VOICES
Implementing a
Sustainable Linen
Program
Consider the Whole Equation
Mia Richardson
is the CEO of The
Comphy Company,
a leading provider
of luxury linens
developed specifically for the spa
industry. For more,
visit comphy.com.
REFERENCES:
1. Global Spa Network Toolkit
2. Stanford Office of Sustainability
3. PKF Consulting USA
Pulse welcomes contributions
for Voices. Do you have relevant tips
or pressing industry topics or issues to
tackle? Email ispa@ispastaff.com to pitch
an article or share your expert insights.
32 PULSE
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September 2015
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avigating the world of sustainable spa linens is as multi-layered as a fully
dressed spa bed. There are many factors to keep in mind for sustainable
purchasing decisions of treatment table sheets, blankets, towels and robes.
Luxury spa guests have come to expect a luxurious feel when they lie
down on the treatment table or when they put on a robe. Even the “greenest” of spas
must care for the guest as much as they care for the environment.
When researching and procuring spa linens, it is important to consider the total
environmental impact. This should include the material itself, the energy consumption
required to maintain the linens in your spa operation, and the life cycle of the linens.
Sustainable Materials
When choosing a material for your spa linens, it is imperative to “look under the hood.”
An organic plant-derived fabric might seem like the right solution initially, yet upon
closer examination, requires long drying times, ironing and does not hold up to the
rigors of spa operations. This can offset the balance of the environmental scale.
Natural Fibers
Natural fibers include cotton, hemp and bamboo. There are many misnomers about
them in an environmental context. For example, commercially grown cotton uses
millions of tons of water, and is loaded with pesticides that are among the most toxic
chemicals as classified by the United States Environmental Protection Agency. In
contrast, organic cotton is grown using methods and materials that have a low impact
on the environment. Organic production reduces the use of toxic pesticides and
fertilizers and builds biologically diverse agriculture. Unfortunately, organic cotton
makes up only a few percent of global cotton production.