IRTA offers alternative showcase in Los Altos
The Institute for Research and Technical Assistance (IRTA) has planned another showcase of alternative cleaning solvents. The next
one will be held this month.
ITRA, a technical nonprofit organization that demonstrates new and emerging
technologies, is working in conjunction with drycleaners who have converted to
carbon dioxide and water-based technologies to serve as showcase facilities to
feature alternative solvents.
To date, the organization has held three showcases in San Diego, Santa Monica
and Tustin.
The next one will be held from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Sunday, March 9 at Aqua
Cleaners in Los Altos. Complimentary refreshments will be available all day.
The plant, which is located at 325 1st St., opened its door in November of last
year.
The cleaning facility is owned and operated by Yasmina Das and Kati Heilmann.
Aqua Cleaners utilizes a wetcleaning system, as well as a carbon dioxide
cleaning system.
The professional wetcleaning equipment at the plant is fueled by an aqueous
process that allows for the cleaning of a full range of garments.
“It relies on biodegradable detergents and additives,” Heilmann noted. “It is an extremely gentle cleaning method but it can also be used for heavily
soiled fabrics.”
Both owners will be available at the showcase to answer questions pertaining to
spotting, finishing and cleaning with either wetcleaning or carbon dioxide
technologies.
A carbon dioxide expert will also be present at the event to offer technical
explanations of equipment operation.
Additionally, there will be representatives from regulatory agencies such as
CARB, the Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC), and the Bay Area
Quality Management District to answer questions.
The showcase series is designed to help California drycleaners examine
alternative options now that the California Air Resources Board (CARB) has
adopted a regulation to phase out perc in the state completely by 2023.
As of January 1 of this year, no new perc machinery can be installed in
California, according to the law.
Between now and 2023, all existing perc machines will have to be removed from
service once they become 15 years old.
To help cleaners comply, CARB is providing grants to assist them in replacing
perc machines with non-toxic, non-smog forming alternatives.
Additionally, CARB has also been charged with the task of developing a
demonstration program to make cleaners aware of the alternatives that are
available on the market.
For more information on Aqua Cleaners, visit the company’s web site online at www.aquacleaners.com.
For more information on the upcoming alternative solvent showcase, contact Kathy
Wolf at IRTA, (818) 244-0300 or go online to www.irta.us.
CCA courses in spotting, trade show
It will be a busy year for California cleaners as there will be several
educational opportunities available in the coming months.
The California Cleaners Association has planned offerings, starting with several
spotting courses that will take place in both the northern and southern parts
of the state.
Three of those courses will take place in Los Angeles, starting with “Spotting 1” on Saturday, March 1. CCA will also host “Spotting 2” on Saturday, March 8, and “Spotting 3” on Saturday, April 5.
CCA also will offer the same three courses in northern California, as well.
Dates for those courses are: “Spotting 1” on Saturday, March 15, “Spotting 2” on Saturday, March 29, and “Spotting 3” on Saturday, April 12.
In May, CCA will also present a course on “Understanding Care Labels” twice.
The first offering will be held in Los Angeles on Saturday, May 3; the second
will be in northern California on Saturday, May 10.
For specific locations of the seminars, contact the CCA office directly at (916)
239-4070.
Further along in the year, the association will host its “Fabricare 2008” convention from August 22-24.
It will be held at the Long Beach Convention Center. The Hyatt Regency Long
Beach will serve as the official headquarters hotel.
CCA has made arrangements for a discounted room rate of $185 per night for
single/double occupancy for those who make reservations by July 29. Call (800)
233-1234 and mention the convention.
The association expects over 3,000 cleaners from more than 30 states to attend
the event.
Further details will be available on CCA’s web site at www.calcleaners.com.
