According to recent findings by London-based dry cleaning start up ihateironing, Battersea ranks as the #1 most sustainable district when it comes to getting their laundry done.
The study examined the data of reusable covers issued across London’s boroughs, and concluded that residents of Battersea have most frequently opted for reusable covers to replace single-use plastic bags, with nearly 5,800 covers issued to the area alone.
As a result, Battersea produces the least amount of plastic waste from their dry cleaning orders.
Working with local dry cleaning centres, including professional dry cleaners in Battersea, ihateironing launched its reusable covers initiative in 2019 to provide an eco-friendly alternative to single use plastic covers.
Since then, the initiative has helped the laundry company cut down on at least 76,000 pieces of single-use plastic.
The initiative operates through a rental strategy, where customers can opt in to have their hanged garments delivered in ihateironing’s premium fabric covers instead of the usual plastic sheets.
Matt Connelly, ihateironing’s CEO and Founder, says: “It’s great to know that this initiative is being welcomed and chosen by many of the people we serve. We’re actively working towards a more sustainable future for our business as well as the dry cleaning industry as a whole, and seeing such positive results from our initiatives just proves that we’re going in the right direction.”
Each reusable cover can hold up to 5 garments at a time, and can be returned to ihateironing with each new order to be used again – creating its own 0 waste, circular economy.
From the dozens of areas examined, London’s top 10 districts have saved over 23,191 single-use plastic pieces, with Battersea contributing to nearly 25.3% of that number.
They are also the most committed to supporting the circular economy that the initiative has established. Out of the 5,800 reusable covers issued to Battersea residents, around 5,200 have been returned and are in current circulation with each new order.
The district’s commitment to sustainability comes as no surprise with The Battersea Power Station opening its doors once again this month and pushing towards a more sustainable future, both environmentally and economically.
Runners up include Wimbledon, Wandsworth Town, and Putney who have all made it to ihateironing’s Top 10 most sustainable areas.
With the support of London residents, ihateironing continues to make tangible progress towards a more sustainable future.