The post Workwear that lasts: how we design for longevity and circularity appeared first on Lindström Group.
]]>The longer a garment lasts, the less material, energy, and water you waste replacing it.
That’s why we design workwear built to last, easy to repair, and ready for a second life. From smart material choices to repair-friendly details and closed-loop recycling, here’s how we’re extending workwear lifecycles and cutting waste.
Why garment longevity matters
Extending a garment’s lifespan is the most effective way to reduce its carbon footprint—even more than using sustainable fabrics.
Soile Pakarinen, Workwear Designer at Lindström.
Soile leads the ‘Product longevity project’ at Lindström, creating design guidelines that help workwear hold up across demanding environments–from industrial worksites to high-volume laundry facilities.
“Enhancing product longevity has been one of my personal goals for a long time,” she explains. “This project gathers insights on how our current products perform so all Lindström designers can learn and improve.”
The benefits of long-lasting workwear add up fast:
- Fewer replacements mean lower operational costs
- Reduced demand for raw materials, energy, and water
- Less waste at the end of a garment’s life
- Stronger brand reputation and competitive advantage
“Every replacement garment requires new materials, energy, and water to produce them,” says Seija Forss, Material Manager at Lindström, who leads the work for more sustainable material choices in product development. “Repair lets us use the same garment again and again.”
How we develop workwear for longevity & durability
Garment longevity is a team effort. Designers, engineers, production specialists, and laundry teams all play a role—along with the workers who wear the garments and return them for regular maintenance.
Start with user needs
Good design begins with a clear understanding of industry demands and everyday user needs.
Our garments stay in circulation for years, so functionality and comfort are top priorities. “If the garment isn’t serving the end user, then there’s no point. Functionality and comfort are key for a successful product,” says Soile.
We put designs to the test in the field, speaking directly with customers in their own environments to get honest feedback. During the development of our winter workwear collection, for example, Soile visited sites to see garments in action and collect insights that shaped the final product.
Select durable materials
We set the bar high: all materials must be high-quality and long-lasting, whether it’s virgin fibre or recycled polyester.
Every fabric goes through rigorous testing before we approve it. That includes wear tests with users to confirm longevity, plus 25 industrial wash cycles to check shrinkage, colour fading, and appearance. Fabric suppliers handle additional lab tests like pilling and abrasion resistance as needed.
Based on the feedback and test results, we adjust designs and add reinforcements to high-wear areas, making sure all garments hold up in the field.
Design with repair in mind
Beyond durability, garments need to be easy to repair and maintain.
Every year, we repair around 4.5 million pieces of workwear. During the design phase, we assess repairability with laundry teams, visiting laundries to confirm whether a product can be easily repaired using their machinery.
“In design, it’s easy to focus only on what’s new, but we learn a lot by listening to what’s happening with the products already in use,” says Soile.
Designing with repair in mind means:
- Adjustability prevents premature wear. Adjustable leg lengths, for example, keep trousers from dragging on the ground—a typical repair spot.
- Modular parts swap out easily: Front zippers and other high-wear components are designed to be removed and replaced without scrapping the whole garment.
- Standardised accessories keep repairs simple: Laundries stock common buttons, snaps, and tapes so replacements happen fast.
“The laundry environment has to be efficient—they can’t spend too much time repairing one item,” explains Soile. “When garments are easier to repair, they’re simply more likely to be repaired.”
Closing the loop: turning old workwear into new products
We’re working toward a fully-closed loop where our own end-of-life workwear becomes new products.
Here’s how it works:
In 2025, we launched a workwear fabric containing 10% recycled polyester and cotton from our end-of-life textiles—the result of years of collaboration with fabric supplier Klopman and recycling partner Rester. The process involved multiple development rounds, industrial washing trials, lab tests, and user tests to meet our textile service standards.
We also contribute indirectly to the Horizon Europe-funded tExtended project as a customer role, working with project partners to help define fabric requirements for circular textile solutions. While the project is still in development, this work is helping explore how recycled content in textiles can be increased without compromising durability.
“We don’t do this alone,” says Seija. “Working with partners is essential, especially in the earlier stages of the recycling process.”
What’s next in workwear
We’re always exploring new ways to improve sustainability in our workwear design. One example is 3D design tools that help us evaluate garment ergonomics before creating physical samples. We can test how different fabrics perform in different working postures like reaching or bending—all digitally.
“I’m excited about the possibilities 3D tools are offering. We already see many benefits: fewer samples needed, better designs, and stronger collaboration within our global team,” says Soile.
The bottom line: No company can solve textile longevity and sustainability alone. As more businesses adopt recycled materials and invest in circular systems, economies of scale will improve availability and bring down costs. That’s why we’re committed to sharing what we learn and collaborating across the value chain.
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]]>The post Textile service companies unite to advance textile recycling in Europe appeared first on Lindström Group.
]]>A group of members of the European Textile Services Association (ETSA) has joined forces beyond traditional competitive boundaries to address challenges in textile recycling. The initiative aims to develop scalable solutions for textile recycling. It reflects the sector’s continued efforts to advance sustainability in line with EU circular economy objectives.
The textile services industry has long applied circular principles at scale. Its business models are based on reuse, repair, and extended product lifecycles, helping to reduce textile overproduction and prevent waste.
The new pilot focuses specifically on strengthening end-of-life solutions. Participating companies include several major European textile service providers: Alsco, Bardusch, CWS Workwear, Lindström, Mewa and Salesianer.
“We seek to encourage and support our members in their efforts to manage textiles efficiently, but also to contribute to solutions at the end of their lifecycle,” says Elena Lai, Secretary General of ETSA.
In its first phase, the initiative concentrates on transforming end-of-life textiles into recycled fibres for use in insulation materials, industrial wipers and other textile products, in collaboration with the Polish recycling company PPHU TUR. These insulation materials can serve applications in sectors such as automotive and construction, where recycled fibres can replace virgin materials. The longer-term aim is to explore scalable closed-loop solutions in which recycled fibres serve as raw material for new textiles.
“Circularity isn’t a vision. It’s a process we are building today. ETSA members are testing recycling solutions that keep valuable resources in the loop longer,” says Kati Pallasaho, Senior Vice President for Strategy and Sustainability at Lindström
By working together, the participating companies seek to address the limited availability of large-scale textile recycling capacity in Europe. The collaboration pools expertise and practical experience to support the development of viable recycling markets.
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]]>The post Why circular textiles matter in a resource-scarce world appeared first on Lindström Group.
]]>Nearly every business relies on textiles—from hospital bed sheets and restaurant aprons to construction workwear and pharmaceutical gowns.
“You can’t run almost any business without proper textiles,” says Ulla Luhtasela, Director of Sustainability at Lindström. “They need to be good quality, fit for purpose, and safe for employees and customers.”
That makes the rising challenges facing the textile industry relevant for every business. Climate change, population growth, biodiversity loss, and water scarcity are affecting the availability and cost of raw materials, forcing the industry to adapt.
The resource challenge: What’s at stake
The linear textile model isn’t working anymore. The industry keeps producing new items while barely recycling what already exists. Globally, only around 1% of used textiles globally are recycled back into textile products. At the same time, materials like cotton demand huge amounts of water and land—adding pressure to regions that are already under strain.
| The old way: Linear model | The new way: Circular model |
| Take: Extract raw materials | Reuse: Create from recycled and biobased materials |
| Make: Mass-produce garments | Make: Produce on-demand only and repair for longevity |
| Waste: Discard worn garments in landfills | Recycle: Transform worn garments into new materials |
“You might not see the impact today, but eventually, it will catch up with us,” says Ulla. “Now is the time to build the infrastructure, systems, and technologies needed for the moment when we can no longer rely on cheap raw materials—or afford to misuse them.”
Short-term cost pressures often push sustainability to the back-burner. But ignoring resource scarcity means risking higher costs, supply issues, and scrambling for raw materials down the line.
The shift toward circular textiles
Recycled materials are gaining ground
The industry is starting to move away from virgin materials. PET bottles and other plastic waste are increasingly turned into recycled polyester, for example.
“For us in textile services, recycled polyester works as well as virgin material,” says Seija Forss, Material Manager, Service and Product Concepts at Lindström.
But recycled materials still come with challenges. Both mechanical recycling—where textiles are simply torn back into fibres—and recycled polyester cost more than virgin materials, partly due to development costs.
“Turning old textiles into new yarn and fabrics is still a developing process. Virgin fibres need to be added to achieve the right quality,” explains Seija.
Regulations are pushing the industry forward
New EU regulations like the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR) and the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) policy are reshaping how textiles are designed, collected, and recycled.
Soon, all companies putting textiles on the EU market will need to join producer responsibility organisations that collect, sort, and recycle textiles.
“These regulations aim to ensure end-to-end circularity,” says Ulla.
Developing high-quality fabrics from recycled fibres takes resources and new competences. As volumes grow and stakeholders compete on quality and price, costs should come down and circularity will improve in the long run.
Ulla Luhtasela, Sustainability Director
Circularity is a joint effort
Scaling the circular textile economy requires collaboration, innovation, and commitment across the entire supply chain. No company can solve resource scarcity alone—it takes yarn spinners, fabric producers, garment makers, and customers all moving together.
“By choosing the right partners and being clear about your sustainability goals, you can help drive the world in the right direction,” adds Ulla.
How we reduce raw material dependency at Lindström
Creating textiles built to last
While we’re increasing our use of recycled and preferred bio-based fibres, making long-lasting textiles is still the most sustainable thing we can do.
“The biggest win comes from using textiles as long as possible. Producing only one garment—even from virgin material—is better than a garment from recycled material if it lasts twice as long,” says Ulla.
That thinking shapes everything we do, from design to daily operations. Workwear is built with reinforced elbows and knees, protected zippers, and repair-friendly construction. Every laundry keeps the right spare parts on hand, from pockets to fire-resistant thread in the right colours and sizes.
In 2024 alone, we repaired nearly 5 million pieces. “Every repair means less waste and fewer virgin resources used,” summarises Ulla.
Our garments also move between customer groups as they age. What’s no longer suitable for front-of-house—like a stained doctor’s coat—can still be perfect for laboratory work, extending the garment’s lifespan without compromising safety or quality.
Avoiding overproduction
Through PRODEM, our production model for workwear manufacturing, we only make what our customers need. Orders can be as small as one to three pieces, avoiding wasteful bulk production.
“The PRODEM concept prevents overproduction, which is key from both environmental and economical points of view,” says Ulla.
Shared inventory takes it a step further. When towels, bed sheets, or other items aren’t tied to a single brand, they can circulate between customers, reducing the total number of textiles needed.
Washing textiles more efficiently
Professional laundering optimises three factors at once: water, energy, and detergents—affecting both wash quality and environmental impact.
After 100 years of fine-tuning these processes, we’re quite good at it. And we’re always finding new ways to improve, especially in water-stress areas.
Ulla Luhtasela, Sustainability Director
Globally, we use about 7 litres of water per kilogram of washed textile: 4.6 litres for mats and 13 litres for workwear. Our water purification systems recycle wastewater, reducing fresh water needs. In water-stress regions like China, India, Turkey, and Romania, we aim to improve water efficiency by 50% by 2030.
We’re also electrifying our equipment, replacing fossil fuel systems like natural gas steam boilers. Our goal is net zero emissions by 2050, with a 50% reduction by 2030 compared to 2021.
Why renting textiles beats owning:
“You get the right amount of textiles in the right sizes, in the right place, at the right time. It’s a level of efficiency and quality that’s very difficult to achieve on your own.” – Ulla Luhtasela, Head of Sustainability at Lindström
Driving the transformation together
Companies that adopt circular models now will get ahead of tightening regulations and shrinking raw material access.
“Start taking steps now, even if it’s more expensive at first,” says Ulla.
When you’re a frontrunner, you’re ahead of companies who’ll need to do it eventually—with the skills, connections, and systems already in place. That becomes your competitive advantage.
Ulla Luhtasela, Sustainability Director
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]]>The post Lindström celebrates continued EcoVadis Platinum rating appeared first on Lindström Group.
]]>Lindström once again achieved the EcoVadis Platinum, the highest recognition awarded by one of the world’s leading sustainability ratings providers. EcoVadis evaluates companies across environmental impact, labour and human rights, ethics, and sustainable procurement. With an overall score of 86, we rank among the top 1% of over 150,000 companies assessed globally by EcoVadis.
“We are truly delighted and proud to continue at the EcoVadis Platinum level. What makes this achievement even more meaningful is that the benchmark is rising every year as companies strengthen their sustainability efforts. Staying in the top 1% is becoming harder all the time — and this motivates us to keep improving even further,” says Inari Laveri, Climate & Compliance Manager at Lindström.
The Platinum rating reflects our long-term commitment to sustainability through certified management practices, transparent reporting, and ambitious global initiatives. These include, for example, the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) and the United Nations Global Compact.
Our environmental performance was rated outstanding with a score of 95/100, and we also achieved advanced scores in Labor & Human Rights (81), Ethics (83) and Sustainable Procurement (83).
“This year, we achieved a strong overall EcoVadis score of 86, significantly above the industry average of 59. I would like to thank our team for their excellent work in achieving this recognition,” Laveri adds.
As sustainability expectations continue to grow worldwide, we remain committed to leading by example. We will continue working closely with our customers and partners to accelerate the transition to a more circular and resource-efficient economy.
Link to our EcoVadis certificate
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]]>The post Nature Business Network launched with Lindström as founding member appeared first on Lindström Group.
]]>Nature loss and the climate crisis are putting business continuity under growing pressure. Businesses depend on healthy ecosystems, clean water and responsibly used raw materials. Finnish companies are stepping up to protect these foundations through concrete action. Lindström is one of the founding members of the Nature Business Network, which brings together companies committed to nature-positive business practices.
“For Lindström, nature is a cornerstone of our long-term business success. Working for nature
means building circularity into everyday services. By extending the life of textiles and reducing the use of virgin materials, water and energy, we reduce the dependence on natural resources. This contributes to safe and more reliable service to our customers”, says Kati Pallasaho, Senior Vice President, Strategy and Sustainability at Lindström.
The Nature Business Network was launched on 5 February 2026. It aims to accelerate the transition towards an economy that protects natural resources through business-led action for nature. Founding members include Fiskars, Lassila & Tikanoja, Lindström, Paulig, S Group, St1 and One Planet.
“Through the Nature Business Network, we want to drive practical solutions and shared policies that help companies protect nature. Circular economy approaches are one way to reduce dependence on scarce natural resources and strengthen business resilience.” says Pallasaho.
The network is built on the understanding that companies have an essential role to play alongside public actors in addressing biodiversity loss. The network supports, among other things:
- ambitious implementation of national and EU-level biodiversity targets
- development of nature value markets in collaboration with companies
- legislation that strengthens nature protection and supports industry-specific roadmaps
- integration of circular economy and nature work into economic policy
At the launch event in Helsinki, business leaders, researchers and decision-makers shared their perspectives on the kind of nature policy companies need – and how they are prepared to contribute through their own actions. The keynote address was delivered by Finland’s Minister of Climate and the Environment, Sari Multala and a research perspective was provided by Professor Panu Halme of the Finnish Environment Institute (Syke).
More information:
Kati Pallasaho
[email protected]
+358406871918
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]]>The post How Linde Viličar simplified workwear for 30+ technicians appeared first on Lindström Group.
]]>Quick summary:
| Challenges at Linde Viličar | Solutions from Lindström | Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Fragmented workwear setup (multiple dry cleaners + separate repairs) | One unified workwear rental & maintenance service | Consistent look and quality across the whole team |
| Hard to keep a consistently neat, professional appearance | Tailored garments for each technician + agreed colours/materials | Stronger customer trust and brand image |
| Admin and logistics effort around cleaning, exchanges and repairs | Regular pick-up and delivery, professional laundering, repairs included | Less admin work and smoother daily operations |
| Need for reliable hygiene and quality standards everywhere in Slovenia | Professional laundering with a standardised process | Clean, functional workwear technicians can rely on |
| Unpredictable or hidden costs of managing workwear internally | Fixed, transparent service model | Predictable costs and easier budgeting/planning |
Linde Viličar is a company owned by the German Linde Material Handling Group and part of one of the world’s largest forklift manufacturers and a leading provider of advanced intralogistics solutions. They have been present in the Slovenian market for three decades, during which time they have built a reputation as a reliable partner with an extensive service network of over 30 service technicians who ensure fast and professional assistance throughout the country. Their market share speaks for itself: every second forklift in Slovenia is a Linde forklift.
For a company whose promise is performance and whose service technicians visit clients daily in a wide variety of industrial environments, the professional appearance and neatness of the team is crucial for trust and brand reputation.
From fragmentation to unity
Before implementing Lindström’s workwear service, the company operated with a fragmented workwear management system. Service technicians used services from various dry cleaners across Slovenia, while a single tailor was selected for repairs and custom-fitted garments.
Despite efforts to ensure neatness, maintaining this system was challenging, both from an administrative perspective and in ensuring consistent quality and professional appearance of the entire team.
Linde Viličar wanted one simple system for all their service technicians across Slovenia. They needed it to always deliver clean, good-quality workwear, with strong hygiene standards, and without creating extra paperwork or trouble.
We decided to choose Lindström as our partner for several key reasons. The first wish was to improve the professional image of our service technicians, as we believe that a neat appearance is an important part of the impression we make on clients.”
Blaž Lupše, Workshop and Logistics Coordinator at Linde Viličar
Comprehensive workwear rental and maintenance system
Lindström helped Linde Viličar set up one smart workwear system for all their service technicians. Each of the 30+ technicians received their own set of workwear that fits properly. Lindström took everyone’s measurements and matched the company’s choices for fabrics, colours, and quality.
The routine is simple: dirty workwear is collected on a regular schedule and cleaned professionally. Clean workwear—and repaired items when needed—is then delivered straight back to the company. That means technicians don’t have to worry about washing or fixing anything, and the company is freed from the extra logistics and paperwork.
“The workwear rental service has significantly simplified our logistics and administrative tasks. Each service technician is assigned a set of garments that is regularly exchanged. Soiled garments are returned, and clean, professionally laundered and repaired garments are delivered directly to our premises.”
Blaž Lupše, Workshop and Logistics Coordinator at Linde Viličar
Professional look combined with predictable costs
Working with Lindström has helped Linde Viličar in more ways than just getting clean workwear.
First, the team looks the part. Service technicians show up in clean, practical workwear that looks professional. That builds trust with customers and shows Linde Viličar takes quality seriously.
For employees, it’s a big relief. No one has to think about washing, fixing, or replacing workwear. They can focus on the real job: helping customers. And when you’re wearing comfortable, clean gear, you feel better and more confident at work.
For the company, the costs are easier to manage too. Doing everything in-house would mean buying washing machines and dryers, finding storage space, buying detergents, and keeping track of it all. With Lindström, the service is simpler, and the costs are clear and predictable, which makes planning much easier.
Lindström takes care not only of dirty laundry, but of the full package. Delivering workwear that fits the company’s needs, regular exchanges, repairs, and weekly deliveries. And if something changes, they can react quickly. That flexibility makes the partnership even stronger.
A partner that enables focus on core business
For Linde Viličar, this was a big step towards one smooth system for workwear and a more professional look for the whole service team. With consistent quality, strong hygiene, and reliable logistics taken care of, they can keep their attention where it belongs: delivering excellent intralogistics solutions and top service to customers.
A cleaner, happier team and costs you can actually predict: those are the kind of wins you get when the right partner handles the workwear.
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]]>The post Electrification supports reliable, lower-emission services appeared first on Lindström Group.
]]>Reducing emissions is an important part of building more sustainable services, but for customers it must also support reliability, quality and continuity. Electrification of steam production is one way to achieve both. It lowers emissions while strengthening operational performance.
One of our largest and longest-running service centres is located in Hämeenlinna, Southern Finland. Nearly 50 years old, the site includes four laundries and processes close to six million kilogrammes of textiles each year. The Hämeenlinna service centre is now among the first to transition to electrified steam production.
50% lower emissions, same high service quality
Steam plays a critical role in laundry operations. The majority of emissions from our own operations come from energy use in our service centres. One of the existing natural gas boilers at the Hämeenlinna laundry is being replaced with a modern electric steam boiler. This will significantly reduce emissions while maintaining consistent service quality.
The new solution will cut carbon dioxide emissions by almost 1,000 tonnes per year — equivalent to almost half of the service centre’s total annual emissions. The electric boiler is being delivered by Loimua Oy.
“Electrifying steam production is an effective way to reduce the emissions of our services. Each service centre has its own characteristics, which means solutions are selected case by case. Hämeenlinna is among the first to achieve such a significant emissions reduction through electrification,” says Tomas Teräs, our Director of Technology Development.
Hämeenlinna is not the only example of progress. Last year, our Oulu service centre in northern Finland became the company’s first low-emission service centre by switching to locally produced biogas used throughout the washing process.
Improved stability and flexibility through electrification
In addition to lowering emissions, electrification improves operational stability and flexibility. The new boiler system strengthens delivery security. It enables more predictable steam production and reduces vulnerability to disruptions in natural gas supply.
“For our customers, this means more reliable and consistent service with a lower climate impact,” Teräs adds.
The investment supports our strategy to reduce CO₂ emissions by 50% by 2030 from a 2021 baseline. It also contributes to our long-term ambition of reaching net-zero emissions by 2050.
Electrification is one example of how sustainability and operational performance can go hand in hand. By investing in lower-emission technologies and resilient production solutions, we continue to support customers with services that are both reliable and more sustainable.
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]]>The post How supplier commitments support more sustainable services appeared first on Lindström Group.
]]>Sustainability goals cannot be achieved in isolation. That is why, at the beginning of 2025, we launched the Sustainability Champions Together programme. It drives supply chain decarbonisation through supplier commitments to emission reductions and social responsibility. The initiative benefits customers through more sustainable services across the supply chain and more transparent, reliable data. We are now pleased to share the first measurable progress with our key suppliers, who are committed to reducing emissions.
“Our customers expect sustainability to support their business, not complicate it. By coordinating decarbonisation across our supplier network, we make it easier for customers to access more sustainable services and reliable supply chain data”, says Kristiina Tiilikainen, Director of Sustainable Procurement.
To make our services more sustainable, we aim to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 50% by 2030 from a 2021 baseline across the entire value chain. Our ultimate goal is to reach net-zero emissions by 2050.
Inspiring action in the supplier network
Approximately 70% of our total emissions originate from the supply chain, while over 30% come from purchased products and services. “Reducing our own emissions is only the beginning. Real progress happens when the whole value chain moves forward together,” Tiilikainen continues.
At the start of 2025, we set an ambitious target: by the end of the year, 40 major suppliers would commit to concrete emissions-reduction targets. We exceeded this goal, with 41 suppliers committing by the end of the year. Several others are finalising their calculations and targets for 2026.
“Some of us thought the target might be too ambitious. The response proved the opposite. Suppliers were eager to join and clearly understood why this matters,” Tiilikainen says.
Together, these committed suppliers represent:
- Around 50% of emissions from Purchased Goods and Services
- Approximately 15% of our total emissions
Different paths, same direction
“There is no single approach that works for everyone. What matters is that each company takes real steps that fit its business,” Tiilikainen explains.
Suppliers are at different stages of their climate journey, which is why there are flexible ways to commit. Some focus on energy efficiency. Others move to renewable energy or reduce emissions in their own supply chains. Several larger suppliers have committed through the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi).
“Our role is to support suppliers and help them move forward. We organise training sessions and workshops and work closely with suppliers in hands-on collaboration, including testing recycled materials and new solutions,” Tiilikainen says.
Engaging suppliers on new sustainability topics takes time, trust and consistent effort. Many suppliers are facing these topics for the first time, often alongside competing business priorities. By leading this engagement, we remove complexity for our customers. We build supplier capabilities and alignment, enabling customers to focus on their core business while benefiting from more sustainable services.
More than one-third of our suppliers have committed to the Science Based Targets initiative, while one-fifth are transitioning to renewable energy. Others are pursuing different emissions-reduction approaches.
A cascading effect of supplier commitments
Supplier engagement creates a positive ripple effect. When one company reduces emissions, it encourages action across its own value chain and sets an example for others.
“This is how progress spreads. When suppliers commit, they influence their partners and competitors. That is how reductions multiply,” Tiilikainen says.
For customers, this means:
- Lower emissions across services
- More transparent and responsible supply chains
- Stronger readiness for regulatory requirements across the value chain
- Access to more reliable primary data, as we engage suppliers to collect, validate and track sustainability information
- Reduced administrative burden, as supplier data collection and follow-up are handled as part of our service
Net-zero services are not possible without net-zero suppliers. Working with committed partners enables us to deliver more sustainable solutions, both today and in the future.
“This is not a short project. It is a shared journey that requires commitment from many people. Suppliers who join us are helping to build a net-zero future together,” Tiilikainen concludes.
What we have learned along the way
The journey has brought clear insights:
- Ambitious goals are worth setting
- Suppliers differ in size, maturity and starting point, so the same model does not fit all.
- Meaningful progress requires time, dialogue and collaboration
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]]>The post How a legendary Indian sweets brand keeps things clean appeared first on Lindström Group.
]]>Quick summary:
| Challenges at Chitale Bandhu Mithaiwale | Solutions from Lindström | Benefits |
| Managing hygiene-compliant uniforms across multiple departments | Full-service workwear rental including washing, repairs, delivery, and storage | Reliable hygiene compliance with international food safety standards |
| Preparing for audits and maintaining documentation | Transparent traceability system with ready-to-use audit reports | Easier, faster audit preparation and reduced compliance risk |
| Avoiding cross-contamination in a high-automation environment | Professionally cleaned uniforms and colour-coded garments by department | Improved operational efficiency and safety on the shop floor |
| Lack of visibility into uniform lifecycle and logistics | Digital tracking of garment handling and delivery | Full control and peace of mind without the manual work |
| Time spent managing workwear logistics internally | End-to-end outsourced solution | More time to focus on core business and international growth |
From a modest sweet shop in Pune to kitchens across Europe, the US, and Southeast Asia, Chitale Bandhu Mithaiwale has come a long way. Best known for their signature bhakharwadi and a wide range of sweets and snacks, this iconic Indian brand has built a global following. But behind the scenes, it takes more than just great recipes to run a modern food business. It takes precision, compliance, and above all, hygiene. That’s where Lindström comes in.
No more uniform headaches
“We’ve been using Lindström workwear services for the past eight years,” says Prafull Palkar, General Manager of Operations at Chitale Bandhu. “It’s taken a huge load off our shoulders. Workwear isn’t our responsibility anymore, and that’s made life a lot easier.”
With Lindström handling everything from uniform delivery and cleaning to locker storage and repairs, Chitale Bandhu can focus fully on production. And for a company that relies heavily on automation to reduce contamination and human error, this kind of support is a perfect match.
Global standards, met locally
Chitale Bandhu operates in some of the world’s most demanding markets, including the European Union, the US, and Australia, where food safety rules are strict and audits are regular. “We have several international certifications, and that means we need to comply with very specific hygiene standards,” explains Madhura Patankar, Quality Assurance Manager.
Lindström’s clean and traceable workwear plays a big role in helping them stay compliant.
Even after we do our own checks, the uniforms are always spotless. We also receive all the documentation we need for audits, which saves a lot of time.
Madhura Patankar, Quality Assurance Manager at Chitale Bandhu Mithaiwale
Details that keep everything running smoothly
Lindström doesn’t just supply clean garments, but also make sure they work for Chitale Bandhu’s operations. One example? Colour-coded uniforms by department.
“It’s such a simple thing, but it makes a big difference,” Madhura notes. “On the shop floor, it’s easy to identify who belongs where. That keeps things organised and efficient.”
And with Lindström’s digital system, every uniform is tracked. Chitale Bandhu can see when garments are picked up, how they’re cleaned, and when they’re returned. This ensures full visibility with no surprises.
A partnership that supports growth
From automation to international expansion, Chitale Bandhu has always embraced innovation without letting go of tradition. As they prepare for their 75th anniversary, the company continues to evolve, bringing beloved products to new markets around the world.
And with Lindström by their side, they can do that with confidence.
“Of course we’d recommend Lindström,” says Madhura. “They’ve helped us stay focused on what we do best – creating food that people love and trust.”
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]]>The post What changed when ACG stopped managing workwear themselves? appeared first on Lindström Group.
]]>Quick summary:
| Challenges at ACG Associated Capsules | Solutions from Lindström | Benefits |
| In-house laundry was difficult to manage | Fully outsourced workwear rental service | No more garment management burden |
| Inconsistent hygiene and compliance | Hygienic laundering and audit-ready documentation | Reliable compliance and improved hygiene |
| Lack of uniform traceability | Garment tracking and reporting | Full visibility and traceability for audits |
| High resource usage and waste | Sustainable laundering and textile recycling | Reduced environmental footprint |
| Time spent on non-core tasks | End-to-end service (delivery, laundry, repairs) | More time to focus on core operations |
Imagine running a high-stakes pharmaceutical operation… and still having to worry about laundry.
That was the reality for ACG Associated Capsules, a global leader in hard-shell capsules for the pharmaceutical and nutraceutical industries. For years, they handled workwear washing and management in-house. However, it came with headaches: missed garments, inconsistent hygiene, and a constant scramble to ensure compliance.
“We were spending too much time trying to manage uniforms,” says Parimal Parak, Head of HR and Admin. “And in our industry, consistency and cleanliness aren’t negotiable.”
Enter Lindström: one partner, zero stress
Seven years ago, ACG partnered with Lindström to take the pressure off. With our full-service workwear solution, they no longer have to worry about garments. Everything is delivered, washed, tracked, replaced, and documented.
“Now, we have full traceability, audit-ready paperwork, and uniforms that meet global standards,” Parak says. “The difference is night and day.”
Saving more than time
The benefits go beyond hygiene and convenience. ACG also appreciates the sustainability built into the service: less waste, more recycling, and a lighter environmental footprint.
“It’s a cost-effective, future-ready solution,” Parak adds. “And it means we can stay focused on what we do best.”
The post What changed when ACG stopped managing workwear themselves? appeared first on Lindström Group.
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