While carbon reduction, waste elimination, recycling, and circular economy efforts are important, Alsco Uniforms recognises that working alone isn’t enough. We believe that increased collaboration and partnerships are essential to achieve the global changes we need.
As part of Alsco Uniforms’ Four Big Bold Sustainability Goals, we’re moving away from coal-fired energy. We’re taking a gradual approach by focusing on energy optimisation and efficiency practices to lower our overall energy use.
To support our shift to low carbon energy, Alsco Uniforms is optimising our energy use and embracing new technologies. This helps us manage the costs and benefits of transitioning away from coal.
Richmond: Our Tasman facility was the first to switch from coal to biomass in 2012, using wood pellets instead of a coal-fired boiler. This change has improved air quality, reduced smoke emissions, and is supported by a local supplier, Azwood. Wood pellets are carbon-neutral, enhancing our sustainability efforts.
Invercargill: Following successful woodchip boiler trials with Ahika in 2021, we’re pleased to announce that a biomass boiler will replace the current one at our Invercargill branch by the end of 2024. This change is crucial as coal use at Invercargill contributes to 22% of our total carbon footprint in New Zealand—4,075 tonnes.
Christchurch & Dunedin: This September 2024, our newest biomass boiler will be installed at our Christchurch branch. A significant stride towards our sustainability goals. We’re also working on an Energy Transition Accelerator (ETA) strategic review. This government-supported initiative will help us develop a clear plan for switching to low carbon fuels and transportation for our Dunedin facilities.
In 2020, Alsco Uniforms introduced three SEA Electric E4V electric vans at depots across New Zealand and launched New Zealand’s first long-haul heavy electric freighter. This freighter, based on a Hino GH1828 and equipped with a SEA-Drive® 180 power system, is part of our commitment to electrify a third of our fleet by 2030—one of our four ‘Big, Bold and Meaningful’ goals.
The launch took place at Eden Park in December 2019, with notable attendees including then Energy and Resources Minister Megan Woods, then Climate Change Minister James Show, Taupo Mayor David Trewavas, EECA’s Chief Executive, and around 200 guests.
The project, supported by EECA funding, allowed us to collaborate with SEA Electric NZ and Action Manufacturing in Hamilton to build a specialised electric freighter with a 200km range. This truck handles our shortest heavy route, traveling daily between Rotorua and Taupō, and Rotorua and Tauranga – about 286 kilometers each day. To manage this distance, we use top-up charging and split shifts. The electric vans have been smoothly integrated into our delivery schedules, reducing pollution and noise in the areas we service.
Alsco Uniforms is actively working with international OEMs to stay updated on electric vehicle advancements and continue our electrification efforts.
19,299KM / 9.91 tCO2 savings to date
25,698KM / 7.34 tCO2 savings to date
18,828KM / 17.71 tCO2 actual saving
60.76 tCO2 projected savings based on diesel kms in 2020
14,276KM /4.67 tCO2 savings to date
Continuous Batch Washers (CBWs) are the most efficient type of laundry machinery, but they require large volumes of similar work to maximise their benefits.
Although CBWs are expensive to install, they offer significant advantages over conventional washer extractors. They use considerably less water and energy, with CBWs recycling water within the machine, unlike conventional washers that waste water by filling, dumping, and refilling at each stage of the wash and rinse cycles.
The new CBW installation at our Richmond facility will greatly reduce water consumption.
Alsco Uniforms remains at the forefront of the industry by continually investing in cutting-edge technology. This commitment allows us to set a high industry standards, with ambitious and sustainable goals guiding our progress.
In August 2019, Alsco Uniforms Auckland upgraded to a new CBW system, resulting in a 23% reduction in water usage, lower energy consumption, and enhanced capacity at our Auckland processing plant.
In September 2018, Alsco Uniforms Dunedin implemented a new CBW system. This upgrade led to a 30% reduction in water usage, lower energy consumption, and improved both capacity and efficiency at our Dunedin processing plant.
Like most responsible businesses Alsco Uniforms has been focusing on reducing our waste to landfill in recent years, and has achieved considerable success through segregating waste through our plants, recycling and staff education.
This is in line with our big bold sustainability goal of generating zero waste by 2030.
We have developed key partnerships across the initiatives and programmes we have been associated with while empowering our workforce to engage actively in the process and propose projects that can help us meet targets.
Alsco Uniforms has also worked closely with its supply chain and customers, ensuring there is a collective approach to waste reduction. This has helped Alsco Uniforms to educate its key stakeholders while also learning from their experiences and initiatives.
Alsco Uniforms is a founding partner of the Textile Reuse Programme and has joined initiatives such as the SBN’s Sustainable Procurement Advisory Group. While Alsco Uniforms is in the early days of its waste reduction plan, we are committed to reaching our goal and eliminating at least 250 tonnes of CO2e diverting more than 200 tonnes of waste from landfill annually.
With over a century of experience in providing affordable managed textile, washroom, and safety services, we allow customers to focus on their core business; knowing they have a reliable and sustainable partner.
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