Linen and uniform launderers and suppliers from across the world assembled at Bruges, Belgium to attend the World Textile Services Congress (WTSC) from October 5 to 7. The event was organised by the European Textile Services Association (ETSA), FBT (Belgian national association of textile services) and TRSA (international, based in the United States).

Nearly 90 executives from more than 50 laundry companies came from 12 different countries along with 14 sponsoring suppliers making for a total of nearly 200 participants. They reviewed political, economic and social conditions affecting the industry worldwide.

While delegates were prompted to recognize what makes their businesses and homelands unique, many of them related to each other’s experiences noted issues they face at home that extend across borders. This enabled executives to share strategies for fulfilling common business opportunities.

Trends that WTSC presenters discussed were: The industry has yet to thoroughly document the value of its services, indicating the need to reverse perceptions of the business as a commodity; corporate consolidation of textile services operators continues to decrease their numbers and increase larger chains’ market share, but niches remain for independents; immigration creates costly public burdens but remains a fertile source of employees; better analysis of launderers’ databases can improve customer service and drive additional revenue; more plant processes can be automated to increase operating margins.

These themes emerged from the beginning when former European Commission President Herman Von Rompuy delivered his keynote address. Attendees recognized similarities when geographic and product market trends were discussed in panel discussions. Belgian launderers discussed their operations as they opened their doors for participants’ visits on the final day of the Congress.