Building a path to Net Zero laundry by 2050
When Ville Konsti took on the role of Vice President of Facility and Technology Innovation in 2024, he faced a significant challenge: our commitment to achieving net-zero emissions needed a clear roadmap for our laundries. With gas and electricity contributing to most of the greenhouse gas emissions in our laundry operations, it was evident where we needed to concentrate our efforts. Net-zero laundry program became one of our key initiatives to significantly reduce the greenhouse gas emissions from our operations.
The concept of Net Zero Laundry is simple yet demanding – to develop a comprehensive laundry system that emits no greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. Achieving this requires implementing innovative technical solutions across various areas, including steam generation, heat recovery, washing and drying processes, and wastewater treatment.
“These solutions are like LEGO blocks that fit together to build our net-zero laundry concepts,” explains Konsti. “Each piece contributes to the bigger picture either by reducing energy consumption or by turning it towards greener energy sources. By combining these solutions, I’m confident we can nearly eliminate the emissions that our laundries produce by 2050.”
Our goals are ambitious: to reduce emissions across our supply chain by 50% by 2030 and achieve a 90% reduction by 2050 leading to net-zero emissions. The energy and electricity of laundry operations currently account for approximately 24% of our total emissions.
The innovative technical solutions are like LEGO blocks that fit together to build our net-zero laundry concept. By 2050, we aim to have the Net Zero Laundry concept implemented across all our facilities.
Conceptualised yet flexible
“We aim to develop modular concepts that are standardised yet adaptable to local needs,” shares Konsti. “For example, the concept might include specific washing machines and dryers, but elements like air conditioning and wastewater treatment can be tailored to suit the unique conditions and requirements of each country.”
The approach involves creating tailored solutions for various types of laundries. In the first wave of development, for example, a new workwear laundry concept will be developed. The initiative draws on the versatile expertise of Lindström teams and a wide network of partners.
“To achieve this kind of solution, we need to collaborate with suppliers of water treatment and laundry equipment, design experts, and engage with new technical partners,” says Konsti. “Our approach is holistic. For instance, if we decide to implement a specific heat recovery system, we must also carefully plan where and how the recovered heat will be utilised.”
By combining structured design with local adaptability, the Net Zero laundry program ensures that innovative solutions can be implemented effectively across diverse contexts.
New solutions for current and future laundries
The journey toward net-zero laundry begins next year with the development of a concept for workwear laundries and the testing of technical solutions to electrify steam production. Insights from other existing initiatives will play a key role in shaping these advancements.
“We’ve already made significant investments to improve energy efficiency and gathered valuable lessons along the way,” says Konsti. “The next step is to identify technical solutions for electrifying our laundries, and who knows—hydrogen solutions may also become part of the mix in the future. However, that road has notable uncertainties”
The development is not limited to future concepts; it also involves modernising existing laundries. By blending innovation with careful planning, the initiative ensures that both current and future operations contribute to our climate goals.
“Progress happens in stages,” Konsti explains. “We need to balance between the remaining lifespan of current equipment and the emissions reductions achieved with new technologies. However, by 2050, we aim to have the Net Zero Laundry concept implemented across all our facilities.”
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