Much has changed in the drycleaning industry during the past decade. The number of unit shops has fallen from 6500 in 1993 to 5500 today. The old style open circuit drycleaning units, incorporating water-cooled condensers, have been replaced with closed circuit refrigerated units in over 90% of unit shops. Finishing, which was conventionally carried out with scissor presses and steam formers, is now predominantly done with ironing tables and rotor cabinets. This new equipment uses less energy and thus reduces total CO2 emissions.
These trends were identified in a survey conducted by the Fabric Care Research Association (FCRA) for the Government’s Energy Efficiency Best Practice Programme. It suggests that current industry spending on energy has risen to more than £18.5m/year, although the pattern of fuel use remains unchanged, with 70% of shops all electric, and 30% gas/electric.
There is a move to replace on-site processing with large, central processing units which will provide a range of cleaning systems to groups of shops.
Unclear The trend towards lighter-weight clothing should increase the number of garments per load, reducing the number of loads and thereby using less energy. The full energy use and cost implications of these developments are unclear.
A new energy consumption guide from the EEBPP, entitled Energy Efficiency In The Drycleaning Industry, reviews best working practices, and offers advice on cost savings and energy efficiency that are achievable by most units for minimal outlay.
It provides detailed guidance on calculating unit energy costs, up-to-date useful tips for saving energy and comparative industry data on energy consumption. The choice of energy is discussed and costs are indicated for gas/electric and all-electric systems.
The figures show that, despite using more than twice as much energy, typically 150 000kWh/yr as compared to 60 000kWh/yr, gas/electric systems are currently cheaper to run because of the lower price of gas.
However, in the case of new operations, this saving is more than offset by the significantly higher capital cost of gas/electric equipment. Tips for saving energy are l processing complete loads which have been accurately weighed, and, where possible l using pre-set automatic controls, rather than manual sequences, for reliability l proper staff training and thorough cleaning of premises and equipment will avoid the need for redoing work soiled after cleaning l controlling heating and ventilation, and eliminating draughts l regular maintenance of all equipment Drycleaning managers should use the Guide to measure their energy consumption, compare their performance against competitors, and minimise their energy costs using some of the low-cost measures suggested.
For free advice on energy efficiency and copies of Energy Consumption Guide 77, Energy Efficiency In The Drycleaning Industry, contact the Environment and Energy Helpline Tel: 0800 585794. Alternatively look on the website at http://www.energy-efficiency.gov.uk
