Congratulations to the winners

We have the winners from the ETSA Congress (2-3 May 2024) listed by category below. Thank you to all our applicants and everyone who contributed!

In the heart of innovation, sustainability, social responsibility and more the ETSA Awards stand as a beacon of excellence, celebrating the remarkable achievements within the textile services industry. As the industry gears up for the much-anticipated ETSA Congress, the spotlight shines on the awards, set to recognize and honor innovative companies and individuals who are not just shaping the present but are also crafting the future of the textile service sector.

The ETSA Awards encompass a diverse range of categories, each tailored to spotlight distinct forms of excellence within the industry. From pioneering innovative projects to making significant strides in environmental sustainability, and from setting benchmarks in corporate social responsibility to excelling in customer experience, these awards are a testament to the multifaceted brilliance of the industry's frontrunners.

The ETSA Awards naturally build off of the first ETSA Awards which were showcased during the 2022 Congress in Rome. For this year, ETSA has expanded the categories and is excited to present the winners during the ETSA Congress in Prague on 2-3 of May 2024.

The Best Innovative Project Award

Judge: Lutz Walter,  Secretary General at the European Technology Platform for the Future of Textiles and Clothing (ETP)

 is dedicated to honouring visionary enterprises that have set new benchmarks through exceptional innovations in business and technology. This prestigious accolade recognizes projects that are at the forefront of transforming industry norms, either by pioneering unprecedented business practices or by advancing cutting-edge technologies. Nominees are celebrated for their novel approaches that significantly deviate from conventional paradigms, be it through inventive product designs, revolutionary business models, innovative customer engagement tactics, or trailblazing technological processes. This category is unique in its comprehensive coverage of innovations that redefine a company's fundamental operations, market strategies, or industry standards.

Criteria:

• Demonstrable innovation in product design, business model, customer engagement, technology, or technological processes.
• Evidence of substantial enhancement in business efficiency, market position, or industry influence.
• Clear exposition of the innovation's distinctive nature, including a detailed explanation of the groundbreaking process and its singular characteristics.
• Comprehensive account of the outcomes, detailing the project's profound impact on the company, its stakeholders, and potentially the industry at large.
• Transparency and insight into the challenges encountered and surmounted throughout the project's life cycle.
• Evaluation of the uniqueness, originality, adaptability, and future potential of the technology or process involved.
• Illustration of the company's pivotal role in spearheading technological or business innovation within its sector.

Winner: Salesianer Miettex 

With great pleasure, ETSA announces that Salesianer Miettex GmbH has won the 2024 Best Innovative Project Award. This prize is intended for forward-thinking companies who break new ground with remarkable technological and business breakthroughs. Salesianer's Linen2GO initiative is a prime example of these attributes. With the goal of democratizing linen renting for a larger audience, Salesianer Miettex GmbH, represented by CEO Victor Ioane and Managing Partner Thomas Krautschneider, has launched Linen2GO, a revolutionary textile rental business. Linen2GO is a tribute to the company's commitment to innovation and excellence, having invested over EUR 250,000 and having 10 dedicated employees. This project was remarkably completed without the need for outside funding, demonstrating Salesianer's ingenuity and tenacity. Click here to read more. 

Climate Impact Award

Judge: Vlatka Katusic Cuentas, Senior Research Fellow - Project Manager at CERC, Specialist in Circular Economy at CEA

Dedicated to honoring exceptional contributions to environmental sustainability, this award specifically targets initiatives in recycling, co2 reduction and waste reduction. Nominees should showcase initiatives with measurable environmental benefits, such as significant reductions in waste generation, innovative recycling techniques, or substantial cuts in carbon emissions. This category is unique in its singular focus on environmental impact through waste management and recycling innovations.

Criteria:

• Measurable environmental impact, specifically in recycling, emissions and/or waste reduction.
• Innovative approaches to environmental sustainability within the company.
• Before and after data showcasing tangible improvements.
• Sustainability initiatives aligning with broader environmental goals (e.g., EU Green Deal).
• Long-term sustainability plan and its potential impact on the industry.

Winner: Klopman International

With great pride, ETSA presents Klopman International with the 2024 Climate Impact Award for their innovative "We-ar Circular™- Post-Consumer Recycled Fabrics" concept done in partnership with TDV Industries. This ground-breaking concept establishes a new benchmark for the textile industry and demonstrates Klopman and TDV Industries  dedication to environmental sustainability and the circular economy.

Klopman and TDV Industries have always placed a high priority on sustainability, emphasizing the need for thorough research and development to lessen environmental effect. We-ar Circular™, which turns used clothing into recycled materials, is the embodiment of this commitment. Klopman and TDV prevent downcycling and landfill disposal by using mechanical recycling to manufacture new fibers spun into yarn from post-consumer cotton and polyester mixes. Click here to read the full story. 

Corporate Social Responsibility Award

Judge: Elizabeth Kuiper, Associate Director at the European Policy Center

This award recognizes companies that excel in integrating social responsibility into their core business strategy. Nominees should demonstrate impactful initiatives in areas such as community development, ethical supply chain management, or advocacy for workers' rights. The focus here is on broad social impact initiatives that extend beyond the company's walls, making a difference in the wider community or industry.

Criteria:

• Demonstrated commitment to social responsibility in business strategy.
• Specific initiatives addressing social issues like workers' rights or community support.
• Tangible impact of these initiatives on the targeted group and the broader community.
• Effectiveness and leadership in implementing these initiatives.
• Description of how these initiatives align with the company's long-term strategy.

Winner: Lindström

For many years, the ETSA Awards have served as a symbol of excellence, honoring exceptional accomplishments in a variety of fields. The Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Award is one of the most influential categories; it honors businesses that successfully incorporate social responsibility into their main business plans. This year's prize honors a noteworthy partnership between the Czech social enterprise DobroDílo and textile services provider Lindström. This collaboration is a perfect illustration of how companies can promote social inclusion and support the circular economy.

Elizabeth Kuiper, Associate Director at the European Policy Center and judge for the CSR Award, commended the initiative, stating, "The collaboration between textile service company Lindström and the Czech social enterprise DobroDílo is a wonderful example of how companies can promote social inclusion and contribute to the circular economy at the same time. Great to see how the initiative empowers disabled people, reduces textile waste, and fosters local development!" Click here to read the full story. 

Customer Experience Excellence Award

Judge: Luke Simpkins, CEO of the Laundry Association of Australia (LAA)

Celebrating outstanding achievements in enhancing customer experiences, this award focuses on companies that go the extra mile in customer service. Nominees should demonstrate excellence in customer engagement, satisfaction, and loyalty, backed by tangible evidence like customer testimonials or innovative service initiatives. This category is uniquely customer-centric, valuing the direct impact on consumer perception and interaction.
Criteria:

• Evidence of exceptional customer service and satisfaction.
• Innovative strategies or technologies enhancing customer experience.
• Customer feedback, testimonials, and satisfaction metrics.
• Consistency in providing exceptional customer experiences.
• Impact of customer experience initiatives on company reputation and customer loyalty.

Winner: Lindström

Lindström is the 2024 recipient of the Customer Experience Excellence Award, which ETSA is pleased to announce. This award honors businesses that have achieved remarkable feats in customer involvement, contentment, and loyalty, backed by verifiable proof such client endorsements and creative service projects. One excellent illustration of a customer-centric strategy that has greatly improved customer experiences across several touchpoints is Lindström's Omnichannel Experience Framework. Lindström has always demonstrated an excellent commitment to client satisfaction. The business realized it needed to provide a consistent customer experience at every stage of the customer journey as the number of customer encounters grew. As a result, the Omnichannel Experience Framework was created, to support and guide Lindström's aim for continuously  exceeding customer expectations and providing great value. Click here to read the full story. 

Diversity Equity and Inclusion Champion Award

Judge: Lisa Lang,  Director for EU Affairs & Policy Orchestrator for EIT Climate KIC and Chair person for the Cultural & Creative Taskforce for UNFCCC United Nations Global Innovation Hub (UGIH).

This award honors organizations that have made significant strides in promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion. Nominees should highlight successful initiatives in creating a diverse workforce, fostering an inclusive culture, and implementing impactful policies supporting underrepresented groups. This category distinctly focuses on internal organizational culture and diversity practices.

Criteria:

• Initiatives promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion within the organization.
• Measurable outcomes of these initiatives (e.g., diversity statistics, employee feedback).
• KPI's relating to including marginalized and underrepresented groups.
• Strategies for maintaining and enhancing an inclusive culture.
• Impact of these initiatives on employee morale and company culture.

Winner: Ecolab

Ecolab has received the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Champion Award, which ETSA is pleased to announce. Organizations who have shown noteworthy progress in advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion in their operations are granted this prestigious accolade.Ecolab was chosen for its excellent activities that cover the whole organization under the critical eye of Lisa Lang, Director for EU Affairs & Policy Orchestrator for EIT Climate KIC and Chairperson for the Cultural & Creative Taskforce at the UNFCCC United Nations Global Innovation Hub, who was the Judge for this award. Even while Ecolab's efforts haven't yet produced significant effect metrics, their continuous, corporate dedication has established a standard that other businesses can follow, making it a genuine "walk the talk" accomplishment.

Ecolab's strategic approach to integrating multiple perspectives and challenging industry standards demonstrates the company's dedication to diversity, equity, and inclusion while ensuring that actions are consistent with its core principles. The organization has put in place a number of initiatives centered toward attracting and keeping a diverse workforce, such as internal mobility plans that elevate marginalized groups and targeted hiring procedures. Specifically, Ecolab's "E3" network and employee resource groups have been crucial in promoting gender parity and assisting women in leadership positions by offering venues for professional growth, networking opportunities, and mentoring. Click here to read the full story.

Employer of the Year Award in Textile Services

Judge: Dr. Michael Freytag,  Public Affairs Manager at the World Employment Confederation and Chairman at the European Business Services Alliance (EBSA)

The Employer of the Year Award in Textile Services is a prestigious recognition given to textile service companies that exemplify excellence in fostering an environment of continuous learning, skills enhancement, and overall employee well-being. This award honors organizations that have distinguished themselves through innovative strategies in upskilling, reskilling, and promoting the employability of their workforce, while also prioritizing mental health, work-life balance, and job satisfaction. Nominees are expected to demonstrate an outstanding commitment to their employees, showcasing how their initiatives not only improve technical competencies and industry adaptability but also significantly contribute to a culture of comprehensive care and support within the textile services sector.

Criteria:

• Execution of innovative and effective upskilling and reskilling programs specifically designed for the textile services industry.
• Tangible investment in employee development, resulting in enhanced employability, career growth, and industry competencies.
• Significant positive impact of the skill development and well-being initiatives on employee satisfaction, retention, and overall health.
• Compelling employee feedback and testimonials that underscore the benefits and effectiveness of the company's well-being and skill enhancement efforts.
• Sustainability and strategic foresight in the implementation of skills development and well-being programs, reflecting the company's long-term commitment to its workforce.
• Demonstrated dedication to creating and maintaining a work environment that values employee welfare, mental health, and a balanced life, setting industry standards for employee-centric practices in the textile services sector.

Winner: Lindström

With great pleasure, ETSA presents Lindström Oy with the 2024 Employer of the Year Award in Textile Services. This esteemed prize honors Lindström's extraordinary dedication to creating a work environment that promotes lifelong learning, skill development, and general employee wellbeing. The ground-breaking Global People System, Linda, is an example of Lindström's unique approach, which has raised the bar for employee development, performance, and engagement.

Early in 2023, Lindström debuted Linda, a revolutionary HRIS system meant to change employee assistance completely. With an ability to streamline procedures, guarantee data quality, and offer insightful advice, Linda forms the foundation of people experiences and HR operations. Linda was intended to be more than just a system; rather, it was to be a dependable friend for each Lindströmer, fostering growth, engagement, and performance. Linda encourages a sense of ownership and autonomy among employees by giving them the freedom to maintain their own information and profiles. Click here to read the full story. 

National Association of the Year

Judge: Dirk Vantyghem, Director General at EURATEX

The ETSA National Association of the Year Award is an esteemed accolade that recognizes the exceptional contributions of ETSA National Associations to the textile services industry within their respective countries. This award is dedicated to honoring those associations that have successfully orchestrated influential lobbying campaigns, resulting in significant legislative advancements, or have spearheaded innovative projects that have substantially propelled the industry forward on a national level. The award celebrates the dedication, strategic insight, and impactful outcomes achieved by these associations, highlighting their pivotal role in shaping the industry's future through policy advocacy or groundbreaking initiatives.

Criteria:

• Successful execution and outcomes of a lobbying campaign that led to substantial legislative advancements benefiting the textile services industry on a national scale.
• Development and implementation of innovative projects that have markedly advanced the industry's standards, practices, or sustainability within a specific country.
• Demonstrable influence of the association's efforts on shaping industry-related policies, regulations, or standards at the national level.
• Clear and measurable impact of the association's initiatives on the growth, development, or transformation of the textile services industry within their country.
• Strong evidence of strategic planning, collaboration, and stakeholder engagement in the execution of the lobbying campaign or innovative project.
• Comprehensive documentation and analysis of the outcomes, benefits, and long-term potential of the legislative achievements or innovative endeavors undertaken by the association.

Winner: TSA (UK)

With great pleasure, ETSA announces that the United Kingdom's Textile Services Association (TSA) has won the esteemed National Association of the Year Award for this year. This award honors TSA's noteworthy efforts in the textile services sector, particularly their project that tackles the substantial linen loss in the hospitality business. An industry assessment conducted at the beginning of the campaign revealed that 61% of hospitality linen purchased by textile renters is lost annually, which presents a significant impact on costs but more importantly the environment . In a pre-emptive move, the TSA formed a UK Hospitality roundtable, which currently comprises 85% of hotel rooms and over 90% of the country's laundry capacity. The success of the project depends on obtaining end-user engagement, which was made possible by this action. After the roundtable, the TSA carried out more surveys, which revealed that housekeepers and general managers were significantly underinformed and underestimated the amount of linen which is lost. This finding prompted the development of a more comprehensive engagement strategy, which included the "Valuing Linen Manual" and other training materials that prioritized sustainability over monetary loss.. Click here to read the full story.