By David Bowler, General Manager of The Bristol Wing
Last month, Maggie King and I had the pleasure of visiting Oxwash’s impressive facility — fondly known as “Big Blue” — to see firsthand what makes this innovative linen supplier stand out from the crowd. It was an eye-opener in all the best ways, and I’m really pleased to share that following that visit, YMCA Brunel Group has agreed a new contract with Oxwash to provide all of the bed linen for both our Bath and Bristol hostels, as well as towels for Bristol (and for Bath on those busy group occasions).
This is a full replacement of our current linen suppliers — one that we’ve made deliberately to secure better pricing, higher quality products, and, importantly, a long-term partnership that aligns with our values as custodians of both the planet and our people.
Walking around the Oxwash facility, I was genuinely blown away by the technology and care embedded into every step of their process. Seeing the linens move from washing to drying and out for delivery gave us a clear understanding of exactly what happens behind the scenes. Oxwash don’t just launder linen — they’re redefining what a modern, responsible supplier looks like.
Their disinfection process meets NHS standards, which is incredibly reassuring for our teams and our guests. They’ve integrated RFID tracking into their stock, meaning every item is accounted for, reducing waste and helping us manage inventory better. And the environmental stats are, frankly, remarkable — last year alone they saved 6.9 million litres of water, their operations were 25 times less carbon intensive than the industry average, and they filter and repurpose 99% of microplastics and fibres that come through their system.
Beyond the numbers, what stood out to me most was their mindset. As a B Corp™, Oxwash is constantly pushing the boundaries of what a linen supplier can and should do — balancing commercial efficiency with social and environmental responsibility. That’s exactly the kind of partner we want alongside us as we bring our Bath and Bristol sites closer together and continue to build on our mission of sustainable, values-led hospitality.
This contract isn’t just about linen — it’s about how we can make smarter decisions that benefit our organisation, our communities, and our environment. I’m excited about where this partnership will take us and look forward to seeing the positive impact ripple through our hostels.
