#Japan #Urayasu #Impact Startup #wash-plus #IoT laundry

wash-plus: Transforming Laundry with IoT and Sustainability

In a progressive move for the laundry industry, wash-plus, a Japanese company headquartered in Urayasu, Chiba, has made a significant leap by joining the Impact Startup Association as a full member. This membership aligns wash-plus with the mission of promoting sustainable growth while addressing social issues through innovative solutions. Their entry into the association comes alongside the inclusion of 81 new companies, expanding the total membership to 325 organizations dedicated to making a positive impact in society.

The Impact Startup Association aims to build an ecosystem for startups that not only seek profit but actively contribute to solving societal challenges. Since its inception in October 2022, the organization has grown its membership from just 23 to over 325 in a short span of three years. This growth reflects a rising awareness and commitment towards sustainability and social responsibility in Japan. The association encourages collaboration across sectors, pooling resources to tackle various social issues both domestically and internationally.

wash-plus and Sustainable Laundry Solutions

Founded with the purpose of creating a future that's kinder to people and the planet, wash-plus specializes in a unique laundry process that utilizes wash+ Water, an alkaline ionized water, which eliminates the need for traditional detergents. This innovative solution not only cleans effectively but also aligns with SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals), targeting ten of the 17 goals to foster sustainable practices across everyday life, particularly in the often-overlooked sector of laundry.

As part of their offerings, wash-plus operates several types of laundry services:

Coin Laundry Services: wash+

The coin laundry service, named wash+, utilizes cutting-edge technology such as touch panel washing and drying machines. These facilities cater to a wide range of customers by integrating various cashless payment methods and providing multilingual support. Additionally, wash-plus has pioneered dynamic pricing models within its services, ensuring competitiveness in the market while maintaining eco-conscious operations.

Hotel Laundry Solutions: wash+ Comfort

In the hotel sector, wash-plus has developed wash+ Comfort, enhancing traditional laundry solutions tailored for accommodation facilities. By installing custom-designed laundry machines that reflect a sense of luxury, wash-plus provides hotels such as the Keihan Universal Tower in Osaka with an allergy-free laundry solution while supporting their sustainability commitments.

Smart Laundry: An IoT Revolution

Perhaps one of the standout innovations from wash-plus is its Smart Laundry system, introduced in 2017. This specialized IoT system connects laundromat machinery with a smartphone app, making the user experience seamless. With over 400 installations across Japan and 600,000 app downloads, Smart Laundry redefines coin laundry through features that address common operational challenges, including cash collection, menu adjustments, and theft prevention—all bolstered by technology.

The app fosters efficiency in operations and is tailored to the needs of modern customers, engaging in a dialogue with both business owners and customers. It showcases wash-plus' commitment to continuous improvement, adapting to user feedback and industry demands.

A Vision for the Future

The initiative by wash-plus to join the Impact Startup Association symbolizes a commitment not just to innovation in laundry services, but also to the creation of a greener, more sustainable future. As part of their growth plan, wash-plus is set to continue evolving their business model to encapsulate positive social impact while placing a strong emphasis on sustainability.

Reflecting the company's ethos of engaging with local and global communities, wash-plus’ visionary approach combines cutting-edge technology with environmental responsibility. With significant recognition from numerous awards—such as the Japan Service Award and the Sustainable Selection Award—wash-plus exemplifies leadership in integrating social innovation into mainstream business practices.

For more detailed information about wash-plus and their offerings, visit their official website at wash-plus.co.jp. Their commitment to a sustainable laundry future presents an exciting opportunity for the industry, highlighting how innovative thinking can lead to impactful solutions.