As part of its evolving "green" strategy, Wyndham Hotels and Resorts will introduce a new ecologically-friendly uniform line for hotel staff using recycled polyester fibers spun from plastic beverage bottles.

The program, developed by Cincinnati-based Cintas, will be introduced at select Wyndham hotels beginning this fall. "As part of our quest to find new and innovative green practices, we challenged Cintas to design a program that reflected our three Wyndham brand-defining pillars of innovation, personalization and flexibility," said Faith Taylor, Wyndham Worldwide vice president of sustainability and innovation.

Front desk and other customer-facing employees are required to begin wearing the new uniforms by the end of 2009 and housekeeping and other back-of-house staff by 2010. All new properties are required to provide the new uniforms upon opening. The new Wyndham uniforms will also be displayed at the 2008 International Hotel/Motel & Restaurant Show to be held in New York's Jacob K. Javits Convention Center, Nov. 8-11, at the Cintas Corporation trade show booth.

The introduction of so-called "green" uniforms is the latest in a series of ecologically-friendly initiatives by the Wyndham chain that includes use of energy-efficient compact fluorescent lighting; low-flow water practices; an "Earth Smart" guest linen reuse program; and numerous recycling efforts. Cintas, too, has embraced the green movement in its service divisions, recycling all shredded documents through its Document Management division, switching to NPE-free detergent at all laundry facilities, and developing products such as Safewasher, a parts cleaning system that reduces the need for aerosol cleaners.

The partnership between Cintas and Wyndham Worldwide has been steadfast and long. "Cintas often works closely with national accounts to merchandise and develop apparel programs which align with their corporate objectives," commented Cintas Director of Marketing Brian Garry when asked about the Cintas/Wyndham relationship. "This was a perfect union as Cintas was developing an unprecedented, beautiful eco-friendly tailored product line which Wyndham was able to utilize to complete their look."

The textiles used in the program are produced from post-consumer products, including recycled plastic beverage bottles, which are processed into flakes, then filaments that are spun into yarn and ultimately woven into very soft fabrics. "Actually, the fabric hand and feel is similar to a soft wool blend, which is often times the blend used in tailored collections," adds Garry. The uniforms, which do not require professional laundering, minimize the use of chemicals during cleaning and provide a cost savings to hotel operators

What's the end result? More plastics are kept out of landfills, and fewer chemicals are emitted into the air and water. Admirable goals indeed, but many companies have shied away from such uniform programs, deeming them too costly. Yet thanks to the use of advanced technology and global sourcing contacts, Cintas says it has been able to maintain pricing structures that are similar to the company's traditional tailored lines. "This gives our customers the benefit of helping the environment without making the endeavor cost-prohibitive to their operation," says Garry.

Nonetheless, cost remains at the center of the debate surrounding eco-friendly products. Concern over the environment is at its highest levels since the inception of Earth Day in 1970, due in part, to rising gasoline prices and a growing awareness about global warming. But will that concern translate into profit for uniform manufacturers and dealers? Are American consumers really "going green?" Does the "greenness" of a product or service really make any difference when it comes to purchasing, say, a new uniform program?"

More than just a fad, there is evidence to suggest that the green movement is genuine at this moment in time. Many Americans, including those who are enduring financial hardship, are willing to pay more for environmentally friendly products, according to a survey conducted by GfK Roper Public Affairs & Media and the Yale School of Forestry & Environmental Studies. Conducted over the summer, the survey found that half of the respondents said they would "definitely" or "probably" pay 15% more for eco-friendly clothes or detergent (51%) or for an automobile (50%), among other things.

"The demand for eco-friendly initiatives over the past decade has definitely increased," says Garry. "Customers from diverse industries like lodging and manufacturing to transportation and healthcare are interested in pursuing such apparel programs, which has brought new development opportunities for Cintas in a multitude of product lines."

For the Wyndham, Cintas developed two basic collections: Trend, an urban line with solid and pinstripe styles emphasizing dark and light blue colors with red accents; and Fresh Air, geared at resort locations, featuring nature-inspired earth tones with a core color palette of brown, coral, yellow and celery hues. "There are multiple ways the properties can create a unique look," adds Garry. "A variety of accessories, including scarves, ties, sashes and jewelry, in addition to multiple coordinating garment options within each job function allow for a customized look."

Not all the garments within the Wyndham program are made from plastic bottles. The Cintas recycled polyester tailored line is both made from plastic bottles in addition to being machine washable. This collection includes blazers, pants, slacks and skirts. Cintas also developed an additional high-end tailored product line which is composed of a blend of plastic bottles, wool and spandex. This suiting is also machine washable.

Will wash and wear garments hold up to the rigors of the job? Garry says yes. "The life expectancy of Cintas recycled suiting is no different than any other suiting collection, provided care instructions re followed." There are also no limitations on the fabric treatments which can be utilized.

While Wyndham Worldwide is one of the first customers to partner with Cintas on eco-friendly programs, other customers, including the Hilton Garden Inn, are currently pursuing such eco-friendly options for their brand. "We look forward to launching a number of eco uniform collections within the next few months," says Garry.