Late last year, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency released research data that could impact businesses using industrial shop towels or 'rags' as a necessary part of their routine maintenance and production. Businesses like auto body shops, offset printers and machine tool operations commonly believe that renting shop towels from a commercial laundry that provides a wiper cleaning service is better for the environment, compared with disposable wipers that usually end up in landfills.

Not so, according to findings released by the U.S. EPA as part of an in-depth 'life-cycle analysis' report. Research data compiled by Lockheed/Martin Energy & Environmental Systems through an EPA contract was summarized in a lengthy report: "Life Cycle Assessment of Industrial Wipers." It concluded that rented/laundered shop towels may have a greater negative environmental impact than disposable towels and rags.