History / Demographics
History
TRSA started in 1912 to serve an industry that had begun decades earlier by delivering clean towels, aprons, and other textiles on foot to businesses such as barbers and butcher shops. Soon more businesses would want the convenience and improved safety and cleanliness this service provided, enabling the industry to adopt mass production techniques and add more types of linens and uniforms. TRSA has grown into the world’s largest organization serving the industry by building and promoting a stronger, safer and more environmentally conscious community through advocacy, certification, research, benchmarking and information-sharing.
Demographics
TRSA represents companies worldwide that supply, launder and maintain linens, uniforms, workwear and other reusable textiles. Members help businesses, retailers, healthcare facilities, restaurants, government and other organizations enhance their image and provide clean, safe environments for their employees and customers. TRSA promotes the image, safety, cleanliness and environmental benefits of the industry such as a more circular, sustainable supply chain of reusable textiles. TRSA quantifies the industry’s commitment to cleanliness, sustainability and safety through its Hygienically Clean, Clean Green and Safety & Health Certification programs.
