Carefree dining,
With tablecloths from Jens Mariën Selection®.

Jens Mariën Selection® tablecloths.

To evaluate the use of acrylic tablecloths and napkins in the hospitality industry, it is important to compare different properties, such as durability, ease of care, colour retention, and cost efficiency compared to natural materials such as linen and refined cotton.

1. Durability and abrasion resistance:

Acrylic yarns are known for their high durability and strength compared to natural fibres such as linen and cotton. This means that after 3.5 years of intensive use (frequent washing and mangling), acrylic tablecloths and napkins show less wear than their linen and cotton counterparts. Natural materials such as linen and cotton are more susceptible to fibre breakage and wear with frequent use and washing, especially at high temperatures and in commercial environments (Sisman et al., 2013).

2. Colour retention and ease of care:

Acrylic is also known for its excellent colour retention, even after multiple washings at lower temperatures. This is a major advantage over linen, which can fade and lose its colour over time, especially when washed with bleach or at high temperatures. In addition, acrylic fibres are water-repellent, meaning they are less likely to absorb stains, which helps maintain a clean and fresh look after long-term use. Linen and cotton often require more intensive washing procedures to remove stains, which can weaken and fade the fabric (Gao et al., 2018).

3. Suppleness and weight:

The new production method under development by Jens Mariën, which spins acrylic fibres more finely and reduces the weight to 260 g/m², results in a more supple and lighter tablecloth. This is attractive for catering establishments that value textiles that are not only functional but also offer a pleasant texture. In addition, lighter sheets can reduce laundry costs as they weigh less per unit, leading to savings in washing and drying per kilo of fabric.

4. Cost efficiency and energy savings:

Acrylic tablecloths that can be washed at lower temperatures and do not need to be dried in a tumble dryer produce significant energy savings. This not only lowers operational costs for hospitality businesses, but also extends the life of the fabric through less thermal stress during maintenance. In contrast, linen and cotton often need to be washed at higher temperatures and are more susceptible to shrinkage and damage if dried incorrectly (Singh & Kaur, 2019).

Conclusion;

The new production method we describe uses finer spun acrylic fibres, which reduces the weight of the fabric from about 500 g/m² to 260 g/m². This process, which required precise collaboration between spinning and weaving, aims to create acrylic fabrics similar to linen tablecloths, despite acrylic being naturally heavier. The result is a supple and lightweight tablecloth that is attractive to catering establishments seeking textiles that are both functional and comfortable to the touch.

Acrylic tablecloths offer significant savings in laundry service as they can be cold washed, without spinning and drying, and then easily ironed with a mangle. Although linen and cotton have a classic look, acrylic fabrics offer significant advantages for commercial use, including durability, cost-effectiveness, breathability, antibacterial and anti-static properties, UV resistance and excellent colour fastness. Moreover, acrylic fabrics effectively repel water and stains such as oil, sauces and wine, making them ideal for intensive use in the hospitality industry. Acrylic tablecloths and napkins are therefore a smart, durable choice for restaurant textiles.