Survey says over half of brits would prefer to use alternatives to achieve sustainable dry cleaning

Professional dry cleaners around the UK are being urged to capitalise on the opportunity presented by a new generation of environmentally-conscious consumers, following the results of a new survey.

According to the survey by Electrolux Professional, 55 per cent of high street consumers would request a chemical-free way to have their clothes cleaned if they realised such a service was available. With 43 per cent aware of the environmental damage that can be caused by chemicals such as perchloroethylene, laundry operators are under mounting pressure to respond to consumer demands.

These statistics follow the survey’s revelation that 65 per cent of respondents are unaware of the benefits of wet cleaning.

The survey of 1,500 Brits also highlighted the extent to which consumers are making environmentally-conscious lifestyle decisions, with nearly 70 per cent of those questioned revealing that environmental impact plays some role in their buying habits.

Michael Williams, lagoon® Advanced Care specialist and product trainer at Electrolux Professional UK, said: “The results of our survey show just how great an opportunity there is for dry cleaners to offer an efficient wet cleaning system as an alternative option for customers. We live in an age when the average consumer is becoming much more environmentally conscious, and this is something laundry operators and businesses really ought to consider when investing in new equipment.

“The fact that so few people have actually heard of wet cleaning shows just how much work there is to be done by the industry as a whole in terms of raising awareness. If manufacturers and operators all play their part in promoting wet cleaning as an alternative to solvent based cleaning, the industry has huge potential to become more productive, more efficient, and more sustainable.”