Milestone for LaundRe as it secures London premises
After five years of planning and three years of fundraising, the team behind British laundry start-up LaundRe has reached its goal and secured premises.
The unit, which it will share with another circular business, is now undergoing renovation with a view of adding machinery by the end of March.
Salli Deighton, LaundRe’s CEO and founder, said: “Our fabulous old unit is being stripped back and prepared for renovation. We have a tight budget so no chandeliers, but we will have an inspiring, collaborative environment to deliver our unique services just five mins from the nearest tube station and 10 minutes from City Airport.”
LaundRe is a multifaceted business, which will operate in several ways. It will act as a training hub for brands and students wishing to learn more about the denim washing process, allowing them to attend the facility and see the process at work. Companies will also be able to devise chemical recipes and finishing processes that they can replicate on larger scales in bigger laundries abroad.
Another part of the business will focus on minimising waste. Old garments could be brought back to life by rewashing and finishing them, so they will be able to be sold again. Brands could also take advantage of this by changing unsold stock, as a more sustainable option than buying new product.
Ms Deighton added: “With mounting pressures on brands and retailers and a difficult retail climate, we are thrilled we will be able to support the UK fashion industry by offering sustainable, flexible, small runs, test and trial, on-demand response, problem solving, innovation workshops, training and circularity in the heart of London very soon.
“It has been a tough ride but we have learned many valuable lessons on our journey which will be crucial to deliver our quality service and drive innovation.
“We truly appreciate the huge amount of support and patience from our wonderful denim industry and our future customers.”
Inside Denim will be covering the story in greater detail in our next issue.
