum movement to reduce unnecessary motion, vibration and noise. 

LG’s commercial washers and dryers are also equipped with intuitive, easy-to-use interfaces tailored for all levels of experiences, paired with intelligent features such as advanced sensor technology designed to address common challenges like using excessive detergent.  

Students attending the opening of the lounge at Brown Hall received a complimentary LG laundry bag and laundry detergent from Procter & Gamble to celebrate the launch of the new space. 

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