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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