E-DryClean is an education tool that offers up-to-date content and is easy and flexible in use.

The format is web-based, accessible 24 hours per day and offers interactive support by email and telephone during studies. An exam can be done after the studies after which the E-DryClean certificate with international value can be granted. The target groups are employees as well as the management of small and regional dry cleaning companies.

 

E-DryClean creates an international standard in knowledge and best practises, professional working methods in dry-cleaning. The best knowledge and expertise of 15 international partners has been bundled. Therefore, all relevant aspects of dry-cleaning with respect to sustainable working methods are covered by the contents of the material. The basis of the material is the European and national environmental legislation with respect to dry-cleaning solvents and wet cleaning. The best practices of solvent based dry-cleaning are treated in detail, be it the spotting, the maintenance of the machine, ventilation in the shop, where to pay extra attention to avoid emission of solvents into the environment, and many more, it is all there! Wetcleaning and alternative solvents are treated in detail; how to work with them, what can they do, what can they not do. There is an in-depth module with respect to the machine technology of solvent based and alternative dry cleaning technologies.

 

Students who have studied E-DryClean and passed the exam successfully will be able to implement the European and national environmental legislation in dry cleaning practice. They also will be able to work according to the state of the art, good housekeeping practices in the dry cleaning practice for present-day dry cleaning systems and solvents. They will be able to work according to working methods and procedures for processing and maintaining a dry cleaning machine in a proper way to minimize environmental risks.

 

For the management of the dry cleaning companies, there is an advanced module on setting up the working methods and procedures for the company to minimize environmental risks with respect to soil, water and air including setting up a solvent management plan. The material has been developed over the last 1.5 years by an international team featuring experts from the European Dry Cleaning industry and will be updated on a yearly basis to keep track of developments and changes, so E-DryClean will truly be an online European standard for sustainable working methods and procedures in dry cleaning.

 

The project was financed by Leonardo da Vinci, the life-long learning programme from the European Union which aims to support national training strategies and funds a range of transnational partnership projects. The material will be distributed by the official E-DryClean distribution partners in Belgium, Czech Republic, France, Germany, Italy, The Netherlands and The United Kingdom. CINET will be responsible for (further) international distribution.

 

 

There are many benefits to the E-DryClean education tool. Due to the previously named contents, the competence level of the European dry cleaning industry will be enhanced and professionalized further. The setup of the learning material is such, that it is self-explaining. Due to the visual appeal of the material and short text blocks, the learning is easy and fun. In addition, the content on the charts is formulated in such a way that a student without earlier acquired knowledge is able to understand the content and no additional studying material is required. That is the difference to a classical PowerPoint presentation, which mostly provides keywords and eye-catchers. And in which additional information is then given during the presentation.

 

So, the student can learn at any time that suits him or her, which allows an extremely flexible approach to learn when only a computer and internet connection are required. It can be done at home, at the company, but it can also be combined or imbedded with classical and practical training courses.

The set-up of the training material in such way, that it is suitable or both the classical courses as well as self-study.

 

 

 -TKT (The Netherlands)

-NETEX (The Netherlands, distribution partner)

-CINET (international distribution partner)

-Union S.p.A. (Italy, distribution partner)

-CTTN-IREN (France, distribution partner)

-ECSA (Belgium)

-FBT (Belgium, distribution partner)

-TZU (Czech, distribution partner)

-DTV (Germany)

-Multi Matic (Germany)

-TCT (The Netherlands)

-Böwe (Germany)

-Büfa (Germany)

-Panehellenic (Greece, distribution partner)

 

CINET publishes new sector study on Professional Textile Care

 

The professional textile care business is currently on the downward slope of its life cycle, says the study. Main reasons are the high availability of washing machines and tumblers at home, the decrease of formal dress codes involving wool garments, and an increasing portion of “easy care” and “wash and wear” items. Customers need PTC services in a broader perspective there are numerous opportunities, which can not only compensate vanishing demand, but also revitalize the life cycle curve of PTC services.

 

In a nutshell the study points out the following routes to develop a profitable future for PTC firms in Europe:

-          new services, which facilitate customers access to PTC like valet services and online support

-          new customer groups, which broaden the base for PTC companies like banks, consultancies, nursing homes

-          “green cleaning” – ecological improvements in production and processes

-          quality commitment, indicated by certificates

-          digital marketing on an individual base, but joint marketing campaigns of collaborating PTC firms

 

New Services And New Customer Groups Revitalize Life Cycle
For too long, PTC has been seen as a production process or a handicraft activity. That had kept emphasis on the priority of cleaning processes and internal logistics. The competitive PTC business of the future will be first of all a totally customer focussed service. “Facilitate the life of PTC customers, collect items to be cleaned at their home, and bring them back after cleaning”, is one recommendation of the study, which documents examples of valet services in different countries. Or: “Establish online support: the customer can demand and prepare cleaning services online, including the planning of pick up and drop off at his home, he can review his basket before ordering, and he can pay online.” Though this might be unusual with private customers today, it is recommended by the author to regain attractivity in private households. “24 hours service, Pick up, drop off and online support are proven techniques in the modern industrial laundry service system. PTC companies should adapt that approach to their requirements and market opportunities. Enlarging the service will also allow to offer to new customer groups like for example lawyer firms, banks, hotels and nursing homes.  

Green Cleaning
Traditionally the PTC production is often perceived as an ecologically questionable process, which uses water, energy and contaminates with its detergents and solvents the environment. However, progress at this front is turning the picture dramatically. Recent research indicates that the private household washing machines and tumblers cause are ecologically less efficient than the professional production. New technologies and a professional organisation of processes and logistics in laundering and the “cradle to cradle” approach in dry cleaning minimizes emissions and energy costs. But this is not communicated sufficiently, neither to PTC shop managers nor to consumers, the study points out. 

 

Commitment To Quality
Consumer research clarified that the quality of service is the most important success factor in the PTC business. This should be specifically addressed with quality certificates, which ensure that the cleaning process and the machines are monitored to ensure a good quality. However, the certification process needs to be adapted to the properties of small and medium sized enterprises with few employees like for example the matrix certification of DTV in Germany.

 

A severe challenge for the small and medium sized PTC industry is an effective marketing. Consumer research has shown that over 45 % of current customers are not clear about the offering of their PTC provider. The study states an information gap, but also a branding and a confidence problem. Usually marketing ensures sufficient information and trust relative to the services offered. The majority of PTC shops is too small to run traditional campaigns in the current media flooded world. However, direct marketing is quite easy for firms using an electronic cash system, and also joint marketing of collaborating companies is a viable way to promote quality seals, brands, and joint business solutions.

 

The average PTC firm in Europe is too small to adapt a large portion of measures for a secure and profitable future. It is the role of associations, partners in the supply chain (a.o. suppliers) and government to facilitate this adaption process by supplying some initial resources, enabling know how transfer or organizing groups for collaboration.

 

 

 

New Orleans, Friday 19th of June 2009 at the educational session organised by CINET during the Cleanshow 2009, the Cinet Board announced the Fashion Care 2009 initiative of DTV / EFIT Germany to be the winner of$ 10.000 in P.R. value. Cinet will organise P.R. activities to support this initiative during 2009 / 2010. The study revealed that not all PC market segments suffer a major decline in turnover.

 

The economic crisis we face today is indeed a global one. Strong economic decline, a collapse of stock markets, loss of trust and hence malfunctioning of financial markets, (severe) loss of turnover in (some) markets and almost a stop of essential investments.

 

Therefore Cinet, the international committee for Professional Textile Care took the initiative to organise a questionnaire amongst the international member organisations en trade experts for suggestions as how to deal with the crisis and to improve market circumstances and to create business opportunities with a perspective of growth in sales and profits again.

 

From the over 100 ideas and suggestions the Fashion Care initiative was selected by the advisory committee to receive the Cinet award of $ 10.000 in P.R. value. The Fashion Care concept is set up by the German based EFIT organisation, supported by the German trade association for drycleaners and laundries DTV. The initiative aims to provide a quality label for high quality services and maintenance (based on a certificate), on the basis of a close cooperation in the (international) supply chain of textiles and garment products, including a 100% guarantee on cleaning, joint promotion and service arrangements. This initiative aims to raise a more profitable business.

 

Other ideas included proposals for an international database on technical issues, development of new products and services, functionalisation of materials, research and technology suggestions and more "green" cleaning. The crisis is not effecting the full extend of the PTC market. In general consumer turnover seem limited effected. Major set backs are occurring in specific market area's such as the hotel/restaurant markets, transportation and building sectors. The outcome of the questionnaires is available on the CINET website as of the 23rd of June next.

 

For more information, please contact the undersigned.

 

Cinet is an international umbrella organization for the dry cleaning and laundry industry to consumer and business to business. Cinet relies on a broad international membership and extends and sets up initiatives in order to achieve this and build up a Global Info Network.

 

For more information:

Address: CINET, P.O. Box 10, NL-4060 GA OPHEMERT. Tel: +31 344 65 04 30

 

 

Ophemert, March 2009

 

 

The Professional Textile Care Academy (PTCA), in conjunction with Associés en Edition, proudly presents an exciting Conference, Networking and Workshop programme at the 5th, 6th and 7th of April 2009 at the JET Expo, Porte de Versailles, Paris.

CINET, the International Committee of Textile Care, took the initiative to organise and coordinate an advanced conference and workshop programme, in cooperation with AFL, CFET-IDF, CTTN-IREN, Foblatex, FFPB, UNEA and URBH.  The comprehensive and stimulating three day event, covers issues on international and European (future) perspectives, management, marketing, markets, quality, environment, state of the art technology and latest trends. The programme is worthwhile to participate; learn from / be informed by well known experts and establish new relationships.

 

The development of the French market is creating a demand for more sophisticated laundry and dry cleaning products and services. The PTCA presents practical guidelines and solutions, such as textile rental business practices, (hygiene) standards and quality control mechanisms, environmental friendly textile processing technologies, et cetera.

The PTCA objectives are to realise a Professional Textile Care (PTC) platform and to match business partnerships. Thus an exciting programme was created where professionals and industry experts, as well as government officials, meet to establish business contacts and exchange trade information. The PTCA initiative offers an outstanding programme and provides excellent networking facilities.

 For more information about the PTCA programme visit www.cinet-online.net/ptca

 

The objective of the CINET programme is to stimulate business development, research and technology development and information exchange within the Professional Textile Care industry. Key issues are Innovation and New Technology, Environmental Legislation, Marketing Strategy & Concepts.

 

CINET is pleased to organise and coordinate an advanced conference and workshop program to receive international guests and provide hospitality and personal introductions to leading business men and experts within the industry.

 

It covers:

-        the CINET General Assembly (only members) (5th of April 2009)                   
-        the Global Info Square Meeting (5th of April 2009)
-        a Social program (a.o. dinnershow at Lido on Saturday 4th of April)

-        Company visits (Paris Region) (4th and 6th of April 2009)

-        PTCA Conference (5th - 7th of April 2009)      

During the Global Info Square Meeting speakers from Europe and Canada will address the market situation in their country. The will discuss market trends and figures and will look into the future.

CINET offers an arrangement for the famous Lido. The Lido is a cabaret / dancing show and diner, situated on the world famous Champs Elysées. The Lido guarantees an exceptional evening, with about 70 artists, 23 sets and 600 sumptuous costumes. Costs: euro 110,- p.p. (special rate).

 

On Saturday the 4^th of April in the afternoon CINET will visit some 5àsec stores. 5àsec is the world's leading retailer in textile care and treatment, focused on customer's satisfaction. This visit will definitely be worthwhile. 

 

The company visit on Monday the 6^th of April in the morning will bring you to the laundry of Salpétrière’s hospital  in Paris, one of the biggest hospital laundries in France.

 

Comité INternational de L'Entretien du Textile
P.O. Box 10
NL-4060 GA Ophemert
Tel. +31 (0)344 65 04 30
Fax +31 (0)344 65 26 65
www.cinet-online.net

By organizing this initiative CINET invites the proper authorities from the different European countries to plead for a low VAT rate for textile cleaning to the council of the European Union. CINET suggests the European countries to include Textile Cleaning in Annex H (Article 12 of the Sixth VAT Directive) or to adjust the description of “domestic care services” category in such a way that besides maintenance and repair also cleaning (renewing) will be included.