Prime Cleaning Suppliers is a leading South African cleaning-solutions supplier, established in 1996. Prime Cleaning Suppliers has spent a number of years building strong brands, many of which have been tested by the SABS 1828 and 1853 standards and carry their mark of surety, which gives the customer confidence when using the products. All disinfectants are registered as per Act 29 and are compliant with the VC8054 compulsory specification for disinfectants. Prime Cleaning Suppliers’ complete cleaning solutions cover paper products/dispensers, cleaning chemicals/ disinfectants, floorcare machines and cleaning sundries. Prime Cleaning Suppliers has an ongoing commitment to ensure the best long-term solution for their customers and represents the following brands: Aquarius, Kleenex, Scott, Tork, Wetrok, WypAll, and Rubbermaid Commercial Products.
Tshwane launches multimillion in-house
services initiative
Waste picker integration programme launched • The President Hotel awarded Green Key Certification for sustainability • Dettol champions hygiene advocacy for 2024 Global Handwashing Day
African Cleaning Review is aimed at end-users, contractors and suppliers of products and services to Africa’s Cleaning, Hygiene, Maintenance, Textile Care, Pest Control, Waste- and Facility Management Services industries. It is published every other month by: e-squared publications t/a e-squared Media
All editorial contributions can be sent to the editor who reserves the right to publish editorial based on the strength of its content. No articles or photographs may be reproduced, in whole or in part, without written permission from the publishers. Although every effort is made to ensure the accuracy and reliability of material published in African Cleaning Review, e-squared Media and its agents can accept no responsibility for the veracity of the claims made by contributors, manufacturers or advertisers. Copyright of all material published in African Cleaning Review remains with e-squared Media and its agents.
Planned features for 2025
Feature sections in every issue:
• Textile care review
• Facilities management review
January/February 2025: Editorial deadline 13 December
• Contract cleaning
• Food and beverage hygiene solutions
2025 Buyer’s
•
of large areas
As we approach the Festive Season, this issue takes a closer look at hygiene practices in retail centres as well as hospitality establishments as they gear up for the big shopping rush and tourist influx.
Clean floors in shopping malls, where thousands of people flock to every day, is a guarantee of hygiene and hospitality too. Moreover a well-received customer is a customer who is more likely to buy. Extended shopping hours and the customers’ constant presence require fast and effective methods for cleaning floors and washrooms.
Equally, hotel guests have developed a new awareness of hygiene, paying extra attention to cleanliness during their stay. For hotels, it is important to show guests that extra hygienic measures are in place throughout the establishment. From the moment a guest walks in, they need to see a commitment to ensure their health and safety as a top priority. Cleanliness and hygiene are often highlighted as one of the most significant factors influencing hotel reviews. From maintaining shiny floors, spotless kitchens, bathrooms, and fresh rooms, cleaning is an on-going daily activity that can become overwhelming. With this in mind, our two main features offer practical guidelines to ensure key areas are always kept clean and hygienic.
We also reflect upon this year’s Cleantex Africa exhibition that has once again proven to be the continent’s premier event for cleaning, hygiene, and facility services professionals. This year’s exhibition hosted a record number of unique brands available to the entire cleaning, hygiene, and facility services value chain.
With this, the final issue of the year, we at African Cleaning Review want to thank you for your continued support and wish you a safe and pleasant December holiday period. We look forward to sharing industry news, latest developments and more details pertaining to the upcoming Cleantex Executive Summit planned for 4 September 2025 in Cape Town.
Enjoy the read.
Steps to upskilling and reskilling for the future world of work
The rapid pace of technological advancement, globalisation, and changing market dynamics are reshaping the world of work and the skills needed to remain relevant. What’s the most important skill right now? The ability and willingness to adapt to changing rules. This includes the ability to think differently, do differently, and connect and engage with others differently, according to Anton Visser, Group COO of SA Business School, who delivered a keynote address at the recent Cleantex Executive Summit, colocated with the Cleantex Africa Exhibition in Johannesburg.
Employees and businesses have a role to play
The experts suggest that the key to individual success will be continuous learning and adaptability, while leveraging the power of technology and AI to augment skills and capabilities in virtually every job role. To stay competitive, businesses need workforces that are dynamic, resilient, and equipped with future-fit skills. Reskilling and upskilling your people, while fostering a culture of innovation and continuous learning, is the difference between business survival and obsoletion.
Anyone remember Kodak, Blackberry, Nokia, or Blockbusters? They were big – in the 2000s. When you look at the rapid pace of change and monumental shifts in industries, you’ll understand how critical it is to have an upskilling and reskilling strategy for your employees – that is, if you’re serious about business competitiveness and innovation.
For example, predictive analytics is used in finance, healthcare, and marketing to anticipate trends and behaviours, which means human beings must understand data science and analytics tools. Logistics and
procurement professionals must learn how to implement and use blockchain solutions. Augmented and virtual reality are changing the nature of training across industries, from medical simulations to manufacturing processes, which demands completely new skills from training providers and developers. Biotechnology is improving crop yields and resistance – so different biotech applications and abilities are needed in agriculture.
Planning your upskilling and reskilling strategy
Given the rapid pace of change and the consequent need for reskilling employees, we at SA Business School believe that a commitment to continuous learning is a key performance indicator.
Here’s some guidance on how to approach your reskilling/upskilling strategy as a continuum, rather than as a once off-event:
1. Assess skills gaps
Work with your L&D training provider to conduct skills audits and gap analyses. These will help you to identify current and future skills in the context of your organisation’s strategic goals.
A data-driven approach is useful because it yields L&D initiatives that support growth and success for both your business and the people you employ.
2. Develop tailored programmes
Based on the skills gaps you identify, create customised training modules that address the specific needs of the employees and business. This could include technical training, soft skills development, or leadership training. Collaborate with accredited learning and development specialists to ensure quality, relevance, and alignment to business objectives and individual career ambitions.
As your workforce develops and grows, and your people need to diversify their skill sets, skills programmes become invaluable tools in providing short, focused learning interventions to close identified skills gaps. For example, you might offer finance for non-finance managers, customer service, conflict management, change management, team management, or ethics training.
SA Business School is currently seeing significant demand for programmes that develop power skills such as resilience, adaptability, creativity, collaboration, and problemsolving. Because they enable people to navigate the complex work environment, these skills are becoming more and more important as our world becomes increasingly tech-driven.
3. Encourage continuous learning
Promote a culture of ongoing improvement by supporting employees in pursuing formal and informal education, professional development and training. A robust and flexible learning culture also helps employer brands to attract and retain top talent.
4. Commit to mentorship
Pair employees with mentors, coaches or guides who can provide direction and share expertise. Establish internal programmes to help employees to transition into new roles – and you’ll build their confidence as they take on new challenges.
5. Leverage technology
Use e-learning platforms and blended learning models to create interactive and flexible learning experiences. Blended learning methods like online modules, webinars, augmented reality, and video tutorials can overcome geographical barriers, allowing companies to train employees across diverse locations, time zones, and work schedules.
It’s also important to allay employee fears about technology. While AI will make some jobs redundant, employees have an opportunity to acquire new and essential skills that are unlikely to be replaced by AI anytime soon. However, those humans who refuse to embrace and leverage tech may very well be replaced by another human who leans in.
6. Create career pathways
Develop clear pathways that outline the progression from current roles to new or advanced positions. Communicate these pathways to employees and offer the necessary support and resources to help them navigate the journey. By designing people-centric L&D solutions that cater for individual preferences, motivations, and goals, you empower employees with choice, autonomy, and feedback that boosts engagement and impact.
7. Return to Step 1: Assess skill gaps
Your L&D strategy should help your organisation to cultivate a space where everyone is enthusiastic
about continuous development and learning; where every employee has the opportunity to realise their full potential and the workforce is prepared for the future. Enhancing the skills and capabilities of your workforce is a springboard to increased innovation, productivity, and competitiveness in an ever-evolving market.
Look to work with a learning and development partner that builds bespoke learning and development solutions that meet the specific needs of your business and its people, considering human capital, capacities, and budget allocations – laying powerful foundations for your people to fill meaningful, sustainable, futurefit roles.
With a background in Project Management and Operations, Anton Visser is committed to working alongside companies to change at least one South African life in every hundred. He believes this change is made possible by ongoing work-based learnerships and skills development. For more information visit: www.sabusinessschool.com
The City of Tshwane is set to boost its municipal services by creating 100 contract cleaning positions, with a total investment of R3.6 million. The positions will be advertised in the coming weeks for the 2024/25 Financial Year, with each role offering a monthly compensation of R6,000. MMC for Corporate and Shared Services, Kholofelo Morodi, said the initiative is part of a strategic plan to strengthen the Group Property Department and ensure efficient service delivery.
She said the city will also update its organisational structure to accommodate 200 additional contract cleaning positions, funded by reallocating budget from critical vacancies and contracted services. The initiative, Morodi said, underscores the City’s commitment to sustainable employment and service efficiency, ensuring that Tshwane remains a city of opportunity and growth for all its residents.
“For the interim period, the use of Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) workers will continue to augment our internal services,” she said.
She said Group Property will be mandated to develop a comprehensive deployment plan for the newly appointed cleaning staff members upon the finalisation of the recruitment process.”
“This initiative will lead to the gradual reduction in the use of EPWP participants, while also filling vacancies arising from natural attrition,” she said.
She explained that the remaining 100 contract positions will be filled during the 2025/26 Financial Year, prior to the termination of existing external service provider contracts on 28 February 2026.
“No extensions or renewals of these external contracts will be permitted upon expiration. Additionally, the fixedterm contracts of employment will be designed meticulously to close all potential loopholes that may arise upon the expiry of the contract terms,” she said.
Waste picker integration programme launched
The George Municipality, in collaboration with Henque Waste, EWASA, Polyco, and the Department of Environmental Affairs, officially launched the Waste Picker Integration Programme during October
2024. This initiative aims to formalise the role of waste pickers in George by transitioning them from informal waste collection to a structured and sustainable programme. To mark this milestone in South Africa’s waste industry, the Municipality and Henque Waste handed over fifteen trollies to waste pickers during the launch.
The MMC for Community Services, Cllr Marchel Kleynhans, expressed his excitement about the progress being made. “I’m thrilled to see the improvement in waste collection services through the formalisation of waste pickers,” he said. “This initiative will significantly benefit the public by boosting recycling rates, providing financial gains for waste pickers, and promoting public health, safety, and environmental sustainability.”
Waste pickers earn their living by collecting recyclable materials
from waste and selling them into the recycling value chain. They also salvage reusable items for personal use or resale, contributing to the circular economy.
For generations, informal waste pickers have been crucial to South Africa’s waste management efforts. These individuals, locally known as reclaimers or “bag scratchers,” collect, sort, and sell recyclables, removing tonnes of waste from urban streets and diverting it from municipal landfills. Douw Bezuidenhout of Henque Waste highlighted the impact of waste pickers stating, “We purchase nearly 82 tonnes of recyclables monthly from waste pickers. The war on waste is larger than any of us can imagine, but together, we are stronger, and we can work towards a cleaner, more sustainable future.”
The President Hotel awarded Green Key Certification for sustainability
The President Hotel in Cape Town has become the largest hotel in sub-Saharan Africa to receive the esteemed Green Key Certification. This globally recognised certification with GSTC-recognised status (Global Sustainable Tourism Council) and certified nationally by WESSA (Wildlife and Environment Society of South Africa), is the leading standard for excellence in the field of environmental responsibility and sustainable operation within the tourism industry.
Green Key represents a commitment by businesses that their establishment adheres to the strict criteria set by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE) and highlights the establishment’s efforts to develop a sustainable and responsible business striving towards the achievement of the UN’s 17 SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals).
WESSA CEO, Cindy-Lee Cloete said, “A huge congratulations to The President Hotel on this remarkable achievement. Attaining Green Key Certification is no small feat – it reflects a profound dedication to sustainability, accountability and leadership in responsible tourism.”
The Green Key’s rigorous audit process is across the four pillars of
sustainability: sustainable management, environmental impacts, cultural impacts, and socio-economic impacts, which are confirmed by an independent third-party audit of hotel practices. In the review of the property, it was noted that The President Hotel demonstrated excellent performance with great staff involvement and organisational culture and a strong commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility.
Key achievements include a wellestablished recycling programme that ensures waste is diverted from landfills, the use of energy-efficient LED lighting, and water-efficient fixtures throughout the property. It was also highlighted that ‘throughout the audit process, the hotel has showcased various initiatives that align with Green Key’s standards, particularly in staff and guest information, waste management, food and beverage, washing and cleaning, and community engagement’. The hotel has also taken steps to eliminate singleuse plastics throughout the property, replacing them with plant-based water bottles and refillable glass bottles in guest rooms and conference spaces.
According to the hotel, guests have wholeheartedly embraced #StayGreen,
from participating in the optional linen and towel reuse programme, to being mindful about energy conservation. General Manager, Reinard Korf said, “We are incredibly proud of our Green Key Certification and this recognition reflects the commitment of every member of our team.”
Dettol champions hygiene advocacy for 2024 Global Handwashing Day
In commemoration of the 2024 Global Handwashing Day, Dettol, Nigeria’s leading hygiene brand, reaffirmed its commitment to promoting hand hygiene and advancing health practices nationwide by partnering with the Federal Government, The Wellbeing Foundation Africa, and two of its WASH Access Accelerator beneficiaries: Kiddies ‘n’ Brands and Alora Pads.
According to the UNICEF WASHNORM report, 23 percent of Nigerians do not have access to basic water supply services, and only 10 percent of the population have access to basic water, sanitation, and hygiene services combined. This significant gap contributes to the spread of preventable diseases, highlighting the urgent need for improved handwashing practices and overall hygiene education across the country. To address this,
Dettol continues to drive awareness and action through strategic partnerships.
Under this year’s theme, “Why Are Clean Hands Still Important?” Dettol has collaborated with the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation to increase public education on the life-saving importance of hand hygiene. Minister Joseph Terlumun Utsev, reiterated the significance of hand hygiene in combating disease and its crucial role in promoting public health at the commemoration event in Abuja on 15 October 2024. He said, “As we reflect on the importance of Global Handwashing Day, we are reminded that hand hygiene is essential to preventing infectious diseases. Recent cholera outbreaks in Nigeria highlight the urgent need for proper hygiene and access to safe water. It is through a sustained
focus on promoting handwashing and improving sanitation that we can protect public health and secure the wellbeing of our citizens.”
Delivering the goodwill message, Cassandra Uzo-Ogbugh, Head of External Affairs and Partnerships, Reckitt sub-Saharan Africa said, “At Dettol, we believe clean hands are the first line of defence against preventable diseases and we believe that access to quality hygiene and health solutions should be a fundamental right for everyone and not a privilege for some. From inception in 2021 to date, through our Hygiene Quest Curriculum, we have reached over 300,000 individuals, including school children, community members, and pregnant and lactating mothers in healthcare facilities. This achievement shows our firm commitment to not only educate but also provide the tools needed to promote a healthier Nigeria.”
As part of Dettol’s commitment to addressing Nigeria’s Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) challenges through its Fight for Access Accelerator (FFA) programme, the brand has strengthened ongoing partnerships with two social enterprises – Kiddies ‘n’ Brands and Alora Pads. Together, they educated school children on the importance of handwashing and demonstrated proper handwashing techniques. This collaboration furthers Dettol’s mission to promote hygiene and health while empowering local communities by providing access to essential hygiene products and education.
retail cleaning solutions
Cleaning shopping malls during the holidays
As the scorching summer sun turns up the heat and shoppers flock to air-conditioned malls for their Christmas shopping, the importance of professional cleaning and hygiene services becomes paramount. The December holiday season brings unique challenges to shopping centres, particularly in our warm southern hemisphere climate. The anchor tenants of malls, often large grocery stores, face an unprecedented influx of customers during this period.
Aisles become congested, shelves require constant restocking, and checkout queues stretch longer than usual. This increased foot traffic not only affects the cleanliness of floors but also impacts the hygiene of frequently touched surfaces such as trolley handles, selfcheckout screens, and refrigerator doors. Professional cleaning teams must adapt their strategies to maintain cleanliness without disrupting the shopping experience, perhaps implementing more frequent but less intrusive cleaning rotations, according to Red Alert Service Solutions.
In the food court, the combination of summer heat and holiday rush creates a perfect storm for hygiene concerns. Fast food outlets and restaurants face immense pressure to serve quickly while maintaining food safety standards. Kitchen staff, working at a frenetic pace, may inadvertently overlook crucial cleaning procedures. Professional cleaning services can provide vital support by offering specialised deep-cleaning of kitchen equipment during off-peak hours, ensuring that food preparation areas remain sanitary despite the increased workload.
The summer heat also presents unique challenges for product storage and display. Ice cream counters, chocolate displays, and fresh produce sections require extra attention to prevent melting, spoilage, and the growth of bacteria. Cleaning teams must work closely with store managers to monitor and maintain optimal hygiene conditions for these temperature sensitive items.
Public washrooms in malls experience significantly higher usage during the festive season. The combination of increased traffic and higher temperatures can lead to unpleasant odours and hygiene issues if not properly managed. Professional cleaning services can implement advanced odour-control systems and increase the frequency of deep cleaning to ensure these facilities remain fresh and hygienic throughout the day.
Children’s play areas, a common feature in many malls, see heightened activity during the holidays. These zones require special attention, as they can quickly become hotbeds for germs. Professional cleaners can employ child-safe, yet effective sanitisation methods to keep these areas hygienic without using harsh chemicals that might harm young visitors.
Mall car parks, often overlooked in cleaning routines, deserve attention during this busy period. The increase in vehicles leads to more oil spills and litter. Touch pads on entrance booms and parking payment terminals become potential hotspots for germ transmission, requiring frequent sanitisation to protect visitors.
Regular cleaning of these areas not only improves the overall appearance of the mall but also prevents slip hazards and reduces the tracking of dirt into the main shopping areas.
For Red Alert Service Solutions, the Christmas season in shopping malls is not just about maintaining cleanliness – it’s about creating a safe, hygienic environment that enhances the festive shopping experience. By addressing these less obvious aspects of mall hygiene, we ensure that shoppers can focus on the joy of the season rather than concerns about cleanliness and safety. For more information visit: www.redalert.co.za
Reshaping the essence of cleanliness
In an era where efficiency, sustainability and design shape the future, we at Numatic are more than just manufacturers of cleaning equipment; we are reshaping the very essence of cleanliness in homes, businesses, and industries. With our iconic “Henry” vacuum leading the charge, we’ve earned an esteemed reputation worldwide, but what truly sets us apart is our unwavering commitment to innovation, durability and purpose-driven solutions. Locally trusted, globally proven, our products have become the benchmark for reliability across the globe.
Our rise to prominence is no accident. We’ve consistently pushed boundaries, creating products that address the real needs of our users. From hospitality and healthcare to
industrial settings, we offer tailor-made solutions that boost productivity while reducing environmental impact. The power of our machines isn’t just in their suction but in their holistic approach to cleaning systems. Our advanced filtration technology, ergonomic design, and energy-efficient motors underscore our devotion to making cleaning faster, safer, and smarter.
But it’s not just technology where we excel, it’s our focus on the human aspect of cleaning. Every product is designed with the user in mind, from intuitive controls to easy maintenance, ensuring that cleaning professionals can focus more on results and less on the tools they use. For us, cleaning is not just a job; it’s a craft, an essential part of making environments healthy and vibrant.
Now, with sustainability at the
forefront, our eco-conscious designs are cutting waste, reducing power consumption, and embracing recycled materials, ensuring that our machines contribute to a cleaner planet, not just cleaner floors. Locally trusted by those who depend on us day in and day out and globally proven through decades of reliability, we’re more than just a brand, we’re a symbol of progress, transforming what was once mundane into a profession of pride and purpose. In the end, we aren’t merely changing the cleaning industry, we are revolutionising it.
feature retail cleaning solutions
Readying mall washrooms for the big shopping extravaganza
The pre-Christmas rush and Black Friday both occur in November; and these events place huge pressure on shopping centres – and on their washrooms. Tom Marshall from Tork manufacturer, Essity looks at ways of ensuring that retail washrooms are up to the challenge of the ‘Big Shop’.
The global pandemic has dramatically changed the way in which we carry out our shopping. Many people are reluctant to face the crowds in the mall since these have the potential for spreading infections and viruses. In any case, most of us have become familiar with the practice of online shopping which allows us to browse from the comfort of our own homes and purchase goods with ease.
But this spells bad news for traditional shops which are keen to attract back our business; and with Black Friday and Christmas fast approaching, they have a strong incentive for reassuring customers that their premises are safe to visit.
The washrooms tend to be a particular sticking point in retail centres. Anyone spending more than a few hours at the shops – and potentially taking breaks for coffees and snacks while they are there – will require access to a washroom. But if the retail centre toilets are overcrowded and subject to long queues, valuable shopping time will be lost.
Badly managed washrooms could also lead to messy, dirty and unhygienic conditions which will create a bad impression on customers. Additionally, shoppers with a previous bad experience of a particular retail centre’s toilets might deliberately cut short their
visit to enable them to avoid having to use the washrooms, which will have a negative impact on the venue’s sales.
Washrooms need to be cleaned and restocked regularly in high-traffic venues. Poorly serviced washrooms could all too easily facilitate the spread of infections and viruses which could all be transmitted by touching a surface
transient bacteria and viruses from the hands. But shoppers will only have the opportunity to practice good hand hygiene when visiting the washroom. Shopping centre managers should, therefore, ensure that their washrooms are up to scratch and that they provide enough cubicles and wash basins to cater for all, plus a plentiful supply of
Today’s growing trend for self-service tills with their communally used touchscreens is only serving to increase the risk of us picking up a bug in a retail centre. Hand washing is a highly effective method of removing transient bacteria and viruses from the hands.
that an infected person has previously touched. So, if a shopper leaves the retail centre washrooms without having washed and dried their hands – either because the queues for the facilities were too long or because the supply of soap or hand towels had run out – they will go on to touch other surfaces outside the washroom and risk infecting others.
Today’s growing trend for selfservice tills with their communally used touchscreens is only serving to increase the risk of us picking up a bug in a retail centre. Hand washing is a highly effective method of removing
soap and paper products. Finally, they should ideally be welcoming places where customers are encouraged to take time out.
Spacious facilities with pleasant surroundings and comfortable seats will provide a haven for tired bargainhunters, while shoppers in a hurry should be able to use the facilities quickly without having to queue. Bottlenecks can easily occur in a badly-designed washroom – particularly if visitors are forced to open an outer door and squeeze past others to get in and out. Dogleg partitions at the
Ensuring that the washrooms of a shopping centre remain clean, hygienic, and well stocked at all times is not an easy task during the pre-Christmas rush. Thus, it makes good business sense for retail managers to think through their washrooms and ensure that they are equipped to cope with whatever the festive season throws at them.
feature retail cleaning solutions
entrance to washrooms will avoid this issue and help to speed up the visitor’s entry and exit.
When installing fixtures such as sinks, mirrors and dispensers, the designer needs to consider which way queues will naturally form and efforts should be made to prevent the queues for the toilets and hand hygiene facilities from clashing with one another since this could create frustrating logjams. Soap and hand towel dispensers should be in plentiful supply, and these should be up to the challenge of high-traffic conditions.
No-one likes to leave a washroom with wet hands, but queues will often form around air dryers in a busy washroom. It takes at least 10 seconds for even the fastest of jet air dryers to take effect –during which time the washroom visitor is forced to stay rooted to the spot while others await their turn behind them.
Roller towels shave seconds off the task of hand-drying, but again the dispenser only accommodates one user at a time. Paper hand towel dispensers are, therefore, a good option because
they allow the user to take a towel and move aside, freeing up space for the next person and reducing the risk of logjams.
Ensuring that the washrooms of a shopping centre remain clean, hygienic, and well stocked at all times is not an easy task during the preChristmas rush. But neglecting to do so could lead to illnesses, dissatisfied customers, and precious time spent away from the shop floor. Thus, it makes good business sense for retail managers to think through their washrooms and ensure that they are equipped to cope with whatever the festive season throws at them.
Tork manufacturer, Essity offers a range of washroom systems for high-traffic facilities including the Tork PeakServe® ContinuousTM Hand Towel Dispenser which holds up to 2,100 towels and the Tork Foam Soap dispenser which serves up to 1,650 people.
www.tork.co.za
Fidelity Services Group expands its reach nationally
Fidelity Services Group continues to solidify its presence in the cleaning industry with impressive growth in its Cleaning and Hygiene division. Established in November 2019, the division has experienced four years of consistent growth and expansion, positioning itself as one of the most respected cleaning service providers in the country.
Malcolm Stephens, Group Executive of New Business Development and Divisional Executive Cleaning for the Fidelity Services Group, says the division started with a small team of just two people.
Stephens says, “The COVID-19 pandemic presented both challenges and opportunities. It became a defining moment for us, opening doors to new services and markets. Over the past four years, we’ve achieved an average growth of 20 percent annually, a testament to our ability to adapt
and thrive in dynamic conditions. We now manage over 785 cleaning contracts across South Africa, servicing more than 13,000 hygiene units and employing around 1,400 cleaners.”
The division focuses primarily on contract cleaning services but has diversified its offerings to include hygiene products, pest control, and specialised cleaning solutions. From daily sanitisation and PPE supply to deep and high-level cleaning, the division has steadily built a reputation for providing comprehensive facilitybased services to sectors such as hospitality, retail, and government institutions.
Stephens adds, “Our brand visibility has grown significantly, and our crossselling efforts within the Fidelity Group have enabled us to penetrate new sectors.”
This year, Fidelity Cleaning and Hygiene secured its first major
national contract for a leading financial institution, covering over 495 sites and surpassing 230 percent of its sales target.
Looking ahead, Stephens is confident about future growth. “Our goal is to become a premier competitor in the industry. We’re focused on sustainable growth, delivering innovative solutions, and creating jobs through a one-stop shop for all cleaning and hygiene services.”
Fidelity Services Group is Southern Africa’s largest integrated security solutions provider and boasts a range of services including security, guarding, and cleaning services.
Malcolm Stephens
advertorial Unilever Professional
Revolutionising Clean in 2024: Thanks to You!
How Unilever Professional Brought the Future of Clean to South African Businesses
2024 has been an extraordinary year for Unilever Professional, thanks to the trust and support of forward-thinking businesses like yours. Together, we’ve navigated challenges and embraced innovations that have redefined what it means to clean efficiently and sustainably. Your success is our success, and we extend a heartfelt thank you for choosing us as your cleaning partner.
At Unilever Professional, we don’t just provide products; we create solutions – because when we say “We take cleaning ridiculously seriously,” we mean it.
We understand the unique pressures South African businesses face, from maintaining impeccable hygiene standards to managing costs in a competitive market. That’s why we’ve been working closely with operators, listening to your needs, and developing products that help you deliver spotless results, every time.
How 2024 Sparkled for Us
This year, we delivered future-ready solutions designed to meet your toughest cleaning challenges. Our Food Safe range has been a game changer for professional kitchens, helping operators maintain the highest hygiene standards while simplifying processes and ensuring compliance with SANS regulations. Our Handy Andy Professional PROBIOTIC Multi-Surface & Floor Cleaner brought the power of nature to your cleaning routine, using probiotics for deep, long-lasting results.
These innovations weren’t just products – they were answers to the challenges you face. They’re designed to help you run cleaner, smarter, and more cost-effective operations. That’s how we show that when it comes to your business, we take cleaning ridiculously seriously.
Partnering for the Future of Clean
As we look ahead to 2025, we remain committed to being more than just a supplier – we’re your trusted partner in cleaning excellence. Our contract-free, easy-to-use solutions are built to meet the real-world demands of South African businesses, with innovation always at the forefront.
We’re Clean Freaks and proud, so you can expect even more cutting edge solutions next year tailored specifically to your needs. Because for us, clean isn’t just a task – it’s a commitment to helping your business succeed.
As we wrap up an incredible year, we want to say a final thank you for your partnership and trust. We look forward to supporting your continued success in 2025 and beyond.
feature hospitality cleaning solutions
Africa’s growing hospitality industry is driving the need for better recycling
From a wonder of the ancient world to some of the planet’s most breathtaking national parks, it’s no surprise that Africa has been cited as the second fastest-growing tourism region in the world, just behind Asia-Pacific.1 Unfortunately, as well as a thriving tourism industry, it has been estimated that the volume of waste across the continent will triple from 174 million tons a year from 2016 to approximately 516 million tons by 2050.2
In this article, the waste and recycling experts at Rubbermaid Commercial Products (RCP) explore how investing in better recycling could see hospitality businesses improve sustainability while also reducing waste management costs.
The growing waste problem in Africa’s tourism industry
Currently, most of Africa’s waste (90%) is disposed of at uncontrolled dump sites and landfills, often followed by open burning3 with only 4 percent being recycled.4 It has been reported that these dump sites emit around 20 percent of the world’s methane and 11 percent of black carbon, both greenhouse gases that contribute to global warming.5 Not only are these sites harmful to the planet but the particulate matter emitted by these sites has been proven to cause serious illnesses amongst people living nearby.6
The global hospitality industry has faced several challenges in recent years, which have left businesses trying to balance increased guest and stakeholder expectations, higher operational costs and productivity pressures. But with increased scrutiny of environmental credentials and updates to legislation to contend with, hotels and restaurants must make improving recycling a priority.
Raising
the bar on recycling
While it’s clear that greater investment in waste management is required at a national level, as the continent’s tourism and hospitality sectors boom and the global awareness around climate change and sustainability increases, hospitality businesses must lead the way by implementing better recycling practices.
Across the world, better recycling practices have even proved better for business, leading to venues reducing waste management costs and boosting sustainability credentials. In fact, with the right waste management systems in place, hospitality businesses in the UK have recorded typical sector savings of 32 percent on waste collection costs and a 30 percent increase in recycling rate.7
How can you implement effective multi-stream recycling in your venue?
Visible signage and colour coding
Reduce cross-contamination and boost recycling efficiency by making recycling easy for your customers and employees. Clear and colourcoded signage with familiar symbols will help people quickly identify what type of waste can be recycled where.
continues on page 20 >>
Across the world, better recycling practices have even proved better for business, leading to venues reducing waste management costs and boosting sustainability credentials.
feature hospitality cleaning solutions
Although you’ll need different types of bins in different locations, choosing a manufacturer who can provide consistent colour-coding and messaging across all your containers will help you to embed a culture of recycling compliance within your venue, as well as demonstrate your dedication to sustainability.
Make it modular
Choosing modular systems allows you to separate waste into the appropriate streams easily, allowing you to be flexible when your business’ needs change and minimises the risk of costly cross-contamination. They are also typically easier to maintain and clean versus ‘all in one’ systems.
Durability
Investing in waste and recycling containers that last longer means you buy better and waste less, helping you to support sustainability targets and cut costs. What’s more, look for solutions that come with long warranties for added peace of mind.
Find out more about RCP’s range RCP’s range of recycling bins offers solutions for both back and front of house. Available in multiple specifications to suit your business’ needs, the range offers durable and robust recycling solutions, fit to tackle today’s hospitality challenges.
For further insights, tips and products that can help the hospitality sector improve sustainability, while controlling costs and boosting productivity, click here.
Creating the right environment and brand experience for your guests is essential. A poor experience could be damaging to your business, impacting customer loyalty, and making guests less likely to return. Clean and hygienic facilities, communal areas, and bathrooms play a key role in turning an average stay into a great one, and are some of the most important factors when recommending a hotel to friends and colleagues, according to Rentokil Initial South Africa, experts in hygiene and pest control.
Entrances (reception areas)
A hotel’s entrance is one of the most visible and important areas, critical to creating the right first impression. From the moment a guest walks through the door, they expect a level of style and quality in keeping with your brand.
• Create the right ambience to make your hotel stand out by introducing custom scents to deliver a memorable experience and enhance the perception of your brand.
• Quality floor care solutions will protect your floor and keep dirt and dust away while maintaining your brand image.
• Ensure a regular cleaning routine with a focus on high-footfall areas as hygiene is one of the most important factors when recommending a hotel.
Guest rooms
Good hygiene is more than just surface-clean. Clean the dirt you can see but also consider what is invisible to the naked eye: germs can easily be transferred from the bathroom to the rest of the hotel suite, putting the health of guests at risk.
• Ensure that cleaning staff are aware of the risks of crosscontamination. Gloves used for cleaning the toilet should be thrown away and replaced before employees touch any other surfaces or objects.
• High usage items such as remote controls, light switches, drinking glasses, and headboards should be cleaned thoroughly and often to limit the spread of bacteria.
feature hospitality cleaning solutions
Bathrooms
The importance of a good bathroom experience should never be underestimated. A good bathroom experience could influence a hotel guest’s overall attitude towards your brand for the better, enhancing their
perception of the business, quality of service, and standard of hygiene it offers guests.
• Ensure adequate facilities are in place for washing and drying of hands, and sanitary waste disposal.
• No-touch solutions help minimise contact and reduce the transmission of germs.
• Provide toilet seat cleaners to limit the number of germs spread from the ‘sneeze effect’.
• Install air fresheners or air purifiers to maintain a pleasant smelling bathroom.
Kitchens and dining areas
Cross-contamination and the spread of bacteria in kitchens can easily occur if proper hygiene practices are not in place.
• Train staff on correct handwashing procedures and glove usage policies to minimise the spread of germs from hands to food and surfaces.
• Ensure adequate hand washing and drying facilities are provided; well-stocked soap and paper towels, and waste bins. No-touch solutions will help reduce the risk of germs
feature hospitality cleaning solutions
Leisure centre (gym/spa/ pool areas)
Unhygienic conditions in public spaces such as the gym can lead to the rapid spread of disease, including respiratory conditions and intestinal disorders. Microorganisms in sweat, urine, saliva and faecal matter thrive in poor sanitation and outbreaks can have an unpleasant impact on guests and your brand’s reputation.
• Ensure adequate hand washing and drying facilities are provided in the changing areas, with well stocked soap, paper towels or electric hand dryers and waste bins. No-touch solutions will help reduce the risk of germs spreading.
• Placing hand and surface sanitisers in key locations will help minimise the risk of crosscontamination amongst hotel amenity users.
• Bad odours give the perception of an unclean environment, scenting solutions can help counteract malodours.
Conference rooms/business centres
With a high level of human interaction and heavy usage, conference rooms and business centres in hotels create a breeding ground for harmful bacteria. A clean meeting environment creates a pleasant guest experience and reflects well on your brand.
• Provision of hand and surface sanitisers will help protect guests within this environment.
• Key locations which should be sanitised include communal desks, remote controls, door handles, and telephones.
Rentokil Initial South Africa, regarded as experts in hygiene and pest control, have stood for effective services and has helped to shape and develop the hygiene and pest control industry. For additional information visit: www.rentokil-initial.co.za
The unsung heroes of business – six ways to applaud your cleaners
In the world of work, cleanliness is like oxygen – essential, yet often unnoticed until it’s absent. Just as an exceptional experience at a 5-star hotel can be undone by a single unkempt room, a company’s reputation can be tarnished by overlooked dust or grime. And, in social media, one bad experience can go viral, potentially impacting the bottom line.
According to Jeffrey Madkins, Marketing Manager at Unilever Professional, cleaners play a vital yet often underappreciated role.
“Their work may go unnoticed when done well, but its absence speaks volumes. And, a spotless office isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s a reflection of a company’s attention to detail and respect for its employees, guests and customers. It’s the silent ambassador
of a business’ standards and values, quietly influencing perceptions and experiences every day.”
Furthermore, studies have shown that a tidy workspace can reduce stress levels, improve focus, and even boost creativity. In customer-facing settings like restaurants and hotels, a clean environment has been linked to increased consumer spending and brand loyalty.
feature hospitality cleaning solutions
Keep your cleaners up-to-date on new cleaning methods, products, and safety rules. This will help increase their confidence and improve their satisfaction at work.
Given their remarkable impact, it’s clear that cleaning professionals aren’t just maintaining spaces – they’re actively contributing to employee wellbeing, productivity, and business success, truly making them the unsung heroes at the heart of most organisations.
And, their jobs aren’t easy either. “Often the first to arrive and last to leave, their job is physically demanding. They spend long hours on their feet –standing, walking and cleaning – and this often leads to physical strain. Plus, irregular hours mean that it’s tough to maintain regular personal and family routines. Yet, they work hard, persevere and their dedication is evident in the spotless environments they create, day after day,” Madkins shares.
Madkins recommends six ways that you can show your appreciation for your cleaners and set them up for success every day, not just on ‘Thank Your Cleaner Day’ celebrated on 16 October 2024:
1. Invest in your cleaning staff
Consider offering your cleaners a
small bonus to show the value you place on their essential work. Financial recognition will not only make them feel loved and appreciated but will also help retain these skilled professionals.
2. Provide comprehensive training
Keep your cleaners up-to-date on new cleaning methods, products, and safety rules. This will help increase their confidence and improve their satisfaction at work.
3. Supply the correct products
Make sure that they have access to high-quality, eco-friendly cleaning products, like those from Unilever Professional. This will not only make their job easier and keep your environment cleaner for longer, but it will also help keep them safe.
4. Recognise and appreciate Remind your team to regularly acknowledge your cleaning staff’s efforts through simple handwritten thank-you notes or even awards.
5. Prioritise health and safety
Implement measures to protect your cleaners’ well-being, such as providing proper protective equipment and scheduling regular health check-ups.
6. Offer career development
Create pathways for advancement within the organisation, allowing cleaners to grow professionally and take on leadership roles.
The reality is that whilst technology such as robotic cleaners and AIpowered scheduling systems can enhance efficiency, the human touch in cleaning is irreplaceable. “I believe that recognising cleaners’ value improves their work satisfaction and enhances overall workplace hygiene,” he adds. “So, the next time you enter a spotless hotel room or office, take a moment to appreciate the person behind that cleanliness. A simple ‘thank you’ can brighten their entire day – just as they brighten ours with their work.”
Unilever Professional offers a range of solutions designed to enhance effectiveness and efficiency, contributing to a healthier, more productive work environment for all. For more information about Unilever Professional and their range of cleaning solutions, visit: www.unileverprofessional.co.za
A new vision for Facility Management agility
According to the report, ‘Adaptive Facilities Management’, traditional facilities management models, with fixed services, frequencies, and costs, are no longer fit for purpose, due to differing day-to-day occupancy levels.
In its latest research report, leading diversified professional services and investment management company, Colliers, emphasises the need for facilities management (FM) to be agile and responsive to serve the needs of a hybrid work environment.
By embracing adaptive FM strategies, organisations can not only optimise real estate footprint and resources but also improve the employee experience through responsive, tailored approaches.
Adaptive FM in India is crucial for responding to the evolving workplace, enhancing employee engagement, achieving sustainability goals, and driving organisational success. By embracing flexibility, leveraging technology, and focusing on strategic integration, FM can significantly contribute to the overall performance and resilience of businesses in the region.
The report highlights flexible, performance-based contracts that better align the interests of occupiers, FM providers, and the people using the spaces. More organisations are also assembling groups of ‘best of breed’ FM service providers with dedicated expertise in specific markets or emerging practices like sustainability and data analytics.
“The world of work is rapidly evolving in India, with hybrid work models, shifting trends, and an added emphasis on well-being shaping the future of work. This has compelled us to revisit the facilities management services we offer to make them more flexible and adaptive. Through this
report, we take a closer look at what the partnership between facilities management providers and occupiers should look like. As businesses move towards agility, so must we. This can be achieved with the integration of new technologies, ESG metrics, and datadriven strategies to arrive at solutions that are aligned with the needs of the modern-day occupier,” says Rajesh Shetty, Managing Director, Real Estate Management Services, Colliers India.
Adaptive approach to technology is proving to be essential
Companies are now, in many cases, leveraging multiple point solutions and have embraced an ecosystem of technology to fit each function and situation, tied together with analytics tools as appropriate. This is a chosen alternative in many cases vs the significant investment and long timelines associated with a onestop-shop technology. Technology innovations including occupancy tracking, productivity measurement, food services take-up, sensors, mechanical monitoring and the proliferation of connected devices are enabling granular, real-time analysis of the use of workplaces.
Companies and CRE leaders are leveraging this data to enhance
employee experience and reduce occupancy expenses and capital costs by ensuring that infrastructure and services are available when needed and accommodating diverse work styles. Further, measurement has expanded beyond occupancy cost or square metre per person, or square metre per seat, and even beyond utilisation to include employee engagement, employee satisfaction, recruiting and retention metrics, and sustainability.
“Engagement and culture are directly related to employees’ perceptions of the workplace, but in most regions only a fraction of employees can be considered engaged,” notes Rajesh Shetty. “Ensuring workplaces provide a versatile foundation for relationship building, cultural connection, innovation, purpose, and both collaborative and more focused work is critical to addressing this and ensuring the office brings value to the employee.”
Innovative supply chain flexibility, a technology ecosystem of multiple tools, and data leveraged into performance management diligence are keys to a FM operating model that drives excellence for companies to create productive, engaged and sustainable workplaces.
Read the detailed findings of the research report here.
North Africa’s flourishing textile care market in focus
Around 120 participants from the laundry and dry cleaning industry came together in Casablanca, Morocco, earlier this year for the first Texcare Forum on African soil. The exchange between local specialist companies, international experts, and manufacturers focused on the topics of automation, digital technologies, production, logistics, and environmental protection in the textile services sector. The conference highlighted the special features of the North African markets – and offered a foretaste of the leading global trade fair for the textile care industry, Texcare International, in Frankfurt am Main in November 2024.
The decision to choose Casablanca as the venue for the Texcare Forum was based on its importance as the economic centre of the entire Maghreb region. With over 100 million inhabitants, a strong tourism industry and a significant textile industry, it is a promising location for the textile care sector. As co-host of the 2030 FIFA World Cup, Morocco, in particular, is expecting new economic impetus.
At the Hyatt Regency Hotel, participants were offered an exciting programme of presentations as well as extensive networking opportunities. On the second day of the event, attendees were also able to join an excursion to
leading laundries in the region. The organisers and partners of the forum were Messe Frankfurt, VDMA Textile Care, Fabric and Leather Technologies, and the French Chamber of Commerce in Morocco (CFCIM). The main sponsor was Christeyns, while other sponsors included Kannegiesser, Tolon, Jensen, Imesa, ABS Laundry, and CM2W.
Johannes Schmid-Wiedersheim, Director Brand Management Textile Care summarised, “The aim of the Texcare Forum Casablanca was to offer the booming regional tourism industry as well as the healthcare and public sectors a forum for professional laundry care and to establish an exchange with international consultants and suppliers. I think that was very well achieved! In a short space of time, visitors were able to catch up on the latest procedures for ensuring the quality, hygiene and sustainability of their textiles. For the experts who attended, it was an excellent opportunity to get to know the Moroccan market better, with its very specific opportunities and challenges. Networking on site already led to many interesting discussions and possibly future projects.”
Veronika März from VDMA Textile Care, Fabric and Leather Technologies said, “The Texcare Forum in Casablanca offered an excellent opportunity to gain
an insight into Morocco’s flourishing market for textile care. The varied and outstanding conference programme provided interesting insights into important industry topics such as the digitalisation of processes, the reduction of environmental impact and much more. There were also excellent opportunities for networking and making new contacts within the Moroccan textile (care) industry.”
The conference topics at a glance
At the heart of the Texcare Forum
Casablanca was a comprehensive conference programme. Experts shared their knowledge in one-hour panels, answered questions and were then available for technical discussions. The presentations were held in French with simultaneous translation into English. The programme was divided into four theme blocks:
Corporate strategy
New digitalisation and automation technologies. At the Texcare Forum
Casablanca, industry experts Rémi Uriet (ABS LBS), Badre Bouitane (Blanchisserie Ecoblanc), and Andrea Garoia (Jensen) shared their expertise on topics such as making work easier, digitalising processes, and interconnected business solutions.
Energy and water
Miloud Bouzziri (Christeyns Maroc), Aziz Lamrani (Blanchisserie AB Maroc) and Audrey and Arnaud Bretéché (Cabinet Bretagne Environnement) used research and practical case studies to provide suggestions for reducing the environmental impact of the laundry process.
Production and logistics
Hélène Ducarre (Optim Expertise), Patrik André (Maison de Blanc), and Badre Bouitane (Blanchisserie Ecoblanc) provided new approaches to topics such as laundry tracking, delivery management, the right choice of materials and equipment, and the suitable approach to seasonality.
In-house laundry care vs outsourcing
Pascale Allaert (Meilleure Ouvrière de France), Jérôme Guéné (Laundry & Cleaning Consulting) and Lydie Barrand (Executive Housekeeper of the Royal Mansour Casablanca Hotel) provided fascinating insights into the optimisation of laundry management in hotels, employee training, and the
eternal question, “Do it yourself or outsource it?”.
Texcare worldwide
Messe Frankfurt regularly organises events for the textile care industry in key economic regions around the globe. Other trade fairs in this field are organised in the USA (The Clean Show),
Texcare International celebrated its comeback from 6 to 9 November with an exceptionally high level of international participation and top marks from the participants. This year 305 companies from 32 countries presented their innovations in automation and energy efficiency, while 15,500 visitors from 122 countries came to Frankfurt, Germany.
The leading international trade fair for textile care presented innovations for laundries, dry cleaners and textile service companies with great success: 98 percent of trade visitors were satisfied to extremely satisfied with how they achieved their goals for the trade fair. After eight years without a Texcare event due to the pandemic, the desire among exhibitors to exchange ideas and present innovations was palpable. Wolfgang Marzin, President
and CEO of Messe Frankfurt said, “The trade fair demonstrated the great strides in innovation that the industry has made in recent years. I was really thrilled to see so many exhibitors, especially new exhibitors and startups, as well as visitors from all over the world. Above all, it was great to see so many young professionals at the stands and in the aisles.”
The industry is meeting the challenges of labour shortage and rising energy prices with a significant surge in innovation. The solutions are available, as demonstrated by the exhibitors with their machines, technologies and expertise. The leap towards robotisation was clearly visible at the stands.
China (Texcare Asia & China Laundry Expo), India (Clean India Technology Week) and France (Texcare France). In addition to the classic trade fair format, the Texcare Forum events offer discussions, knowledge transfer and insider information on new markets.
For more information visit: www.texcare.com/global
Visions of the future became reality at Texcare International 2024
The circular economy was also in focus: many innovations showed how machine builders and textile manufacturers are working together to advance sustainability.
The supporting programme addressed key topics at the Texcare Forum and the guided tours. The panels, for example, focused on sustainability through innovation, business models in the circular economy and automation in small businesses. Experts from the USA, Scandinavia, France and China provided insights into the textile care markets in their respective countries.
Shanghai 2024
International show programme highlights innovations and collaborative opportunities
Interclean Shanghai 2024 is set to take place from 11 to 13 December at the Shanghai New International Expo Centre (SNIEC), bringing together leading global experts, innovators, and decision-makers in the professional cleaning and hygiene industry. This year’s event will feature an enhanced international programme designed to showcase cutting-edge solutions and encourage collaboration across the sector.
Key programme highlights
Interclean Shanghai 2024 will host a series of high-level seminars and expert-led discussions designed to offer strategic insights into global trends and innovations shaping the future of the professional cleaning industry.
Meet the expert
Attendees will engage directly with global thought leaders over three days, covering key topics such as data-driven cleaning, AI, automation, and sustainable innovations. The sessions will feature industry experts, including Jill Frey (FDS) discussing “The Labour Shortage and How it’s Opening Up Opportunities for Robotics,” Kelsey Hargreaves (BICS) presenting on “Embedding Standards of Cleaning with Cleaning Services and How to Do This Effectively,” and Gavin McGregor Skinner (ISSA) with “Big Events Mean Big Business: What’s the Game Plan?” as well as “Air, Surface, Water – The Trifecta of Cleanliness.” Each expert will offer crucial insights into the intersection of technology and cleaning.
Healthcare and infection control
On 13 December, a specialised seminar will focus on the evolving standards in infection prevention and hygiene within the healthcare sector, specifically addressing elder care and medical rehabilitation facilities. Global experts will share critical strategies for maintaining hygienic, safe environments – an essential focus for the industry’s future.
International exchange meeting for buyers
This event offers an exclusive platform for global buyers to connect with leading Chinese exhibitors. Participants will have the opportunity to explore innovative, highquality, and cost-effective solutions tailored to the global cleaning market.
Healthcare Cleaning Forum (HCF)
The 14th Hospital Support Service and Management Forum, “Comparing and Learning Between China and the Netherlands,” will be held on 14 December 2024 in Shanghai. Experts will discuss innovations in “smart, clean, green, and safe hospitals” and how advancements in productivity can enhance infrastructure and management in China’s healthcare sector. Co-organised with Fudan University’s Hospital Facility Service Institute, the event will take place at Zhongshan Hospital. Interclean Shanghai 2024 will showcase cutting-edge cleaning technologies through live demonstrations, merging global expertise with local innovation.
Cleaning demonstration area
This hands-on area will feature live demonstrations by key industry associations, including the Shanghai and Beijing Cleaning Associations. Attendees will witness the latest products and techniques in action, offering valuable insights into practical applications in real-world settings.
Case Study Tour
On 12 December, international attendees will have an exclusive opportunity to visit Wheelock Square and Bicester Village –two of Shanghai’s premier commercial hubs. The tour will provide firsthand insight into the deployment of innovative cleaning solutions in high-traffic environments. To join the Case Study Tour, please send an email to: interclean@rai.nl.
The Interclean Shanghai trade mission
This five-day organised tour provides participants the opportunity to explore the Interclean Shanghai tradeshow, visit key sites in Shanghai, and network with global industry professionals. The journey begins with an arrival in Shanghai on 9 December, followed by a briefing and visits to landmarks such as Yu Garden and the Shanghai Museum.
Attendees will participate in the opening ceremony of Interclean Shanghai, enjoy a guided exhibition tour, and engage in a special international exchange meeting for overseas buyers. The programme also features expert sessions and a case study tour to notable locations, along with a dinner cruise along the Bund. The mission concludes with further expert meetings and time on the show floor. For those interested in joining the tour, please email: interclean@rai.nl.
International exhibitors and brands
Interclean Shanghai 2024 brings together leading global brands, providing attendees with direct access to the latest products and solutions from across the professional cleaning sector. Notable exhibitors include: Alwin Manufacturing Vietnam, Ecolab, Hako, ICE Cobotics, Interclean Group, Saraya, Tennant, and also distributors of Diversey, Etorre, and Kärcher GmbH & Co. These companies will showcase innovative offerings, ranging from advanced equipment to sustainable hygiene solutions, positioning them at the forefront of the global cleaning industry.
With over 8,000 attendees anticipated – 70% of whom are key buyers and 30% holding C-suite positions – Interclean Shanghai 2024 offers an unparalleled opportunity for strategic networking, industry collaboration, and insight into the latest technological innovations. Featuring 200+ exhibitors across 6,500m², this year’s event is set to be a significant platform for stakeholders aiming to capitalise on China’s rapidly expanding professional cleaning market, which is projected to reach $42 billion by 2027.
Register now!
To register and secure your free ticket for Interclean Shanghai 2024, visit www.intercleanshow.com/china or email: interclean@rai.nl
Steam to clean
Global floorcare solutions specialist, Truvox International, has expanded its successful MultiwashPro scrubber dryer range with the addition of the MultiwashPro Steam. The new model not only provides exceptional cleaning results due to its counter-rotating brushes, but with the additional steam function, it also sanitises floors, killing up to 99.99 percent of bacteria.
The new easy to use MultiwashPro Steam model provides exceptional cleaning results across multiple floor types – due to its counter-rotating brushes – and with the additional steam function, it delivers quick and easy cleaning and saves time as the steam helps to shift stubborn marks and dirt.
The new MultiwashPro Steam also sanitises floors. Tested in a certified lab to remove >99.99 percent of S. aureus, E. coli, P. aeruginosa and B. subtilis bacteria, it improves hygiene and delivers improved infection control – as with the addition of the steam function, dirt and grime are removed more easily than with traditional cleaning methods.
The Truvox MultiwashPro Steam is distributed by Cleaning World, for more information visit: www.cleaningworld.co.za
Hygiene brushware developed especially for local conditions
Tuff Brushware offers a comprehensive range of brooms and brushes manufactured specifically to clean hygienically sensitive areas in food preparation, dairies, catering concerns, and hospitals. The range is manufactured considering the harsh working conditions of local markets.
Tuff Brushware brushes and brooms give peace of mind when cleaning hygiene sensitive areas, as they are reliable, colour-coded, easy to clean and strong enough to repeatedly endure South Africa’s industrial environment. The brush components are resistant to the solvents, chemicals, and high temperatures required for disinfection.
The hygiene brushware range is available in six colours to reduce cross contamination and forms part of the implementation of Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) systems. Colour coded brushware significantly reduces the risk of cross contamination.
Products intended for direct food contact must meet the requirements of all FDA regulations that apply to that particular application. Tuff Brushware is FDA approved and is available from myHygiene, a proudly South African one-stop shop company with extensive experience in the cleaning and hygiene industry.
For more information about the Tuff Brushware range visit: www.myhygiene.co.za
Time saving toilet paper system
TAutonomous sweeping and scrubbing of large areas
Introducing the KOKOBOTS S95 AMR sweeper and scrubber powered by the KOKOBOTS EVBrain 3.0 autonomous system. Features include autonomous navigation, autonomous obstacle avoidance and independent cleaning path planning all whilst sweeping, washing, scrubbing, and mopping the floor area. The S95 model in the KOKOBOTS portfolio is specially designed for large area cleaning where it can map, position and navigate for areas up to one million square metres. In the sweeper function, the S95 can collect trash as large as 1 litre liquid bottles to small boxes and cigarette butts. As a floor scrubber it can exert scrubbing pressure of 30kg (customisable to 100kg). In conjunction with the workstation, it can automatically charge, fill with water and drain used water. The S95 is equipped with a self-cleaning tank which further underscores its autonomy.
The KOKOBOTS S95 autonomous sweeper and scrubber is ideal for large area cleaning/scrubbing such as airports, hotels, offices, parking lots and warehouses. It was on display and demonstrated at the KOKOBOTS stand during the recent Cleantex Africa exhibition in Johannesburg.
For more information visit: www.kokobots.com
he new Tork OptiServe® from Essity is designed to enhance efficiency and reduce environmental impact in the washroom. This toilet paper system allows managers to use the same coreless toilet paper refills across an entire facility.
“Commercial facilities are complex and usually feature various types of washrooms as well as cubicles of different sizes,” said Global Brand Innovation Manager for Tork, Tomas Gandemo. “As a result, 85 percent of facility managers currently use two or more toilet paper systems in their buildings.” This creates extra work, he said. “It leads to more inventory checks, makes ordering more complicated and requires staff to be trained in the use of multiple systems.”
A 2023 Tork study revealed that 80 percent of facility managers would prefer to use one solution across their entire facility. “Tork OptiServe® has been designed to meet that need,” said Tomas. “Having only one solution across the facility allows managers to optimise ordering, handling, and storage inventory. It also saves time because cleaning teams can use the same refill in every washroom. And this results in fewer trips to the storeroom to fetch different types of toilet paper.”
The coreless design of Tork OptiServe® creates less waste than traditional systems which helps facility managers reach their sustainability goals, says Tomas. “The system comes in a wide range of dispenser options, each of which uses the same compact rolls without a core or outer wrap,” he said.
Tork OptiServe® dispensers are certified as being easy to use by the Swedish Rheumatism Association.
They are also designed for fast refilling and the refill packs feature carry handles for easy ergonomic handling.
The compact rolls are coreless which means each roll provides three times more paper and there is less waste to handle and discard. As a result, cleaning teams need to refill less often, run outs are avoided and facility managers can help to reduce their environmental impact. It also takes up half the space on a cleaning trolley, in store cupboards, and during transport for improved efficiency and sustainability.
For more information visit: www.tork.co.uk/optiserve
r Absorbents – Oil/Chemicals
r Access Equipment/Ladders
r Air Cleaning Equipment/Air Duct Cleaning/Indoor Air Quality Systems
r Air Fresheners
r Air Filters/Air Purifiers
r Anti-Stain Treatments
r Bactericides
r Barrier Creams & Cleaners
r Biological & Enzyme Products
r Bird Repellent
r Bleaches
r Buckets/Wringers
r Carpet Cleaners
r Carpet Cleaning Systems
r Carpet Detergents/Deodorisers
r Car/Truck Wash Systems/Services
r Car Valet Products/Services
r Catering-Equipment Cleaning
r Catering Hygiene Products
r Ceiling & Wall Cleaning Equipment
r Chemical Dilution & Dispensing
r Cleaning Chemicals/Agents & Consumables
r Cleaning Equipment/Hire
r Cloths & Dusters
r Compactors/Compactor Bags & Tubing
r Customised Cleaning Solutions
r Descalers & Degreasers
r Detergents
r Dishwashers
r Dishwasher Dispensing Equipment
r Disinfectants & Sanitisers
r Disinfection/Decontamination/Fogging/ Sanitisation Services
r Dispensers/Dispensing Products
r Dosing Equipment
r Drain & Grease-Trap Maintenance
r Drain Cleaning Chemicals
r Drain Cleaning Equipment
r Dryers – Tumble/Clothes
r Duct & Gutter Cleaning
r Dust Control &/or Logo Mats
r Dust/Litter Bins
r Dustpans, Dusters & Brushes
r Escalator Cleaners
r Facial Tissue
r Facilities Management Services
r Floor Pads/Polishes/Scarifiers
r Fragrance Units
r Glass Cleaning Chemicals
r Glass & Aluminium Restoration
r Gloves – Disposable/ Plastic/Rubber/Latex
r Graffiti Removal Products
r Green Cleaning/Products
r Guest Amenities/Hospitality/Toiletries
r HACCP Cleaning Specialists
r Hand Cleansers & Protectors
r Hand Dryers (Air)
r Hard Floor Treatments
r Hazard Material – Disposal/Control/ Emergency Spill Response/Clean-up
r High-Pressure Cleaners/Washers
r Housekeeping – Carts
r Hygiene Audits
r Hygiene &/or Cleaning Consultants
r Hygiene Brushware & Consumables
r Hygiene Services
r Industrial Chemicals
r Industrial Cleaning Systems/Solutions
r Industrial Laundry Equipment/ Dispensers
r Irons – Steam/Automatic
r Laundry & Dry Clean Consumables
r Laundry &/or Dry Cleaning Services
r Laundry Suppliers
r Liners – Dustbins
r Lubricants
r Microbiological Testing
r Microfibre Products
r Mopping & Flat Mopping Systems
r Mops – Dish/Floor
r Odour Control Services/Management
r Paper, Serviettes & Wipes (Disposable)
r Paper Towel Dispensers
r Parts & Accessories – Floorcare & Laundry Equipment
r Pest Control Equipment/Repellent
r Pest Control Services
r Pesticides
r Protective Clothing/Workwear
r Recycling Equipment/Solutions
r Refuse Disposal Equipment, Vehicles & Systems
r Road Sweepers/Vacuum Trucks
r Robotic Cleaning Systems
r Sanitary Bins
r Sanitary Bin Services
r Scourers – Floor
r Scrubbers/Scrubber Driers/Sweepers
r Single Disc Floor-Maintenance Machines
r Soaps & Soap Dispensers
r Solvents & Strippers
r Specialised Cleaning Services
r Speciality Own-Label Products
r Spray Extraction Cleaners
r Squeegees, Brooms & Brushes
r Steam Cleaners
r Sterilisers
r Surface Cleaning Pads & Cloths
r Sweepers (Manual/Ride-On)
r Terrazzo Floor Cleaning
r Textile Care
r Time, Attendance and People Management Solutions & Software
r Toilet Cleaners
r Toilet Tissue
r Towels/Disposable Towels
r Training & Education – Development/ Recruitment/HACCP
r Trolley Systems
r Upholstery Cleaning
r Urinal Gel Pads
r Vacuum Cleaners – Wet/Dry
r Ventilators & Ventilation Systems, Kitchen Extraction Systems – Cleaning
r Washroom Accessories & Consumables
r Waste Disposal Systems/Solutions/ Equipment
r Waste Environmental Management
r Water Treatment Systems
r Window/Solar Panel Cleaning
r Window-Cleaning Equipment
r Woven & Non-Woven Wipes
r Other (Please specify):
CompleteNOTLISTEDYET?
Buyer’s Guide 2025
Harness the power of this comprehensive reference manual containing products and services available within cleaning and related industries.
Ensure that your company is listed in the next Buyer’s Guide – the only reference tool for companies and individuals requiring information about hygiene, cleaning, maintenance, pest control, textile care, and waste- and facility management services.
EMAIL: africancleaningreview@cleantex.co.za in order to secure your copy entry in the African Cleaning Review 2025 Buyer’s Guide edition. Once-off charge: R550 for 365 days
DEADLINE: NO ENTRIES CAN BE ACCEPTED AFTER 13 DECEMBER 2024
Please complete the form in BLOCK LETTERS
Company name: _____________________________________________
Head office address: _________________________________________
NB: Product Entries Tick in the appropriate block/s for services, products and equipment manufactured or distributed by your company. Please tick no more than 10 main products/services as additional entries can not be guaranteed.
