Expo emphasizes solvent alternatives
Cleaners with questions about alternatives to perchloroethylene can take
advantage of a free Expo sponsored by the Institute for Research and Technical Assistance (IRTA).
The event will be held on Sunday, May 18, at Southern California Edison’s Customer Technology Application Center (CTAC) in Irwindale, CA.
Co-sponsors of the event include Southern California Edison, the U.S. EPA Region
9, the California Department of Toxic Substances Control (DSTC), and the
California Air Resources Board (CARB).
CARB has called for an outright ban of perc in drycleaning throughout the state
by 2023, and many cleaners in the state will face a total perc ban by 2020, as
decreed by a regulation passed by the South Coast Air Quality Management
District.
Some cleaners may have to replace their perc equipment prior to those dates as
CARB’s phase-out calls for the owners of perc machines to switch to a non-perc
alternative immediately when their machines become 15 years old.
With the clock ticking, IRTA hopes to provide cleaners with information on
water-based and carbon dioxide cleaning alternatives. To that end, the
Institute has enlisted speakers from CARB, SCAQMD and the Bay Area Quality
Management District (BAAQMD) to discuss the state’s perc regulations, as well as grant programs that can help cleaners purchase
alternative cleaning options.
The coming Expo will begin at 9:45 a.m. and conclude at about 3:30 p.m.
Highlighting the event will be speakers from four cleaning plants that have
converted to water-based and carbon dioxide processes and hosted IRTA showcases
in the past. They have been the subject of case studies outlining their cost
and performance effectiveness.
The companies include Mastercraft Cleaners in Fresno, Hangers Cleaners in San
Diego, Royal Cleaners in Santa Monica and Legacy Cleaners in Tustin.
Representatives from each will comprise a cleaner panel at 11:10 a.m. that will
answer questions from attendees about the performance and overall costs of
their technology of choice.
The case studies on each plant will also be available for attendees at the Expo,
as well as information on the use of safer spotting chemicals.
Also present at the Expo will be IRTA Director Katy Wolf, who has been involved
in the textile cleaning industry for 30 years. She will greet attendees and
discuss the day’s events at 10:15 a.m.
For those who prefer hands-on training, there will be a demonstration of
wetcleaning equipment in action at 1:45 p.m.
After the wetcleaning demonstration, attendees can visit vendor tables for
companies that sell water-based and carbon dioxide supplies and equipment.
In fact, vendors who are interested in participating should contact IRTA as soon
as possible in order to reserve a table.
Though admission to the Expo is free, cleaners are still requested to register
with IRTA beforehand by calling (818) 244-0300.
A continental breakfast and buffet lunch will be provided.
IRTA is a technical nonprofit organization that demonstrates new and emerging
technologies.
CCA shines spotlight on care labels
The California Cleaners Association will be hosting two upcoming seminars that will help cleaners who suspect that
garment care labels might be written in an incomprehensible foreign language.
While that is not actually the case, CCA will still attempt to alleviate any
confusion with a pair of “Care Labels and Customer Service” courses scheduled for Saturday May 3 and May 10.
Both seminars will be instructed by Doris Easley and Milt Chortkoff. The duo
have over half a century of drycleaning experience and promise an educational
and entertaining experience.
Easley and Chortkoff will provide help on navigating through confusing
information on care labels so cleaners can avoid costly mistakes and
unnecessary mishaps.
Additionally, they will also provide attendees with tips on how to improve their
company’s customer service, a hallmark of success for any cleaning company.
The class is designed to meet the training needs of both employees and managers
in the cleaning industry.
Both will take place from noon to 3 p.m. at Perfect Cleaners at 4333 Winters St.
in Sacramento.
The cost is $50 for CCA members and $75 for non-members.
For more information, visit CCA’s web site at www.calcleaners.com or call (916) 239-4070.
Colorado classes on wetcleaning, stain removal
Classes on wetcleaning and stain removal will be held by the Rocky Mountain
Fabricare Association in Highlands Ranch, CO, this month.
Roland Dobbins will present both sessions beginning with a wetcleaning class on
Thursday, May 8 from 5:30 to 9 p.m. Wetcleaning techniques, drying and
finishing will be demonstrated and dye and finish training will be provided.
On Saturday, May 10, Dobbins will lead an all-day class on stain removal that
will cover fabrics, fibers, dyes and finishes, how to use the spotting board
and tools of the trade.
Students will have hands-on work in both classes and are encouraged to bring
problem garments to the class.
The classes will be at Dry Cleaning Station, 6086 E. County Line Rd. The cost of
the wetcleaning session is $69 for RMFA members and $89 for non-members. The
stain removal sesson is $129 for members and $149 for non-members.
For more information, call RMFA at (800) 243-1233.
