DRY cleaning group Johnson Service is to implement an environmentally-friendly dry cleaning process in its UK stores.
It has the UK rights to use the GreenEarth technology, a silicone-based cleaning process developed in the US.
GreenEarth replaces traditional chlorinated dry cleaning solvents such as the most commonly used perchloroethylene, which lobby groups including Greenpeace have claimed are hazardous.
Johnson is hoping the green credentials of the new technique will give it an edge over the competition, which it yesterday warned would remain strong during the rest of the year.
Chairman John Hancox said: "Existing and impending legislation in North America and parts of Europe clearly demonstrates that dry cleaning will have to rely increasingly on environmentally acceptable processes, and GreenEarth will provide us with a first-to-market advantage."
The process has already been tested in Johnson's stores, with the technology now set to be adopted across the 500-store chain during the next two years.
Reporting results for the six months to June 28, Johnson said it slipped into the red with pre-tax losses of £5.5m, compared with profits of £9.2m last year. The bottom line was hit by a £14.1m charge relating to goodwill on acquisitions.
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