Germany: Dr Manfred Wentz, director of the International Drycleaners Congress, has been chosen as the first winner of the newly created EFIT European Research Award for his work in making textile care "greener".
EFIT the European Research in Association for Innovative Textile care, formerly the Hohenstein Research Institute created the award to recognise special scientific or technical contributions to textile care.
Dr Wentz was chosen unanimously as its first recipient in recognition of his "outstanding contribution to the development of solvent technology and scientific innovation in the drycleaning industry combined with extraordinary engagement for changing the behaviour of men protecting the environment all over the world." The award was presented by the Dr Stefan Mecheels, director and ceo of the Hohenstein Institutes and EFIT President Ludwig Egelhof.
Accepting, Dr Wentz paid tribute to Germany's scientific and professional community in starting the change to environmentally friendly professional textile care. He also thanked, Professor Dr Josef Kurz for sharing his knowledge and wisdom on developing and implementing green professional textile care in the USA and Canada.
Manfred Wentz has already received two awards for his environmental work, from the US Environmental Protection Agency in 1999 and from the IFI in 2001.
