SGS, the world’s leading testing, inspection and certification company, is reminding stakeholders that California is phasing out the use of Perchloroethylene (Perc) in dry cleaning.
Perc was identified by the California Air resources Board (CARB) as a toxic air contaminant (TAC) under the state’s Toxic Air Contaminant Identification and Control Program in October 1991. Because Perc is mostly in dry cleaning operations, CARB adopted its Dry Cleaning Air Toxic Control Measure (ATCM) in 1993.
In 2007, CARB amended the Dry Cleaning ATCM to phase out the use of Perc, thereby virtually eliminating all health risks. The amendment requires all Perc machines to be removed from service once they become 15 years old or by January 1, 2023, whichever is sooner. This will phase out the use of Perc from all dry cleaning and water-repelling operations.
The health risks associated with Perc are now recognized by consumers and authorities. Regulations are becoming increasingly restrictive, increasing costs and requiring the use of safer solvent alternatives. A variety of alternative dry-cleaning machines are now available. These use a variety of alternatives, such as professional wet cleaning, liquid carbon dioxide (CO2), hydrocarbon solvent, and silicone-based solvents.
SGS provides a range of dry-cleaning testing solutions using a silicone-based solvent and the proprietary GreenEarth® cleaning system. This can be used to assess appearance and dimensional stability in garments. In addition, SGS provides consultancy services to ascertain the impact of this dry-cleaning process on garments and textile products.
SGS Softlines Services
SGS has a worldwide network of over 40 state-of-the-art laboratories, including 10 in China, specializing in testing of apparel, footwear, and home textiles. Their committed team is drawn from multi-disciplinary backgrounds, allowing them to conduct a comprehensive range of physical, chemical, and functional testing services for components, materials and finished products. SGS helps companies ensure quality, performance, and compliance with international, industrial, and regulatory standards worldwide. In the end, it’s only trusted because it’s tested. Learn more about SGS’s Softlines Services.
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For further information contact:
Louann Spirito
Consumer and Retail — Softlines
US & Canada Softlines Business Head
Tel: +1 973 461 7919
Email: crs.media@sgs.com
Website: www.sgs.com/softlines
LinkedIn: sgs-consumer-goods-&-retail
About SGS
We are SGS – the world’s leading testing, inspection and certification company. We are recognized as the global benchmark for quality and integrity. Our 96,000 employees operate a network of 2,600 offices and laboratories, working together to enable a better, safer and more interconnected world.