In the news pages, there are two examples of drycleaners in the USA that have installed alternative solvent systems and have received state awards for doing so.

LCNi’s lead story describes New Jersey’s programme of workshops to encourage use of wetcleaning – organised by the New Jersey Small Business Development Centres – as part of theUS Environment Protection grant scheme to spur a move to “green” technologies.

In Europe, equipment manufacturers and chemicals suppliers are developing systems to reduce the use of steam to save energy. Deputy editor Tony Vince reports on Ardennes & Meuse in Belgium, where the building of a state-of-the-art factory has eliminated a central boiler room and reduced steam use to just one small boiler. The project has involved manufacturers working together to this end.

This is just one example of manufacturers stressing reduced energy and water use to promote their equipment. Such promotion is a regular theme of articles in the journal.

The motivation behind these environmentally-friendly strategies is mixed. In the USA in particular, moves to alternative solvents are at least partly spurred by legislation to such an extent that in 2007, the Drycleaning and Laundry Institute changed its stance and recommended that cleaners upgrading equipment and those starting out in drycleaning should consider alternative solvents, before perc. Regulation both in Europe and the USA has also led to drycleaning machine developments that make more efficient use of solvent.

Laundries that install energy- and water-saving equipment may also be partly driven by the cost benefits.

Gradually both operators and manufacturers/suppliers are beginning to realise that environmentally-friendly technologies can give a business a USP. As long as such technologies perform the cleaning function efficiently, the fact that they are also “green” will appeal to certain sections of the community.

Environmental benefits can also be used to counter criticisms of the industry as a whole. So such moves can have a very positive effect on business.

While urging that the regulators must always act with humanity, using incentives to encourage good environmental practices,

I believe that environmental awareness cam be good for the textile care industries, for business and the consumer.

A good result for the customer will always be a priority and changes must always be ”affordable and practical for the business” but green moves can make good business sense.

Janet Taylor – Jtaylor@laundryandcleaningnews.com