During the Texcare 2024, the Clean India Journal team observed steep changes in the laundry equipment vis-à-vis automation and robotics. Many of the manufacturers who had some brilliant products on display are targeting the fast growing Indian market.
In series of articles, Mohana M, Editor, Clean India Journal, brings to you some of the highlights through interviews, articles and innovative products for India, which will be featured in parts in the magazine.
World leaders, who are strengthening their foothold in India, shared their perspective of this growing market, expansion and technology tie-ups for 2025. Here are some viewpoints…
Automation, Ergonomics, and Sustainability The Future of Laundry Operations in India
As labour shortages and increasing costs affect laundry operations globally, automation has become crucial for maintaining productivity, reducing strain, and improving operational efficiency. “In India, where the market is rapidly expanding, the need for innovative, long-lasting, and energy-efficient laundry solutions is stronger than ever,” says Thorsten Malzer, Managing Director & Group CFO, Herbert Kannegiesser GmbH. Excerpts:
How does automation help reduce labour costs and improve efficiency in laundry operations?
We are seeing the need for automation because labour is getting increasingly expensive, and there’s a shortage of labour across all the countries we operate in. People do not want to work in soiled areas of laundry or in sections that are physically demanding. Automation is needed here first, as a starting point for the process.
Why is ergonomics crucial for laundry workers, and how do our solutions address long-term physical strain?
Ergonomics is a critical factor in laundry operations. Workers face significant physical strain, not just over weeks or months, but over years. It’s hard to evaluate the impact of ergonomics when purchasing equipment, but once it is running, the improvement in ergonomics is clearly noticeable. Our solutions help reduce the stress on the body by automating the more physically demanding tasks.
How can businesses assess whether automation and ergonomics are a good fit for their specific laundry needs?
The decision depends on the customer’s needs, whether in hospitality or healthcare. There is no single product suitable for all. It also depends on the volume of linen being processed. After understanding the customer’s goals, we work towards delivering a solution that’s the most productive for their needs.
What makes Kannegiesser machines a better investment over cheaper alternatives in terms of longevity and productivity?
Kannegiesser’s machines are priced higher, but we ensure that these products run for not just years, but decades. Our machines are highly productive, fast, and require minimal downtime. We’ve seen these machines running for 10, 20, 30 years with little to no issues. Cheaper alternatives often don’t deliver the same level of reliability or longevity.
How does sustainability play a role in our product offerings, and how does it impact long-term cost savings for laundries?
Kannegiesser is the world leader in sustainability for laundry equipment. Our machines have the highest efficiency in energy, gas, and steam consumption. It’s not just about the initial investment but about long-term savings. We have real-world data showing how our products save money by being more energy-efficient compared to competitors.
What potential does India offer for expanding automation and sustainable laundry solutions?
India has enormous potential. We are eager to expand in this market and bring our solutions to meet the growing demand for automation and sustainability in the laundry sector.
Innovation, Investment & Expansion Developing Indian Market in 2025
With prominent acquisitions, Jensen Group is taking large strides to expand its market share in fast growing markets across the globe. India being among the top on the list of countries, Jensen has set plans to increase presence in 2025. Jesper Jensen, CEO-Jensen Group, speaks about the consumer-focussed approach and market developments for India.
When the world came to a halt in March 2020, “we used that time — six months of reflection — to strategize and prepare for the recovery,” says Jesper Jensen. With a strong global presence, we had decided to position itself as a leading service organization when hospitality and F&B resumed. We invested heavily in training our service teams. Meanwhile, the healthcare sector saw a boom, which partially compensated for the downturn in hospitality. Additionally, as industries reopened, workwear demand picked up, and the construction industry remained stable.”
Jensen-Group adapted by reducing direct labour, but fortunately, “as the US was the first to recover, many of these workers were reinstated. Europe followed suit, and Asia is now catching up. We have expanded our production capabilities by adding factories and personnel across the US, Europe, Asia, and Japan. This global presence now ensures we can monitor market developments and invest strategically.”
What are your plans for India?
India is predominantly an On-Premises Laundry (OPL) market, with a growing number of tunnel washers. However, it is still in the early stages for heavy-duty equipment. Our focus is on five-star hotels and railways, which cater to large-scale linen requirements.
India’s reliance on labour has hindered the adoption of automation in the laundry sector, but we see this as an opportunity. We are expanding our team in India, hiring more technical and sales professionals, and engaging with local organizations.
What are the sustainability initiatives taken at the manufacturing facilities?
We are actively working on Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions to reduce CO2 and CO3 footprints. Solar panels power our factory roofs, and we are transitioning to electric and hybrid cars for our teams. While laundry equipment requires steam, gas, and fossil fuels, we are innovating to align with India’s restrictions on fossil fuels. For example, we are testing a new ironer based on local feedback.
What are your expansion plans?
With the hospitality industry rebounding, and travel & tourism back on the rise, so are our expansion efforts. We have recently acquired MAXI-PRESS and partnered with Tolon for commercial strategies. These steps, combined with a consumer-focused approach inspired by my late father, will drive our future growth.
Driving Sustainability & Innovation Vision for Global Laundry Operations
Sustainability is at the forefront of industrial innovation. Manufacturers are rising to the challenge and reshaping business model to improve product performance. “By reducing energy and water consumption, creating safer working conditions, and enhancing product efficiency, we are leading the transformation of the laundry industry,” says Merce Girbau, Chairman & CEO-Girbau, Spain.
How has Girbau’s focus on sustainability transformed the company’s strategy?
Sustainability became more than just a focus for Girbau over the last few years. It defined our purpose. We prioritized creating products that not only help customers achieve sustainability goals but also improve product performance. Energy and water reduction directly contribute to lowering operational costs for our clients, and our commitment to improving our customers’ employees working conditions has had a positive impact on their bottom line.
What innovations has been introduced to enhance laundry operations and worker safety?
One of our key innovations is the automation system called the “Sortech,” designed to handle dirty linen from hospitals, which is traditionally the most challenging and hazardous area in a laundry. Using RFID technology, we’ve automated the sorting process to reduce the physical strain on employees and minimize the risk of infection. Additionally, we’ve developed water recovery systems that filter and reuse water, saving up to 85% of water consumption, as well as systems designed to reduce energy use in washing and drying.
How have your products been tailored to meet the needs of the Indian market?
India’s market is vast, and we recognize the need for both high-end and affordable solutions. While we focus on premium products for top-tier clients, we are also developing machines that are tailored to the needs and budgets of the Indian market, ensuring a balance between performance and affordability.
What is your approach to the Indian hospitality industry, and why is sustainability key?
Hospitality has been central to Girbau’s business since our inception. We have strong partnerships with international hotel chains, where sustainability is a priority. Hotel guests are increasingly demanding eco-friendly practices, and we are helping our partners meet these expectations by offering solutions that support certifications like the ECOVADIS, a crucial B2B certification for sustainable practices.
What trends are shaping the laundry industry in Asia? Asia is a major focus for Girbau due to the region’s rapid growth and market potential. To cater to the price-sensitive markets in Asia, we have established a factory in China where we can transfer technology, reduce costs, and maintain our high-performance standards. By developing niche products that combine performance and affordability, we are positioning ourselves to meet the diverse needs of emerging markets in the region