Frequently Asked Questions
Why should I convert to GreenEarth? The advantages with GreenEarth have been divided into some key categories. Click on each category to review some of the GreenEarth benefits.
Test Sites
Environmental issues
Processing costs
Affiliate benefits
Technical advantages
Other Frequenlty Asked Questions
Test Sites
• What is the status of test site licences? Twelve test site licences have been offered. No more test sites are planned.
• Can I visit a test site? Yes, by prior arrangement. Test sites have agreed to open their operations to others that are interested. However, we also do not want to unreasonable disrupt operations. Visits are limited to 3 hours - plenty of time to see a few loads; see how post spotting is performed, look and feel the garments, examine the cleanliness of the work.
• Are there any reported results from the test sites? Two of the test sites have now been operational for over a year and one for nearly two years. The following results have been reported
- No pre-spotting
- Less than 3% post spotting
- No claims as a result of cleaning or spotting errors
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Environmental Issues
• Can I dispose of waste in the normal rubbish collection? You are not required to dispose of Silcleen100 as hazardous waste. Silcleen 100 degrades to sand, water and CO2. Like most products that fall outside normal waste, trade waste is usually collected by local councils at little or no cost.
• Some are saying there is a health risk with GreenEarth. Could you please comment? There is no health risk. This solvent is one of the most heavily studied products ever used; it is a modified liquid silicone similar to the base ingredients used in underarm deodorant, cosmetics, shaving lotion, etc.
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Costs
• How much is it going to cost me to buy Silcleen100? The per litre solvent cost is more, but consumption is a lot less. In either case, your solvent cost is less than .5% of your total costs. In addition, with GreenEarth finishing is faster, soap costs go down; claims go down, fewer OH&S issues and an environmentally sound option. It is more expensive when you put it in, but you’ll experience lower operating costs.
• What is the price of the GreenEarth solvent, Silcleen100? Currently $6.95 plus GST in 20 litre drums. Delivery in smaller quantities is also available. This solvent has less usage as it is less volatile than perc.
• Where do I purchase spotting chemicals, solvent and soap? From your local supplier with approved GreenEarth products. GreenEarth does not supply solvent, spotting chemicals, dry cleaning equipment or powders. All this is done through your industry suppliers and existing brand names.
• Can I buy the GreenEarth solvent from my normal supplier? Yes. There are approved manufacturers and your local licenced suppliers can provide everything to meet your needs.
• How much does it cost to use GreenEarth? Because the GreenEarth Cleaning System is based upon a process patent, each Affiliate pays an annual Affiliation Fee which is based upon the number of drycleaning machines that will be using the patented process. The annual Affiliation Fee in Australia and New Zealand is $1,500 per machine plus. This is the same for all cleaners regardless of size and there are no additional fees tied to gross sales.
By treating all cleaners in the same way, "it is good for everybody". The annual Affiliation Fee permits use of the patented process and allows you to display the fact that you are a GreenEarth Affiliated Cleaner via window decal, Yellow Pages advertising, in-store signage, and mailers. It also allows you to access all of the information available in the Affiliates Section of this web site.
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About Being An Affiliate
• What do I get for my licence fee? GreenEarth is a licensed product and everyone associated with it is licensed. There is a standard worldwide licence fee. As an affiliate of GreenEarth Australasia you also receive support services that include:
- a marketing kit,
- best practices,
- an operating guide,
- a trouble shooting guide,
- a network of worldwide affiliates,
. . . an entire solution
• Who do I contact after I have begun GreenEarth when I have a problem? A GreenEarth operation is an easier business than you now have, but if you have questions, you’ll rely on your existing support services, just like now. If you need more assistance, you have the worldwide network of GreenEarth users (affiliates) and GreenEarth Australasia to assist you.
• Who will train me in the operation of the equipment? Licenced GreenEarth vendors know their equipment and how to operate it. Just like now, you’ll receive support from these industry experts. If you need more assistance, you have the worldwide network of GreenEarth users (affiliates) and GreenEarth Australasia to assist you.
• Can anyone get a license to use GreenEarth? GreenEarth is available to any retail drycleaner in Australia and New Zealand. Since this is a patented process, it will be necessary for you to sign appropriate licencing documetns and pay an annual Affiliation Fee. In some areas, where test sites are being performed, there may be a delay in issuing a licence.
If you are interested in speaking with a GreenEarth representative to discuss the specifics, please click here for our contact information.
• Who will train me with spotting,the use of chemicals, and maintenance of the equipment? Licenced GreenEarth vendors know their products and how to use them. Just like now, you’ll receive support from these industry experts. In addition, GreenEarth has a DVD which will provide you additional, technical information. If you need more assistance, you have the worldwide network of GreenEarth users (affiliates) and GreenEarth Australasia to assist you.
• Is there a written procedure for equipment operation, maintenance, and use of chemicals? Yes. There is both an operating manual and a trouble shooting guide.
• Is there a marketing package for GreenEarth, how do I get it, and how do I use it? Yes. Samples are posted on our web site. A password is supplied to all GreenEarth affiliates which gives you complete access to this information.
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Technical Issues
• What are the relative merits of Silcleen100 as compared to hydrocarbon?
- GreenEarth is not classified as a VOC.
- It degrades to sand, water and CO2.
- It is not flammable.
- There is no odor
- The garments have a much better feel.
- A plant is more likely to be accepted into shopping centers and high rise buildings.
- Load classification is better as you can mix loads and colors resulting in fewer ½ loads and better solvent mileage.
• What is the Solution’s KB Value? KB stands for Kauri Butanol, which is a measure of a solvent’’s aggressiveness when dissolving a substance called kauri gum (degreasing ability). Because the chemistry of the Solution is entirely different from perc and hydrocarbon solvents, cleanability cannot be measured as a KB value.
Instead, it is more pertinent to measure cleanability by surface tension. The Solution has a very low surface tension, which allows it to lift soils from the fabric easily and effectively -- without aggressiveness.
The lower KB value of the Solution is actually an advantage. It allows cleaners to clean sensitive and delicate textiles without aggressiveness or worry of damage, while the lower surface tension results in overall excellent cleaning. When measured against DF-2000 or hydrocarbons, the cleaning is usually twice as effective.
• Are different spotting agents or techniques required? There are some differences. In general, there is a lot less spotting and no prespotting is required. Post spotting uses primarily steam and air to blow off stains which have separated from the fibers as a result of the GreenEarth lubrication. Other postpotting techniques are highlighted in the GreenEarth DVD.
• I've heard that the Solution turns out garments that are soft and wrinkle-free. Will I still need sizing? We have not found that we need sizing. Chemical companies are working on sizing additives for those who may feel they need them.
• I've heard that GreenEarth doesn't clean as well, that it's a bad degreaser. Is that true? GreenErath is a great lubricant. No pre-spotting is required and a minimum amount of post-spotting is performed. Click here to see the test site results.
• I've heard that I'll have to do a lot more spotting. Is that true? There is no pre-spotting and only about 3% of the garments need to be post-spotted.
• Which machines do you recommend? Most major manufacturers offer a machine that works with GreenEarth. Click here to view a list of approved manufacturers and locally licenced suppliers.
• I’ve heard that there is only one manufacturer of Silcleen100. Is this true? No. There are 3 manufacturers who are approved to manufacture D5 for the dry cleaning industry. They are Shin-Etsu, Dow Corning, and General. Electric. GreenEarth Australasia has chosen Shin–Etsu as their Australian and New Zealand manufacturer. ADMIL, a major distributor in Australasia, provides Silcleen100 is small lots to service the drycleaner’s needs. Currently the other suppliers sell in large tonne quantities. Far beyond the need of a drycleaner
• Is there a written procedure for equipment operation, maintenance, and use of chemicals? Yes. There is both an operating manual and a trouble shooting guide.
• What is the flash point? The flash point is 170 degrees F. Equally as important, the fire point is 190 degrees F. The 20 degrees between the flash point and the fire point is "self-extinguishing," which means that a crust is formed on the surface of the Solution that extinguishes any spark, making a flame virtually impossible prior to reachin 190 degrees F.
• What is the boiling point? 410 degrees F.
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Converting Equipment
• How do I go about converting my existing perc machine? Currently, conversions are under review and are only available for test sites at this time.
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Other Frequently Asked Questions
Scroll down to read about the advantages with GreenEarth and answer some of the more frequently asked questions. Discover why existing drycleaners are converting to GreenEarth and new operators are selecting it as their cleaning solution of choice.
- What is GreenEarth®? GreenEarth is the brand name for liquid silicone solution, decamethylpentacyclosiloxane, or D5. It is an exclusive, patented dry cleaning process whose name and logo are trademarked (there are no “generic” forms of GreenEarth).
- Why is it better for the earth? About ninety percent of dry cleaners use a solvent known as perc, short for perchloroethylene, a chlorinated hydrocarbon classified by the US EPA as a Toxic Air Contaminant. Use of perc is highly regulated because indiscriminate disposal of perc can seriously contaminate soil and groundwater, and exposure can irritate eyes, nose and throat, as well as cause headaches, dizziness or fatigue. Perc is also classified by the US EPA as a possible to probable human carcinogen.
In contrast, GreenEarth is so safe the US EPA has chosen not to regulate it, which means it safe for the air, water and soil. What’s more, the GreenEarth solution is not a VOC , it’s non-toxic, and non-hazardous. If you wanted to, you could safely rub it on your skin. In fact, you probably already do. That’s because GreenEarth’s solution is pure liquid silicone—essentially liquefied sand. It’s the same base ingredient found in everyday shampoos, soaps and lotions. Plus, when you spill or dispose of GreenEarth solution, within days it safely degrades back into its three natural components: sand (SiO2), water and carbon dioxide.
- Why is it better for clothes? GreenEarth solution is different from dry cleaning solvents in that it is chemically inert, meaning it does not interact with the textile fabric or dyes during the cleaning process. This helps preserve the quality of garments, eliminate problems with fabric wear or color loss, maintain a soft “hand” and prevent shrinkage. Delicate silks, suede, leather, beads, sequins, painted garments, special trims, couture, heirloom fabrics—all are no problem at all. And, unlike petroleum based solvents like perc or hydrocarbon, GreenEarth is odorless, so there is no lingering chemical smell on your clothes.
- Why is it better for dry cleaners? Dry cleaners face a difficult dilemma: it can be very expensive to purchase and operate an environmentally responsible cleaning system. GreenEarth is the one truly “green” system that is affordable for dry cleaners. The cost for a machine capable of using GreenEarth is similar to the perc machines most dry cleaners currently use. And, because it requires less labor to process and finish items cleaned in GreenEarth and can be configured to use less energy than traditional systems, dry cleaners using GreenEarth enjoy better operating efficiency. Best of all, because it produces a noticeable difference that customers can see, touch and smell, GreenEarth helps dry cleaners attract and keep loyal customers.
The only other truly “green” alternatives in dry cleaning are CO2 and 100% wet cleaning. The problem for dry cleaners, especially the small “mom and pop” cleaners who are the back bone of the industry, is that it is very difficult to make a living operating exclusively with either of these eco-friendly systems. CO2 machines can cost three times as much as the perc machines they are used to; and 100% wet cleaning systems, because they require more labor to produce and finish wet cleaned garments, are very expensive to operate with. Less than one-third of one percent of dry cleaners operates with CO2 or 100% wet cleaning.
- How many GreenEarth Affiliates are there? There are more than 1000 active licenses world wide. Locate the GreenEarth Affiliate closest to you by using the store locator on the GreenEarth Cleaning web site.
- What is the regulatory outlook for dry cleaning and GreenEarth? Dry cleaning is under increasing regulatory scrutiny. California’s ban on the use of perc and the purchase of perc machines is widely regarded as the beginning of the end of perc solvents. New Jersey, Massachusetts, New York and Toronto are all considering similar bans. If the industry continues to drag its feet when it comes to adopting “more environmentally-friendly alternatives”, regulators can be expected to grow increasingly concerned and increase legislative pressure. GreenEarth continues to meet and exceed all regulatory requirements and regulations.
- Has there been much testing done on GreenEarth? GreenEarth is the only alternative solvent to perform and openly report extensive testing on its health, environmental and safety profile. Over $30 million worth of independent testing and research has been done on D5 solvent to confirm that it is ecologically friendly and safe to use in all of its many applications, including dry cleaning. GreenEarth also underwrote a comprehensive, 2002 IFI Fellowship Study, which compared the GreenEarth system to the industry standard “perc system”. The IFI declared it to be “as effective as perc with no environmental concerns”. Independent waste stream and air exposure testing confirmed that D5 as used in daily dry cleaning operation exceeds all federal, state and local requirements for water and air safety.
- I’ve heard that GreenEarth causes cancer, is that true? No. This rumor originated from news coverage around the release of a voluntary 2-year bioassay study commissioned by Dow Corning, a manufacturer of D5. News reporters like to create controversy, and an erratic finding of this study allowed them to do just that. The study tested the effects of chronic inhalation of D5 at 160 ppm (parts per million) on lab rats. What is important to understand is that this test was designed to study effects of total air saturation of D5 as a chemical, not its use in a dry cleaning application, where workplace or consumer exposure is less than 2 ppm. Some of the female rats in the study developed pre-cancerous indicators; they did not develop cancer. The same pre-cancerous indicators were also seen in female rats in the control cells of the test, leading many to conclude that other factors, not D5, caused the effect. Follow up research was conducted by the Silicones Environmental, Health and Safety Council (SEHSC), and concluded that the effects observed in the Dow Corning study were rat-specific (they occurred through a biological series of pathways that do not exist in humans) and declared that D5 does not pose a health risk to humans. The bioassay study was first issued in 2003, with a final report in 2005. The US EPA has evaluated the need for further risk assessment of D5 in dry cleaning or any other application and has determined that regulation is not necessary.
This solvent is one of the most heavily studied products ever used; it is a modified liquid silicone similar to the base ingredients used in underarm deodorant, cosmetics, shaving lotion, etc.
- I am seeing a lot of “organic” dry cleaning claims, is GreenEarth organic? No. And that is a good thing. “Organic”, as it relates to chemistry, refers to anything with a carbon backbone. Gasoline and asphalt are organic. Dry cleaners who market themselves this way are purposefully misleading the consumer. Perc and hydrocarbon classify as organic solvents. Many well intentioned dry cleaners have converted from perc to hydrocarbon believing that it was a good “green” alternative. But while certainly a big improvement over perc, hydrocarbons are classified as a VOC, and are a likely contributor to smog formation. They would likely require clean up if spilled. And, like perc, hydrocarbon is listed by the EPA as a neurotoxin and skin and eye irritant for workers. The good news is that most machines designed to use hydrocarbon solvent are also designed to use GreenEarth solution, so dry cleaners using hydrocarbon can affordably convert to a truly green system if they want to.
- Can a GreenEarth cleaner dispose of waste in the normal rubbish collection? The cleaner is not required to dispose of Silcleen100 as hazardous waste. Silcleen 100 degrades to sand, water and CO2. Like most products that fall outside normal waste, trade waste is usually collected by local councils at little or no cost.
- Can anyone get a license to use GreenEarth? GreenEarth is available to any retail drycleaner in Australia and New Zealand.
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Information presented above is based on data obtained from a variety of sources. For current updates, please return to this page frequently or contact your local GreenEarth representative at info@gecleaning.com.
If you are interested in speaking with a GreenEarth representative to discuss the specifics, please click here for our contact information.
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