Green (2G) Initiatives

Don’t just “Go Green”…live, breathe and work Green!  At Gunderson Uniform and Linen Rental, our mission is to provide the highest quality products and services in a sustainable and resourceful way. Here are a few ways we care for our earth.

Energy and Water Efficiency Systems

Water Recycling

  • Clean water at cycle-end used to pre-rinse next cycle
  • Greater water consumption efficiencies than home or on-premise laundry systems

Comprehensive Utility Management System

  • installed variable-frequency drive (VFD) compressor
  • Annual energy saved of 219,000 kW hours equates to :
    • 35 cars removed from the road
    • 430 barrels of oil saved
    • 263 tons of CO2 saved
    • 110 tons of coal saved
  • VFDs control unit speeds (RPM) and saves on electricity and energy
  • Most industrial laundries do not utilize VFDs

More Eco-Friendly Solvents & Organic Starch

NPEs (Nonylphenol Ethoxylates) have been widely used in a variety of industrial detergents. Although once used in household detergents, the EPA and detergent manufacturers have cooperated to eliminate this practice. The use of products with NPEs leads to widespread release into the water and can be toxic to fish and other aquatic animals. Today, many industrial laundries continue to use detergents with NPEs.

Gunderson, however, does not use these products. The wash process we utilize is safer and environmentally sustainable. We wash with:

  • Products that are 100% free of NPEs, phosphates and EDTA (Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid)
  • Detergents that are independently certified as “Green” by the U.S. EPAs Design for Environment(DfE) program.
  • Wash formulations that allow for energy and water reduction and increased productivity

High-Efficiency Lighting Installations

  • Less energy consumption
    • T8 fluorescents – up to 60% less energy usage than T12 and HID
    • Compact fluorescents – over 70% less energy usage than incandescent
    • LED exit signs – over 80% less energy usage than fluorescent
  • Better light quality and quantity
    • Improved color and visibility

Material Recycling

  • Plastics – recycled internally and collected from business partners
  • Hangers – reused within Gunderson’s facilities
  • Paper

Linen Repurposing

  • Retired bed linen used for ambulatory services
  • Gently used garments and uniforms donated to missions and those in need
  • Scrap garments and linen reused or recycled

Industrial Absorbents – Oil absorbent products

  • Products include pads, rolls, socks, polypropylene matting and granular.
  • Available for rental and recycling