West London-based dry cleaner BLANC has underscored its environmental best practice by investing in zero-emission Mercedes-Benz eSprinters.
The business was launched in 2013 by Ludovic Blanc, a former JP Morgan vice-president who quit banking to study French eco-launderettes and set up outlets in Chelsea, Marylebone, Notting Hill and South Kensington.
“Conventional dry cleaning is neither dry nor clean,” he asserted, “because the process entails soaking garments in solvent-based cleaners.
“BLANC, by contrast, cleans all clothes, even the most delicate, in a healthy, natural and sustainable way. We rely on healthier, biodegradable detergents instead of traditionally used chemicals, which are extremely toxic.”
To support its eco credentials, BLANC has already acquired two fully electric eSprinter vans from Rossetts Commercials, and will return to the same dealer for another couple before the end of the year.
The company’s vans transport garments between its stores and its large cleaning centre in Acton, as well as making home deliveries.
The transition to an all-electric fleet represents the logical next step for the company in its work to minimise its carbon footprint in every way.
“Our customers are environmentally friendly too,” said head of operations Evan Charalampous. “They like to see us using fully electric vans that produce no harmful tailpipe emissions.”
Key to the eSprinter’s appeal for BLANC is the 2,079mm height of its load bay. Charalampous explained: “We clean a lot of longer garments, particularly evening dresses. Its high roof means these can be transported on rails in the eSprinter, something it’s not possible to do in smaller electric vans. The Mercedes-Benz vehicle’s cargo space therefore allows us to run a distribution operation that is efficient as well as sustainable.”
The eSprinter’s combined WLTP 95-mile range was also a factor in the vehicle’s choice.
Charalampous continued: “The eSprinter is beautifully smooth and comfortable to drive. Its range is more than sufficient for our purposes, while because electric vehicles are exempt from the Congestion Charge each van is potentially saving us £12.50 per day.
“Completing the picture, we like to think of BLANC as a premium brand, so we’re also attracted by the obvious synergies with Mercedes-Benz, a manufacturer whose name is synonymous with prestige and quality. The vans look great and we’re very proud of this new association.”
