History and Development Trends of Laundry and Dyeing in China (Part 2)

History and Development Trends of China's Laundry Industry (II)

Expert of Laundry Industry, China General Chamber of Commerce

Zhang Yuntao
 

The laundry industry needs to further improve the overall level and promote honest service

After ten years of rapid development, the laundry industry has seen a dramatic increase in the number of laundromats, which are widespread and ubiquitous. The washing industry has moved from the initial stage of "difficulty in washing clothes" to the stage of "difficulty in satisfaction with washing." The laundry industry's credibility is low and customer satisfaction is poor, mainly due to insufficient washing quality and service standards. As mentioned earlier, in recent years, the laundry industry has been one of the hotspots for consumer complaints. Analyzing the reasons from the phenomena, some are due to our processing errors, some are caused by misleading washing labels, and some even result from inferior fabrics and clothing. Of course, the increase in consumer complaints partly reflects the negative impacts brought by the rapid development of China's washing industry, and on the other hand, it has accelerated the industry's move towards standardized and healthy development, speeding up the reshuffling of the washing market and intensifying the industry's reorganization. This can be seen from the slowdown in the growth rate of washing enterprises in recent years. From 1997 to 2001, about 20,000 washing enterprises were added annually in China. But from 2002, the growth rate began to slow down. In 2002, about 6,000 new laundries opened, while about 2,000 closed for various reasons (most of these closures were small laundromats), with single stores accounting for 60% and franchise stores about 40%. These laundries have a short lifespan, generally around one to two years, some even shorter. What causes this? What does it indicate? To better analyze and solve these problems, in June 2002, we conducted an on-site survey with CCTV's consumer program. The survey focused on four aspects from consumers: the overall image of the laundry industry; confidence in healthy washing at laundries; satisfaction with laundry technology; and satisfaction with service attitude. The results showed that except for relatively satisfactory service attitudes, other aspects were not optimistic. The analysis concluded that poor laundry image, poor quality of washing equipment, and low overall quality of practitioners are the main causes; also, the technical support from franchise headquarters is insufficient (some have no technical support at all), with many enterprises opening headquarters one day and recruiting franchise stores the next. All these situations indicate factors affecting the long-term development of our washing industry, mainly due to the short development history and low overall level of the industry in China. Additionally, laundries generally have poor environmental performance of washing equipment and low practitioner quality, and most laundries do not pay enough attention to washing quality, inevitably leading to low washing and service quality.

First, to revitalize the laundry industry and follow a healthy development path, the overall level of the laundry industry must be comprehensively improved. Great efforts should be made in training and education, cultivating a group of practitioners with rich practical experience and comprehensive technical knowledge, as well as a teaching team with strong teaching abilities; advocating a combination of full-time training and on-the-job practice, combining professional technical learning with popular education, conducting job skill competitions, promoting career development, and cultivating a large number of workers with certain professional labor skills and technicians with professional qualifications. Therefore, first, focus on teacher training to improve the quality of the teaching team. The quality of training depends on the teachers. With unified standards and systematic structure, qualified talents can only be trained with qualified teachers. Teacher training focuses on introducing standards and textbook writing concepts, clarifying teaching priorities, unifying teaching methods, studying educational psychology, understanding the latest domestic and international industry developments, and improving the quality and level of teaching staff lectures. Second, strengthen the management and coordination of training bases, cooperating with labor and social security departments to establish a question bank for the national laundry worker qualification certification exam. This is an important part of the national laundry worker qualification recognition system and is key to grasping the next step of qualification recognition standards. Therefore, establishing a high-level, scientific, and standardized question bank will play a vital role in improving and ensuring the quality of teacher training and professional qualification training. Third, national industry organizations should strengthen training cooperation with local associations and enterprises. Many local associations have long conducted various training programs such as professional qualifications, have relatively complete training systems, established smooth training channels, and accumulated rich training experience. Cooperation and exchange should be strengthened to learn from each other, complement advantages, and jointly improve training work.

Second, regulate business conduct, improve service quality, and actively promote honest service. "A person cannot stand without trust, a matter cannot succeed without trust, and a country cannot be respected without trust" has become a consensus. All economic activities must follow market rules and international norms. Without honest and trustworthy enterprises, one cannot stand firm. The socialist market economy must be based on integrity. Practice shows that in recent years, high-end, large-scale, modern new-concept laundries opening across the country are rapidly replacing old-fashioned local laundries, which is clear evidence. The reason for many customer complaints and low satisfaction in our laundry industry mainly stems from a lack of integrity. Our industry beautifies life, serves society, and serves the public. If we lose the trust of the people, our cause loses its foundation and development loses its momentum. Therefore, we should use the concept of integrity to create a new situation in the laundry industry. First, industry management should establish and improve credit management systems and laws and regulations. Improve mechanisms for rewarding honesty and punishing dishonesty; severely crack down on counterfeit and fraudulent consumer behaviors; establish and open information markets, smooth credit transmission channels, improve the credit environment, and promote an industry culture of honesty and trustworthiness. Second, business operators should strengthen their concept of integrity and firmly uphold it. Integrity should be regarded as a resource for management and operation, conduct employee integrity education, keep promises, fulfill commitments, and gain public trust. Third, continuously improve the technological content and service quality of laundry. Integrity must be guaranteed by technological progress; only efficient laundry quality can win customer satisfaction. Fourth, strengthen professional training of practitioners to improve the overall quality of the industry. Integrity is not a simple verbal promise but must be earned through high-quality service. Practitioners must have solid skills and high professional abilities and must continuously learn and improve themselves to ensure the implementation of integrity. Cultivating integrity is not a momentary impulse but requires long-term persistence.

Third, keep pace with the times and continuously innovate. Be good at learning and diligent in thinking. Study the history, current situation, and development trends of the laundry industry; study the basic ideas of enterprise development; study market and consumer demands. Organize international and domestic industry exchanges to grasp the dynamics of the domestic and international laundry industry and master advanced laundry technologies. Continue to expand international cooperation and exchanges. Facing the domestic market and going global, technological innovation is the path for the laundry industry's development. Promote new technologies, introduce new equipment and new materials, and advocate new concepts.
   

New Technologies, New Equipment, and New Materials in the International Laundry Industry

Now, let's learn about the current research and new development trends in the international laundry industry.

Significant progress has been made in dry cleaning machines using perchloroethylene as a solvent through nearly a decade of continuous improvement and modification, laying a solid foundation for the continued use of perchloroethylene under environmental protection requirements. The fifth-generation perchloroethylene dry cleaning machines generally adopt various new technologies, such as: (1) using closed vacuum sealing technology to minimize leakage. (2) using a fully enclosed distillation cleaning and recovery system to achieve solvent regeneration without residue discharge. (3) using ecological filtration to achieve nearly 99% solvent recovery rate, so the environmental pollution of the fifth-generation machines can be guaranteed within 25 PPM, solvent consumption <1%, and washing cycle <25 minutes. To further reduce solvent consumption and pollution, Italian manufacturers have developed an ultra-fifth-generation fully enclosed dry cleaning machine with activated carbon adsorption using FDS patented technology. This dry cleaning machine uses FDS technology to automatically control and measure the residual concentration inside the cage during the dry cleaning process and transmit the information to the computer, automatically adjusting the solvent recovery system. With a strong cooling vacuum washing system and special air duct structure, it can ensure that after dry cleaning, the residual chlorine-containing gas concentration inside the cage is below 50 PPM, effectively eliminating environmental pollution. The successful development of this FDS ultra-fifth-generation dry cleaning machine, combined with a closed automatic distillation cleaning system and automatic solvent addition system, completely eliminates the potential environmental pollution caused by Per solvents during use, which will have a huge impact on the dry cleaning industry and may represent a revolution in the dry cleaning sector. Since modern hotels, to meet environmental protection needs, no longer place laundry rooms on the ground floor but on the top or any floor, the requirements for the floor load of dry cleaning machines are very strict. With the application of fully suspended technology in water washing and drying machines, adopting a fully suspended structure for dry cleaning machines has become imperative. Currently, European dry cleaning manufacturers have launched fully suspended variable frequency speed-controlled dry cleaning machines, with main features as follows: (1) only the inner and outer cage structures are suspended, with soft connections between the air duct and the outer cage. (2) adopting a hanging motor drive system with spring buffer shock absorption structure. (3) using an oil tank supporting and oil pan locking structure. (4) other structures and systems of the dry cleaning machine adopt the fifth-generation dry cleaning structure system.

On the other hand, manufacturing technology is seeking new dry cleaning solvents and launching corresponding new solvent dry cleaning machines. However, the development of new dry cleaning solvents has been slow, and after many years of effort, no solvent has been found that can completely replace perchloroethylene. Currently, the new solvents introduced for dry cleaning machines mainly include the following:

1. Brominated carbon solvent Hydrocarbon (abbreviated as HYD solvent). This is a hydrocarbon solvent with the molecular formula C11H24, specific gravity 0.7–0.8, boiling point between 170°C and 190°C, flash point 55°C–65°C, water solubility at 20°C <0.1, and heat capacity 2.1 KJ. This type of solvent causes almost no environmental pollution, with an allowable emission concentration of 350 PPM, but it can spontaneously combust above 200°C. This flammable and explosive property limits its use, and it has not been widely promoted. Recently, after Japanese researchers solved the flame retardant technology, widespread application has become possible. Among other new solvents that can replace perchloroethylene, only HYD solvent is relatively good, with corresponding dedicated dry cleaning machines, basically solving safety issues. Therefore, it is estimated that in the coming years, dedicated HYD dry cleaning machines will gradually enter the market. However, the flammable and explosive nature objectively exists, undoubtedly putting great pressure on dry cleaning machine manufacturers and users, who feel compelled to use it. Thus, the widespread application of HYD solvent still requires more practical testing to be widely accepted.

2. New liquid carbon dioxide solvent, namely LCO2 solvent. This is a relatively good solvent newly developed in recent years. The U.S. Hughes Environmental Center and Los Alamos National Laboratory first launched LCO2 dedicated dry cleaning machines, utilizing the two-phase change of CO2 and adding necessary additives for garment washing. Practice has proven that using LCO2 for garment washing can effectively remove various stains, including oil-soluble and water-soluble stains, and even some special stains. However, practice also shows that many issues remain to be solved for LCO2 dedicated dry cleaning machines. Since the two-phase transformation of CO2 requires a high-pressure vessel, the washing chamber must withstand pressures of 40–50 MPa. The transportation and circulation of LCO2 require special operation by high-pressure pumps. Issues such as how to add additives during washing still need further efforts. Some Chinese enterprises have purchased the Asian patent for Hughes Company's LCO2 dry cleaning machine and have manufactured the first practical dry cleaning machine, which has been sold to the Hong Kong Environmental Protection Department for trial use. The Chinese have hope for a major breakthrough in this field. At the 1999 U.S. Laundry Equipment Expo, five companies worldwide launched LCO2 dry cleaning machines. In fact, the liquefaction of CO2 gas has been successfully solved in the chemical industry. How to apply it to washing machinery is only a matter of time. The key is how the manufacturing and operating costs of LCO2 dry cleaning machines can meet garment washing needs, which is the most concerned issue for the global laundry industry. It is believed that greater breakthroughs will be made, making outstanding contributions to China's laundry industry going global.

3. Rynet solvent. Rynet solvent is a newly successfully researched dry cleaning solvent abroad, already used in the Crown Laundry in Alberta, Canada. Rynet solvent is an azeotropic mixture of propylene glycol ether and other chemicals. Rynet solvent itself carries moisture, greatly reducing the need for additives and surfactants. Most importantly, it is biodegradable, decomposed by biological agents and sunlight. Rynet solvent washing time is very short, only 3–5 minutes, but the dehydration and spin speed require reaching 500/min, and two spins are needed. The drying time is 20% longer than perchloroethylene; drying temperature is slightly lower, so wrinkles on clothes after dry cleaning will be reduced. Another important feature of Rynet solvent is that it is lighter than water, so its water separator outlet must be inverted, and impurities will settle at the bottom of the bottom tank, requiring a special device to solve this problem and a mandatory step during the first machine operation each day. However, since ordinary perchloroethylene dry cleaning machines can be easily modified into Rynet solvent dry cleaning machines, it is a development direction as a new type of perchloroethylene replacement solvent.

4. GreenEarth solvent. GreenEarth solvent is the latest dry cleaning solvent developed by Hoyt Company. This solvent is described as methylsiloxane and is introduced to the laundry industry for the first time. An important feature is that clothes to be washed do not need to be sorted by color or problem. Additionally, since the solvent contains siloxane, which can produce a good hand feel, it helps clothes come out of the dry cleaning machine with almost no wrinkles.

In the wet cleaning industry, tunnel washers (also known as wash cages) are being gradually applied. The tunnel washer can be considered a highly integrated wet cleaning system. It can wash multiple batches of clothes in a cycle, controlled by a computer that manages the washing time and program for each batch, as well as the water usage for each washing step. Tunnel washers are very suitable for large-scale wet cleaning shops with high-volume washing. The advantages of tunnel washers are as follows: First, water and energy saving. Tunnel washers have a fixed water reuse system, meaning less fuel is needed to heat water, and less wastewater is discharged. Second, labor saving. Tunnel washers are designed for automation, usually requiring only one person to load the machine, who can also perform other tasks. Operators can arrange several batches of clothes for automatic loading, and the conveyor system loads each batch into the tunnel accordingly. Third, time saving. Tunnel washers require less washing time than ordinary washers and extractors, with no delay caused by drainage and water filling between washes. Every 45 minutes, about 50 kilograms of manageable continuous stable batch washing is completed, improving washing efficiency. Fourth, space saving. A tunnel washer has only one loading port, requiring much less loading and unloading space than traditional washers and extractors. Its boiler is smaller, and the required water heater and softener are also much smaller, with fewer pipes, mains, drainage, gutters, and wiring needed. According to statistics from Germany's Lavatec company, using wash cage wastewater can reduce sewage fees by 65%-75%, gas fees by 35%-45%, electricity fees by 45%-55%, and labor by 50%-70%. The UK company Creighton also states that using tunnel wet cleaning machines saves 30% steam and 25% water, saves time, extends textile life, and reduces chemical purchase or storage.

Recently, to meet the increasing demand for "green washing," a new device called the "ozone washing system" is gradually being applied in the washing industry. Ozone is a strong oxidant that, when reaching a certain concentration in water, can destroy and decompose bacterial cell walls (membranes), rapidly penetrate cells, oxidize, destroy, or decompose intracellular enzymes, quickly killing bacteria and viruses. The ozone washing support system, effectively connected to the washing machine, adds ozone during the washing process to achieve sterilization and disinfection. The advantages of installing an ozone support system in washing machines include: reducing hot water usage; reducing detergent dosage; reducing total water consumption; shortening drying time; reducing the frequency of laundry changes; and saving labor.

Development Trends of China's Laundry and Dyeing Industry

In the laundry and dyeing market, China's laundry industry has entered a new historical period. Modern laundry is rapidly emerging and will develop quickly in the next five to eight years under four models: First, modern laundry shops with front stores and back factories will develop long-term under the promotion of franchise chains; this model is in a period of rapid growth. The second model, centered on modern laundry factories with centralized washing and decentralized collection, will develop in many cities. The third model, modern laundry farms mainly for linen washing, will develop into large-scale commercial operations, gradually replacing the self-operated laundry rooms of small and medium hotels, further deepening social division of labor. Fourth, specialized laundry factories targeting special industries such as schools, hospitals, and the military will develop rapidly.

In the next ten years, China's laundry and dyeing industry will further develop towards healthy, orderly, high-level, and high-quality goals. It should form well-known laundry brands with independent intellectual property rights that are truly world-renowned. Laundry equipment manufacturing should gradually narrow the gap with the world's advanced levels. The chemical and auxiliary materials supply industry should improve technological content and reduce the technical gap with similar foreign products. In terms of culture and education, a complete talent training system should be established to rapidly improve the overall cultural quality of industry practitioners. In policies and regulations, a guiding role should be played to form industry associations, standards, and cultures with Chinese characteristics that fit national conditions and promote industry development.

In the next 10-15 years, as living standards reach a well-off level and community construction improves, professional clothing entrusted leasing will emerge in large enterprise groups, government agencies, social organizations, hotels, hospitals, schools, etc., and clothing will develop towards mid-to-high-end (household washing cannot adapt). Laundry services will tend towards socialization and specialization. With the gathering of advanced equipment, cutting-edge technology, excellent talent, scientific management, and high-quality service execution, the laundry industry will inevitably move towards scale, largeness, and high-end. At the same time, brand operation chain management, green operation, information management, and reputation certification will also be inevitable trends in the laundry industry's development.

Looking at the current domestic and international laundry situation, scale, brand, and chain operation are the needs of the laundry industry. Relying on high-quality washing equipment, excellent and fast washing services, modern operating procedures, new business concepts, and highly transparent operations, it not only narrows the distance between merchants and customers, gaining customer trust, but more importantly, it gains a broad market. It will surely become the development direction of China's laundry industry in the future.

2007-1-29