At Vision Linens they’re keeping a close watch on the upcoming EU Digital Product Passport (DPP) requirements, expected to come into force for textiles from 2027, marking a major step toward greater product transparency and circularity.

The DPP will serve as a digital record of each item’s material composition, sustainability credentials, and care or end-of-life guidance. For the commercial laundry sector this presents a compliance challenge and an opportunity to innovate for both hotel brands and laundries. While the UK is no longer in the EU, given the interconnected hotel supply chains between UK and Europe it’s likely aspects of DPP requirements will feed into UK standards.

Integrating DPPs through technologies like QR codes or RFID could transform how textiles are tracked, maintained, and recycled. In practice, this could enable real-time access to product care information for hotel and housekeeping teams, help reduce linen loss or damage, and support more sustainable lifecycle management.

This presents an opportunity to innovate around how best to integrate legislation as it evolves, monitoring changes and working with supply chain partners and production facilities to ensure the Vision teams and customers understand the next steps and opportunities this presents.

At Richard Haworth 2025 was a year of significant progress in sustainability and innovation, with a clear trajectory to build even further in the coming year. A standout achievement has been the milestone of sourcing over 80 per cent of cotton as Better Cotton, aligning with the Better Cotton Initiative’s goal to make global cotton production better for the environment and the people who produce it.

This not only helps reduce water use and pesticide reliance but also supports sustainable farming communities. As customer expectations evolve, so too must supply chains – and Richard Haworth is firmly on track to increase that 80 per cent even further in 2026, ensuring that a growing proportion of their textiles are responsibly and ethically sourced.

There’s also been continued investment in energy efficiency and carbon reduction. Installation of solar panels at Kearsley Mill will help the business to generate around half of their on-site energy needs.

They also maintained a 100 per cent renewable electricity tariff in the UK and prioritised sea freight, with virtually all of their international shipments, dramatically reducing the carbon footprint associated with logistics. Initiatives such as switching to compressed cardboard cartons for bath linen and continuing to retrofit LED lighting throughout the site highlight the approach to waste and energy management.

The Richard Haworth Partner Programme (RHPP) continues to grow in influence. This supplier-focused initiative is helping to measure and improve the performance of the supply base. In 2026 the aim is for all key suppliers to reach Tier One, the highest level for environmental and ethical compliance.

Product innovation is a cornerstone of Richard Haworth’s 2026 strategy. They recently launched Lexington, 400 thread count, cotton sateen bed linen. Designed with luxury establishments in mind, Lexington combines softness and durability with a sleek, elegant aesthetic.

Star Linen expects the next year to be a period of growth and evolution. MD Stephen Broadhurst says: “Our foremost priority continues to be the reliable delivery of high-quality items that meet the exacting standards of the hospitality sector. We understand that quality and consistency are crucial to guest satisfaction and operational efficiency.”

They intend to reinforce supply chains and deepen supplier relationships to ensure uninterrupted availability of products. And building on their B Corp certification, Star Linen are redoubling efforts to integrate environmental responsibility. From sourcing sustainably produced products to minimising waste and energy use in processes. There’s also a commitment to supporting the wellness approach, helping hotel partners to deliver meaningful, transformative guest experiences in 2026.

Star Linen will extend their reach into hospitality hubs in Europe and the Middle East, including the dynamic market of Dubai. Broadhurst explains: “These regions represent exciting opportunities to bring our expertise, quality products and service ethos to a broader range of customers that share our values.

This expansion will be managed carefully to maintain the level of quality and service that defines our brand.”

Products like these energy efficient towels from Vision Linens will appeal to hotel housekeepers and laundries looking to cut drying times