Small Business Saturday Blog

Sustainable aftercare specialist BLANC offers a non-toxic alternative to conventional dry cleaning, alongside tailoring and laundry services. Committed to a fully sustainable approach to clothing and wardrobe care, BLANC is founded on the belief that the most sustainable clothes are the ones you already own.

BLANC was founded by Ludovic Blanc in 2011. He wanted to build a business that mattered, and to improve people’s health and the environment by ‘cleaning up’ an industry that was toxic and rather set in its ways. Plus, his great-grandmother worked as a launderer, so cleaning was clearly in his genes!

Ludovic discovered a tried and tested dry cleaning technology which was slowly gaining popularity in other countries but had not yet taken off in the UK. The first BLANC opened in Marylebone, with a second store 18 months later in Notting Hill.

Since then, multiple other stores have followed, and Ludovic's co-founder and partner, Mathilde, has ensured that BLANC's commitment to eco-friendly, natural cleaning and homes did not end with dry cleaning.

Mathilde has carefully curated BLANC Home, a range of environmentally friendly and natural products including natural detergents, organic soaps, and decorative items from House Doctor, Common Good, Tangent Garment Care and Marius Fabre.

The company also partnered with American Express to support their growth: Ludovic says, “BLANC has been working with American Express for many years and appreciates the brand’s understanding and support of small businesses.”

As for all businesses, adapting to the evolving situation over this past year and a half, has been quite a challenge for BLANC, with their entire business closing temporarily in March 2020 during the first lockdown.

However, the pandemic has given them an opportunity to dig further into the needs of their customers and has brought many great ideas along with it.

For example, they adapted their cleaning processes by adding a biodegradable virucidal additive to their usual detergents, and they also implemented a contactless pick-up and delivery service so that customers could continue using the services safely.

They also developed a new online app with enhanced features, making it easier for their customers to track their order status, record user preferences and manage recurring bookings.

Ludovic told us: “Navigating this period of high pressure and uncertainty was a great reminder of how important it is to support one another and our local community. Shopping small both on and offline, leaving good reviews about your favourite stores, spreading the word to your friends and family, are all great ways to help small businesses through this challenging period and beyond. BLANC are very grateful to their community of loyal customers for their support.”

Ludovic adds: “We are excited to be celebrating Small Business Saturday again and proud to take part in the Shop Small campaign this year. Check out the American Express Shop Small interactive map to find the closest BLANC store or visit our website to book a home pick-up and delivery online.”