Dry Cleaning: Alternative Solvent Trends, Misconceptions, and State of the Industry

Jon Meijer, Director of Membership, Drycleaning & Laundry Institute (DLI)

1)Solvents used in Drycleaning
Jon Meijer will share his knowledge and experience regarding solvents predominantly used by the drycleaning industry today and the approximate percentage use of each type.
*n-Propyl Bromide (n-PB, DrySolv) –Is n-PB a solvent used in drycleaning? Was it ever used as a replacement for perc in drycleaning? Are there any n-propyl bromide plants in use today?
*Green Earth and Solvon K4
*Sensene – alternative alkopropanol

2) Perc use and co-located facilities
What is the effect on drycleaners in co-located facilities?
How many cleaners are affected by the rule?

3) State of the industry
The market for drycleaning continues to shrink and the consolidation of drycleaning plants will continue. The increasing reliance by consumers on “fast fashion” or “disposable garments” is now the norm and has contributed to the overall reduction in drycleaning. The demand for wetcleaning continues to increase. It is an upward trend that is likely to continue.

Bio: Jon Meijer is the Director of Membership of DLI located in Laurel, Maryland. After starting with DLI (formally IFI) in 1982, He has gone on to become a popular industry speaker and has written numerous articles and bulletins for DLI’s Fabricare magazine. In 1994, he won a national award from the America Society of Association Executives (ASAE) in the “Best Overall Federal Regulatory Program” category for his work with Environment-Canada.

He continues to represent the industry all over the United States and Canada, working with government agencies such as the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, the Environmental Protection Agency and Environment Canada. Jon Meijer has a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of Maryland and is an active member of ASAE and the Cleaning Laundry Association Executives.