Interview with Bob Morrish as he joins the ETSA Board in 2025

 

Introduction: Bob Morrish, Director of Corporate Accounts and Sales Manager UK and Ireland at Ecolab, will bring his extensive experience and dedication to sustainability to the ETSA board during a critical time of industrial transformation in both Europe and the World. As a global leader in water, hygiene, and energy solutions, Ecolab has long been a driving force in promoting resource efficiency and sustainability across the world. Joining the ETSA board reflects Ecolab's commitment to advancing environmentally responsible practices and fostering collaboration within the textile services sector. This interview below offers valuable insights into Bob  Morrish's vision for Ecolab's contributions to ETSA, the company's pioneering efforts in sustainability, and the strategic innovations aligning with the EU Green Deal to shape a greener future for the textile and laundry industry.

 

  1. How do you feel your experience at Ecolab has shaped and enriched you personally, especially as the company focuses on critical areas like water and energy efficiency in an evolving industrial landscape?

Working at Ecolab has significantly influenced me, both personally and professionally. The focus on water and energy efficiency has made me more aware of sustainability and the role businesses play in it. Being part of a company dedicated to environmental solutions has given my work purpose, deepened my understanding of resource management, and encouraged me to adopt eco-friendly practices. Collaborating with a diverse team has taught me the value of teamwork, communication, and respecting different viewpoints. Ecolab has inspired me to pursue continuous learning and improvement, driving me to contribute positively to both my workplace and the broader community.

 

  1. Ecolab is joining the ETSA board at a time of significant transformation within the industry. What specific contributions or expertise do you believe Ecolab will bring to the board? Are there any particular goals or priorities you would like ETSA to focus on during your tenure?

Ecolab's involvement with the ETSA board comes at a pivotal moment in the industry, and I believe our contributions will be significant in several key areas.

BobMorrishSustainability Expertise: Our deep commitment to sustainability, especially in water and energy management, can help the board develop environmentally responsible strategies, share best practices, and introduce innovative technologies to enhance efficiency and reduce impact. Ecolab presented to the United Nations Water Conference about the Water Resilience Coalition and how we can support the reduction, reuse and recycling of water and the use of digital twins. We want to get water on the top of everyone's agenda.

Data-Driven Solutions: Ecolab's use of data analytics optimises processes by tracking performance, identifying inefficiencies, and informing decisions, aiding the board in making informed choices aligned with sustainability goals.

Collaboration and Partnership Development: Our network spans various sectors, enabling us to foster collaboration among stakeholders, businesses, governments, and environmental organisations to address common challenges and drive collective impact.

Innovation Leadership: The focus from our R&D allows us to advocate for adopting new technologies and practices that enhance operational efficiency and sustainability during board discussions.

As for specific goals or priorities, I would like to see ETSA focus on:

  • Setting Clear Sustainability Standards: Establishing benchmarks and certifications that encourage the adoption of sustainable practices within the industry can be a significant step forward.
  • Advocacy for Policymaking: Engaging with policymakers to promote regulations that support sustainability initiatives will be vital. Ecolab can lend its voice to champion policies that create a favorable ecosystem for sustainable industrial practices.
  • Education and Public Awareness: Initiatives aimed at increasing public awareness about the importance of sustainability in industrial processes can help foster a culture of responsibility and action within both the industry and the community.

Overall, Ecolab's contributions to the ETSA board will be driven by our commitment to sustainability, collaboration, and innovation, aligning with the broader goals of fostering transformation within the industry.

 

  1. Is there something Ecolab does particularly well that you feel could inspire or benefit other ETSA members?

Ecolab excels in several areas that could serve as both inspiration and practical benefit to other ETSA members, particularly in the realms of sustainability and operational efficiency. Here are a few key practices that stand out:

Integrated Water and Energy Solutions: Ecolab's holistic resource management reduces costs and environmental impact, encouraging ETSA members to optimise interconnected systems.

Innovative Technology Deployment: Our advanced analytics and IoT technologies improve processes with real-time data, a strategy other ETSA members could adopt for better efficiency.

Strong Customer Partnership: Ecolab establishes close customer relationships through comprehensive and tailor-made solutions, ensuring that clients feel understood and valued. Our expertise and service model empower customers to achieve greater success and engagement, thereby fostering stronger and more enduring cooperation.

Focus on Employee Training and Development: We emphasise workforce training for sustainability and excellence, recommending others share strategies for continuous improvement.

Commitment to Circular Economy Principles: Ecolab promotes resource recovery and waste reduction, inspiring others to integrate circular economy practices through shared case studies.

Comprehensive safety programs: Safety is placed at the forefront, ensuring a secure environment for employees and clients. Our strong safety programs include training, hazard identification, and risk mitigation.

By sharing our successful strategies and practices, Ecolab can provide valuable insights that empower other ETSA members to enhance their sustainability initiatives, operational efficiencies, overall impact on the environment and safety.

 

  1. The EU Green Deal has set ambitious goals for sustainability and resource efficiency. How has Ecolab adapted its strategy and operations to help its partners in the textile and laundry industry achieve these objectives?

Ecolab has taken significant steps to align its strategy and operations with the ambitious goals set forth by the EU Green Deal, particularly in the textile and laundry industry. Here are some key adaptations and initiatives we have implemented to help our partners achieve sustainability and resource efficiency:

Sustainable Chemical Solutions: We have developed and promoted innovative chemical formulations that help optimise cleaning and laundering processes while minimising environmental impact. This includes EU Ecolabel certified detergents and multi-component processes, reusable packaging programs and optimised logistic processes.

Water and Energy Efficiency Programs: We provide tailored solutions to optimise water conservation and energy efficiency. Through advanced technologies and best practices, we help laundry facilities reduce their water usage and energy consumption, and lower overall operational costs. Our data-driven approaches enable partners to monitor processes, control critical parameters and manage their resource consumption in real-time.

Process Optimisation and Innovation: We actively collaborate with partners to analyse and improve their operational processes. By implementing innovative technologies such as smart monitoring systems and automated wash process controls, we enable laundry operations to ensure maximum resource efficiency uncover saving opportunities and reduce their carbon footprint, subsequently aligning with the sustainability targets of the EU Green Deal.

Lifecycle Assessment and Sustainability Support: Ecolab conducts lifecycle assessments (LCA), helping partners understand the environmental impact of their processes from production through disposal. This holistic view assists in identifying opportunities for improvement and supports decision-making with sustainability at its core.

Training and Capacity Building: We invest in training programs aimed at educating textile and laundry staff about safety, sustainable practices and efficient resource management. By empowering employees with the knowledge and tools to make environmentally friendly choices and ensure smooth operations we foster a culture of sustainability and safety within partner organisations.

Collaboration for Circular Economy Initiatives: Ecolab advocates for and supports initiatives that encourage a circular economy approach, such as recycling water and energy and reducing textile waste. We collaborate with partners to develop sustainable practices that not only comply with the EU Green Deal but also promote responsible sourcing and end-of-life management for textiles.

Regulatory Compliance and Reporting: We provide guidance to our partners on compliance with evolving EU regulations related to sustainability and resource efficiency. By helping them navigate these requirements and implement necessary changes, we position them to meet regulatory expectations while driving their business sustainably.

Through these adapted strategies and focused initiatives, Ecolab is committed to supporting the textile and laundry industry in achieving the sustainability and resource efficiency goals outlined in the EU Green Deal, contributing to a more sustainable future.

 

  1. What are Ecolab's key priorities for 2025 and beyond, and how do you envision these aligning with ETSA's mission and the broader goals of the industry?

Ecolab's key priorities for 2025+ are set on advancing sustainability, innovation, customer engagement, and safe operational excellence. We believe these priorities align closely with ETSA's mission and the broader goals of the industry. Here are our main priorities:

Sustainability and Environmental Stewardship: A primary focus is to enhance our sustainability offerings by developing solutions that help customers achieve their environmental goals. We aim to promote water conservation, energy efficiency, and responsible waste management across industries. This aligns with ETSA's mission of driving sustainable practices in the textile and laundry sectors, reinforcing a shared commitment to environmental responsibility.

Innovation and Technology Development: Ecolab prioritises the advancement of innovative technologies that improve operational efficiency and reduce environmental impact. We are investing in digital solutions, including advanced analytics and automation, to enhance service delivery and resource management.

Collaboration and Partnership Building: We recognise that collaboration is vital for addressing complex sustainability challenges. Ecolab is committed to building strong partnerships with customers, industry associations, and governmental bodies to foster knowledge-sharing and develop joint initiatives.

Training and Capacity Building: We are developing educational programs and resources that empower industry professionals with the knowledge and skills needed to implement sustainable practices and awareness for safe operations. By prioritising workforce development, we help ensure that industry members are prepared to stay safe and healthy and meet evolving sustainability demands, which is critical to ETSA's mission of fostering knowledge and best practices within the sector.

Circular Economy Commitment: Ecolab is focusing on promoting circular economy principles by encouraging resource recovery, recycling, and sustainable materials management. We aim to support our partners in evaluating opportunities for reducing waste and reusing materials, which aligns with ETSA's focus on improving resource efficiency and sustainability in operations.

Regulatory Compliance and Advocacy: As sustainability regulations evolve, Ecolab is committed to staying ahead of regulatory changes and helping our partners navigate compliance. We aim to advocate for policies that foster sustainable practices within the industry.

By emphasising these priorities, Ecolab envisions a future where we jointly achieve considerable progress in sustainability, operational effectiveness, and customer satisfaction. Our efforts will not only contribute to meeting environmental goals but also enhance the overall resilience and competitiveness of the textile and laundry industry, aligning seamlessly with ETSA's mission and the interests of our partners.

ETSA: Representing textile rental companies

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To find out more about our members including suppliers, national associations and research institutes click here

ETSA: In partnership with suppliers of detergents, fabrics and machinery

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To find out more about our members including textile rental companies, national associations and research institutes click here

ETSA: Coordinating national textile service associations and working with research institutes

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To find out more about our members including textile rental companies and suppliers, click here