We can talk all day about the Regenex story but we were recently asked to sum up who we are and what we do in 500 words, for a business awards submission. Here’s the nut shell…
Regenex is a seven-year-old company in Bradford, West Yorkshire, that integrates sustainability across its own operations but – more pertinently – works with over 20 much larger contract laundry groups to help them reach their low carbon ambitions.
Regenex uses colour chemistry principles to open fibres in cottons and polyesters to lift heavy marks that would otherwise lead linen to be condemned to landfill or rag.
Its patented multi-bath gentle cleaning system restores pristine whites of hospitality and healthcare bedlinen, towels, tableware and workwear, with results independently verified in extensive photometer testing. The tensile strength of treated fabric has also undergone analysis, showing that Regenex’s processes do not weaken items.
By enlisting Regenex, laundries can keep more linen in circulation for much longer. The success rate is around 80% of the heaviest-marked linen, provided it is not ripped or torn. More than 2,000 tonnes of linen have now been returned – a weight equivalent to six Boeing 747s. This has saved a huge 6,000 tonnes of carbon and 10bn litres of water associated with the manufacture of replacement stock, as well as minimising textile waste.
This calculation is based on 5,000 litres of water and 3kg carbon saved per kg processed, on the resources needed to manufacture an equivalent weight of new cotton, assuming that the life cycle of the revived linen is doubled.
Regenex has also completed over 30 tonnes of over-dyeing, a smaller part of its operations which sees tired white towels and other items re-coloured in rich shades for new uses, such as in spas and hospitals. Several companies are now sending faded polycotton workwear to Regenex for topping-up.
Contributing to the demand for Regenex’s services is the money as well as carbon saving effects of minimising the need to purchase top-up stock. Put simply, customers such as Pink Moon, Downtons and East Coast can save many thousands of pounds, which can be quantified on Regenex’s calculator here on the website.
The company takes a personal approach with customers, arriving at bespoke solutions to challenges, such as cleaning festival yurts or dyeing hospital scrubs. It has published conversation-starting white papers as part of its commitment to transparency and contributing to the common good.
Technical Director Paul Hamilton, an established thought leader, leads the team of a dozen operatives, and is supported by a network of textile chemistry specialists and academics. Regenex’s reputation for innovation has led to involvement with ongoing research projects with partners, on potential treatments to strengthen part-worn textiles and related possibilities.
Paul has spoken about Regenex at international conferences and the company has attracted regular coverage from the UK laundry media as well as exposure from the Daily Mail, This Is Money, BBC Radio and ITV Good Morning Britain.
Regenex uses hot water from other textile processes on site. While its exact methods are protected, it does not use high temperatures or harsh chemicals. Regenex works to ensure that transportation of linen to and from the factory is as efficient as possible and that waste is minimised.