Xeros
Joins forces with BASF to develop next generation bead cleaning technology
Future of commercial laundry to be showcased at The Clean Show 2013 in New Orleans
Manchester, New Hampshire (May 13, 2013) – Xeros Ltd., the UK-based innovator of an ultra low water cleaning system, announced today that it has partnered with the chemical company BASF to jointly develop polymer beads based on engineering plastics that will increase the cleaning power in laundry applications. This long-term agreement reflects the mutual commitment of the two companies to maximize the commercialisation of the Xeros cleaning system and protect the environment by conserving water and energy.
“This is an exciting time for Xeros,” said Bill Westwater, Chief Executive Officer of Xeros Ltd. “Our growth strategy is on target, building on the momentum of our international expansion into the United States via our subsidiary Xeros Inc.. This long-term partnership with BASF solidifies the future of our revolutionary cleaning system, bringing us together with one of the world’s most powerful companies in terms of chemical engineering, product performance and social responsibility.”
With installations underway in three distinct segments of the commercial laundry industry, Xeros will formally launch its new system to the worldwide commercial laundry market at the June 2013 Clean Show in New Orleans. Xeros will showcase its innovative bead-cleaning technology and highlight the future of the commercial and residential laundry industry at the event, which will be held June 20-22 at the New Orleans Morial Convention Center. Here, guests will have an opportunity to see the Xeros technology in action and meet the creative minds behind it.
The Xeros cleaning system comprises a special washing machine designed to release the beads into the drum for cleaning, and which then removes the beads from the clothes once the cleaning is complete. With at least 70% less water, up to 50% less energy and approximately 50% less detergent, the Xeros system delivers superior cleaning results compared to conventional washing. The beads have a lifespan of hundreds of washes before being collected and recycled.
“On the one side, as globally active chemical company we can support Xeros through our global network and the worldwide availability of our materials. On the other side we can make use of our strong research and development base which can provide tailormade plastics with specific combinations of properties,” explains Matthias Dietrich from BASF’s business unit Engineering Plastics Europe.
Through the use of polymer bead technology, the Xeros cleaning process has shown to be more effective than traditional “soap and water” methods. By combining the beads’ molecular structure with a proprietary detergent solution, the result is a superior cleaning medium that beats even water. The dirt from soiled items is attracted and absorbed by the beads, producing cleaner results than aqueous washing methods.
The Xeros system first entered the U.S. market at Manchester, NH’s Sterling Linen Services, a high-quality linen processing and rental service for area hotels, hospitals and restaurants. Xeros quickly followed by installing its next machine at the Hyatt Regency Reston in Reston, VA, which began using Xeros’ proprietary bead cleaning solution for its guestrooms and restaurants. Then, in February 2013, the company extended its reach into the North American dry cleaning channel with the installment of a third unit at Crest Cleaners in Clifton, Virginia.
