Silicone as New Base Solvent for Dry Cleaning

HONG KONG - July 20, 2015 - PRLog -- Dry cleaning is popular for cleaning natural fibers, such as linen, wool or delicate materials or tailor-made garments. It provides good cleaning without the garment shrinkage and damage experienced with aqueous cleaning. Dry cleaning is also popular because of its convenience, providing garment care using equipment not available to the typical consumer.

The Greening Trend

Traditionally, the chemical solvent perchloroethylene (also known as “perc”), has been widely used in the textile industry for dry cleaning. However, it has been classified as a hazardous substance. In California, perchloroethylene is listed as a chemical known to cause cancer and reproductive toxicity. Reproductive effects such as reduced fertility and spontaneous abortions have been reported from occupational exposure to “perc.”  Long-term exposure may result in neurological effects, such as dizziness and diminished cognitive ability, as well as damage to the liver and kidneys. Research reports indicate that the use of “perc” may result in an unacceptable level of risk to human health, safety and the environment. It could be released to and detected in ambient air in and near dry cleaning facilities as well as in adjacent residences. There are some studies showing that if “perc” is discharged from factories and dry-cleaners there is the risk of it contaminating groundwater and even drinking water (1).

For these reasons, some government bodies are starting to phase out the use of “perc” in the dry cleaning process. In 2006, the California Air Resources Board voted to phase out “perc” dry cleaning by 2023 (2). Also, the US EPA has announced that all existing “perc” dry cleaning machines in co-residential facilities will be prohibited in the US after Dec 21, 2020 (3).

In 2012, the French Ministry of Environment and French Health & Labor Ministry decided that no new dry-cleaning shops using the “perc” process would be permitted adjacent to residential properties (4).

Industry Turns to Silicone Solvents as an Alternative for Dry Cleaning

The health risks of perchloroethylene as a dry cleaning solvent have spurred the demand for alternative solvents to replace the use of “perc.” One of the potential alternatives developed is based on a silicone-based solvent called decamethylcyclopentasiloxane (D5).

This silicone-based dry cleaning solvent is a clear, odorless, non-toxic solvent used in a closed loop system. It will degrade into silica and trace amounts of water and carbon dioxide within days if spilled or disposed.

D5 is also commonly used in cosmetics such as deodorants, sunscreen, hair sprays and skin care products.  According to research, its cleaning ability is comparable with “perc” (5).

Currently the Air Resource Board of California and Department of Environmental Conservation of New York State approve D5 and other solvents including hydrocarbons to replace “perc” solvent in dry cleaning (6). Worldwide, there are now more than 1,600 drycleaners using D5. Some retailers and brands have adopted a dry cleaning process based on D5 solvent for their garment consumers.

SGS Succeeds with Silicone Usage

Joining the greening trend of using safer alternative dry cleaning solvents, SGS has announced that its Guangzhou Softlines laboratory has the ability to carry out the dry cleaning process using a silicone-based solvent and state-of-the-art dry cleaning technologies. SGS is able to provide appearance and dimensional stability to dry clean tests based on silicone-based solvents. The company also offers consultancy services to assess the suitability of this new dry cleaning process on garments and textile products.

References:

(1) US EPA Fact Sheet on Perchloroethylene, also known as Tetrachloroethylene (http://www.epa.gov/oppt/existingchemicals/pubs/perchloroe...)

(2) California to Phase Out the Use of Perchloroethylene from Dry Cleaning Process (http://www.arb.ca.gov/newsrel/nr012607b.htm)

(3) Final Amendments to air toxics standards for perchloroethylene dry cleaners fact sheet (http://www.epa.gov/ttn/atw/dryperc/percfs20060717.pdf)

(4) France Progressively bans Perchloroethylene in The Drycleaning Process for Textiles (http://newsletter.sgs.com/eNewsletterPro/uploadedimages/000006/sgs-safeguards-16812-france-progressively-bans-perchloroethylene-in-the-dry-cleaning-process-for-textiles-a4-en-12.pdf)

(5) California Environmental Protection Agency, Dry Cleaning Alternative Solvents: Health and Environmental Impacts (http://www.arb.ca.gov/toxics/dryclean/alternativesolvts_e.pdf)

(6) Department of Environmental Conservation of New York State, Approved Alternative Solvents for Dry Cleaning (http://www.dec.ny.gov/chemical/72273.html)

About SGS Softlines Services

SGS Global Softlines has an extensive network of over 40 laboratories worldwide, with a strong team of committed professionals from multi-disciplinary backgrounds. Its internationally accredited state-of-the-art testing laboratories offer a comprehensive range of physical, chemical and functional testing services (http://www.sgs.com/en/Consumer-Goods-Retail/Softlines-and-Accessories/Textile-and-Clothing/Testing.aspx) for components, materials and finished products. SGS helps companies ensure quality, performance and compliance with international, industrial and regulatory standards worldwide.

For further information, please contact an SGS representative.

Website: http://www.sgs.com/softlines

SGS is the world’s leading inspection, verification, testing and certification company. SGS is recognized as the global benchmark for quality and integrity. With more than 80,000 employees, SGS operates a network of over 1,650 offices and laboratories around the world.