ZIPS Dry Cleaning is continuing to set the standard for an environmentally responsible business by using technology that does not harm the environment.

ZIPS uses a variety of technological techniques to make sure that their dry cleaning locations does not use harmful chemicals like Tetrachloroethylene or Perchloroethylene.

Locations use a filter system to avoid the need to cook solvents, and use about75 percent less solvent than other dry cleaning companies. Because of this, ZIPS creates 90 percent less waste than most operations.

ZIPS supervises all franchises In order to maintain this level of eco-friendly practices to make sure they meet the most stringent local, state and federal regulations.

But these regulations are often not enough, and ZIPS has even set its own  goals to make the entire company environmentally responsible.

The bags at ZIPS are biodegradable and use far less plastic than the industry standard, causing them to deteriorate faster than other plastics.

The company uses 75 percent less cleaning solution, at the same time avoiding common chemicals like chlorine bleach. As for energy output, ZIPS utilizes less energy than other dry cleaning companies by operating its machines with natural gas fried boilers, which run more efficiently than electric or oil. ZIPS also avoids stills to cut dry cleaning cycle times by 50 percent.

"As ZIPS continues its development in major DMA's across the Eastern US and beyond, it is our intention to remain an industry leader. Our cutting edge technology married to our environmentally friendly process is good for the brand, the landlord, and most importantly, the consumer," said VP of Franchise Operations, Andy Cucchiara.

With an astounding 90 percent less waste than other operations, ZIPS goes a step further than mandated regulations, requiring owners to dispose of the clay filtration systems through a third party specialist that follows all government practices.

"We want to go above and beyond the basic standard of the industry. We want to be the leaders in efficient, technological and eco-friendly dry cleaning, said Cucchiara.

ZIPS, which started out in Baltimore Washington, D.C. in 1996 has expanded to almost 40 locations in the Mid-Atlantic region.