Aberdeen Laundry Services Ltd. (ALS) has been awarded the Responsible Business Award at the 2025 Laundry and Drycleaning Awards (LADAs), the textile care industry's premier recognition of excellence and innovation.
Eleanor Mackay (Marketing and Business Growth Lead) and Molly Matthews (Marketing and Business Growth Executive) represented the company at the black-tie gala event, where ALS was recognised among competitors for its comprehensive approach to corporate social responsibility and measurable impact across environmental, social, and governance metrics.
Why ALS Won
The judging panel, comprised of respected industry experts, evaluated entries based on why companies became involved in CSR, what differentiates them from competitors, and their notable achievements to date. ALS's winning submission demonstrated impact across multiple dimensions:
Environmental Leadership:
- Achieved EcoVadis Silver Certification, placing ALS among the top 25% of businesses globally for sustainability performance
- Operates all laundry sites on 100% REGO-certified renewable energy
- Delivered a 21% reduction in water use through closed-loop systems and flow control valves
- Diverted 38% of waste from landfill through textile repair and recycling partnerships
- At the time of submission, pursuing ISO 14064-1 and ISO 14068 certifications (now achieved)
Social Impact with Measurable Outcomes: ALS provided £30,500 in charitable contributions to local causes, including a £30,000 non-monetary gift to a homeless support charity. This initiative facilitated over 12,000 overnight stays, equating to £360,000 in quantified social value - representing safety, shelter, and restored dignity for vulnerable community members.
Credit: Paul Griffiths Photography
Ethical Employment Practices:
- Accredited Living Wage Scotland employer, ensuring all staff receive a real living wage that reflects actual cost of living
- Introduced guaranteed minimum 30-hour weekly contracts for all core Laundry Operatives, providing income stability in a traditionally seasonal industry
- Invested in employee wellbeing through free access to Unum Help@Hand (mental health support, remote GP appointments, 24/7 helpline and financial support)
Diversity as Standard Practice: ALS's core team reflects genuine diversity: 52% male and 48% female employees, representing 10 nationalities, with 49% identifying as part of a minority ethnic group. This diversity extends to leadership, with the senior management team representing five nationalities and maintaining gender balance that mirrors the broader workforce.
Economic Responsibility:
- 43% of supplier enterprises are local businesses
- 45% of financial spend remains within the local economy
- Committed £40,000 to hire a Knowledge Transfer Partnership Associate (starting autumn 2025) to drive digital transformation and operational efficiency
Looking Forward
"This recognition validates the momentum we've been building," said Eleanor Mackay. "While we're honoured to receive this accolade, our commitment extends far beyond awards. We're dedicated to aligning our expansion with our core values of integrity, customer focus, innovation, and community."
The company's forward-looking commitments include:
- Net zero by 2040 plan with clear roadmap for emission reductions
- Development of a Site Health Index for more granular environmental impact reporting
- At the time of submission, application for Infinity Textile Certification to promote circular economy practices (since achieved)
- Ongoing partnerships with local schools, including continued sponsorship of the Applications of Mathematics Award at Northfield Academy
- Exploration of industry apprenticeship programmes to support sector-wide growth
"Our goal is to demonstrate that responsible business growth across environment, society, and governance isn't just possible - it's the path forward," Miss Mackay added. "We hope our journey inspires others throughout the commercial laundry sector to embrace these principles."
About Aberdeen Laundry Services
Established in 2008, Aberdeen Laundry Services is a leading provider in the commercial laundry industry, serving clients from local businesses to large corporations with industrial washing, drying, and dry-cleaning services. The company employs over 100 staff during peak season and is a signatory of the UN Global Compact. ALS is committed to integrating environmentally friendly practices into every aspect of operations while contributing positively to the communities it serves.
About The LADAs
Now in its 11th year, the Laundry and Drycleaning Awards celebrate exceptional talent, expertise, and innovation in the professional textile care industry across 16 categories. The awards are judged by a panel of recognised industry experts who independently review entries before meeting to discuss shortlisted candidates in detail.