Dry Cleaning and Laundry Service Environmental Impact: An In-depth Analysis

Dry cleaning, a common practice for maintaining delicate fabrics, has raised environmental concerns. It is less eco-friendly than people may think. The chemicals used in the process are toxic and can cause harm to the environment if not disposed of properly. 

Most laundry services use chemicals that threaten air quality, water, and soil.

It relies heavily on chemicals, notably perchloroethylene (PERC), a solvent that efficiently removes stains. The use of PERCs raises significant environmental and health concerns. For instance, according to the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), approximately 36,000 (70%) professional garment care facilities in the United States use PERC as their primary cleaning solvent.

The UK dry cleaning industry, worth a staggering £1.4 billion as of 2023, underscores its economic significance. However, with the industry projected to reach a value of approximately £57.8 billion by 2027, the need for a swift shift towards more sustainable practices is becoming increasingly urgent for the sake of our environment and economy. 

This article delves into the environmental footprint of dry cleaning, supported by statistics, trends, and expert insights. By providing a well-rounded discussion on the environmental implications regarding garment care, the article will explore innovative and eco-friendly alternatives emerging in response to environmental concerns.

Dry cleaning is a cleaning process for clothing and textiles using a chemical solvent rather than water. Despite its name, dry cleaning is not actually "dry"; the clothes get wet but with a solvent that performs the cleaning action. The solvent used is typically tetrachloroethylene (perchloroethylene), which the industry calls "PERC".

This method cleans delicate fabrics that cannot withstand the rough and tumble of a washing machine and dryer. It helps prevent damage like stretching or shrinking and is ideal for delicate fabrics such as silk, wool, and velvet. 

Moreover, it also eliminates the need for more time-consuming hand washing. Most dry cleaners also offer services like laundry for items like shirts and household textiles such as drapes and area rugs. 

Historically, solvents like gasoline and kerosene were used, but more sustainable options have been developed due to safety and environmental concerns. These include silicone-based solvents, liquid carbon dioxide, and hydrocarbon solvents, which aim to reduce the environmental impact of traditional dry cleaning practices.

However, the improper disposal of PERC and other chemicals has resulted in widespread environmental contamination at many dry cleaning sites.

The traditional dry cleaning solvent, perc, is a volatile organic compound (VOC) that can contribute to air pollution and has been associated with various health risks, including cancer and neurological effects. 

Notably, it uses chemicals like perchloroethylene (PERC), a solvent linked to various environmental and health issues. Annually, the industry emits substantial amounts of PERC into the atmosphere, contributing to pollution and health risks.

The industry also generates hazardous waste, including contaminated water and sludge, requiring careful disposal to prevent further environmental damage. This is characterised by its steady demand, attributed to the essential nature of the services it provides, which remain in constant need regardless of economic conditions.

Dry cleaning involves chemicals that are dangerous not only to the environment but also to human health. The primary solvent used, PERC, is a toxic chemical with extensive, harmful impacts:

The environmental impact of dry cleaning is multifaceted, affecting air, water, and soil quality. Annually, the industry contributes to significant pollution levels, with perc being a primary culprit.

To provide a clearer picture of the environmental toll of dry cleaning, we analyse its impact from various perspectives:

Globally, dry cleaning releases over 160,000 tonnes of PERC annually. Each year, the UK releases thousands of tonnes of VOCs into the air, consumes millions of kWh of energy, and generates hazardous waste affecting land and water systems. In addition, one ounce of PERC can contaminate 2.5 million gallons of water above regulatory limits and over 650 gallons of hazardous waste per year on average. This contributes significantly to air and water pollution.

Daily operations across the UK can emit hundreds of kilograms of harmful chemicals and use substantial energy. These activities emit about 438 tonnes of PERC into the environment, accumulating harmful effects over time.

Each dry cleaning cycle, on average, releases 15 grams of PERC per garment. Frequent use increases the personal and environmental health risks significantly.

The industry must move towards greener alternatives, such as professional wet cleaning, to mitigate these effects. Switching to greener alternatives like wet cleaning and liquid CO2 is crucial to reducing this £1.5 billion UK industry's massive ecological footprint. Regulatory action and public awareness are needed to drive this transition for a sustainable future.

Globally, the textile care industry contributes millions of tonnes of CO2 annually. In the UK alone, water-related CO2 emissions from laundry activities account for 6% of the total. When you consider the global scale, the impact is staggering. For instance, dry cleaning a suit emits more CO2 than driving a car for approximately 15 kilometres.

To put it into perspective, let's compare the CO2 emissions from dry cleaning and laundry services to everyday activities like driving a car, using a smartphone, and even eating a hamburger.

These figures reveal that dry cleaning a single garment emits more CO2 than driving a car for 26.5 km. Similarly, doing a load of laundry is equivalent to consuming over a hamburger and a half in terms of CO2 emissions.

The comparison of CO2 emissions of laundry services to everyday activities highlights the importance of choosing eco-friendly options.

The industry's impact varies across economies, with some countries leading in market size and growth. Countries leading in the industry are actively transitioning to safer, more sustainable practices. 

Let's explore the largest economies contributing significantly to the dry cleaning sector, providing insights into their market dynamics and environmental considerations.

According to a study, the Asia-Pacific region emerged as the largest shareholder in the dry cleaning and laundry services market in 2022, with a share of around 35%. It is projected to maintain its lead. The global market is projected to reach approximately £83.8 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 5.5% from 2022 to 2030.

Here's a breakdown of the largest regional markets:

These insights highlight the dynamic nature of the dry cleaning and laundry services market across different regions. The environment will be significantly affected if something is not done about using harmful chemicals. 

The amount of energy used in dry cleaning services can vary depending on the type of equipment used, the cleaning process, and the efficiency of the machines. According to the US Department of Energy, efficient commercial laundry equipment (with a gas dryer) consumes about 25% less electric energy than conventional equipment.

Further analysis from the California Dry Cleaning Industry Technical Assessment Report reveals the monthly electricity usage of dry cleaning shops, depending on the technology employed. Traditional solvent-based systems, including Perc and other hydrocarbon technologies, typically use around 1,100 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of monthly electricity. In contrast, water-based technologies, such as professional wet cleaning, have demonstrated a reduction in electricity consumption to approximately 600 kWh per month. 

However, CO2 dry cleaning systems, despite their environmental benefits, require higher energy input, with an estimated monthly usage of 1,430 kWh.

The energy consumption for individual washing and drying cycles also varies, with a washer-drier consuming about 1.5 kWh per washing cycle and 4.5 kWh per drying cycle. When translated to the average cost of doing laundry at home, including electricity, water usage, and laundry supplies, this equates to approximately £1.04 per load, based on current exchange rates.

Eco-friendly dry cleaning services are making strides in reducing energy consumption by utilising energy-efficient machinery with low emissions. Incorporating solar panel energy into the operations, mainly through solar thermal systems, presents a promising avenue for significantly reducing energy costs, further enhancing the industry's move towards sustainability and efficiency.

Note: The data represents an estimated annual consumption for a medium-sized cleaning service company in each region.

Yes, traditional dry cleaning can be toxic because it uses perchloroethylene (perc), classified as harmful. Exposure to perc may increase the risk of certain cancers, vision problems, and Parkinson's disease.

Another hazardous substance used in some dry cleaning processes is N-propyl bromide, which poses risks to the human reproductive system liver and can cause nerve damage and cancer.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the International Agency for Research on Cancer have classified perc as a likely human carcinogen. Workers in dry cleaning facilities and residents living near these establishments are at a higher risk of exposure.

However, awareness and regulation vary globally. Some regions have begun to phase out perc due to its environmental and health risks, promoting safer alternatives in the industry.

Most dry cleaning products are not biodegradable. However, some products are eco-friendly base. These solvents break down more quickly in the environment, reducing long-term pollution and potential harm to wildlife and human health.

For instance, wet and liquid CO2 cleaning are water-based solutions that break down naturally, and no harsh chemicals are used. 

Here's how common dry cleaning solvents affect the environment:

The transition to greener dry cleaning methods is gaining momentum globally. These methods minimise the ecological footprint and cater to the increasing consumer demand for sustainable services.

Innovations include:

With modern innovations, yes, it depends on the methods and chemicals used. Many cleaners now use liquid carbon dioxide or silicone-based solvents to minimise environmental impact.

For instance, California and New Jersey lead the charge in the US, committing to phase out PERC by 2023. The UK's Timpson Group is transitioning to GreenEarth solvent and wet cleaning. These changes reflect a growing trend of integrating sustainable practices into the industry worldwide.

Dry cleaning is one of many ways to treat delicate fabrics. Several eco-friendly alternatives exist that are kinder to the environment and often gentler on your clothes.

Traditional dry cleaning often ranks lower in eco-friendliness compared to its alternatives. While it is effective for specific fabrics and stains, its alternatives usually provide equal or superior results without negative impacts. 

Moreover, these methods use less energy and water and are safer for the environment and human health.

Exploring these alternatives helps promote a healthier planet. They provide practical solutions without the environmental cost of traditional methods.

Here's a look at the key statistics that paint a global picture of the dry cleaning industry based on different environmental studies. 

This concise overview highlights the massive scale of the dry cleaning industry and its reliance on toxic solvents like PERC.

However, the industry is evolving, with safer, eco-friendly alternatives gaining traction. Regulatory actions and consumer demand for sustainable practices drive this change, promising a cleaner future for the dry cleaning industry.