‘Moving towards Low Temperature Washing Processes’

Efforts made by the commercial laundry industry fully support sustainable development, integrating economic success and an environmentally sound approach. This explains why professional laundries are becoming increasingly interested in washing at lower temperatures. Two bleaching technologies frequently used in washing processes below 60°C are ε-phthalimido-peroxy-hexanoic acid and peracetic acid. A comparative study focusing on hygiene, bleaching and fabric care performance has led to recommendations on how, when and under what conditions these bleaching technologies deliver optimal benefits. The results of this study and economic considerations resulted in the development of the Selox micran / Peracid forte disinfection washing process at 40°C (10 min) . The process was submitted to the Robert Koch Institute (RKI) for approval under §18 IfSG (bactericidal, fungicidal, virucidal) of the German legislation. The process is especially suitable to wash clothing from old people's homes and temperature sensitive protective clothing.

Website: www.wfk.de/tagungen/idc.php

Barbara Harth, Olivier Mareau , Stefan Vautrin , Christian Vermote - Christeyns Gent , Belgium