IRTA to showcase solvent alternatives in California
California cleaners are only too aware of the California Air Resources Board’s adopted regulation designed to phase out perc drycleaning by 2023.
However, many might not be aware that under AB 998, (the ruling that allows CARB
to provide grants for cleaners replacing perc machines with non-smog forming
alternatives), CARB has been given the task of developing a demonstration
program to help cleaners learn more about eligible alternative solvent
technologies.
Falling under that category head is carbon dioxide cleaning, as well as various
water-based cleaning processes.
In order to fulfill its responsibility of educating cleaners on alternatives,
CARB has given a grant to the
Institute for Research and Technical Assistance (IRTA), a nonprofit organization that demonstrates new and emerging
technologies.
In turn, IRTA will work in conjunction with cleaners who have converted to
carbon dioxide and water-based technologies and ask them to showcase their
facilities for other cleaners.
The first showcase will take place on Sunday, August 19 at Mastercraft Solvent
Free Dry Cleaning, located in the Fig Garden area of Fresno, CA.
In 2002, plant owner Steve Berglund purchased a Green Jet machine to replace his
perc machine. The new technology utilizes a spray of water and detergent to
clean garments.
Berglund, who has amassed over 40 years of industry experience, was one of the
first cleaners in the country to use the Green Jet system. He brought it in as
an adjunct to existing wetcleaning equipment, a washer and a dryer that was not
humidity controlled.
He has successfully used the Green Jet and wetcleaning equipment for five years
now.
The showcase at the Mastercraft plant will begin at 9 a.m. and run through 3
p.m. Equipment suppliers, IRTA staff and government agency representatives will
all be on hand to answer questions.
Additionally, Berglund and his manager will demonstrate the operation of his
equipment and discuss its spotting, cleaning and finishing procedures.
A second showcase will take place at a Hangers Cleaners facility in Torrey Hills
near San Diego on Sunday, Sept. 23.
That plant is owned by Gordon Shaw, a cleaner who had previously used perc for
many years. In 2001, he purchased a carbon dioxide machine and became one of
the first cleaners in the country to clean with it. Now, he has two plants in
the San Diego area with carbon dioxide machines.
Shaw and his employees will be present to demonstrate the equipment and its
practical applications in the spotting, finishing and cleaning processes.
IRTA has worked with both Berglund and Shaw to develop case studies analyzing
performance and cost information. Those studies will be handed out at the
showcases.
Also available at the showcases will be a fact sheet on safer alternative
spotting agents. IRTA recently completed a project sponsored by Cal/EPA
’s Department of Toxic Substances Control and the EPA to identify, develop and
test alternative low-VOC, low toxicity POG spotting agents.
In the future, IRTA also plans on holding three additional showcases on solvent
alternatives with cleaners located in the Bay Area and the Los Angeles area.
Additionally, the association will host an EXPO in 2008 that will help cleaners
find out more about carbon dioxide and water-based cleaning technologies.
For more information on any of IRTA’s upcoming events, contact Katy Wolf at (818) 244-0300.
