Aberdeen Laundry Services, Scotland's first commercial laundry operation in the UK to achieve independently verified carbon neutrality certification under ISO14068-1 and ISO 14064-1 standards, announces the launch of its 2025 Sustainability Report alongside participation in International Laundry Open Week from 16th-20th March 2026.
The company will open three of its facilities - in Glasgow (East Kilbride), Aberdeen (Mugiemoss), and Keith - to the public, offering a rare behind-the-scenes look at sustainable textile operations that serve healthcare, workwear, hospitality, education, and public sector clients across the UK.
The initiative reflects Aberdeen Laundry Services’ commitment to transparency and community engagement, providing an opportunity for job seekers, potential partners, sustainability advocates, and the public to witness firsthand the environmental and social impact documented in the newly released Impact Report.
Transparency in Action: From Report to Reality
Aberdeen Laundry Services’ 2025 Sustainability Report reveals significant environmental and social achievements, including:
- 5.61% reduction in total emissions while expanding operations and integrating a larger facility
- 131 tonnes of CO₂ saved - equivalent to taking 28 cars off the road for a year
- 25.35% reduction in water intensity since establishing a 2022 baseline
- 87.62% reduction in waste sent to landfill – surpassing the initial target of 80% by 2029, achieving target four years ahead of schedule
- £602,250 in social value delivered to Scotland's communities, including support for 12,045 beds made for homeless individuals
- 13.06% of production electricity now generated on-site through solar PV systems
"Publishing our Sustainability Report is one thing; opening our doors is another," said Steven Burnett, Group Marketing & Stakeholder Communications Manager. "We believe transparency means more than sharing statistics - it means inviting people to see our operations, ask questions, and hold us accountable. Laundry Open Week is our opportunity to demonstrate that the commitments in our Sustainability Report aren't aspirational - they're operational reality."
A First for Scottish Commercial Laundry
In 2025, Aberdeen Laundry Services became the first commercial laundry operation in the United Kingdom to achieve independently verified carbon neutrality certification under ISO 14064-1 and ISO 14068-1 standards - 15 years ahead of its original 2040 Net Zero target. The company is also among the first UK commercial laundries to achieve Infinite Textiles certification, demonstrating leadership in circular economy practices within the textile services sector.
The company's environmental credentials are supported by rigorous third-party verification from NQA Certification and carbon offset management by Carbon Neutral Britain, ensuring complete credibility and transparency in all sustainability claims.
The company has set Science-Based Targets validated under the SBTi framework – all detail of which is in the report.
International Laundry Open Week: Showcasing Industry Innovation
International Laundry Open Week is a collaborative event organised by members of the Textiles Services Association across the UK and Europe. The initiative aims to:
- Highlight career diversity within the commercial laundry sector
- Demonstrate sustainable practices and responsible business growth
- Connect job seekers with employment opportunities
- Foster partnerships with local businesses, educational institutions, and community organisations
- Increase public understanding of the vital role commercial laundries play in essential sectors
During the week, Aberdeen Laundry Services will host guided facility tours at three locations, offering morning and afternoon sessions limited to 10 participants each for an optimal experience.
Event Details
Locations and Dates:
- Monday, 16th March 2026 – Glasgow (East Kilbride)
32 Carron Place, East Kilbride, Glasgow G75 0YL - Wednesday, 18th March 2026 – Aberdeen (Mugiemoss)
Spires Business Unit, Unit 1 Mugiemoss Road, Bucksburn, Aberdeen AB21 9NY - Friday, 20th March 2026 – Keith
1 Balloch Road, Keith AB55 5HL
Session Times:
Morning Session (9:30am - 12:00pm)
Afternoon Session (1:30pm - 4:00pm)
Registration: Free admission, registration required. Tours limited to 10 participants per session. Register by Wednesday 4th of March 2026, contacting marketing@aberdeenls.co.uk . Preference given on a first-come, first-served basis.
Who Should Attend
- Career seekers and students exploring employment opportunities in diverse roles (engineering, sustainability, logistics, HR, IT, sales, customer service, marketing, and operations)
- Local businesses interested in sustainable partnerships and supply chain collaboration
- Educational institutions and career advisors
- Environmental and sustainability advocacy groups
- Healthcare, hospitality, public sector, and education professionals
- Community members curious about sustainable business practices
- Anyone interested in circular economy and textile lifecycle management
Beyond the Laundry: A Model for Responsible Growth
Aberdeen Laundry Services’ commitment to sustainability extends beyond environmental metrics. The company is a proud Real Living Wage Scotland employer, having eliminated zero-hour contracts across all sites and introduced guaranteed 30-hour minimum contracts for core staff. The workforce of 127 employees represents 14 nationalities, with 40% identifying as part of a minority ethnic group.
Community investment remains central to Aberdeen Laundry Services’ mission. In 2025, the company invested £2.9 million in local suppliers (representing 90% of supplier enterprises and 65% of total procurement spend), supported the Fashion & Textiles Children's Trust, and partnered with Homeless Project Scotland to provide linens for over 12,000 beds.
"We're a Scottish-based company with national reach, but we remain rooted in the communities that shaped us," added Dr Anusha Wijewardane, Project Lead for Sustainability Initiatives at Aberdeen Laundry Servcies, "Laundry Open Week is about opening conversations - with potential employees, partners, and neighbours - about how business can be a force for good."
2025 Sustainability Report Now Available
The full 2025 Sustainability Report, detailing ALS's environmental performance, social impact assessment against UN Sustainable Development Goals, governance structure, and Science-Based Targets, is now available for download at https://aberdeenls.co.uk/sustainability/