It’s estimated that nearly 80% of consumers are more likely to purchase from a company or do business with a service provider that is environmentally conscious in their practices. Noting this, efforts to “green” your dry cleaning operations are likely to do more than help customers feel good about doing business with you; such strategies are also likely to grow your client base based on these consumer trends.
Going green isn’t just great for the environment, but it has also become a critical talking point in marketing materials to help attract more like-minded customers. In many cases, making your dry cleaning business more eco-friendly can also help save money. Here we’ll talk about how to make your dry cleaning business more environmentally conscious and some of the benefits that you achieve in doing so.
How to Become A More Sustainable Dry Cleaner
So, how can you make your dry cleaning business more sustainable? Certainly, there are some small things that you can do, such as going paperless and recycling or reusing as much as you can (even hangers and plastic bags). There are also bigger-picture strategies that can truly help you maximize the sustainability of your overall operations. While these changes may require a little extra effort, they will show returns on your investments (in time and money) in the long run and help your business grow.
Use Eco-Friendly Chemicals
From detergents to solvents, make the switch to more eco-friendly chemicals. When it comes to detergents, liquid carbon dioxide is a safe, environmentally friendly, and non-toxic alternative for dry cleaning purposes. If you’re looking to green your solvent use, D-5 silicone solvents are among the best for the environment. Consider making the switch to more sustainable solutions today.
Purchase More Efficient Equipment
A big key to sustainability is operating your business with efficient washing and drying machines. Think about any major appliance. If it’s not operating efficiently, it’s likely to cost you more to run and maintain it over time. Conversely, an efficient appliance is going to cost less to power, which will save you money on utilities and produce fewer emissions. We suggest developing an equipment maintenance and replacement plan to ensure that your machinery is well maintained and that new, more efficient equipment is being acquired on a somewhat regular basis before any of your machines become outdated and inefficient.
Wet Cleaning
While this method may not be for everyone, wet cleaning uses specialized, eco-friendly detergents that tend to be effective and much better for the environment than conventional detergents. It’s a method of cleaning lauded by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
Good for the Environment, Good for Your Bottom Line
Operating a more sustainable business isn’t just good for the environment, but these environmentally-conscious choices can also support your bottom line. For example:
- Going paperless and bringing everything into a digital environment frees up storage and cabinet space and reduces office supply costs.
- Purchasing efficient equipment won’t just save money on utility costs, but will likely lead to increases in productivity and increase the number of garments you’re able to clean in a day.
- Going green creates a marketing talking point, which potentially allows you to increase your customer base if you strategically communicate things.
- Investing in dry cleaning delivery. If you want to take things a step further, you can invest in dry cleaning pickup and return services – and be sure to do it in a fuel-efficient or electric vehicle if you can. This way, your customers do not have to waste gas driving their potentially less efficient vehicles, and you could even charge a delivery fee to profit from this advancement.
Contact Rema Dri-Vac Today
For more information on the most advanced dry cleaning equipment to “green” and enhance your business, contact Rema Dri-Vac today. We offer equipment that will make your dry cleaning business more efficient and profitable.