4 Reasons to Switch to Hygienically Clean Reusable Textiles
Lower Costs
Healthcare facilities using reusables see significant cost savings—52% on isolation gowns alone—over disposables.
With many hospitals and health care providers facing difficult budget challenges, reusable linen and textiles are a proven way to lower operating costs. In addition to more than 50% savings for hospitals that use reusable isolation gowns, other healthcare textiles–such as surgical gowns and incontinence pads–have delivered up to 90% cost savings.
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- Reusable surgical gowns are 48% less expensive than disposable ones
- If US hospitals converted to reusable surgical gowns, $354MM annual savings
- Reusable surgical drapes generated 33.7% annual savings
- UCLA hospitals save $1.1MM with reusable ISO gowns
- Transition to disposable ISO gowns yielded 50% savings
High quality and safety
A 2020 study found reusable gowns outperformed disposables in preventing the spread of hazardous liquids.
Hygienically Clean professional laundry providers meet the highest standards for safety, relying on processes, chemicals and best management practices recognized by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and other federal health agencies. They also must pass multiple rounds of outcomes-based microbiological testing and ongoing independent, third-party inspections to maintain hygienically clean certification.
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- Reusable gowns showed no impact on infection rates
- The reusable gowns offer more comfort and better protection
Better for the environment
One clean reusable gown can safely replace 75 disposable gowns.
Hygienically clean reusable textiles reduce the need for costly waste management services. Every 1,000 disposable gowns generate 705 pounds of waste, compared to just 83 pounds for the same number of reusable gowns. That’s an 88% reduction in waste. When the University of Maryland Medical Center switched to reusables, it avoided 70 tons of waste and saved $40,000 each year.
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Reusable Isolation Gowns:
- 30% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions
- 28% reduced energy consumption
- 41% of total water consumed
- 93-99% solid waste reduction
- 297 tons of landfill waste diverted
Greater supply stability
A workshop convened by the National Academies of Sciences found “reusable gowns can increase supply resilience in times of major crisis.”
European countries that balance reusable and disposable textiles didn’t experience PPE shortages during the COVID-19 pandemic. Reusable linens are also easier to manage. Professional laundry operators own and maintain the inventory, saving up-front purchasing costs and storage, while providing a continuous supply of hygienically clean, reusable textiles.
Check the Data
- Minimum 50% Reusable HCTs in Supply Chain recommendation
Hygienically clean reusable linens and textiles provide incredible value to healthcare providers and the broader healthcare system. They also help patients feel comfortable, secure and better cared for. Join the growing number of healthcare leaders making the switch to hygienically clean textiles.