Laundry Ergon Veldhoven

Pioneering emission-free production in the laundry industry in a pleasant working environment

Simultaneously, we ensure an optimal work environment and an emission-free washing process. The first laundry in the world where these techniques come together.

Ergon

Ergon is the laundry for those looking for a professional, environmentally friendly, and socially responsible solution for the washing of clothes. The employees of Ergon often occupy a vulnerable position in the regular job market, but at Ergon, they get the chance to grow and thrive.

Ergon builds a new laundry without fossil fuels

Since 2005, Ergon Laundry has been taking care of the laundry for its customers. They do this with special attention and dedication because it’s about much more than just clean laundry. Clean and spotless laundry gives a good feeling. And that feeling is what it’s all about at Ergon Laundry. They also seek that good feeling when it comes to leaving the world a little better for future generations. That’s why we are building a new laundry together!

On September 26, 2022, the alderman and the general director of Ergon enthusiastically started construction on the brand-new, environmentally friendly laundry. On September 21, 2023, Ergon will open its new, environmentally friendly laundry, providing 200 sheltered workplaces for people in vulnerable positions in the job market. What makes this laundry truly special is its commitment to sustainability. Instead of using fossil fuels to heat the water, it embraces the very latest industrial technologies. This innovative approach means that Ergon Laundry confidently faces the future.

Ergon’s Request

Ergon, a leading player in the world of environmentally conscious and socially responsible laundry solutions, posed a bold question to TBR: “Can we create a new laundry together with an emission-free and gas-free washing process, and a comfortable working environment?” This request set off an inspiring journey, where we are building together on groundbreaking innovation in the laundry industry.

The existing laundry was designed and built by TBR around 2004, groundbreaking at the time due to steamless washing; now, we are taking an even bigger step forward.

On Course Together Towards a Green Laundry Future

Ergon’s request was clear: create a new laundry with an emission-free, gas-free washing process, and a pleasant working environment. TBR and WSP joined this visionary effort, employing powerful heat pump technology to completely eliminate the use of fossil fuels in heating water during the washing process.

This partnership resulted in an innovative and sustainable laundry concept that doubled the washing capacity and represented a revolutionary step forward for the entire laundry industry. By cleverly utilizing residual energy, we can not only cool the building but also offer an emission-free heating method that prioritizes the well-being of the staff.

This project is the result of collaboration and dedication to a better future. Ergon, WSP, TBR Solutions, Christeyns, and Launduwasco join forces to create a laundry that is not only emission-free but also ensures a comfortable and healthy working environment for the staff. We look forward to making a positive impact on the environment and people in the laundry industry, striving for the highest standards of sustainability and efficiency. This is our story of innovation and progress towards a cleaner future.

Photo: During the opening, Rob den Teuling on stage and Jaap Reinders during his presentation

TBR: ‘Plant the seeds of change now and reap a radiant future; investing in sustainability always pays off.’

Pioneering emission-free production in an optimal working climate

Using our highly efficient hot water supply, powered by heat pump technology, we eliminate the use of fossil fuels for heating water during the washing process. Our installation, equipped with the latest heat pump technologies, doubles the washing capacity and takes a revolutionary step forward in the laundry industry. In this way, we jointly contribute to the environment for future generations.

Ensuring a comfortable working climate is central at Ergon, and TBR doesn’t shy away from any challenges. We brainstormed and used process water to optimize the climate. In a laundry, it’s often very warm. This heat is used as a source for the heat pump and converted into hot process water. An additional benefit is that the building is simultaneously cooled, creating a pleasant working climate. Thus, we contribute to a healthy and comfortable working environment for Ergon’s staff in the laundry.

Collaboration is essential to realize innovative and sustainable plans; this unique laundry concept is developed by TBR. This results in a collaboration where we provide Ergon with the energy needs for the washing process, cooling, and creating a pleasant working climate, all without emissions. The first laundry in the world where these techniques come together.

Heat pump installation air and water with cooling option HG Heat Pump HTA

Equipment

Water buffering
Water distribution
Heat pump installation air and water with cooling option HG Heat Pump HTA
Hot water Collector Recovery
Hot water Collector HTHP
Efficiency increase for the dryers Air2Air
Wastewater heat exchanger EMS
Filtration technique Lint-X Rotor
Energy recovery from ironer exhaust HX Air E
Energy recovery from ironer flue gases HX Air C
Vacuum tube collectors HXSOLAR
Control system Control WB
Installation piping

How are we producing emission-free?

Technical details

Cooling for the optimal working climate

To meet the energy demand, we start with an inventory of the current processes, energy demand, and input. TBR analyses the balance and determines what is needed to meet this energy demand. How much washing capacity is required? What additional energy demand arises if we want to organize the optimal working climate?

This results in a detailed calculation where we strive for the most optimal process, where residual energy can be utilized elsewhere in the process.

In this optimization, it’s not only about the quantity of energy but also about its quality. Once this is clear, we can make the right choices to optimize the process. After calculating and developing ideas for the intended installation in a technical drawing (P&ID – Process & Instrumentation Diagram), we discuss all possibilities extensively with Ergon and WSP.

Our goal is to fully take care of customers. Every detail is worked out, and we provide the complete calculation, engineering, and guidance for the entire installation. In this way, we aim to create a future where the washing capacity is maximized, with an emission-free washing process and a pleasant working climate.

Emission-free production in the laundry industry.

‘The dream of a modern, energy-efficient laundry, with an eye for people and the environment, and a healing working environment, has become a reality. We offer 200 employees a pleasant (sheltered) workplace, the washing capacity has doubled, and all of this in the most sustainable way.’

Rob den Teuling, Director of Work & Learning at Ergon

How does a heat pump work?

Heat pumps absorb heat and release this heat at a higher temperature level. Inside the heat pump, a refrigerant (a liquid) circulates through a compressor, a condenser, an expansion valve, and an evaporator where energy is continuously absorbed and transferred.

We have created a separate page on our website where we explain more about this technology.