A Q&A with a Leading Absorbent Supplier

What is DRC and what are its advantages?

Double Re-Creped (DRC) Technology is a manufacturing process that enhances the strength, absorbency, bulk, softness and appearance of paper-based wipers. For general purpose cleaning and wiping, DRC is the overall best medium-duty, cost-per-use wiper.

Sellars is one of only two manufacturers in the world that have the proprietary core technology to make DRC wipes, wipers and towels.

In fact, Sellars holds 20 U.S. and 33 international patents for DRC technology and makes more grades than any company in the world – all while meeting EPA Compressive Procurement Guidelines.

What are the best uses for a DRC wiper?

DRC wipers are stronger than traditional paper towels and come in a variety of strengths to match the task at hand.

Due to their superior performance, they can be used for wet or dry cleaning and wiping in industrial, factory, shop, office and home settings.

They’re also ideal for disinfecting applications in schools, universities, government facilities and LEED-certified buildings.

What are some of Sellars’ DRC products?

Sellars has a complete line of 5 different DRC wipers to meet a variety of applications that cover light-duty, medium-duty and heavy-duty situations.

For example, Sellars’ Mayfair® Z200 Wipers product is made with 100% recycled fibers and is ideal for spray-and-wipe light-duty cleaning in food service, washrooms, kitchens and coffee bars and general office settings.

The TOOLBOX® Z400 Blue Wipers are made with up to 60% recycled fibers. They can handle medium to heavy-duty wiping of machinery, automotive equipment and dirty hands. The blue color hides grease and grime so they can be used frequently before being discarded.

The TOOLBOX® Z700 White Wipers are made with 25% recycled cellulose fibers and are ideal for most heavy-duty and fluid wiping situations. The rags work like cloth and are a low lint wiper. They are available in a refillable, wall mounting Big Grip Bucket so they can be placed outside or in wet work areas and remain dry until needed.

Are DRC wipers stronger than a traditional wiper?

DRC wipers are incredibly strong and deliver more durability than a traditional wiper. They work like cloth, are highly absorbent and soft to the touch.

In fact, DRC wipers deliver double the strength of ordinary paper towels when wet.

Do DRC wipers include recycled materials?

Yes, DRC wipers are made using a mixture of recycled and raw virgin fibers.

DRC wipers from Sellars use recycled paper waste that’s been de-inked and shredded into fibers. Non-recycled virgin fibers are added to the recycled fibers – increasing the maximum performance of the soon-to-be wipers. During the manufacturing process, pressure is applied during two different steps to squeeze out water and bond the fibers.

In the final step, a synthetic latex resin is mixed into the product to further bind the fibers together and create a double re-crepe cellulose base, which gives them double the strength of ordinary paper towels when wet. The final product is a high-quality wiper that is made using 40% or more recycled fibers.

How can using recycled wipers contribute to a company’s sustainability efforts?

Businesses can earn LEED-EB credits by choosing wipers that are made from recycled content. Since the TOOLBOX® GREENX Z400 Natural Wipers contain reclaimed materials and post-consumer content, they meet EPA guidelines and using them can add LEED-EB credits in both operations and maintenance categories.

How do I know what sort of wiper I need?

Choosing the best product and substrate for different applications is as simple as answering three questions:

1. What is the wiping product being used for?
2. What types of surfaces is the wiping product being used on?
3. In what environment will you be using the wiping product?

In most cases, you can’t choose a “wrong” wiping product, but you may be able to choose a better one based on how and where it is used. A “better” choice may reduce the number of wipers needed to complete a task, the shine of the surface and the lint (or lack of) left behind.

Sellars’ website has a complete guide to choosing the right product. Customer service representatives are also available to provide guidance and recommendations.

Customer service can be reached at 1-800-237-8454 ext. 2 from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. CST, Monday through Friday.