Uniform & Textile Service Association

Mission/Description

The Uniform and Textile Service Association is an international trade organization representing textile supply and service companies. UTSA members provide, clean, and maintain reusable textile products, such as uniforms, sheets, table linen, shop and print towels, floor mats, mops, and other items to thousands of business in all industries. These industries include light, heavy, and hi-tech manufacturing; healthcare; restaurants; service, retail, construction and transportation industries; and institutions.

UTSA's mission is to provide "specialized information and educational programs and work to influence governmental policies affecting the industry, in order to enhance the business success of members and increase recognition of the industry." Pursuant to this mission, UTSA conducts lobbying efforts when necessary. The focus of these efforts is the maintenance of an appropriate regulatory environment in which our members may grow and prosper.

At its essence, the textile service industry functions on the concept of reuse, specifically, the reuse of textile products. UTSA members deliver clean textiles to customers and pick up the soiled textiles for cleaning and reuse. This makes the industry one of the nation's largest recyclers, while saving energy and preventing further depletion of scarce natural resources. The association, therefore, advocates issues and promotes policies associated with decreasing natural resource consumption, saving energy, and providing effective pollution management and prevention. The industry strongly believes that reusable textiles are the more environmentally friendly alternative to disposable products (e.g., by reducing the waste that goes to landfills and incinerators). Additionally, studies show that the industry uses 64 percent less water, 73 percent less energy, and 90 percent less detergent to do the same quantity of laundry than do small home washers and dryers. UTSA members have recently begun an aggressive, industry-wide pollution prevention and resource conservation program, called the Laundry Environmental Stewardship Program.