Hi there, we are Nortec
Most people who know us are probably familiar with us from their communal laundry. That’s because, for over 35 years, we have been providing laundry solutions to housing associations across Denmark. And while we are technically top-class, we are not such nerds that we don’t also understand how people think and behave.
Being a market leader comes with great social responsibility—one that we take very seriously.
We believe in the best in people, with everything that entails, from good intentions to social challenges. And we believe in the value of sharing—because together, we are simply stronger.
A communal laundry doesn’t have to be just a dusty laundry room in the basement of a building. It can be a social meeting place where neighbours connect across cultures and interests.
656,200 Danes live alone in housing associations
Living alone does not mean being lonely. However, among the 68% of social housing residents who live alone, there are naturally many who experience or have experienced loneliness. The figures below compare residents in social housing with those in private housing.
Private housing: 4.3%
7,9%
Have never or less than once a month had contact with neighbours/residents in the area
Private housing: 5.3%
11,4%
Often feel unwantedly alone
Private housing: 35%
42,3%
Never or almost never have anyone to talk to when facing problems or in need of support
Source: Health status among residents in social housing 2017 (SDU 2018)
Although the home we live in has a significant impact on our social well-being, loneliness rarely arises simply because of where we live. It is the surroundings of our home and local community that influence our sense of loneliness.
The way we interact with each other also plays a crucial role. Technology and development have led to changes in local communities. In the past, people would naturally meet at the local grocery store or in the communal laundry, but now, groceries are often ordered online, and many have their own washing machines in their apartments. As a result, there are naturally fewer physical meeting places and interactions with others where we live.
That’s why we should consider the value of communal laundries not only for the environment but also for each other.
The future is communal (laundries)
It may be a bit difficult to combat loneliness with laundry, but we have actually given it a try. Learn about the social benefits hidden in the communal laundry and gain insight into our mission in the fight against loneliness.
Turn laundry time into quality time
Morbærhaven is a department under Albertslund Youth Housing, consisting of 1,064 rental units. In 2023, Nortec completely renovated their four communal laundries based on a shared goal of strengthening the sense of community and turning laundry time into quality time.
The idea behind the design of our laundry was to create a modern space that is bright and inviting—inviting social interaction so that the laundry could become a place where neighbours have the opportunity to connect.
Casper Møller, Chairman of the Board
Our take on a practical and cosy laundry solution
With simple adjustments, the laundry can become an inviting and safe communal space where functionality meets cosiness, and small details make a big difference for both the experience and the sense of community.
Update the space
Create an attractive laundry that welcomes residents inside.
Add new seating areas
A cosy lounge and practical tables for folding laundry.
Bring nature indoors
Improve air quality and make the laundry more inviting with green plants.
Put the user first
Simple signs and user-friendly machine design.
Create safety
Pay attention to the small details that create a sense of security for residents.
High-five!
That’s how you create an attractive laundry. Easy, right?
21% of all young Danes feel lonely
It is for good reason that Albertslund Youth Housing has taken up the fight against loneliness among young people. Statistics show that 21% of all 16–21-year-olds in Denmark feel lonely—more than any other age group in the country.
Source: How many elderly people are lonely in Denmark? (Ensomme Gamles Værn)
So, let’s ask again: Shall we do our laundry together?
We’ve now established that loneliness can be tackled with laundry—or at least with communal laundries.
Today, we operate over 2,600 TotalCare laundries for housing associations across Denmark. This means Nortec takes care of everything related to the communal laundry—from installation to ongoing maintenance and daily user support—so housing associations can focus on their residents.
That’s 2,600 communal laundries making a positive impact in the fight against loneliness. And that’s just the ones we manage ourselves.
In other words, the potential is enormous. It’s all about creating spaces where those spontaneous connections can happen.