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Workwear and PPE, new intervention techniques between regulations and service excellence

by
MARZIO NAVA

The laundering of workwear and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is a central issue in industrial and professional laundries, directly impacting workplace safety. Specialized laundries have evolved into critical partners in worker prevention and health protection, moving beyond simple cleaning. Regulatory mandates require employers to ensure PPE remains functional and hygienically sound. Modern industrial laundries meet these demands with advanced automated systems for detergent dosing, temperature control, and RFID traceability. The sector is also prioritizing sustainability through the use of eco-friendly products and energy-saving technologies to reduce its ecological footprint. The question remains: what specific measures are manufacturers implementing to address these evolving requirements?

KANNEGIESSER ITALIA

The industrial laundry sector faces a significant and dynamic challenge in the treatment of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and workwear. Alessandro Rolli, Head of KANNEGIESSER ITALIA, provides us some important insights and inaugurates this in-depth look, into this specialized market segment.

What is, in your opinion, the main challenge today for laundries managing PPE and workwear?
“The workwear market is experiencing strong growth, but it presents a considerable barrier to entry. It's fundamentally different from treating hotel linen. Here, you're not serving a company in an abstract sense, but an individual. This drastically alters the approach, particularly concerning textiles, as we deal with extremely diverse materials and garments whose characteristics must be selected based on the specific application sector”.

So, it is also a matter of fabric knowledge?
“It's fundamental to deeply understand fabrics and their characteristics. Workwear must ensure comfort for extended periods, fit the wearer perfectly, and maintain precise performance standards. Attention to the individual in this area is critical. Because each garment is associated with an individual - it must be the right size, fit well, and ensure comfort throughout the workday. This introduces a much more personalized service dimension compared to other segments”.

What about investments?
“Investments are unavoidable. Technical garments require specific processes, including drying in dedicated tunnels and automated sorting and folding systems. Furthermore, this market is already populated by large players with technologically advanced plants and competitive cost structures. The inherent cost of PPE garments themselves also impacts the overall investment”.

Staying on the topic of PPE: how are characteristics such as waterproofing or resistance maintained over time?
“More established companies conduct checks and tests to verify that performance is maintained after washing. While Kannegiesser does not produce testing equipment, their processes are designed to preserve these technical characteristics. This implies strong alignment between laundries, machine manufacturers, and washing protocols”.

Another critical issue is contamination…
“There are very strict protocols to avoid chemical or biological contamination. Some clients demand process certifications and precise guarantees, such as ensuring that garments from the food sector are not washed with those from more contaminating industrial contexts”.

Let’s talk about automation: are there differences compared to other market segments?
“The process is different in many aspects. Fabrics are often mixed (e.g., polyester-cotton) and require specific washing parameters. Load sizes also vary, with lower percentages used compared to flat linen to ensure adequate treatment”.

And on the digital front?
“Today, all machines are connected, integrated with management systems and cloud platforms. Traceability is a fundamental pillar, with technologies like RFID or barcodes having been employed for decades to monitor individual garments”.

From an offering perspective, do you have specific machinery dedicated for this segment?
“Yes, we have dedicated solutions. These include high-capacity automatic-load washing machines (up to 180 kg) suitable for heavily soiled garments, highproductivity automated folding systems (up to 1.200 pieces per hour), and technologies for internal handling essential for connecting process stages. We cover the entire supply chain, from the washing phase to internal logistics, ensuring continuity and efficiency throughout the production cycle”.

MACPI

The professional ironing sector is witnessing a significant evolution, particularly in the specialized treatment of workwear and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). Simone Cominardi, Sales Manager Italy at MACPI, discusses the growing trend of companies outsourcing these specialized services and how MACPI's technology is addressing the unique demands of this critical market segment.

What is MACPI's approach to the workwear and PPE treatment market?
“It's a clear trend, bringing Italy closer to European standards”, Cominardi stated, observing the increasing reliance on specialized laundries. “Companies are seeking expertise and controlled processes, especially to comply with increasingly stringent regulations”. This shift reflects a broader industry move towards professionalization and adherence to evolving compliance requirements.

Come si posiziona Macpi in questo mercato?
“La nostra direzione è sempre stata la qualità. Però è fondamentale distinguere: un abito da lavoro non è sempre un DPI. Ogni capo richiede un trattamento specifico.Facciamo un esempio concreto. Prendiamo il camice sanitario: non è sempre un DPI, ma deve essere sanificato in modo rigoroso. Con i nostri tunnel a vapore, che arrivano fino a 170-180°C, garantiamo livelli altissimi di igienizzazione”.

And compared to traditional pressing?
“Pressing offers superior ironing quality, but it doesn't always integrate sanitization. The tunnel, however, balances quality and hygiene well, especially for large volumes. For technical PPE, a different approach is necessary to preserve garment functionality. The goal in this case is not to compromise the garment's performance. For high-visibility garments, for instance, the reflective bands must not be pressed, otherwise they lose effectiveness. That's why we prefer blowing, which avoids direct contact”.

So, there’s no single best technology?
“Exactly. It depends on the garment and the objective: aesthetics, sanitization, or functional safety”

How significant is this segment in your business today?
“Currently, the workwear and PPE segment accounts for approximately 20% of MACPI's business in Italy, a figure that has grown significantly with the introduction of steam tunnels, enhancing process efficiency and versatility. We've noticed that clients have some difficulties with the treatment of PPE. There are gaps in the correct management of PPE. Often, there are errors in treatments that can compromise the performance of the garments. More awareness and information are needed”.

Is this where technology comes in?
“Absolutely. Technology plays a crucial role in overcoming these challenges. Digital integration is fundamental. Machines must recognize garments and automatically apply the correct parameters, avoiding over-treatment”.

Which are the drivers behind outsourcing?
“The increasing trend of companies outsourcing workwear and PPE treatment is driven by several factors. Mainly due to regulations. High standards and certified processes are required today. Beyond compliance, there are organizational and cultural advantages, including greater uniformity and a stronger sense of teamwork. But the sustainability aspect is also increasingly central. Process centralization reduces waste and consumption. At the same time, large-scale textile recycling projects are developing. “The treatment of workwear and PPE is becoming increasingly strategic. Quality, technology, and expertise are needed to ensure safety and efficiency”, concludes Cominardi.

ZUCCHETTI CENTRO SISTEMI (ZCS)

The workwear and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) sector is undergoing a significant transformation, driven by innovation and digitalization. Traceability, logistics, and rigorous quality control are emerging as critical pillars throughout a garment's lifecycle. Alessio Benevieri, Software Engineer at the Automation Division of ZUCCHETTI CENTRO SISTEMI (ZCS), discusses how technologies like RFID and artificial intelligence are enhancing efficiency and ensuring compliance within this vital industr

Your approach in the sector is quite unique: you don't deal directly with washing or detergents, but with logistics and handling. What is your role?
“We manage logistics, movement, procedures, and control. Our distinct advantage lies in offering a comprehensive hardware-software ecosystem that ensures the traceability of work garments, encompassing both logistical and qualitative dimensions. ZCS's software facilitates detailed quality monitoring, particularly for high-visibility garments, verifying the sustained integrity of technical characteristics over time through integrated control tools. This is all underpinned by an RFID traceability system that tracks each garment throughout its entire lifecycle”.

Have you also introduced innovative solutions related to artificial intelligence? What are they about?
“ZCS is integrating innovative AI-driven solutions, including a new service via WhatsApp. The end-user can report issues, such as a damaged garment, by simply sending a photo. The system automatically interprets the message and generates a report for the laundry. This proactively addresses quality control and directly engages the user”.

So, is this an additional service compared to traditional traceability?
“Exactly. This AI-powered feature serves as an integrated module complementing ZCS's existing traceability systems, RFID portals, and quality control tools. It adds another layer - the ability to manage tickets and reports directly from the field, thereby improving both product quality and overall service excellence”.

The workwear and PPE sector is complex and growing. How important are efficiency and regulatory compliance?
“In the complex and expanding workwear and PPE sector, efficiency and regulatory compliance are paramount. Compliance is largely automated by our system, which provides 360-degree management through the TRAK software and connected hardware. This enables continuous, structured monitoring of processes, quality, and adherence to regulations”.

Can your solutions be integrated with other management systems?
“Yes, absolutely. We connect our data with ERP systems or external cloud platforms, offering complete and open integration”..

A crucial issue for PPE is the duration of performance over time. How do you address this aspect?
“If our ecosystem is fully implemented, we can also interface with washing and control machines. We can associate detailed treatment information with each garment, including temperatures, detergents, and cycle specifics”, Benevieri explained. “This allows for complete control, helping to preserve the technical characteristics of the garments over time, effectively creating a comprehensive 'identity card' for each item”.

What are the main challenges you encounter with your clients?
“A primary challenge encountered with clients is the need for a unified, comprehensive view of all processes and, crucially, the ability to interpret the resulting data. This is where artificial intelligence makes a significant difference”.

How does artificial intelligence concretely support your solutions?
“AI concretely supports ZCS solutions by enhancing data interpretation and optimizing workflows. This extends beyond simple reporting to include stock optimization, waste reduction, and the improvement of operational configurations. Ultimately, this translates into tangible savings and greater efficiency for our clients”.

JENSEN ITALIA

The workwear and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) sector is undergoing a significant transformation, propelled by advancements in digitalization, a growing emphasis on sustainability, and increasing automation. However, Italy's adoption of these innovations’ lags behind its Northern European counterparts. Matteo Gerosa, head of JENSEN ITALIA, a company specializing in solutions for the management and industrial processing of professional garments, discusses the challenges and opportunities within the Italian market.

A lagging market, but with growth potential?
“The primary challenge in Italy is bridging the gap with the rest of Europe. The national market lags an estimated five to ten years behind Northern European countries, where advanced management models like workwear rental and service outsourcing are already well-established. This disparity, however, presents a significant opportunity. It signifies ample room for growth and development, anticipating a progressive evolution towards more structured and professional services, accompanied by an increased demand for integrated solutions”.

Digitalization and ESG: levers still underutilized?
“A hallmark of more mature markets is the extensive digitalization of processes, from garment traceability to logistics management. In Italy, these technologies are still in the diffusion phase. Similarly, ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) principles, which are central to commercial strategies abroad, are only beginning to gain traction in Italy. Abroad, ESG factors are considered standard and leveraged as competitive advantages, whereas in Italy they remain undervalued,” notes Gerosa. “This market immaturity is also reflected in pricing strategies, with cost remaining a dominant factor in Italy, unlike more evolved markets where it carries less weight”.

The real challenge is how to preserve PPE...
“A critical aspect of the sector is the maintenance of PPE, ensuring its essential characteristics: resistance, waterproofing, and reflectivity. The trend is towards less aggressive washing and finishing processes. This involves controlled temperatures, alternative drying systems, and longer, less intensive ironing cycles. The objective is twofold: to extend the useful life of garments and to reduce environmental impact, aligning with ESG principles. The longer a garment remains functional, the less frequently it needs replacement, offering a sustainable and economically sound approach”.

One of the biggest pitfalls is contamination, what are your thoughts?
“The risk of contamination, particularly when treating garments from diverse sectors like industrial and food processing, is a critical concern. Large operators maintain separate processing lines for different product categories. However, even smaller facilities can ensure safety through advanced technologies and robust protocols. Modern temperatures and processes are capable of managing all types of contamination, from chemical substances to biological agents”.

What is the state of automation in the sector?
“The level of automation within the sector is already substantial, encompassing robotic sorting of soiled garments, production flow management, and sophisticated sorting systems. JENSEN ITALIA, in particular, integrates solutions that can identify foreign objects within garments - such as pens, tools, or even hazardous items. This prevents damage to fabrics, machinery, and operators. Future advancements point towards further automation, including quality control functions that could be increasingly managed by intelligent systems.
Nevertheless, certain phases remain challenging to automate, such as:
• garment hanging, due to the variety of shapes and materials;
• mending and repairs, which still require human intervention”.

What are the future prospects for this sector?
“The Italian landscape remains highly fragmented, characterized by a few major players alongside numerous small and mediumsized enterprises. While market consolidation is ongoing, the European model serves as the benchmark. The workwear and PPE sector in Italy is in a transitional phase. While trailing behind European leaders, it possesses broad development prospects. The key challenge will be to close this gap by prioritizing innovation, sustainability, and technological integration”.

ÈCOSÌ

The seemingly straightforward task of washing workwear is, in reality, a complex process where true quality extends far beyond visual appearance. A garment may appear visually tidy, but it can carry residual odors, organic traces, mechanical stress, and progressive degradation of the fabric's performance. And when it comes to workwear, this makes a difference. Because professional clothing must not only be clean: it must return to service in the correct condition, consistently, safely, and repeatably. It is on this ground that the quality of the washing process is played out today. We discuss these topics with Antonio Ciccarella, Laundry Division Manager at ÈCOSÌ.

Where do we start when talking about washing workwear?
“We begin with a fundamental principle: these garments are not washed like ordinary textiles. Workwear absorbs sweat, organic loads, persistent odors, and often technical dirt. Therefore, the objective is not merely to remove visible contaminants but to address elements that truly impact the final quality and reusability of the garment”.

So, the real issue is hygiene?
“While hygiene is a critical component, but process integrity is equally vital. If an odor reappears, if a garment requires rewashing, or if the fabric deteriorates prematurely, it signifies that the wash process is not under control. In workwear, quality is precisely measured by the consistency of the outcome”.

Many laundries still focus mainly on the product. Is this a limitation?
“It can become one. Reasoning solely in terms of the product is reductive. A process-oriented approach is essential. This involves a comprehensive evaluation of the type of dirt, the fabric's nature, temperature, mechanical action, chemical dosage, and the ultimate objective. Only through this holistic approach can washing effectiveness, cost containment, and garment care be effectively reconciled”.

And what role does your PMC disinfectant Aquoxil play in this context?
“Aquoxil should not be viewed as a singular solution but as a precise technical tool within a broader strategy. It is particularly effective at low temperatures, ideal when certified disinfecting action is required alongside cleanliness. For workwear, Aquoxil offers significant advantages, especially in odor control, by addressing the source of the problem and thereby minimizing re-washing. Aquoxil serves as an effective ally within a meticulously designed process”.

Is the market moving in this direction?
“The most advanced laundries are recognizing that quality of result, garment durability, cost control, and service reliability are interconnected issues, all part of the same system. This is particularly evident in the workwear sector, where any washing error directly impacts the garment's daily use and the client's perception of the service, ultimately influencing customer loyalty”. In the end, the point is this: in workwear, whoever washes better wins. This means whoever manages to return technically treated garments that are truly deodorized, hygienically reliable, and capable of sustained longevity.

Renzacci SpA

“The treatment of workwear and personal protective equipment (PPE) has become a strategic element within the safety value chain. It is no longer a simple cleaning activity, but an integral component of prevention systems and occupational health protection”. This is the view of Marco Niccolini, Sales and Marketing Director of RENZACCI SpA, who outlines the technological and regulatory evolution reshaping the sector.

“Over the past twenty years, water-based washing has become the preferred solution, largely due to the perception of greater safety compared to traditional dry cleaning. However, the introduction of bio dry cleaning and natural solvents has rebalanced the landscape: today we are dealing with non-toxic solutions, low emissions and an almost negligible environmental impact. This evolution has broadened the concept of safety itself, extending it beyond the operator to the entire production ecosystem. Modern professional laundries are now equipped with highly advanced systems, including automated dosing, temperature control, RFID traceability and technologies designed to optimize energy efficiency. In this context, relying on a single washing method is considered a strategic limitation. Wet-cleaning and dry-cleaning must coexist. The real innovation lies in selecting the most appropriate treatment based on the garment and the specific type of PPE”.

What is your approach to sustainability in this context?
“Sustainability is also becoming a central issue, particularly in relation to environmental impact. One of the most critical challenges today is the fight against microplastics. We are investing significantly in filtration systems and process solutions designed to reduce their dispersion. At the same time, increasing attention is being paid to advanced sanitization cycles, which extend the lifespan of garments and reduce operational costs, also in response to evolving regulatory frameworks. It is essential to maintain a balance between high hygiene standards and sustainability goals. Today, chemical innovations allow disinfecting action at much lower temperatures than in the past. This reduces both energy consumption and costs without compromising effectiveness”.

What direction will the treatment of workwear take in the future?
“Looking ahead, artificial intelligence is expected to play a growing role in automation and process control within the sector. AI will not replace human expertise. The know-how of operators remains the real added value in this industry. Post-pandemic developments have further accelerated this transformation. Disinfection and safety are no longer optional. Within the next five years, they will become standard requirements across all sectors, not only for PPE, but for the entire workwear industry. This evolution is redefining the role of professional laundries, which are increasingly positioned not as simple service providers, but as strategic partners for industrial organizations”.

PONY SpA

“Work uniforms, particularly those designated to serve as protection against chemical or physical agents such as dust, oils, or harmful substances, are considered safety devices. Regulatory frameworks place the responsibility for their management, including washing and maintenance, squarely on employers. This has led many companies to rely00A0on professional laundries, which guarantee controlled processes and high standards of hygiene and quality”, says Andrea Astolfi, Commercial Director at PONY SpA.

“Furthermore”, adds Astolfi, “in recent years, work uniforms have taken on a role that goes beyond mere practical function, becoming a true communication tool for companies. These garments now contribute significantly to defining a brand's image, conveying professionalism, care, and reliability – qualities increasingly vital in sectors like industry, catering, healthcare, and hospitality. PONY develops specialized solutions for ironing and finishing these uniforms, tailored to the diverse requirements of various professional sectors”.

Are there therefore specific machines for the different garments to be treated?
“For shirts, smocks, chef jackets, and healthcare uniforms washed with water, systems like the Multi Finisher mod. 404 and the EAGLE 2.0 Air-blowing Shirt Finisher with MAXI-sized dummy come into play: machines that iron using the blowing system or a mixed pressed/blown system and that guarantee flexibility and excellent finishing quality”.

And for high-productivity needs?
“When moving to other requirements, particularly related to garments whose treatment requires higher rhythms and production continuity, such as cotton or mixed cotton tunics and jackets, the Angel 3.0, single pressing shirt finisher, and the DB Series of rotary double-buck shirt finishers, in both pressing and blowing versions, allow garments to be dried and ironed in a few seconds, ensuring speed and efficiency”.

What about finishing for dry-cleaned garments?
“For dry-cleaned outerwear, where shape and fit are fundamental, the MG universal form finisher and the FORMPLUS tensioning system guarantee maximum adaptability and precise finishing on different sizes and models. Additionally, the COSMOS revolving finishing cabinet is designed to offer great versatility and, thanks to its ease of use, ensures high productivity on a wide range of work garments, from outerwear to trousers”.

Moving on to trousers...
“In the case of trousers, whether water-washed or dry-cleaned, the MPT-D and DL trousers toppers ensure complete and uniform ironing, regardless of the fabric or size. Presses with hot-head, available in various configurations, represent the ideal solution when rapid finishing is needed: high temperature and controlled pressure allow for consistent results, combining productivity and hygiene”, concludes Astolfi.

CHT GROUP

To conclude, we turn to CHT GROUP, an international player in professional detergents, and speak with Pascal Kienle, Global Portfolio Manager Textile Care.
What is the biggest challenge today for those who manage and treat PPE and workwear?
“The key challenge is to ensure reliable protection and hygiene throughout the entire lifecycle of PPE without compromising materials, protective performance or wearer comfort. At the same time, sustainability, resource efficiency and regulatory requirements are steadily increasing. CHT addresses this with gentle, textile-specific washing processes that ensure effective soil removal while preserving protection, colors and material integrity – even for certified PPE”.

Based on your experience, how is the specific market for workwear and PPE evolving?
“The workwear and PPE market is increasingly driven by higher functionality, stricter regulations and growing sustainability demands. As PPE becomes more complex and durable, professional care and validated washing processes gain strategic importance. The focus is shifting from the product itself to its entire lifecycle, with care processes playing a key role in maintaining performance and certification”.

How can the degradation of PPE be avoided or limited over time?
“While natural aging cannot be avoided, premature degradation of PPE can be significantly reduced through professional and gentle washing processes. Excessive chemistry, high mechanical stress and unsuitable standard processes are the main causes of early wear. With balanced products and controlled processes by CHT, protective functions, materials and wearer comfort can be preserved over many wash cycles”.

Mr. Kienle, what defines the SMART WASH process?
“SMART WASH stands for a modern textile care that combines high performance with sustainability. It is based on the coordinated use of BEIPLEX GREEN, BEICLEAN ECO, BEIPUR ANP, BEIBLEACH WP 35 and BEIACID CIT to create a holistic and sustainable textile care process”..

What role does BEIPLEX GREEN play in this concept?
“BEIPLEX GREEN is a biologically readily biodegradable, phosphonate-free complexing agent and stabilizer for alkaline peroxide bleaching. Its strong stabilizing and dispersing performance ensure high process reliability and consistently high washing quality, even under challenging condition”.

What is the USP of SMART WASH?
“A key differentiator is the integrated CMC-based grey inhibition system. This “soil capture system” binds dirt particles in the wash liquor and prevents re deposition on the textile, ensuring brilliant whiteness without grey haze – a clear USP compared to many conventional bleaching systems”.

How do the remaining products complement the process?
“BEICLEAN ECO and BEIPUR ANP form the base for an effective yet fabric- and color-safe washing. BEIBLEACH WP 35 supports efficient oxidative bleaching, while BEIACID CIT ensures ecological pH neutralization. The SMART WASH process combines sustainability, performance, and process stability to a future-ready solution for the industrial textile care”, concludes Pascal Kienle. •

DETERGO MAGAZINE # MAY 2026