5 minute read
Industry News
Leading global hygiene and cleaning-product company Diversey has announced the acquisition of the global intellectual property rights related to Accelerated Hydrogen Peroxide ® (AHP ® ), an innovative and revolutionary technology, from Virox Technologies, Inc.
Accelerated Hydrogen Peroxide ® (AHP ® ) is a globally patented, synergistic blend of commonly used ingredients that produces exceptional potency as a germicide and superior performance as a cleaner. AHP has proven to be a fast, effective, responsible and sustainable solution. Each year, healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) and food-borne illnesses impact millions of people globally.
Over the past decade, Diversey and Virox have partnered to develop a number of AHP-based solutions, including leading brands such as Oxivir ® , Accel ® and ViperTM/MC, to address these concerns.
In previous years, Diversey has invested significantly to build a leadership position in healthcare and infection prevention through thought leadership, innovation, and evidence-based product and practice development. This acquisition supports Diversey’s continued mission to reduce preventable infections, control associated costs and, ultimately, help save lives across the world.
“With a mission to protect and care for people every day, infection prevention is a major focus for Diversey. Adding this intellectual property to our portfolio will enhance our ability to accelerate innovation and grow our position in infection prevention globally,” said Mark Burgess, CEO of Diversey.
Industry urged to review cleaning practices as coronavirus spreads
The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared the new strain of coronavirus a public health emergency of international concern.
The decision was announced after a Geneva meeting of the international organisation’s emergency committee. Director-General of WHO Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus described the virus as an “unprecedented outbreak” that has been met with an “unprecedented response”.
“The main reason for this declaration is not because of what is happening in China, but because of what is happening in other countries. “Our greatest concern is the potential for the virus to spread to other countries with weaker health systems.” Coronaviruses (CoV) refer to a family of viruses that cause illnesses ranging from the common cold to more severe diseases such as Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS-CoV) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS-CoV). The 2019-nCoV, also known as the Wuhan coronavirus is a novel or new coronavirus, that was first identified in humans in Wuhan, China, in December 2019.
While no cases were reported in South Africa as of January 29, 2020, there were more than 6 000 confirmed cases worldwide, including eight cases of human-to-human transmission in four countries, and the virus had been reported in as many as 18 countries outside of China.
According to Biorisk management professional, Patty Olinger, executive director of the Global Biorisk Advisory Council, a division ISSA, the worldwide cleaning industry association, everyone, including cleaning professionals, needs to pay close attention to what is going on in the world regarding the Wuhan coronavirus.
“Right now, cleaning professionals and the general public need to remind themselves of proper practices for illnesses such as the flu, which should be equally protective with this novel virus,” Olinger says.
“Wash your hands often, use an alcohol-based hand sanitiser when you can’t wash your hands, cover your mouth when you sneeze or cough, stay home if you feel ill, and keep you distance from those who are ill,” Olinger told CMM.
Other preventative measures include: • Washing your hands often with soap and water for 20 seconds. • Using 70 percent alcohol-based hand sanitiser if soap and water are not available. • Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands. • Avoid close contact such as kissing, hugging, and sharing cups or eating utensils with people who are sick. • Cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue or shirt sleeve, not your hands. • Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces, such as toys and doorknobs, especially if someone is sick. • Stay home when you are sick.
This year’s Interclean Amsterdam exhibition is gearing up in the Dutch capital to celebrate the best of cleaning innovation. It has been two years since the last show, which is a long time in innovation. Therefore, when the exhibition opens its doors to attendees on 12 May 2020, three major trends are likely to set the agenda:
Robots are ready to take over Robotics is not a new segment at the show, but the recent advances made by manufacturers have been rapid and breathtaking. It’s an area that businesses really need to stay up to date with if they don’t want to fall behind.
Where automated cleaning machines were once an exciting but expensive solution, they are swiftly becoming widely used across different environments and industries. The Robot Arena will offer attendees a practical, first-hand demonstration of current robotic capabilities.
Data to drive the future of cleaning Another drawcard is the Management & Mobility pavilion, a section of the show dedicated to exhibitors developing software and apps that drive cleaning productivity. More companies are uncovering the data that exists within their businesses and understanding how they can make the most of it to drive effective and efficient processes.
Sustainability at the heart of every segment With less than 12 years to avert a climate catastrophe, cleaning providers are working hard to adopt sustainable ways of working – from waste management to green cleaning. That’s why the circular economy will be a common thread linking many of the innovations on display. The Zero Waste Lab and its Anatomy of the Waste Bin workshop will show delegates exactly how to improve their wastemanagement practices for a greener, cleaner future.
Healthcare Cleaning Forum Following its successful introduction in 2018 the Healthcare Cleaning Forum will be making its return to the show, taking place on Wednesday 13 May and featuring expert speakers like Prof. Didier Pittet, Alexandra Peters and Prof. Pierre Parneix, addressing healthcare cleaning and infection prevention issues.
For more information about visiting the Interclean Amsterdam 2020 show as part of the African delegation, email: Steve Braham at steve@swbagencies.co.za
Forum Pulire 2020 dates fixed
The fifth edition of Forum Pulire, an international congress dedicated to the theme of cleaning and integrated services will be held on 13 and 14 October in Palazzo Regione Lombardia, a prestigious venue in central Milan, Italy. The congress will provide an opportunity for delegates to meet, discuss and consider the future of the industry.
Held every other year to alternate with the ISSA Pulire trade show, Forum Pulire is a multidisciplinary think tank for bringing together thoughts and comparing ideas.
Toni D’Andrea, CEO of ISSA Pulire Network, said the organisation’s goal is to reach out to an ever-broader group of participants and share new sources of inspiration for the development and growth of business in this sector. “Accordingly, we have selected themes of discussion that will enable us to pose questions about today in order to understand the underlying causes of what’s happening, to work out how the future is likely to develop so that we may intercept its needs,” says D’Andrea.
Details about registration and a full schedule are expected to be announced shortly.
