Q9521 - Laundry & Dry Cleaning
Services Ltd. - Auckland Region
Summary
Operating from a purpose-built factory in Waitakere City, Laundry and Dry Cleaning
Services Limited (LDC) has one of the largest dry-cleaning plants in Australasia.
The company has recently achieved certification to ISO 14001 standards in
environmental management. LDC's existing management team oversees all environmental
initiatives and shares out specific project responsibilities amongst the
team.
Business Profile
LDC is a privately owned and operated commercial dry-cleaning and laundry company
which has been servicing the Auckland market for over 25 years. The management
team is committed to the implementation and continuation of responsible environmental
practices for the well being of our staff and for the community as a whole.
Type of Project
To effectively implement LDC's Cleaner Production programme an environmental
policy has been adopted. Other projects include energy conservation, water
recycling, solvent management, solvent reduction, preventative maintenance
programme, housekeeping programme, recycling programmes.
The Project
LDC's environmental policy
LDC has produced an environmental Policy which is part of an
ongoing commitment to quality and the environment.
The objective is to: Develop, and fully assimilate into the
culture of the company, a progressive and responsible attitude
towards all facets of our business that may have an impact on
the environment - as both short and long term strategies
The objective will be achieved through the proactive adoption
of environmentally - positive practices in our place of work
with Staff encouraged to bring forth ideas for continuous improvement.
Staff involvement
LDC is aware of the benefits of involving staff in programmes.
To ensure ongoing commitment and enthusiasm from staff LDC have
half-hour fortnightly team talks to discuss issues in the workplace.
A staff newsletter is then produced and distributed back to staff.
Energy Conservation
In conjunction with Bay of Plenty Electricity LDC have installed
an Energy Management System. This system monitors energy usage
and produces monthly spreadsheets and electricity - usage graphs.
LDC monitor these closely to find methods for improving efficiency.
Benefits
- Energy use proportional to turnover has reduced
by 11% since 1993
- Increased awareness of energy use by all staff.
- Automatic shut down of non-essential appliances
Water Recycling
LDC installed water-recycling equipment, which operates a recovery
and reuse system, for a number of specific wash cycles. The final
rinse water from specific loads becomes the breakwash water for
subsequent loads.
Benefits
- Water use proportional to turnover has reduced
by 20% since 1994
- Reuse of final rinse water.
- Reduction in input (fresh water) and output
water (trade waste)
Solvent Management
LDC's commercial dry-cleaning machines are
either "fully enclosed" systems
or utilise carbon recovery units for management of perchloroethylene.
All trade waste from these systems is drummed and disposed of
by a specialist company. In-house safety and emergency procedures
have been developed , and are supported by staff training.
Solvent Reduction
LDC has recently purchased the latest technological alternative
to dry-cleaning; a new water based garment-cleaning machine that
eliminates the use of halogenated or petroleum based solvents
(Perchloroethylene). The 'Wet Clean System' is a sophisticated
machine with a microcomputer control which produces a high standard
of clean clothing. LDC now offers its customers several processing
alternatives.
LDC's in-house expert knowledge of textile care provides the
customer with the assurance that the most appropriate form of
cleaning will be employed.
Wet Cleaning is currently used for specified applications.
Benefits
- 100% elimination of Perchloroethylene, a significant
pollutant in the dry-cleaning industry.
- Economic benefit by not purchasing perchloroethylene.
- Provision of an environmentally friendly alternative
to traditional dry-cleaning.
Preventative maintenance programme
This computer programme is supported by LDC's Preventative Maintenance
Policy for plant and building. It forward schedules preventative
maintenance activities and requires that activities be logged
out on completion.
LDC employ dedicated engineering staff to supervise the programme
and to check equipment before problems arise.
Housekeeping programme
Incorporates low to no cost initiatives for
improving efficiency and quality. The programme supports accident
and safety control,
a part of LDC's Health & Safety Programme. LDC encourages staff
involvement in this programme through an internal communication
channel (Team Talks).
Some initiatives include:
- identification of hazards and safety procedures
- a formalised safety programme for staff.
- all staff are responsible for keeping their
own environment tidy and safe.
- Staff report leaks or spills
- Staff have a forum for improvement ideas
For additional information contact:
Annette Fasher-Dow
Managing Director
Laundry and Dry Cleaning Services
PO Box 20-160
Glen Eden
Auckland
Phone (09) 818 5401
Fax (09) 818 3296
Rachel Brown
Cleaner Production Co-ordinator
Waitakere City Council
Private Bag 93 109
Henderson
Auckland
Phone (09) 836 8000 ext 8519
Fax (09) 836 8057
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