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Industrial laundering

Industrial laundry in accordance with ISO 15797 - why the label is so important

The cleaning of workwear is an important topic for many industries. In this blog, we will explain what industrial laundry means and which standards and labels are used. For example, what is the difference between ISO 15797 and DIN EN ISO 30023? We will also answer the most important questions about the care of workwear and give you tips on what you should pay attention to when caring for and cleaning workwear and protective clothing.

A man wears a blue sweatshirt and stands in front of a large industrial dryer.

WHAT DOES INDUSTRIAL LAUNDRY ACCORDING TO ISO 15797 MEAN? 

When workwear and protective clothing is regularly reprocessed, it is a real endurance test. This is because industrial laundering puts a strain on the textiles in the huge washing machines. Extreme forces are exerted on the textiles and the mechanical load is high. Due to the sometimes high washing temperature, the thermal stress is also very high, as is the chemical stress caused by the substances used to clean and reprocess the workwear. 
DIN EN ISO 15797 was developed to provide an objective assessment standard for industrial laundry. It specifies test methods and equipment and describes actual conditions in an industrial laundry facility with washing and drying processes. This enables textile manufacturers to test the resistance of their garments. This involves properties such as dimensional stability, colour fastness, creasing, defective seam puckering, pilling and general visual aspects.* 
To put it in one sentence: Protective clothing or workwear tested in accordance with ISO 15797 withstands the highest demands without losing its properties, colour or shape. The standard was developed to support manufacturers, suppliers and laundries in evaluating and labelling workwear with regard to its suitability for textile service.

Carer in a dark blue tunic in front of a large tumble dryer.

What is the difference between DIN EN ISO 30023 and ISO 15797? 

When talking about "industrial laundry", you often come across DIN EN ISO 30023. What is behind this standard and how does it differ from ISO 15797? The difference is quickly apparent.  
ISO 15797 describes test methods for industrial laundry. The standard describes methods that standardise industrial washing and its effect on workwear. It specifies test methods and equipment that can be used in the assessment of workwear (including some PPE garments where applicable) that is to be industrially laundered.  
DIN EN ISO 30023 is also a standard for textiles. However, it only provides a system of graphic symbols to be used for the labelling of workwear and protective clothing in relation to their suitability for industrial laundering in accordance with ISO 15797.** 

The symbols make it easier to identify textiles that are suitable for certain washing and drying processes, thus ensuring clear communication along the entire textile supply chain - from production to retail to the laundry. They include information such as maximum washing temperatures, recommended drying processes and dry-cleaning options that ensure the quality and functionality of clothing is maintained even after intensive use.

The PRO label for industrial laundry suitability

BP® products are predominantly labelled with the PRO label. The PRO label indicates that the labelled product fulfils the requirements of ISO 30023. It is tested for industrial laundry suitability in accordance with ISO 15797 in the washing programme (1-8), in the tunnel finisher and/or when drying in the tumble dryer. 

On our BP® products you will find the Pro-Label symbol on our sew-in label, so that you can see which washing and drying process BP® has used to test the garment. For our PPE articles, the corresponding symbol is also shown in the manufacturer's information brochure. 

However, the PRO label is not to be understood as care instructions. In principle, practical washing tests must be carried out before using any BP® product in industrial laundry.

This is how the "PRO label industrial laundry" pictogram is to be understood:

  • The "PRO" lettering with a thick black background indicates suitability for care in professional laundries
  • The series of numbers indicates which of the eight washing processes listed has been tested in accordance with ISO 15797. 
  • The two symbols on the right represent the drying process. The hexagon in the square stands for tumble drying. The rectangle at the bottom stands for tunnel or cabinet finishing.






BP® employee checks the quality of a BP® jacket.

Conclusion - How companies benefit from ISO 15797 

The ISO 15797 standard was developed to support manufacturers, suppliers and laundries in evaluating and labelling workwear with regard to its suitability for textile service. 

Workwear that is certified according to ISO 15797 proves its robustness and resistance to the extreme conditions of the washing process without losing its colour and shape. This durability is of central importance for the longevity of the products, as it has a decisive influence on how often companies have to purchase new workwear. 

This has a positive economic impact for companies, as the long-lasting quality means that less money needs to be invested in the purchase of new workwear. This relieves the company budget and creates financial leeway for other important aspects of the business. Find out more about BP's sustainable workwear here.

Cleaning workwear - industrial laundry suitability according to ISO 15797 in the video

Any questions?
Do you still have questions about the safe, standard-compliant use of personal protective equipment (PPE)? Then get in touch with our experts.
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