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Content about Sustainability

April 30, 2013
Cutting Energy Costs (Part 1 of 2)

CHICAGO — Best strategy for keeping things in check: audit energy use regularly

CHICAGO — In today’s competitive business environment, it makes sense that every dry cleaning plant operator is seeking ways to increase profit. But one can increase prices only so much. And with any potential labor savings having generally been rung out of most plants, operators must find other ways. Simultaneously, environmental impact is a major concern.

One of the areas in which to save, yet one that is often overlooked or glossed over, is the high cost of energy: electricity, heat and water. Hence, prudent dry cleaning plant operators are, or at least should be, having a critical look at this expense and seeking ways to reduce this financial drain.

Best of all, energy costs are among the expenses that can be reduced without negatively affecting product quality or staff productivity. The direct cost of energy generally represents about 6% to 18% of total operating expenses. For those who also have an attached coin laundry, it consumes between 15% and 20% of revenue. Both depend on which part of the country you are in and your plant’s efficiency.

May 15, 2012
Take the Time to Digest

CONCORD, N.C. — Using an enzyme digester to your advantage

CONCORD, N.C. — I am sure you have seen this stain. By its location and texture, you are certain that the stain is blood. But the color is all wrong. Instead of being a shade of bright red, this stain is dark “brick” reddish-brown and could even be called black.

Old blood is an extremely tough stain to remove. The procedure can be made easier with a digester. This month, I will present a straightforward approach to using an enzyme digester to your advantage, both in a soaking bath and at the spotting board.

Digesting is often ignored as being slow and time-consuming. Digesting is often overlooked, due to the highly effective pre-mixed protein stain removers available from the various chemical providers. Sadly, by not considering a digester in the removal of protein stains, the task is at times made less effective, more difficult, and riskier.

Digesters are available in both powder and liquid forms. The powder variety is most often used in a soaking bath while the liquid variety is most often found at the spotting board. The one additional item the stain-removal specialist must have is patience.

May 5, 2012
Texcare International Opens in Fully Booked Hall

FRANKFURT, Germany — There are 264 exhibitors hailing from 26 countries

FRANKFURT, Germany — Energy and resource efficiency are key factors in the professional textile care sector, and sustainable and efficient technology and processes for dry cleaners, laundries and textile service providers were on display as Texcare International opened its five-day run on Saturday.

There are 264 exhibitors hailing from 26 countries in Hall 8 and the adjoining Galleria. “The mood in the sector is very good,” says Wolfgang Marzin, president and CEO of Messe Frankfurt, who accompanied media members during a guided tour of the show floor. “Hall 8 is fully booked up. All international market leaders have registered and will present their cutting-edge technologies. They expect the world’s leading trade fair for their sector to generate powerful business impulses.”

Marzin likened Texcare to the “Olympics of textile care,” referencing the show’s every-four-years cycle.

February 6, 2012
Sustainability to Be Dominant Subject at Texcare International

FRANKFURT AM MAIN, Germany — Texcare International, the World Market for Modern Textile Care, will concentrate more than ever on sustainability when it returns to Frankfurt am Main, Germany, May 5-9.

Approximately 250 exhibitors will be on hand with products and services related to resource conservation, waste reduction, energy efficiency, and more.

“This is the main driving force because the laundry and drycleaning sector has a great resource-saving potential,” says Elgar Straub, director general of VDMA Garment and Leather Technology. “The manufacturers are well aware of their overall social responsibility and, at Texcare International, present the innovations that make a contribution to greater sustainability, for example, plant and processes that reduce water consumption, increase energy efficiency, treat waste water and ensure optimum detergent dosage.”

To learn more about the five-day exhibition, visit www.texcare.com.

August 30, 2011
Eminently Emerald (Part 1 of 2)

CHICAGO — Not so long ago, when you looked up “green” in the dictionary, there was a brief definition about color or pigment. Today, it’s difficult to read or hear the word “green” without also thinking of the environment, of conservation, of sustainability.

When writing about greening a business operation such as a drycleaner, it’s difficult to know where to start. There are so many different ways that a cleaner could boost its environmental profile, and so many different areas that are candidates for green initiatives.

And while going green could involve a decision to invest in new equipment, chemicals or supplies, there are low-cost, common sense changes that can also make a drycleaner more enviro-friendly.

OPPORTUNITIES TO GREEN

Every part of a drycleaning operation can be engineered to be “greener.” As you examine your operation for opportunities, here are just a few things to include on your checklist:

October 19, 2010
Cintas Introduces Machine-Wash Tux

CHICAGO — Cintas Corp. introduced a new, “environmentally friendly” apparel option for banquet staff. The company’s new, single-breasted tuxedos for men and women include recycled polyester fibers woven from recycled plastic bottles and are machine-washable.

March 26, 2010
What's Your Shade of Green?

It's great to be "green." It sounds good; it looks good; it feels good. But is it really good? What does it really mean? Well — like anything else — it might depend on your audience.

June 30, 2008
Environmentalists Against N.Y. Recycling Law

NEW YORK — A leading environmental group has come out against a proposed New York State law mandating plastic-bag recycling, saying it would weaken a similar law set to go into effect next month in New York City.

January 28, 2008
Bloomberg Signs NYC Plastic-Bag Recycling Bill

NEW YORK, N.Y. — New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg signed a law last Wednesday requiring large retailers to offer a plastic-bag recycling program and use recycled plastic bags. New Yorkers use an estimated 1 billion plastic bags every year.