After the catastrophic floods in Valencia in October 2024, thousands of residents lost their clothing to mud and contamination. An innovative industrial laundry solution was launched to recover and restore textiles on-site, providing free services to those affected and helping them reclaim dignity, memories, and identity.
THE FLOOD CRISIS AND THE CHALLENGE OF CLOTHING RECOVERY
The devastating floods left many residents’ clothes soaked, hardened, and unusable with conventional washing machines. Most people had lost cars and were unable to travel elsewhere for help. Although hundreds of tons of clothing were donated, managing and distributing these donations created a logistical collapse, showing the urgent need for a scalable, practical solution tailored to the disaster’s reality.
INNOVATIVE INDUSTRIAL LAUNDRY SYSTEM FOR TEXTILE RESTORATION
In response, GBGE partnered with Miele and Paiporta City Council to set up a specialised industrial washing and drying module right in the disaster area. The €80,000 system includes eight large machines offering free services to residents, enabling them to restore clothing, sportswear, traditional costumes, curtains, cushions, and blankets. Over 1,200 people benefited, receiving their garments clean, dry, and fresh—recovering essential parts of their identity and dignity in the process.
IMPACT: SOCIAL, ENVIRONMENTAL, AND HUMANITARIAN
This project’s core innovation lies in on-site textile recovery during a humanitarian crisis, providing a sustainable alternative to overwhelming and often impractical clothing donations. It addresses immediate practical needs, supports psychological well-being by restoring personal belongings tied to memories, promotes social equity through free access, and enhances environmental sustainability by reducing waste and the demand for new donations. This targeted model sets a new standard for disaster response, emphasising effective, dignified, and eco-conscious recovery.
