STAREX – The Eco-Friendly Dry Cleaner

It is not a recent discovery that the most popular dry cleaning solvent, known as “perc” in the
commercial sector is dangerous not only to those who use it but also to the environment in every
way possible, including water pollution, soil contamination, and air pollution.
In metropolitan areas, dry cleaner establishments are highly prevalent. And so is the pollution
brought on by the dry cleaning operations.
Because of the pollution’s characteristics and resistance to environmental deterioration, health may
be significantly jeopardized. Especially those connected to dry cleaning that uses chlorinated
chemicals (particularly PCE). Such substances are toxic, and because they don’t break down easily,
the chemical pollution they cause could persist for decades. Unfortunately, owing to the lack of
organization in this sector, the majority of dry cleaners just utilize these hazardous substances that
are widely available on the market without realizing their potential harm.
The effects of decades of dry cleaning operations using toxic solvents may still be seen today,
despite the fact that modern technology and preventive measures have significantly decreased the
incidence of unintentional spills and leaks at dry cleaning facilities.
Thankfully, there are now some safer (and eco-friendly) dry cleaning choices available. An
alternative procedure that employs water and biodegradable solvents called wet cleaning is being
promoted owing to its non-toxic nature. Dry cleaning has also shifted towards using silicone and
liquid CO2 solvents, computer-controlled equipment, substitutes for petroleum solvents, and other
methods, making it a far safer practice than it initially was.
• Wet cleaning as a safe alternative:
The method of wet cleaning is fundamentally different from dry cleaning. The highly advanced
washing machines used by dry cleaners that employ the wet cleaning method function differently
from regular washers. Using a very gentle cleanser that is largely devoid of toxins and chemicals is
essential to wet cleaning. Since the washing machines used for wet cleaning only rotate a few times
per minute, delicate clothing is not harmed by the procedure.
The wet cleaning process is used to wash clothes, and once they are gently dried and pressed, they
appear exactly as beautiful as clothes that undergo conventional dry cleaning. Wet cleaning is seen
as the most environmentally friendly alternative among dry cleaning techniques. Even less energy
than dry cleaning is used throughout the procedure and uses much less water than traditional
laundry. Furthermore, no volatile organic substances are used in the procedure. Therefore, the
customers are protected with this technique from chemical exposure risks.
• Liquid CO2 Solvents for greener dry cleaning:
Cleaning with pressurized liquid CO2 in place of perc while utilizing additional cleaning chemicals
is known as liquid carbon dioxide cleaning. Normally occurring in the environment, CO2 is a nontoxic, non- flammable gas. However, under high pressure, it transforms into a liquid solvent.
A special machine that pulls off the air from the cleaning chamber to create the condition of a
vacuum is used for this type of dry cleaning. The carbon dioxide turns into liquid at this high
pressure, and the garments are turned and rotated while the washer runs. This cleaning procedure
can remove dirt, oil, and stains on garments with great effectiveness. The liquid CO2 is poured back
into the storage tank at the end of the cleaning cycle so it might be utilized again. Then, the excess
CO2 is let go into the atmosphere.
Here, the possibility of expanding greenhouse gases may raise further concerns. Despite the fact
that the principal greenhouse gas is CO2, this method does not produce any new CO2. Hence it
does not affect global warming. Companies that deal in liquid CO2 recycle the CO2 that is already a
waste product of a number of production processes and use it to make liquid solvents for dry
cleaning.
• Silicone-based solvents for green dry cleaning:
A silicone-based solvent called siloxane or D- 5 is comparable to the main chemicals in
deodorant and shaving cream is used in place of the perc in this procedure, also known as the
Green Earth technique. Sand, water, and carbon dioxide are the byproducts of D- 5. Because of their
chemical inertness, the textiles, and garments won’t come into contact with any chemicals
throughout the cleaning process, making them a safer pick for consumers.
A company like Starex understands that more than a company, it holds the responsibility of a
revolution in the dry cleaning industry. By opting for eco-friendly dry cleaning techniques, it not
only promises a sustainable dry cleaning industry for the soil it is built on but also safe, clean
clothing for its consumers and a safe working environment for the working staff, catering to every
building block that makes Starex stronger.
With over 50,000 square foot facilities in the Delhi National Capital Region and hosting more than
50 stores, Starex is here to make a change in the dry cleaning industry that lasts through
generations. As Delhi’s largest dry cleaning chain, Starex is one of the few companies to receive
ISO clearing from the authorities. So, writing it in stone, the claims of a revolution are not clickbait
but come with proof.
The steps undertaken by Starex to make it an Eco- friendly dry cleaning giant do not stop at just the
cleaning techniques but also include the small details that are often ignored by the rest of the dry
cleaners, i.e., eco-friendly packaging. From pick up, tagging, inspection, cleaning, secondary
inspection, steam ironing, folding, packaging, and back to your doorstep again, at every stage,
Starex makes it a conscious point that the materials used are eco-friendly. Either the materials are
reusable or recyclable.
Because Starex upholds the idea of environmental sustainability, we are propelled to uphold our
moral duty to use environmentally friendly solvents and look for methods to improve this practice
continuously. By combining our organic solvents with antiviral and antibacterial chemicals, which
most small dry cleaners often ignore, we safeguard our customers against health triggers. By
adhering to sanitary and hygienic standards and guidelines that align with those established by the
World Health Organization, we accept responsibility for ensuring that the health procedures are
carefully followed.
Relying on the old golden words, ‘A stitch in time saves nine.’
Starex is that one stitch that can save the face of the dry cleaning industry from pollution and also
the delicate stitches of your clothes.