ARAMARK to Expand Uniform Fleet with Hybrid Vehicles

WASHINGTON--ARAMARK Uniform Services will expand its fleet – the 11th largest private fleet in the United States – with 50 hybrid vehicles. The addition of the alternative fuel vehicles (AFV) will increase the fleet’s energy efficiency and help protect the air quality in the areas where the trucks will be deployed. A grant, awarded by the U.S. Department of Energy’s Maryland Clean Cities Program and funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, will allow ARAMARK to accelerate this program.

The AFV vehicles use both a main hybrid driving battery and an energy-compliant diesel engine. Because the battery recharges with brake use, the hybrids will be deployed in a dozen urban areas that require low speeds and stop and go traffic.

“We take our leadership role in conserving the earth’s natural resources seriously,” said Brad Drummond, President of ARAMARK Uniform Services. “Our team has always proactively explored environmentally sound practices. Whether using more hybrid vehicles or developing a biodegradable wash formula with our business partner, we remain steadfast in our commitment to serving as an exemplary steward within the industry.”

A Uniform Industry Leader in Environmental Practices

ARAMARK is a charter member of the Environmental Stewardship Program (ESP), a voluntary initiative to improve overall environmental performance in commercial laundry facilities. The company has developed award-winning programs that support environmental compliance; conserve natural resources, including water, gas and electricity; and promote the formulation and use of a biodegradable laundry detergent.

In the past 12 months alone, ARAMARK’s wire hanger recycling program has prevented 10 thousand tons of steel from being deposited into landfills.

In June, the Textile Rental Services Association (TRSA) presented its top Environmental Stewardship award to ARAMARK for achieving a 10-year record of “Best Overall Conservation” for outstanding energy and water conservation practices at its Chicago-based laundry facility. It was the first time TRSA has recognized an individual facility for sustaining the finest in long-term environmental performance.

“Energy conservation has always been our focus,” said Manuel Nieto, VP of Operations Support and Engineering and Project Leader for the grant application. “We’ve continually developed energy initiatives and driven, monitored and ranked their performance, which has helped make us a leader in environmental practices in our industry.”

About ARAMARK Environmental Stewardship

At ARAMARK, we are committed to protecting and improving the environment. We work to reduce our environmental footprint while offering expertise and practical solutions to thousands of client locations to help them reduce their environmental impacts. Throughout our company, we develop and implement programs that promote sustainability through environmental friendly products and practices, sustainable food & local purchasing options, energy & water conservation efforts and waste management.

About ARAMARK Uniform and Career Apparel

ARAMARK Uniform and Career Apparel Inc., a leader in uniforms and workwear, provides uniforms, career and image apparel, equipment, work clothes and accessories for customers throughout the United States. Industries it serves include manufacturing, transportation, construction, restaurants and hotels, public safety, and healthcare industries. Its uniforms help customers achieve a variety of goals for their businesses, including the establishment of corporate identity and brand awareness, protection of workers, protection of products, and retention of employees. ARAMARK Uniform and Career Apparel's divisions include ARAMARK Uniform Services, WearGuard-Crest and Galls.

About ARAMARK

ARAMARK is a leader in professional services, providing award-winning food services, facilities management, and uniform and career apparel to health care institutions, universities and school districts, stadiums and arenas, and businesses around the world. In FORTUNE magazine's 2009 list of "World's Most Admired Companies," ARAMARK was ranked number one in its industry, consistently ranking since 1998 as one of the top three most admired companies in its industry as evaluated by peers and analysts. ARAMARK seeks to responsibly address issues that matter to its clients, customers, employees and communities by focusing on employee advocacy, environmental stewardship, health and wellness, and community involvement. Headquartered in Philadelphia, ARAMARK has approximately 260,000 employees serving clients in 22 countries. Learn more at the company's Web site, www.aramark.com, or www.twitter.com/aramarknews.