Business concept

Silk & Clean International is developing and marketing high quality products for instant care of quality clothing and shoes for well groomed people the world over. We cooperate with well reputated companies and brands in the fashion trade, hotels, airlines and business-to-business.

The Silk & Clean History
During the 1970-80's the small and innovative Swedish car manufacturer SAAB developed a car with the same performance as exclusive sports cars with help from the turbo technique. To enlarge the market for this innovation, great means were invested in the important European market; Germany, Great Britain, France, Italy, Benelux...

In the middle of the 80's SAAB employed Hans Franzén as advertising manager. One of his assignments was a monthly visit during one week to the main markets. Already at lunch on Monday in Frankfurt the tie got it's first spot and had to be changed for dinner the same evening. On Tuesday in Brussels and in Paris on Wednesday the same happened.
Five ties had to be used on every visit. And the worst of all was that after dry cleaning none of the ties was the same again!

During this time Hans made experiments with different methods of removing stains from silk ties without destroying the fabric. One method was developed with surprisingly good result and sometime in the future this innovation should be launched as a new product.

In the middle of the 90's, Mr Franzén is discussing the method with an old fellow student, Mr Olle Matsson an eminent chemist, who confirms that the substances chosen are almost optimal regarding environmental influence, cleaning capacity and kindness to the fabric with it's often delicate printing. Today Mr Matsson is professor of organic chemistry at Uppsala University.

The new product was applied for patent in a number of countries and is today patented in the most important European countries, Japan and the UK.

Silk & Clean conquers the World
One of the first customers was Ermenegildo Zegna in Milan and ever since they are coming back every year with a new order for Silk & Clean. Gradually, leading department stores such as Harrods, Marks & Spencer, Bloomingdale's, Dillard's and Nordstroms and chain stores like TieRack, etc. have remained/become regular customers. The product has also been recognized in media by the Times and GQ in England and by Dagens Industri and Veckans Affärer in Sweden.

Silk & Clean is now in an expansive period and during 2007 Silk & Clean saved more than 1 million ties only in England and USA.

As for SAAB during the 80's, it's now important for Silk & Clean to expand on the market in Europe. As a priority on the agenda for 2008, efforts will be made on the German, French and Italian market. And a lot of journeys, pleasant lunches and why not - one or two spots on the tie!