from the editor
opinion Celebrating 25 years of Promoting Clean
Welcome to the first issue for 2024, a year during which we celebrate the 25th anniversary of African Cleaning Review, the rightful pan African mirror of professional cleaning on the continent, representing the entire value chain. It is with fond memories that I recall launching a trade magazine for the industry in a market which, at the time, was represented by a handful of suppliers and dominated by a few major contract cleaning companies. Over the years, the landscape has changed dramatically with many small- and medium-size cleaning companies being acquired by larger entities, but simultaneously with many more entering the low-barrier industry. The supplier sector proliferated as more companies realised the need for cleaning to become more professional, thus creating demand for specialised equipment and tools for companies that strived to meet increasing international standards, thereby distinguishing their services from the ordinary. As the shop window of this growing industry, African Cleaning Review played an increasingly valuable role in projecting relevant aspects including industry activities, news, innovation and in-dept features reflecting the relevance of professional cleaning across various industry sectors. The related interest resulted in growing the publication’s distribution to over 7,000 per issue on a bi-monthly basis with the value add of an annual Buyer’s Guide that provides facility managers and in-house cleaners with a valuable and informative reference tool. However, while reminiscing, it is important to take cognisance of the future and how cleaning is projected in the minds of clients. This is where African Cleaning Review’s mission is clear – to promote the value of clean and thereby change the general perception of cleaning and hygiene in general. As the leading African source of trade information for the professional cleaning and hygiene industry for 25 years, we look forward to continue in providing the latest news and trends and invite our community to join us in the next exciting phase of growth and connection to better serve our audience and industry partners. In effect, by actively Promoting Clean, we also further the professionalisation of this industry. Enjoy the read!
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The importance of delivering cleaner, safer, healthier, and more sustainable places for all people The cleaning industry has evolved significantly over the years, with numerous achievements transforming it into a vital and dynamic sector. From its humble beginnings to its current state, the industry’s progress reflects society’s changing needs and technological advancements. Looking ahead, the future of the cleaning industry promises even more innovation and adaptation to address emerging challenges, according to Stephen Ashkin.
Historical achievements: •
anitation in the early 19th S century: While cleaning dates to the early Egyptians (if not cave dwellers), the professional cleaning industry’s roots can be traced to the early 19th century when public health concerns prompted the development of sanitation practices. This marked the beginning of organised cleaning efforts. • Industrial Revolution: With the advent of the Industrial Revolution, cleaning processes became more mechanised. Innovations like the vacuum cleaner in the late 19th century and the introduction of cleaning agents in the early 20th century transformed the industry. • Green Cleaning Movement: In the latter part of the 20th century, the industry began embracing environmentally preferable cleaning practices. This shift led to the development of green cleaning products and practices, reducing the risk to worker health and the industry’s overall ecological footprint. • Technology integration: The late 20th century saw the integration of technology into cleaning. Workloading software, robotics, backpack vacuums, battery-powered
equipment, on-site production of cleaning chemicals and the use of ATP meters to measure cleaning performance are just some examples that revolutionised commercial cleaning. • Product standards and whole building rating systems: The establishment of industry-specific product standards, such as the European Flower or Green Seal, and whole building certifications from the U.S. Green Building Council and the International WELL Building Institute institutionalised green cleaning and protection for cleaning workers, building occupants and the environment.
The future of the cleaning industry: • Sustainability: As environmental, societal, and other concerns continue to grow, the cleaning industry will increasingly focus on sustainable practices and reporting. Beyond the products, requests for sustainability information focused on how the organisation itself operates will become commonplace driven by legislators/governments, investors, consumers, employees, and market competition. • Advanced cleaning technologies: The cleaning industry is poised to
