An Interview with Lauren Degenstein, Sustainability & Training/Production Coordinator
When Lauren Degenstein, Sustainability & Training/Production Coordinator at Davey Textile Solutions (DTS), graduated from the University of Alberta in Textile and Apparel Science, she knew she wanted to help make the industry better for the environment.
“For me, sustainability is a passion,” said Lauren.
After studying textile product stewardship for her master’s degree, she asked a friend at DTS if they were hiring at their 40,000 square foot facility in Edmonton. Lauren started working in weaving, then led the lamination team, and has now worked in sustainability and training for the past two years.
We spoke with Lauren about her work with DTS, and why the company decided to sign up for ERA’s Strategic Energy Management for Industry (SEMI) program in December 2024.
Lauren, what does Davey Textiles do?
Davey Textiles is a vertical manufacturer of high-visibility and flame-resistant trim attached to personal protective equipment, or PPE. We call it “triple trim.” It’s the yellow-silver-yellow material added to coveralls and gear for industries requiring high visibility, like construction, oil and gas, and first responders. Alberta has a huge market for triple trim with so many people working in these industries.
Our facility in Edmonton has 85 employees, 50 working in production. Our workers weave high-visibility yellow or orange fabric and then add finishing chemicals to stabilize the trim, so it can be easily sewn onto garments. Next, we laminate the material to add retroreflective silver. It is then shipped to our customers to add to their clothing and gear.
How did you hear about SEMI and want to get involved?
Four years ago, DTS committed to becoming net zero by 2050. As a company, we’re always looking for ways to make our production more efficient. We started researching funding opportunities to reduce our energy consumption, and SEMI came up. Our team applied at the end of 2024.
What are your projects with SEMI?
SEMI provided us with half the cost to complete an energy audit. We hired an engineering firm to assess our facility, and they recommended 20 energy conservation measures to help us achieve our net-zero goal.
The auditors confirmed we could upgrade our heat recovery units using SEMI’s Capital Retrofits activity. Our facility has two ovens within our finishing range to cure the chemistry applied to our trim. We received funding from SEMI to install two heat recovery units on top of each oven to preheat the air and recirculate it back in. This allows for better uniform heat distribution within the oven and a more consistent quality of heat applied to each fabric band. With the heat recovery units, we will save $13,000 each year and prevent 17.4 tonnes of CO2 equivalent from being released into the atmosphere.
My biggest takeaway from the program has been to go back to basics: assess the equipment and put my assumptions in check. I learned we can reduce natural gas usage by 50 per cent simply by adding sensors and better using the equipment we already have.
Why is energy management important to you?
A few years ago, DTS elevated our vision statement to be “the global leader in sustainable textile innovation.” Energy management helps us become more competitive and produce in a more efficient and environmentally friendly way. As a company, we’re cutting costs and creating less waste. And personally, it’s a passion that goes back to my days at the University of Alberta. If I’m going to work in the textile industry, I want to make it more sustainable.
Quick Facts
- Davey Textile Solutions Inc. has been offering solutions to Canada’s textile industry since 1986. Edmonton, Alberta, Canada is home to their 40,000 ft2 manufacturing facility and warehouse, supported by a U.S. distribution warehouse in Houston, Texas. From these locations, DTS serves customers across North America, Mexico, South America, and beyond.
- ERA’s SEMI program provides industrial and manufacturing facilities with funding support, expertise, and training in energy management.
- SEMI is a $70 million program, with funding provided by the Government of Alberta and Natural Resources Canada (NRCan). It is designed to help the province’s industrial and manufacturing sectors increase competitiveness, improve energy efficiency, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.