Prima — The Cotton-Rich Revolution

The launch of Prima marked a landmark moment with the introduction of the UK’s first cotton-rich bedding designed specifically for hospitality. Its unique cotton–polyester blend offered the crisp freshness of cotton alongside the resilience of polyester. This meant drying times were reduced by up to 20 percent compared to pure cotton sheets, shrinkage was dramatically cut, and abrasion resistance was improved, extending the life of the fabric. Linen rental operators at the time hailed Prima as the best linen product they had ever processed, a testament to its transformative impact on both quality and efficiency.

Optima: Redefining Bed Linen Performance

The launch of Optima marked a new era in bed linen technology. Developed to improve both guest comfort and laundry efficiency, Optima introduced advanced finishes that fundamentally changed how fabrics perform. A built-in stain release system reduced soil adhesion, while moisture-repellent technology meant the fabric dried faster and required significantly less ironing. Tear strength was also greatly improved, extending the lifespan of the fabric by as much as 25 percent compared to standard options. Perhaps most importantly, Optima delivered a silky smooth handle that made every guest experience more luxurious, while laundries appreciated the reduced processing time and superior results.

First to Introduce Polyester Table Linen

Richard Haworth also made history by being the first to introduce polyester table linen to the hospitality industry. At a time when 100% cotton was the norm, operators faced constant challenges of up to ten percent shrinkage, fading colours, and heavy maintenance. Visa polyester linen, by contrast, delivered less than two percent shrinkage, far stronger colour retention and excellent stain release, all while being easier to process in commercial laundries. What began as a bold step quickly became the standard across restaurants, proving the foresight of Richard Haworth’s approach to innovation.

Signature with Repreve — Sustainability Meets Performance

As the world turned its attention to sustainability, Richard Haworth led the way again. Our renowned Signature range, celebrated for its Softouch technology and outstanding colourfastness, was reimagined with Repreve recycled polyester. Each Signature Plus tablecloth incorporates up to 29 recycled plastic bottles, turning waste into durable and luxurious fabrics. Independent trials showed that eight out of ten customers preferred Signature to any other fabric thanks to its cotton-like feel, while laundries valued its consistent shape retention and reduced maintenance. Signature Plus became the most popular table linen in the UK hospitality industry, demonstrating that luxury and sustainability can go hand in hand.

Innovation is not a chapter in our story; it is the story itself. At Richard Haworth, it is in our DNA.