With technology, U.S.-made linens can help economy, environment

CINCINNATI—Standard Textile Co. Inc.’s recently launched Made in the USA collection of terry and sheeting products supports not only a comfortable hotel stay, but the economy and environment as well.

The American-made products utilize Centium Core Technology—a high-speed weaving process that improves tensile strength and extends service life—allowing products to dry faster and which ultimately lowers operational costs for hotels.

“The stress put on hotel linens is so much greater than the stress placed on our linens at home. The laundering process for hotel linens can involve harsh chemicals, industrial laundry equipment and, most importantly, the linen is washed much more often,” said Greg Eubanks, group VP of hospitality sales and marketing for Standard Textile. “In the U.S., the average hotelier spends upwards of 35 cents per pound to process linen.”

According to Eubanks, Standard Textile products last longer and don’t need to be replaced as often over time. These products include the ForeverSoft towels, which reduce drying times by more than 30% thanks to a specialty polymer in the pile yarn to resist harsh drying temperatures; the low-weight, high absorbency terry Transitions towels, which can lower laundering costs by controlling the distribution of pile height; and the durable yet soft UltraTwill sheets and pillowcases.

“Ultimately, it [Centium Core technology] creates a product that lasts longer, and our clients depend on us for greater durability and product longevity,” Eubanks said.

Made in the USA products also come with OneSTEP (One Solution to Enhance Productivity) and EZ ID features, helping hotel employees identify, use products and make beds quickly.

“EZ ID is a patented identification feature that allows hotel employees to quickly recognize different size sheets, as well as different weight and size towels. OneSTEP sheets also come with a bilateral, equally balanced hem on both the top and the bottom of the sheet to help simplify the act of making beds for housekeeping staff,” Eubanks said.

This accompanies “Room Ready for You,” a signature Standard Textile service, in which sheets and towels come pre-washed and laundered, ready for guestroom use right out of the box.

Along with these time and cost-saving technologies, processes and product materials are all home-grown here and sustainable, both significant brand values for Standard Textile.

“The ability to utilize advanced technology, combined with true textile craftspeople, brings a sense of pride to our U.S.-based manufacturing facilities and to our entire company. Knowing that we are at the forefront of bringing textile production back to the United States makes us all very proud,” Eubanks said. “Likewise, a majority of the raw materials are from the United States, as well as all of the weaving, finishing, fabrication and packaging, which is conducted in the United States. Not only are we supporting associates at our own facilities, but also throughout our entire supply chain, from raw materials to delivery to our clients.”

The products are also processed with Real Green, a sustainable production system, which aims to reduce Standard Textile’s carbon footprint.

“Because Standard Textile washes the product for the first time as part of the manufacturing process, we are able to wash 60% more efficiently than if a hotel washed the product themselves,” Eubanks said. “Once a towel or sheet is woven, we have to wet the product in order to finish it, so while it’s already wet we go ahead and wash it in Tide. This allows the hotel to skip the first wash cycle and rewetting the product.”

Standard Textile is also conscious about minimizing packaging materials. All of its case packs fill the product to the top, so it can use lighter weight corrugates, and boxes won’t crush during delivery.

“Additionally, manufacturing closer to where the products are utilized is an important factor. When we manufacture products in the United States for U.S. clients, it reduces the entire supply-chain footprint. We’re manufacturing as close to the customer as possible,” he said.

Through this collection, Standard Textile created 400 local jobs for workers in the Thomaston, GA, and Union, SC, facilities.

“For an industry that has had its share of ebbs and flows, we’re proud to lead the charge in reinvigorating the textile industry here in the United States,” Eubanks said. “As part of the supply chain, hoteliers want to use high performing products that also boast sustainability benefits. Our Made in USA products give hoteliers confidence that they’ll get products manufactured as close to the source as possible and offer them sustainability benefits as well.”