Uniform and workwear services company prioritizes environmental stewardship with latest infrastructure project at Ontario, Calif., laundry facility.
Wilmington, Mass. and Ontario, Calif. (October 2020) – UniFirst, a North American leader in providing customized work uniform programs, corporate attire, and facility service products for businesses, announced that its laundry processing facility in Ontario, Calif., is utilizing a new industrial water recycling system and advanced filtration technology. The system, developed by clean technology engineering firm Norchem, was commissioned in July to help UniFirst conserve water and reduce utility costs while advancing companywide sustainability goals for environmental stewardship.
In an effort to become a “greener,” more environmentally friendly organization, UniFirst looks for opportunities to apply energy-saving systems and technologies that help ensure resource conservation and environmental protection. As such, the company’s water recycling system in Ontario is expected to save 6.5 million gallons of water annually by cleaning and reusing 30 percent of water used at the facility. A similar system at UniFirst’s laundering facility in Chicago recycles up to 20 percent of the water usage at that location.
“Filtration technology is gaining popularity among industrial laundry facilities because it is a proven way to more efficiently clean and reuse water,” said Matthew Croatti, vice president of engineering and distribution for UniFirst. “This is our company’s second water recycle system to be implemented and a great example of our sustainability focus put into practice. We’re committed to acting responsibly as a business and helping to build a better world for our employee Team Partners, our customers, and the communities we serve.”
Work to install the Ontario water recycle system began in April 2020, while UniFirst continued operating as an essential business for frontline workers and other businesses in need of hygienically clean uniforms, personal protective equipment, and other facilities maintenance products. UniFirst leveraged an $80,000 state incentive to help finance the system’s installation and expects to save over $90,000 in utility costs annually.
Earlier this year, UniFirst earned the #4 spot on Barron’s 2020 List of the 100 Most Sustainable Companies in the U.S. This year the company also commissioned its first solar energy project at its San Antonio, Texas, laundering facility, which is expected to dramatically offset that location’s annual energy usage.
To learn more about all of UniFirst’s sustainability and social commitment efforts, visit csr.UniFirst.com.
About UniFirst
Headquartered in Wilmington, Mass., UniFirst Corporation (NYSE: UNF) is a North American leader in the supply and servicing of uniform and workwear programs, as well as the delivery of facility service programs. Together with its subsidiaries, the company also provides first aid and safety products, and manages specialized garment programs for the cleanroom and nuclear industries. UniFirst manufactures its own branded workwear, protective clothing, and floorcare products; and with 260 service locations, over 300,000 customer locations, and 14,000 employee Team Partners, the company outfits more than 2 million workers each business day. For more information, contact UniFirst at 888.365.1591 or visit UniFirst.com.
Contact:
Adam Soreff
Director of Marketing and Communications
UniFirst Corporation
68 Jonspin Rd.
Wilmington, MA 01887
978.527.4349
ASoreff@UniFirst.com
