"Greener" dry-cleaning alternative pushed by industry, environmental groups

Article Abstract:

An alliance of cleaning industry groups, environmentalists and the EPA is pushing for a more environment-friendly alternative to dry cleaning called 'wet-cleaning.' This alternative technology eliminates the use of perchloroethylene, a suspected carcinogen, and uses water and special pH-neutral detergents in a specialized washing machine that spins clothes in a slower and more controlled mode. The technology is being tested at cleaners in Chicago, IL, and Los Angeles, CA. Perchloroethylene is identified as a hazardous air pollutant in the Clean Air Act.

All Other Basic Organic Chemical Manufacturing, Industrial organic chemicals, not elsewhere classified, Perchloroethylene, Commercial laundry equipment, Dry Cleaning Machines, Commercial Laundry, Drycleaning, and Pressing Machine Manufacturing, Environmental aspects, Science and technology policy, Cleaning services industry, International Fabricare Institute

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Supercritical carbon dioxide: the "greener" solvent

Article Abstract:

Supercritical carbon dioxide (CO2) is becoming the chemical of choice in various industrial and analytical processes. Supercritical CO2 is more environmentally friendly than other organic solvents, since it is not toxic and does not harm the ozone layer. It is being examined for use in polymer manufacturing, soil remediation and pharmaceuticals. However, several obstacles have to be hurdled before the chemical can gain widespread acceptance, foremost of which is the huge capital investment required for the technology.

Evaluation

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Prototype CO2 dry-cleaning process replaces toxic solvent

Article Abstract:

The Los Alamos National Laboratory amd Hughes Environmental Systems Inc. have developed the technology that uses liquid carbon dioxide instead of perchloroethylene as the solvent in dry cleaning plants. Tests have showed that CO2, which is produced as a waste product in industrial processes, is not carcinogenic and does not leave hazardous effects to the environment.

Industrial Gas Manufacturing, Industrial gases, Carbon Dioxide, Research, Innovations

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