Innovation

The innovation of King Cleaners is their use of a silicone-based cleaner with biodegradable ingredients that leaves clothes brighter, softer and fresher. Ayaz is confident in the fact that his cleaning compounds "are biodegradable and so gentle that you can use it on your face.” Ayaz had this business passed down to him, and this innovation emerged through the changing times and prevalence of corporate social responsibility.

Although this business was passed down to him with corporate social responsibility incorporated into its values, Ayaz took it a step further and affiliated himself with GreenEarth to expand on the creation of the innovation. This innovation relates to King Cleaners' mission of having exceptional service, quality and pricing. King Cleaners puts a strong emphasis on their value of the environment.

Inspiration

Ayaz’s company, King Cleaners, was passed down to him. He officially bought the company in 1991. Having an environmentally friendly establishment in 1991, when corporate social responsibility was not prominent, was revolutionary. The business was already as environmentally friendly as it could have been for that era. With this new age of corporate social responsibility dawning upon us, Ayaz understood the reality of the changing world and kept up with the times to accommodate the engaged stakeholders.

His motivation to continue and expand on the innovative business plan consisted of concern for the environment and the health of his employees. Ayaz also holds his employees' health to the highest standard. The use of this silicone-based cleaner prevents his employees from being exposed to toxic chemicals in the work environment. He “values the environment and the health of our employees through the elimination of hazardous, polluting and toxic chemicals in the workplace.” Ayaz holds great pride in knowing he is not inflicting any harm to his valued employees.

Overall impact

King Cleaners provides excellent service to their customers along with society and the environment. King Cleaners addresses many of the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals. The GreenEarth license allows King Cleaners to use a cleaner made of silicone rather than the common petrochemicals that must be dug up from fossil fuels. King Cleaners contributes to Goal 13 (climate action) by supporting alternatives to fossil fuels that pollute the air. Using GreenEarth’s silicone cleaner prevents toxins from polluting our water as well.

Supporting GreenEarth also means supporting Water.org, which provides toilets and drinkable water for those in developing countries. By protecting our water and supporting important foundations like Water.org, King Cleaners addresses Goal 6 (clean water and sanitation). Not only this, but King Cleaners also prides itself on using modern energy-efficient washing equipment that uses less energy and consumes water at a much more sustainable rate as opposed to competitors. By using a solvent that is produced without impact to the environment, their customers can leave feeling proud that they are making the responsible choice. For this reason, King Cleaners does their part by contributing to Goal 12 (responsible consumption & production).

As if these efforts were not enough, King Cleaners goes above and beyond as they address Goal 11 (sustainable cities and communities). King Cleaners makes an effort to provide customers with information they need to live sustainably at home by delivering green cleaning tips on their website and brochures in-store. They also present customers with various opportunities to get involved in their community and support environmental solutions. All these efforts contribute to reducing Guelph’s carbon footprint and making our community stronger.

Business benefit

“King Cleaners is a market leader due to their affiliation with GreenEarth and proven commitment to a sustainable community.” This has given their company numerous benefits both financially and socially. King Cleaners has a strong customer base with approximately 80% of these customers being regulars. Their GreenEarth cleaning system has given them a competitive advantage as they are the leading brand in the industry and the only dry cleaners in Guelph to take part in the green cleaning initiative. This advantage, combined with their exceptional branding and community presence, makes them a leader in the dry cleaning industry. From 1991 until today, they have been able to maintain a strong customer base while keeping prices reasonable, service strong, and quality pristine, all whilst keeping the environment as a key part of the business model.

Social and environmental benefit

Unlike their competitors, King Cleaners uses GreenEarth silicone-based cleaners for everyday operations. “Petrochemicals, specifically a chemical called ‘Perc,’ is the current industry standard for dry cleaning,” said Ayaz. Perc is the most common petrochemical, and it is very harmful to water bodies and the air we breathe. These chemicals are very harsh to work alongside, and sustained exposure has been linked to a host of health problems such as neurological, reproductive and respiratory problems like asthma. Also, both Perc and hydrocarbons are possible contributors to cancer. Along with being harmful to the environment and our health, Perc is a chemical that can be harsh on clothing and may deteriorate the quality of clothing serviced. Ayaz took the initiative to make a difference and deviate from the norm to both better the work environment for his staff and benefit customers. Hydrocarbons are another petrochemical that pollutes the air. By not using these chemicals, King Cleaners is reducing our region’s vulnerability to smog.

Interview

Ayaz Lalani, King Cleaners Owner