Electrolux introduces an environmentally-friendly dry-cleaning process
| Region(s) | SWEDEN |
|---|---|
| In domains | Reduced Toxicity, Retail Sector |
| Participants | Electrolux |
90% dry-cleaning shops use the tetrachloroethylene dry-cleaning process inside Europe. Scientific studies pointed out the toxicity of this volatile
solvent which can accumulate within living organisms and remain in soils and water. Electrolux has developed a new environmentally-friendly
dry-cleaning system to find an answer to such risks of toxicity .
Developing a range of dry-cleaning processes that do not include harmful substances.
Electrolux’s strategic approach is to exceed standards that govern the use of solvents or toxic hydrocarbons.
In fact, rather than trying to reduce the toxic emissions of its dry-cleaning
processes, Electrolux directly innovated to avoid using harmful substances.
This alternative solution enables the company to avoid
adjusting permanently to ever stricter standards.
In the early 1990’s, Electrolux developed the Lagoon process in association with Woolmark. Three years’ studies were required to develop this water-based process. It incorporates a better control of washing processes and the use of biodegradable detergents.
This system, which can be used to clean all types of fabrics, makes it possible to fully substitute water cleaning for toxic dry-cleaning.
It therefore enables professional users to avoid health risks as well as any costly improvement required to ventilate dry-cleaning premises.
• Competitive edge as a forerunner.
• Opening for the new market of laundries still using dry-cleaning.
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