Bay Towel: Leading the Way in Sustainability and Efficiency in the Textile Rental Industry
Since its founding in 1929, Bay Towel has been a trusted name in the textile rental and industrial laundry business. Based in Green Bay, Wisconsin, we serve customers across the state, providing high-quality services to industries such as healthcare, food service, hospitality, and industrial businesses. Our commitment to exceptional service and sustainability is at the core of everything we do.
Our Impact: Processing 400,000 Pounds a Week
Each week, Bay Towel processes approximately 400,000 pounds of laundry for nearly 3,000 customers. This significant volume of laundry includes everything from linens and uniforms to mats and shop towels. We're proud of the breadth of industries we serve and the crucial role we play in keeping businesses running smoothly.
With 200 employees across three locations in Green Bay, Milwaukee, and Wausau, we understand the importance of teamwork and dedication. Our staff works tirelessly to provide our customers with reliable and eco-friendly solutions for all their textile rental and industrial laundry needs.
Sustainability at the Core: The Original "Recyclers"
The textile rental industry is inherently sustainable, and at Bay Towel, we take this responsibility seriously. We like to think of ourselves as the original “recyclers.” Unlike disposable products that end up in landfills after a single use, we “reuse” textiles up to 100 times, significantly reducing waste. The life cycle of our products is extended through careful attention to key factors such as water temperatures, chemistry, and drying temperatures.
Energy and Water Efficiency: Heat & Steam Reclamation
Our commitment to sustainability extends to our energy and water usage. At Bay Towel, we’ve implemented heat and steam reclamation systems that help us minimize our environmental impact. The heat generated during our laundry process, as well as the excess steam produced by our boilers, is captured and repurposed to heat our well water.
The well water that enters our facility is initially at 54°F, but our passing wastewater raises it to 110°F. From there, our hot water heater completes the job, bringing the water to 140°F—just the right temperature for washing textiles. This process helps reduce energy usage while also ensuring the efficient processing of laundry.
Water Reuse and Reduction
We’re always looking for ways to improve water efficiency. As part of our ongoing efforts, we filter and reuse approximately 28% of the water used in our processes, especially for items like mats and shop towels. By reusing water in this way, we significantly reduce the amount of fresh water needed for our operations, helping us conserve one of our most valuable resources.
In addition to water reuse, we’ve partnered with our chemical supplier, Ecolab, to develop new chemistry that reduces wash temperatures by 14% and reduces water usage by 28%. These advancements not only support our sustainability goals but also enhance the overall efficiency of our operations.
Investing in Energy Efficiency: Machine Upgrades and Lighting
At Bay Towel, we're committed to continually improving our energy efficiency. Over the past five years, we’ve made substantial investments in equipment upgrades and lighting improvements. These upgrades have helped reduce our overall energy usage and utility costs.
For example, our new dryers have reduced our gas usage by an impressive 50%. We’ve also worked closely with our local Focus on Energy (FOE) representative to ensure we're maximizing our savings while minimizing our environmental impact.
Responsible Disposal: Giving Textiles a Second Life
When textiles reach the end of their useful life, we don't just send them to the landfill. Instead, we work with organizations like Goodwill to repurpose old garments and textiles. By doing so, we divert approximately 75% of what would otherwise end up in a landfill, giving these items a second life in a responsible and sustainable way.
Looking Ahead: Our Commitment to Sustainability
At Bay Towel, our dedication to sustainability is an ongoing journey. From reducing water and energy consumption to reusing textiles and partnering with local organizations for responsible disposal, we are committed to making a positive impact on the environment while delivering top-notch service to our customers.
As we look toward the future, we will continue to innovate and find new ways to improve our processes, ensuring that we remain a leader in both the textile rental industry and sustainability efforts. Together with our customers, employees, and community partners, we’ll continue to make strides toward a more sustainable and eco-friendly future.
Thank you for choosing Bay Towel – where quality service and sustainability go hand in hand.
