BUSINESS SPECIAL REPORTS
Hartley Milner on Europe’s challenge to innovate on the world stage.
Lauren Kyle on getting the most from every industry exhibition visit.
Technology is moving at a fast pace, but just how sustainable is it?
Grazia Polidori is passionate about the industry fostering inclusive workplaces
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ECJ looks ahead to the London cleaning exhibition taking place in March.
Cleaners face hazards at work - who should be protecting their health?
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European Cleaning & Hygiene Awards 2025 - enter now!
The European Cleaning & Hygiene Awards 2025 - the only pan-European awards for the professional cleaning sector, founded by ECJ - has officially opened for entries.
2025 marks the eighth edition of the event founded and organised by European Cleaning Journal. Once again service providers, manufacturers, distributors and individuals are being invited to submit their nominations for a chance to be recognised for their outstanding contributions to the industry.
And this year there are two new categories - International Expansion and Best Company to Work For.
The International Expansion category will recognise businesses that have successfully grown their geographical footprint over the past year, highlighting their strategies for market entry, local adaptation and sustained growth in global markets.
The Best Company to Work For award will celebrate organisations that excel in fostering outstanding workplace cultures and employee experience.
In addition to the two new categories the Best Use of Smart Solutions award has been renamed to Digital Transformation, recognising the businesses that have successfully leveraged technology to revolutionise their operations, enhance customer experience and drive innovation.
The Sustainability - Best Practice award will once again be split to reward both service providers and manufacturers. Here are the 2025 categories:
• International Expansion
• Digital Transformation (formerly Best Use of Smart Solutions)
• Investment in Training and People Development
• Excellence in Client/ Contractor Partnerships
• Sustainability - Best Practice (Service Provider)
• Sustainability - Best Practice (Manufacturer)
• Commitment to Diversity in the Workforce
• Best Initiative Raising the Profile of the Cleaning Sector
• Technological Innovation of the Year
• Leader of the Year
• Rising Star Award
• Best Company to Work For (new for 2025)
The awards ceremony and dinner promises to be another night to remember, set against the stunning backdrop of the National Museum of Scotland in Edinburgh.
ECJ editor and founder of the awards Michelle Marshall said: “Over the coming weeks and months, we want to hear all about your success stories from the past year. From product innovations, sustainability commitments and client partnerships to championing diversity and career progression, it’s your time to share your biggest achievements.
Les Prix européens de propreté et d’hygiène - les seuls prix d’envergure européenne à être décernés aux professionnels du secteur - sont désormais ouverts pour les inscriptions. Les gagnants seront nommés le 2 octobre à l’occasion d’un dîner de gala à Edimbourg.
“Every year we are so impressed by the quality of entries and we cannot wait to read all the 2025 nominations. If you have a story to tell, please do get involved.”
EVENTS
March 18-20
The Cleaning Show London, UK cleaningshow.co.uk
March 25-27
Europropre Paris, France www.europropre.com
March 31-April 3
China Clean Expo Shanghai, China www.chinacleanexpo.com
May 2-4
Kenya Clean Expo Nairobi, Kenya intlexpos.com/KenyaClean2025
May 27-29
ISSA Pulire Milan, Italy www.issapulire.com
All entries are to be submitted via the European Cleaning & Hygiene Awards website: www. echawards.com/enter
Deadline for entries is April 30, entries are free of charge.
September 23-26
CMS Berlin Berlin, Germany www.cms-berlin.de
October 2
EuropeanCleaning&HygieneAwards Edinburgh, Scotland www.echawards.com
October 29-30
ISSA Cleaning & Hygiene Expo Sydney, Australia www.issa.com
November 10-13
ISSA North America Chicago, USA www.issa.com
April 14-17 2026
Interclean Amsterdam Amsterdam, Netherlands www.intercleanshow.com
To have your event included in the Events section, contact ECJ via email at: michelle@europeancleaningjournal.com
Die European Cleaning & Hygiene Awards – die einzigen europaweiten Auszeichnungen in der professionellen Reinigungsbranche – sind jetzt offiziell für Nominierungen geöffnet. Die Gewinner werden am 2. Oktober im Rahmen eines Galadiners in Edinburgh bekanntgegeben.
Gli European Cleaning & Hygiene Awards, gli unici premi paneuropei per il settore della pulizia professionale, hanno aperto ufficialmente le iscrizioni. I vincitori saranno annunciati durante la cena di gala del 2 ottobre a Edimburgo.
Interclean Shanghai attracts professionals from over 80 countries
The Interclean Shanghai exhibition (organised by RAI, organiser of Interclean Amsterdam) took place in December in China and was hailed a great success. Industry professionals from more than 80 countries gathered to see over 150 exhibitors and attend the conferences and seminars featuring over 40 speakers.
“The Chinese professional cleaning and hygiene industry is undergoing a remarkable transformation, driven by the rapid adoption of AI-powered solutions and a strong commitment to sustainability through ESG initiatives,” said director of Interclean Robert Stelling.
“As technology advances at an
unprecedented pace, China is not only setting new benchmarks for innovation but is also creating vast opportunities for investors to capitalise on cutting-edge products and solutions. With an increasing demand for cost-effective, highquality cleaning products, the show served as a vital gateway for international companies looking to tap into the dynamic Chinese cleaning market.”
Events during the show included Interclean China
Elite Awards, Cleaning and Infection Control in China’s Senior Care Facilities, China Urban Environmental Sanitation Cleaning Industry Meeting, International Exchange Meeting for Buyers, Healthcare
Demonstrations, Hospitality Green Cleaning Development Summit and various Meet The Expert sessions.
Also taking place was the Healthcare Cleaning Forum (HCF), co-organised with Fudan Hospital Facility Service Institute.
This year’s focus was on comparing and fostering mutual
learning between China and the Netherlands.
The next Interclean Shanghai takes place from 22 - 24 October 2025. Interclean Amsterdam next takes place from April 1417 2026.
www.intercleanshow.com
• ECJ is the official media partner of Interclean
Le salon Interclean de Shanghai a eu lieu à la fin de l’année dernière.
Die Messe Interclean Shanghai fand Ende letzten Jahres in China statt.
Alla fine dello scorso anno si è svolta in Cina la fiera Interclean Shanghai.
Reducing hand hygiene monitoring ‘could save time and money’
Hand hygiene monitoring in hospitals could be significantly reduced without compromising data quality, according to a US study.
The current standard requiring facilities to collect 200 direct hand hygiene observations per month per patient care unit was first mooted by US not-for-profit watchdog the Leapfrog Group In 2019. It was based on a 2009 World Health Organization hand hygiene observation method.
Meeting the standard has proven challenging for healthcare facilities due to the resources required to gather such a large number of observations. Leapfrog updated the standard in 2021 stating that 100 observations per unit per month would be acceptable
if hospitals were to meet all other criteria.
However, a new study published in the American Journal of Infection Control suggests that hospitals could reduce the number of observations to as few as 50 per unit per month without compromising data quality.
Researchers at the Association for Professionals in Infection Control analysed 390,371 hand hygiene observations across 29 facilities within large US hospital systems. They evaluated sample sizes of 25, 50, 100, and 150 observations against the current standard of 200 to determine whether there was a statistical difference in adherence.
Analysis revealed that a sample size of 50 observations
Il serait possible de sensiblement réduire le degré de suivi de l’hygiène des mains au sein des hôpitaux sans compromettre la qualité des données, affirme une étude américaine.
was comparable to 200 observations for assessing hand hygiene compliance.
“Reducing the number of required observations would alleviate the burden on infection prevention teams and hospitals,” said 2024 APIC President Tania Bubb. “It would also enhance
Laut einer US-Studie könnte die Überwachung der Handhygiene in Krankenhäusern deutlich reduziert werden, ohne die Datenqualität zu beeinträchtigen.
the quality of reported data and free up time and resources for meaningful performance improvement. We strongly encourage quality and safety standards organisations to review these data and decrease hand hygiene observation requirements.”
Secondo uno studio statunitense, il monitoraggio dell’igiene delle mani negli ospedali potrebbe essere ridotto in modo significativo senza compromettere la qualità dei dati.
Sodexo to offer guaranteed interviews to ex- offenders
Facilities services provider
Sodexo UK & Ireland is introducing guaranteed job interviews for people with criminal convictions as part of its Starting Fresh programme.
Applicants with a disclosed criminal conviction who meet the job criteria and pass the required screening will now be guaranteed an interview, giving them an opportunity to re-enter the workforce and rebuild their lives.
Several Sodexo sites have already hired individuals into a variety of roles across its food services and facilities management business. The organisation’s Frontline Talent Acquisition team is working closely with hiring managers to ensure the process is adapted to the unique needs and safeguarding requirements of each site.
Sodexo’s Starting Fresh programme was created to support more employers in
proactively recruiting trained and qualified prison-leavers.
In the last year, its prison employment leads have placed more than 700 prison-leavers into sustainable employment in industries such as retail, hospitality and construction.
During the year to date, Sodexo has employed 96 people with disclosed criminal convictions, with a third of these hires coming through the Starting Fresh programme - meaning Sodexo has employed them directly through one of the prisons it operates within six weeks of release.
Sodexo is keen to be clear though that it is a ‘Ban the Box’ employer - only requiring disclosure where vetting is necessary for the role - and, as such, will never know the full true number of people with criminal convictions recruited into the business.
Tony Simpson, justice chief operating officer, Sodexo UK &
Ireland said: “Sodexo currently operates six prisons and we see first-hand the transformative power of meaningful employment for individuals with criminal convictions. Gainful employment not only reduces reoffending but also delivers immense value to businesses and the
communities they serve.
“We are determined to help improve outcomes for people leaving prison by creating opportunities that allow them to rebuild their lives. Initiatives like Starting Fresh demonstrate our commitment to driving change and making a real difference where it matters most.”
Scientist says gym equipment is ‘riddled with germs’
Dumbbells, barbells and workout machines commonly used in gyms can act as reservoirs for disease-causing germs, according to a scientist.
Microbiologist Dr Primrose Freestone claims these bacterial, viral and fungal pathogens could
cause anything from diarrhoea to athlete’s foot.
And she warns that the grimiest areas of the gym are the warm, wet places such as the sauna, showers, swimming pools and hot tubs.
Freestone, a senior lecturer
• Le prestataire de services d’installation Sodexo UK & Ireland a institué la pratique d’interviews de recrutement au profit de repris de justice dans le cadre de son programme Starting Fresh (Redémarrage).
• Les haltères et machines d’exercice couramment employées dans les centres de remise en forme peuvent constituer des réservoirs de microbes pathogènes, affirme un scientifique
in clinical microbiology at the University of Leicester, says sweat is a good nutrient source for bacteria and fungi - even after it dries.
“This means any sweat that drips off of you or other gymgoers can be used by bacteria and germs to help them grow,” she said.
“Disease-causing bacteria, fungi and viruses have been found everywhere - gym floors and door handles, weights and barbells, cardio machines, bicycle and treadmill handlebars, benches, chairs and exercise mats. But warm and wet areas tend to contain the most germs.”
She says the most common germ found in gyms is
• Das Facility-Management-Unternehmen Sodexo UK & Ireland führt im Rahmen seines Programms „Starting Fresh“ garantierte Bewerbungsgespräche für Personen mit strafrechtlichen Verurteilungen ein.
• Kurzhanteln, Langhanteln und Trainingsgeräte, die gemeinhin in Fitnessstudios verwendet werden, können als Reservoire für krankheitsverursachende Keime dienen, so ein Wissenschaftler.
Staphylococcus aureus which can cause skin infections. However, previous studies have uncovered traces of viral infections including rhinovirus, influenza, Covid-19 and syncytial virus.
“These can all persist in the air of an enclosed gym for hours,” Freestone warned. “And they can remain on hard surfaces for several days.”
She recommends that gymgoers use antiseptic wipes to disinfect any equipment before and after using it. They should avoid sharing towels, combs, or razors and should cover any cuts or scratches. And washing the hands with soap and water is a must, she adds.
• Nell’ambito del suo programma Starting Fresh, il fornitore di servizi per le strutture Sodexo UK & Ireland sta introducendo colloqui di lavoro garantiti per persone con condanne penali.
• Secondo uno scienziato, i manubri, i bilancieri e le macchine per l’allenamento comunemente utilizzate nelle palestre possono fungere da serbatoi per i germi che causano malattie.
BICSc announces 100,000 enrolments in online courses
The British Institute of Cleaning Science (BICSc) has reached a significant milestone as it marks 100,000 enrolments for its various online training courses.
Tens of thousands of candidates from all over the world have enrolled since the launch of the Virtual Training Suite in early 2021. Participants have completed courses covering comprehensive cleaning techniques, varied training topics and skills - aimed at raising standards and keeping cleaning operatives safe in the workplace.
Group managing director of BICSc Neil Spencer-Cook commented: “We are really pleased our online training
continues to be such a popular choice for BICSc training. We achieved 40 per cent growth in enrolments from 2023-2024, which we feel was due to the introduction of the training app that allows people to train on the go from a tablet or smartphone and it syncs seamlessly with their account when accessed via a web browser.
“This enables anyone access to our training, no matter where they are in the world and at a time that fits with their schedule.”
BICSc will also soon add other courses to the Virtual Training Suite, it said, including new rolled skills and Cleanlogic courses.
OCS acquires Maxim FM in UK
In the UK, facilities services provider OCS has acquired Maxim FM in the north-east of England. This is the group’s sixth strategic transaction in the UK over the last 18 months.
With Maxim FM’s head office in Sunderland, along with satellite offices in Glasgow, Bradford, and Swindon, and a strong customer base in the North of England and Scotland, this deal will add regional density to OCS’ cleaning division it says.
Daniel Dickson, UK & Ireland CEO of OCS, said: “Maxim FM has established itself as a trusted facilities management company throughout the north of England and Scotland.”
Graham Conway, managing director of Maxim added: “Becoming part of OCS presents an exciting opportunity for us to leverage the group’s extensive resources and expertise to offer a wider array of innovative, sustainable solutions.”
• Au Royaume-Uni, le British Institute of Cleaning Science (BICSc) a franchi le cap de 100 000 inscriptions à ses différents cours de formation en ligne.
• Au Royaume-Uni, le prestataire de services d’installation OCS a repris Maxim FM, société active dans le nord-est de l’Angleterre.
• La société Tennant, un spécialiste américain des machines de nettoyage de planchers, fabriquera l’un de ses robots pour la première fois en Europe.
How can you best manage your time when visiting the cleaning exhibitions taking place around Europe this year? Industry expert Lauren Kyle offers some valuable advice on page 19
Tennant robots made in Europe
Floor cleaning machine specialist Tennant - which has its headquarters in the US - is to manufacture one of its autonomous robotic models in Europe for the first time.
The T16AMR (Autonomous Mobile Robot) floor scrubber will be produced in Uden, the Netherlands.
“This is an exciting chapter for Tennant as we expand our AMR production into Europe for the first time,” explained Sylvain Rottier, VP and general manager of Tennant EMEA.
“By producing the T16AMR in Uden, we can significantly reduce logistical complexities, better
• Das British Institute of Cleaning Science (BICSc) hat 100.000 Anmeldungen für seine verschiedenen Online-Schulungen erreicht.
• Im Vereinigten Königreich hat das FacilityManagement-Unternehmen OCS im Nordosten Englands Maxim FM übernommen.
• Tennant, der Spezialist für Bodenreinigungsmaschinen aus den USA, wird erstmals eines seiner autonomen Robotermodelle in Europa herstellen.
support regional distributors and ensure quicker delivery to our European customers. This also aligns with our sustainability goals by cutting the carbon footprint associated with transatlantic transportation.”
The T16AMR is powered by Brain Corp International’s BrainOS AI technology. Its president Michel Spruijt commented: “The decision to manufacture the T16AMR locally not only underscores Tennant’s commitment to innovation but also highlights the importance of meeting growing regional demand for autonomous solutions.”
• Il British Institute of Cleaning Science (BICSc) ha raggiunto le 100.000 iscrizioni ai suoi corsi di formazione online.
• Nel Regno Unito, il fornitore di servizi per le strutture OCS ha acquisito Maxim FM nel nord-est dell’Inghilterra.
• L’azienda statunitense Tennant, specializzata in macchine per la pulizia dei pavimenti, produrrà per la prima volta in Europa uno dei suoi modelli robotici autonomi.
Cleaning operatives going above and beyond every day
Cleaning operatives are expected to do certain things such as operate specialist equipment, handle chemicals, be vigilant and adaptable, work against pressured deadlines, pay attention to detail, tackle difficult tasks and work unsociable hours. Abi Richards, account director at SBFM, tells us how their job involves so much more than that.
What many people don’t consider are the extra things cleaners do. The many ways that cleaning operatives go above and beyond their usual workplace expectations, day in, and day out. They not only go the extra mile to keep places and spaces clean and hygienic, but they also keep people safe, support worthwhile causes, become friendly faces for the public and improve the organisations they work for.
From taking part in video translations so all staff can quickly and easily understand tasks at hand, to running marathons, our frontline cleaning operatives have shone in some incredibly difficult situations to support others. Their incredible stories deserve to be recognised. Saving lives is perhaps something you’d be forgiven for associating with a doctor or nurse rather than a cleaner. One recent exceptional circumstance
at SBFM involved a lifesaving act. When an operative witnessed a gym member collapse under her barbell he sprang into action immediately - lifting the barbell off her, placing her into the recovery position and calling an ambulance.
This all happened during his night shift when there was no one else around to help. If he hadn’t been there, and reacted so quickly when he noticed something was wrong, the outcome of that situation could have been a lot worse.
Dealing with a crisis
Operatives often spring into action in other emergency scenarios - there have been times when facilities are flooded and cleaning operatives come to the rescue. Cleaners have gone out of their way to change their hours and work around the clock to remedy a soggy situation, emptying water - and even sewage - out of premises by the bucket load.
Other emergencies have involved more creepy-crawly situations. Operatives have taken it upon themselves to tackle spider infestations, cleaning up any trace of egg sacks or webs. That dedication to ensuring spaces are safe goes far beyond their usual scope of work. Elsewhere, they’ve been
Les agents de nettoyage vont chaque jour au-delà de leurs attentes habituelles sur leur lieu de travail et ils méritent d’être reconnus pour cela, déclare Abi Richards de SBFM.
on the frontline cleaning up spaces after protests and using their knowledge of safety procedures to be vigilant of any suspicious activity that could put the public at risk. That has involved informing client teams of incidents caught on CCTV, and sometimes intervention if it is safe to do so, to make sure people feel protected if they are being harassed or mistreated. Operatives’ dedication to human safety and caring for the community they work in reaches far beyond their daily task list.
Fundraising
Outside of their work, many operatives go to exceptional lengths to support communities and causes that mean a lot to them. One of our operatives was diagnosed as deaf earlier this year at the age of 58 and decided to raise funds for the Royal National Institute for Deaf People (RNID). As an avid marathon runner he has taken part in races across the globe. Another of our area managers has been out campaigning for another cause - homelessness. Last year, she worked with the charity Liverpool in Arms, to feed and care for the local homeless community during the difficult winter months. She got SBFM involved too and we donated 50 sleeping bags to the charity.
Reinigungskräfte übertreffen jeden Tag ihre üblichen Erwartungen am Arbeitsplatz und verdienen dafür Anerkennung, sagt Abi Richards von SBFM.
Helping each other Management teams proactively establish strong relationships with every one of their operatives. That means knowing everyone’s name and schedule preferences, even if it is across 130 sites. Creating a space and culture of open communication between frontline operatives and management ensures the company is guided by the very people who make a difference. Operatives are the eyes and ears of our industry. We consult them if we are looking to make changes and gauge feedback. Our frontline cleaners work with management to trial new equipment and products, offering fresh perspectives and calling out any potential issues. Our teams have also been the driving force for us to use video instruction manuals. Colleagues video themselves using equipment for other staff to better understand. This works well for some neurodivergent and disabled members of staff who may not learn well from written instructions. It is also useful for staff facing language barriers - one area manager filmed instructional videos in English and then in Spanish so colleagues could understand what to do in their native language.
Never ‘just’ a cleaner It pains me to hear the term ‘just a cleaner’. No one is ‘just a cleaner’. Our cleaning operatives do so much more than keeping spaces clean and tidy. They are a go-to in times of need, a confidante, the ones who are relied upon to get things done. Next time you see a busy cleaner, going about their schedule, think of the hidden roles they take on and the impact they have on the community they work in. Take time to say hello. Take time to say thank you.
Gli addetti alle pulizie vanno ogni giorno ben oltre le loro consuete aspettative sul posto di lavoro e meritano di essere riconosciuti per questo, afferma Abi Richards di SBFM.
Latest: Denmark
Year ahead at a glance
ECJ’s Lotte Printz looking into new legislation and some challenges facing the industry in Denmark.
To raise awareness in the general public and among politicians and to gain the necessary impact, the cleaning industry must do a proper clean-up among themselves. If there’s just one black sheep or shitstorm, the sector itself should take action as one ‘car crash’ is likely to attract more media attention than the positive stories. That was one piece of advice offered by Poul Madsen, communications adviser and former editor-in-chief of one of Denmark’s most popular tabloid newspapers, at a cleaning industry conference.
And there seems to be plenty of positive stories to go by as well as a strong will among industry leaders to set higher standards, both when it comes to complying with collective agreements, price-setting, adopting new technology and sustainable practices.
But accidents will happen even in the best regulated families and hardly had a new year begun, before the first supposed ‘screw-up’ hit the headlines.
The Capital Region of Denmark, which is in charge of healthcare services in the Danish capital area, has allegedly accepted a tender for window cleaning at eight large hospitals that is unrealistically low. According to other bidders in this open procedure, 66 per cent lower than the second lowest tender submitted, presumably. They say there might have been a breach of the Danish Procurement Act and ask for the window cleaning to be put out to a new tender. They even suggest this is not a one-off, but rather a tendency for the public sector to put price over social responsibility, the green transition and quality, which could undermine collective agreements.
Speaking to the Danish indusRapportant du Danemark, Lotte Printz fait le point d’une nouvelle législation, ainsi que de certains défis qui affecteront le secteur de la propreté en 2025.
try magazine Rent i Danmark, which has filed for access to tender documents but so far in vain, Jack Kimbork, who runs Quality Window Cleaning and is a board member and spokesperson for VIPU (a body of window cleaners), raises the question:
“How are we supposed to make our business operations sustainable if the public sector only has its eyes on price?”
At the above-mentioned conference, former European commissioner for climate action, Connie Hedegaard, urged companies to do exactly that: lead the way in the green transition. It’s not only their duty, it’s also a business opportunity likely to strengthen their market position, as she put it.
Quite a few companies within the industry are well aware of this and well underway. However, it also seems likely (in an industry traditionally and notoriously known for ‘black sheep’ - and I do hate becoming a party-pooper!) there will be those who have their eyes on price alone, who bend under the weight of whatever requirements or simply think they have enough on their plates already to invest in the future.
As of 2025 Danish companies are faced with a green tax reform. A carbon tax has been introduced to reduce emissions from energy use and transport and may affect companies within the cleaning industry as well. As may the road tax introduced on lorries of 12 tons or more or the tougher controls on waste separation that took effect on January 1.
So, there seems to be plenty to do for the industry as a whole in 2025. Making demands or cleaning up in its midst, holding its head up high and focusing on the positive stories that will change its image.
Aus Dänemark berichtet Lotte Printz über neue Rechtsvorschriften und einige Herausforderungen, mit denen die Reinigungsbranche 2025 konfrontiert werden wird.
The beach, or not the beach?
From the UK, Lynn Webster tells us about a trend that takes the concept of WFH a step further.
In recent years there has been an increase in the desire to work from ‘home’. This has been driven by advancement in technology but even more so by the wish to have greater flexibility in lifestyle and the work-life balance. One of the biggest positives is the ability to create a personal schedule that allows allocating time for family, personal interests and other pursuits without being constrained by the traditional office environment.
There are some negative aspects which can reduce the opportunity for collaborative working - reducing that creative spark and innovation experience in the office and the challenges of retaining a strong company culture. Employers need to understand their responsibilities to ensure a smooth and efficient working environment for their employees, whether the team is fully remote or working in a hybrid model.
Remote working can lead to miscommunication and feelings of isolation therefore maintaining open lines of communication is crucial. Employers can establish regular check-ins, be it through video calls, emails or messaging platforms. It’s also essential for employers to set clear expectations regarding performance and accountability.
So, as we see the media reports of increasing examples of working from home actually manifesting itself as not WFH but WFB: working ‘on the beach’ do we look at this with incredulous envy? Or just suspicion of mismanagement? Examples have included the employee who has worked from Ibiza for the last four years, with other reports of lengthy stays in exotic locations. Some local authorities have even incorporated over-
seas working into official policy, allowing some staff to have a month per annum working from overseas destinations.
There are several other considerations for both employers and any employees thinking of taking this option:
• Immigration law: the right to work in the overseas country under their immigration laws, and if a visa is required to do so.
• Employment law: does the country’s labour laws apply to both or either employee or employer?
• Data protection: is there cover to protect employer’s data privacy policy?
• Employer liability: is there sufficient cover for the work carried out overseas under public liability insurance?
• Health and safety: legal responsibilities regarding personal and corporate health and safety need to be reviewed for change of workplace
• Medical insurance: private medical insurance cover whilst overseas
• Travel and home insurance: policy cover for extended stays outside the UK?
Those involved defend their approach, claiming it helps support retention of valued staff in a highly competitive recruitment market whereas there are others condemning the practice as horrifying that employers are giving employees permission to “work from their sunbeds”.
Working from home is right for some but it might not suit everyone. Many roles, especially in cleaning, facilities and hospitality cannot function in this way so have little choice. Whatever the decision, ensuring a work-life balance and mental well-being remain a priority for us all. So, will I see you on the beach??!!
In Danimarca, Lotte Printz esamina la nuova legislazione e alcune sfide che il settore delle pulizie dovrà affrontare nel 2025.
Au Royaume-Uni, Lynn Webster examine la tendance du télétravail consistant à ne plus travailler « depuis la maison », mais plutôt « depuis la plage ».
Lynn Webster untersucht in ihrem Artikel aus dem Vereinigten Königreich den Trend, nicht nur von zu Hause aus, sondern sogar vom Strand aus zu arbeiten.
Nel Regno Unito, Lynn Webster esamina la tendenza non solo a “lavorare da casa”, ma persino a “lavorare dalla spiaggia”.
SMARTER EQUIPMENT. BETTER HYGIENE. R ENT E.
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Latest: Netherlands Update to primary school standards
From the Netherlands, John Griep on updates to guidelines for cleaning of primary schools.
Vereniging Schoonmaak
Research (VSR) has updated and refined the Indicative Measurement System for Primary Education (IMPO) to align with current practical cleaning requirements in schools. This revision ensures a more effective and representative approach to assessing cleaning quality in primary education facilities.
A representative sampling approach
To gain an accurate overall picture of a school’s cleaning quality, it is not necessary to inspect every room. Instead, a representative sample suffices, streamlining the process while maintaining reliability. This approach allows for a practical and time-efficient assessment without compromising quality insights.
Structured evaluation with a step-by-step plan
VSR has introduced a structured 10-step plan, accompanied by a newly developed control form, to facilitate objective and systematic cleaning inspections. The first nine steps provide a clear indicative assessment of the achieved cleaning result, while step 10 focuses on taking appropriate action based on the findings. If a school desires a different
or higher level of cleanliness than observed, discussions can be initiated with the cleaning company to address expectations and improvements.
It is important to note that the IMPO assessment is strictly indicative—meaning no fines or penalties are associated with the results. Instead, the system serves as a valuable management tool to foster transparency and constructive dialogue between school administrations and cleaning companies.
Availability and implementation
The updated IMPO documents were distributed to all VSR members by post in early January. Additionally, a PDF version (Dutch) is available for download through the VSR Knowledge Bank.
VSR encourages schools and cleaning companies to use this enhanced IMPO framework as a tool for improvement. By strengthening communication between school management and cleaning teams, the initiative aims to contribute to a healthier and cleaner learning environment for students and staff alike.
For more information, visit the VSR Knowledge Bank and explore how the updated IMPO can benefit your institution.
The European Cleaning & Hygiene
Awards 2025 are now open for entries - with the winners being announced at a gala dinner in Edinburgh on October 2. Find out now how to get involved - visit www.echawards.com/enter
Aux Pays-Bas, il a été procédé à une mise à niveau du dispositif de mesure de la propreté dans les écoles primaires, rapporte John Griep, de l’organisation VSR. In den Niederlanden wurde das Messsystem für die Reinigung in Grundschulen aktualisiert, berichtet John Griep (VSR).
US tariffs present export challenges
In Italy, says Anna Garbagna, companies are worried about the US president’s tariff policies.
President Trump’s Golden Age may not correspond to an equally happy period for the Italian market, which is worried about the duties announced by the new US administration on our goods. According to the Svimez study conducted on behalf of Il Sole 24 ore, the general scenario would be a 3.8 billion impact on national GDP and €5.8 billion of exports to the US. With a loss of more than 53,000 jobs per year.
The new policies could deal a severe blow to Italian exports, with knock-on effects on entire productive sectors. The US represent Italy’s second largest market for exports (€66.4 billion in 2024, or 10.7 per cent of the national total).
According to Confartigianato, the sectors most exposed to these consequences would be those characterized by a strong presence of micro and small businesses, which in 2024 exported €17.9 billion worth of products to the US, with a 3.9 per cent growth between January and September.
Export investment
In addition to duties, another risk highlighted by Maurizio Gardini, president of Confcooperative, is the Italian Sounding phenomenon, or the spread of products that imitate Made in Italy products without respecting their quality and certifications. As prices of original Italian products rise, American consumers may turn to lower quality local alternatives.
Italian companies have invested heavily in export and internationalisation to grow their business, but now they face this new obstacle.
The impact of the duties imposed by the Trump adminis-
tration on professional cleaning detergents and machinery depends on various factors, including the customs classification of the products and materials involved.
For instance, machinery which often falls under the category of capital goods and mechanical/ electrical machinery, could be subject to the duties, especially if it contains steel and aluminium components (up to 25 per cent). Chemical detergents for professional cleaning would still present some critical issues related to increased transportation costs, since duties on raw materials would have an impact on logistics costs.
Many countries are responding to Trump’s choice with similar measures, and this climate of instability could make sourcing certain materials or accessing key markets for the cleaning industry more complex. This is also why some manufacturers may be considering setting up factories or joint ventures with US companies.
Although no specific data is available for professional cleaning, it is estimated to contribute less than one per cent of total Italian exports to the US.
However in the Italian industrial cleaning market, the impact of Trump’s tariffs depends on the exposure of individual companies, and while those who depended on imports from the US will experience increased costs and those who exported to the US will find it more difficult to maintain competitive prices, it is also true that those who operated mainly in Europe could benefit from less US competition. This would give the right indication for a recovery strategy.
Nei Paesi Bassi, il sistema di misurazione per la pulizia nelle scuole primarie è stato aggiornato - riferisce John Griep di VSR.
Rapportant d’Italie, Anna Garbagna fait état des conséquences néfastes que les politiques tarifaires de Donald Trump pourraient entraîner pour les exportations italiennes.
Anna Garbagna berichtet aus Italien, dass die neue Zollpolitik von US-Präsident Donald Trump den italienischen Exporten einen schweren Schlag versetzen könnte. Come spiega Anna Garbagna in Italia, le nuove politiche tariffarie del presidente americano Donald Trump potrebbero infliggere un duro colpo alle esportazioni italiane.
France
Year of uncertainty lies ahead
new government Latest:
Christian Bouzols in France on the challenges being faced by cleaning companies at the start of 2025.
There will be no respite for cleaning companies in France as it continues to be faced by the thorny issues of the tax allowances and the wage rises respectively demanded by the employers and the unions - all this within the context of an economic crises in the country.
These companies have therefore begun the new year with the same uncertainties that had been theirs at the end of 2024.
The matter of the required tax allowances, which the national assembly had rejected when voting the 2025 budget last December, might be picked up again by the new government in a more favourable way for the cleaning sector, but the uncertainty hasn’t been lifted.
Although a two per cent rise in the minimum wage for cleaners was announced in November last year, the matter of wages and their increase remains a very hot issue for both employers and unions. The parties (the employers being represented by FEP, the French cleaning federation) recently held a tense meeting to discuss the minimum wage, which left the unions quite unsatisfied.
The impoverishment of cleaning workers
“There are no words to describe the attitude of the FEP towards the trade unions (CFDT, CGT and FO) that were present at the meeting and whose intention was to get serious negotiations started,” growled a union representative in a communiqué. The unions want, among other things, the ending of working hours outside normal hours, the generalisation of daytime work for cleaners and the nullifica-
Christian Bouzols rend compte de l’incertitude qui affecte le secteur français de la propreté en ce début d’année pour des questions de charges fiscales et salariales.
tion of a provision allowing for a reduction to 16 in the number of hours worked per week by part-time cleaners, whereas the legally stipulated figure is 24 hours. As a background to these demands, a study by the Alixio research organisation shows a growing pauperisation among cleaners.
Currently, 17.3 per cent of them are on the minimum wage, whereas this proportion was only 11 per cent in 2015. During 2023, there was a reasonable increase in their wages (4.1 per cent), but this didn’t compensate for inflation (4.9 per cent). As regards employers in the cleaning sector and other service industries, their main concern is to have these wage increases passed on to their clients.
The ‘24 solutions’ of the cleaning federation
“Our profit margins are at stake and so is the business model we would need to apply if daytime working were made obligatory, an outcome that is still facing many hurdles,” said a worried cleaning employer, who also mentioned the shaky situation of his industry and the increasingly tight budgeting of the public authorities.
This difficult and uncertain situation seems to be the right setting for the publication by the FEP of a new issue of its ‘24 Solutions’. This deals with the actions to be carried out in respect of wages, employee support, public procurement and tax allowances. This list had originally been presented to the former prime minister, Michel Barnier, and remains current for the new government of François Bayrou.
Christian Bouzols teilt mit, dass die Reinigungsbranche in Frankreich aufgrund von Steuervergünstigungen und Lohnerhöhungen einem unsicheren Jahr gegenübersteht.
Wage rises, and a
It’s been an eventful start to the year in Germany, writes Katja Scholz, as the country goes to the polls.
There is news to report from the sector at the start of the year - a period overshadowed by the early German federal elections in February. Very important elections, in the light of the political mood in Germany and throughout Europe. In the run-up, the members and companies of the Federal Association of Contract Cleaners (BIV) all sought to initiate dialogue with politicians to make their needs known and to alert politicians to topics of concern to them.
First, the good news: new wage rates came into effect in January. Following prolonged negotiations, the Union of Construction Workers (IG BAU) and the BIV on behalf of the employers, reached agreement. The sector minimum wage in the entry level wage group would rise from €13.50 to €14.25. The second minimum wage for skilled workers would rise from €16.70 to €17.65.
Trainee wages were similarly adjusted: apprentices in the contract cleaning sector will now receive an increased €1,000, €1,150 and €1,300 Euro in the first, second and third year of their apprenticeships.
12,000 postcards
Christian Bouzols ci dice che il settore delle pulizie in Francia affronta un anno incerto a causa degli sgravi fiscali e degli aumenti salariali.
“We are the skilled trade with the largest workforce in Germany! Let us into the discussions.” This approach was used by the BIV committee to launch a campaign to stimulate talks with politicians in the run-up to the federal elections. The door opener for talks was the postcard campaign - a first print-run of 12,000 postcards was issued at the beginning of the year. “Whether it’s about free collective bargaining, tax policy or cutting red tape – we deliberately kept the range of topics on the cards as wideranging as possible,” commented federal guild master Thomas Dietrich. “The important thing is for companies to approach politicians on the ground with their experience, concerns and topics of importance to them, enter into conversations with
them and get involved.”
In the run-up to the elections the BIV also announced the results of a special survey: what are the key political demands and topics for companies in the contract cleaning sector? Most important: cutting red tape. Companies need a reduction in unnecessary regulations. Second was reform of the social security system. There is serious concern regarding increasing social security contributionsadditional payroll expenses have reached a record level of 42.3 per cent and health insurance contributions have risen more sharply this year than ever.
Key topics
Free collective bargaining also made it into the top three topics. Cleaning companies view any planned political interventions in the process of free collective bargaining with incredulity. Politicians must keep away from wage determination and leave it to the relevant collective bargaining parties or to the relevant minimum wage committee - this was the general opinion. A surprisingly major problem has also arisen with the so-called ‘minijob’ workers who engage in multiple jobs with different employers. This leads in practice to social security contributions being wrongly calculated and deducted. The sector is therefore calling for an automatic and legally watertight declaration process similar to the minijob. And now? Germany has voted – the federal elections took place on February 23. The result: the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) and the Christian Social Union (CSU) have emerged as the winners and must now enter into coalition talks. We should also remember this election in Germany has reflected Europe’s clear swing to the right, in that the second strongest force according to the voting results is the Alternative for Germany party (AfD) – an opposition which, in light of its number of seats in the German parliament, cannot be ignored.
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THE FIRST CLEANING SHOW I attended, I remember leaving with bags full of leaflets, pens, pencils, cleaning cloths and a collection of business cards. The fact that nearly everyone else was doing the same, it seems that collecting ‘freebies’ was definitely a part of the experience back then! I also thought at that first one I attended that, to make it worthwhile as a ‘day away from work’ I should try and visit every stand and talk to every company that was exhibiting. By the end of the day, my head was ready to explode!
Of course, some things change – business cards have largely been replaced with QR codes and a greater focus on sustainability means there are fewer ‘freebies’. During the height of Covid, many of us wondered whether ‘live’ trade shows were set to become a thing of the past, being replaced with virtual events. Here we are though, with shows well and truly re-established in the industry calendar - opportunities to meet in person and to experience at first hand a wide range of the latest products, equipment, systems and technology.
Since that first trade show experience, I’ve attended many events and have gradually refined my approach to get the most from these opportunities. If you’re thinking about attending your first cleaning show in the months ahead – or if you’ve been to many, I hope some of the suggestions below will be useful. Plan your attendance
With busy works schedules it can be easy for a show to suddenly ‘appear’. You knew it was coming, you had an idea that you want to attend your national, regional or even one of the international shows, but the date has crept up on you and you realise your diary is full. Despite your best intentions you don’t have time to go. Oh well…maybe next time.
It’s well worth looking at the events schedule for the year ahead. If you’ve worked in the cleaning industry for a while, you’ll be familiar with the regular pattern of trade shows – when the events
Shows - set your goals
are taking place in your country and even when the next international shows are coming up.
Of course, there is a cost in both time and money to visit trade shows. Many of them remain free to attend, but there are still travel and time costs. However, the investment can far outweigh both. Recognise what you can afford – both in time and money - and choose an event (or events) for the year ahead. Schedule them in your calendar and guard those dates as if they were your holiday!
Don’t forget follow-up time
For those of us who have previously attended exhibitions, how many of us have left a show buzzing with new ideas to investigate further, new contacts to speak with, excited about how a particular innovation could be a game-changer for our business or one of our clients? Of course we’re going to follow up, of course we’ll be arranging the demo of that new machine next week or having a follow-up meeting with that potential new supplier we’ve just met.
Then the ‘day job’ takes over. You’ve left the exhibition centre, your phone pings with something urgent and by the next day you’re back into the regular routine and all of those good intentions are relegated to the ‘non urgent’ pile.
Sound familiar? I’ve found that scheduling ‘follow-up’ time in the days after attending a show is invaluable. Even blocking out two or three hours on the following day to reflect and work your way through all the new information you’ve gained can really help.
Subscribe to alerts
With digital and social media, it’s never been easier to stay abreast of what’s going to be happening at the event you’re going to attend.
As the date gets closer you can start to refine your approach as you find out who will be exhibiting, what topics will be covered in the conference program and who else will be visiting.
The cleaning industry is entering a year when many of the European trade exhibitions are taking place - including London, Paris, Milan, Berlin and Madrid. If you’re visiting any of those shows, how can you make the most of your time there rather than wandering aimlessly through the aisles? Some planning and preparation can make all the difference, writes industry expert Lauren Kyle.
Some shows now invite you to connect digitally in advance with others who will be attending.
Talk to your existing contacts
Industry exhibitions provide a great opportunity to connect with lots of people in a short period of time – think ‘professional speed dating’!
If you’ve been trying for months to get a meeting with a customer or a supplier and it just hasn’t happened because it’s proving impossible to align diaries – here’s your opportunity to make that meeting happen!
Rather than trying to find that elusive mutually convenient time slot, a simple ‘Are you going to London/Berlin/Amsterdam?’ could provide the solution. You don’t want to spend your whole time at the show in meetings, but this could be an ideal time for a few ‘coffee catch-ups’.
Customise your day
As I mentioned earlier, I used to think I needed to visit every stand at a show - an approach that takes its toll on your legs as much as your brain!
If you’re new to trade shows, you might still want to do this – it could help you to get a view of the wider industry land-
Continued page 20
Shows - set your goals (continued from page 19)
scape, and you don’t want to shut yourself off to potential opportunities too soon.
It’s still worth prioritising though. Attending an exhibition is an exercise in time management. If it’s a show spread over two or three days and you have the luxury of time on your side, perfect – you can take a more leisurely approach.
However, you don’t want to suddenly realise as you’re leaving the show that you’ve missed something you really wanted to see. (Or as I did at my first Interclean Amsterdam show, realise as I was about to head to the airport that there was a whole hall I hadn’t been to!)
The conference programme
Identifying your own priorities before you attend will help you get the best out of the show. Exhibitions are a great place to find out about wider industry trends – presentations, guest speakers, product launches and discussion panels. You probably won’t want to attend every session but look at what’s most relevant to you. There are usually a wide range of subjects – from sustainability to automation, from digital technology to AI and training.
It’s a great opportunity to expand your knowledge – and if you plan what you’re going to attend in advance, you can arrive at a session in time to get a seat. (Your legs will thank you!)
As with the speaker programme,
look in advance at who will be exhibiting and prioritise according to your main areas of interest.
Exhibitors
Are you wondering whether robots would work for your clients? Are you being challenged in bids to demonstrate your company’s sustainability credentials? Are your cleaning teams telling you the cleaning products you’re providing are not as effective as they could be?
By prioritising visits to exhibitors most likely to be able to support you, you’re making great use of your time and by the end of the day you’ll hopefully have at least some of your questions answered.
On the subject of questions - don’t forget to ask lots of them, including the challenging ones. Connecting with colleagues, whatever their role in the industry, is a learning opportunity for all of us - so asking a manufacturer the questions you want the answers to will also help them to understand their clients even better.
Network, network, network
For every person who loves to talk to other people and isn’t bothered by the idea of talking to strangers, there’s another one who cringes at the thought.
However, guess what? Networking isn’t as daunting as many people think. If you go to a show with a genuine desire to learn and be curious about what’s new,
you’ll soon find that the whole experience becomes much more natural. Practice makes perfect.
Meeting new people - and re-connecting with those you already know - is a big part of the experience. More shows are starting to provide dedicated networking spaces and opportunities, which help to facilitate those informal conversations.
Have fun!
In case you have not yet been to a cleaning exhibition you might be forgiven for thinking they could be a bit serious, a little bit ‘full-on’ and everyone’s only interested in selling you stuff
Well, of course exhibitors want you to be interested in their products or services – but this certainly doesn’t mean you have to sign up to anything (although business deals do of course get done at shows).
Attending shows can be a lot of funand at times, a tiny bit surreal. Where else would you see world records for window cleaning broken, bump into colleagues you haven’t seen for years, or enjoy a beer while watching a talented cover band dancing on the bar?
So why not grab a coffee, take a few minutes out of your day to find out when the next shows are and schedule one or two for the year ahead. Looking forward to seeing you!
To contact Lauren Kyle email: lauren@ chalklandsolutions.co.uk
Experte en questions industrielles, Lauren Kyle donne des conseils sur la manière de tirer le meilleur parti de la visite de salons professionnels, traitant de la planification, de la sélection de personnes à
Die Branchenexpertin Lauren Kyle bietet Tipps, um den Besuch einer Fachmesse optimal zu nutzen – von der Planung, wen und was Sie dort sehen möchten, über die individuelle Gestaltung Ihres Tages bis hin zur effektiven Nachbereitung.
L’esperta del settore Lauren Kyle offre consigli su come ottenere il massimo dalla visita a una fiera commerciale: dalla pianificazione di chi e cosa si desidera vedere lì, alla personalizzazione della giornata, al follow-up efficace.
rencontrer, de la valorisation de la journée et du suivi des contacts.
Winter woes
What are the biggest problems that hospitals have to face in winter in terms of cleaning and hygiene? Ann Laffeaty finds out.
FEBRUARY AND MARCH are challenging months for the European healthcare sector. Winter is when we see greater numbers of cold, flu and norovirus outbreaks in the northern hemisphere. Cold weather also leads to more people congregating inside where they become susceptible to any infection or virus that happens to be going around. Other issues such as staff shortages, new Covid variants and budget restraints only add to these “winter woes” in healthcare. And during the closing months of winter, healthcare staff will be exhausted from having to cope with higher patient loads.
So, what are the biggest problems for hospitals during the winter months, and how do cleaning companies and manufacturers go about addressing them?
The spread of germs and microorganisms is a major issue at this time of year, says Kärcher’s cleaning solutions consultant Gundula Braun. “People in hospital will be congregating in a small or confined area, many of whom will be ill and possibly also pathogen-spreaders,” she said. “On top of this, the indoor air will be dryer than usual due to the rooms being heated. And this air is also likely to be contaminated with pathogens.
“The primary challenge for staff will be to adhere to strict cleaning and hygiene procedures to ensure that winter germs are not allowed to spread further.”
Limited staff capacities and budget constraints make this process more difficult, she says. “These factors will lead to cost-cutting measures across the whole hospital environment, not just in cleaning.
“However, the extent to which cleaning is affected will depend on the costcutting priorities of the facility, and also on whether or not cleaning services are
outsourced or handled in-house. And if cleaning measures are to be cut, this will influence the agreement with the service provider and be subject to approval from hygiene experts in the hospital.”
Staff shortages and long waiting lists can put pressure on healthcare personnel to cut corners, she says. “However, cleaning and hygiene measures are defined by the hospital’s hygiene experts and must be strictly followed even during busy periods,” said Braun.
“Instead of cutting corners it makes more sense to reduce those cleaning activities that add no value. So any activity that does not create a clean environment should be identified and either reduced or eliminated.”
The inevitable winter spike in viruses and infections should increase vigilance as far as cleaning measures are concerned, she said. “In the case of highly contagious infections such as norovirus or MRSA, strict hygiene protocols will be in place and these will always take effect in case of an outbreak,” said Braun.
Most of the common “winter woes” can be combatted by a combination of machines, detergents and manual tools, according to Braun. Kärcher offers a range of scrubber dryers, sweepers, autonomous cleaning solutions, steam cleaners and air purifiers designed to help achieve a hygienic clean in hospitals.
Recruiting sufficient staff to ensure all departments are cleaned according to proper methods remains a major challenge, says Greenspeed marketing executive Rosaliene Verhoef. “Hospitals are often forced to make last-minute decisions that involve cleaning multiple departments using a reduced weekend schedule, which is driven by a high absentee rate on any given day.
“Meanwhile, the growing threat of multi-resistant bacteria remains a pressing concern,” she adds. “This issue is largely fuelled by the overuse - and sometimes unnecessary use - of antibiotics combined with improper or excessive surface disin-
fection. These practices create conditions that will encourage the development of resistant strains, making infection control increasingly difficult.”
However, the primary difficulty today is in maintaining a skilled and consistent workforce when budgets are tight, Verhoef says. “The evolution of mechanised cleaning methods is helping to improve efficiency and reduce labour costs, but human expertise is crucial for thorough cleaning and hygiene.”
Training continues to play a vital role in healthcare, she adds. “However, training will only prove to be effective if the cleaning team remains stable,” she says. “A high turnover of staff will undermine efforts to build a well-trained workforce because new hires may require repeated instruction, delaying progress and consistency.”
Hospitals are increasingly opting to clean several departments using a reduced, weekend-level cleaning schedule because of staff shortages, according to Verhoef. “While this approach may ensure minimal operational hygiene, it also compromises thoroughness,” she said.
“Hand hygiene must never be neglected. Both nursing staff and cleaning teams should prioritise proper hand washing and hand disinfection. This is a critical barrier against the spread of infections, even in times when resources are restricted.”
A spike in infections from seasonal illnesses such as Covid, influenza, norovirus, or MRSA is almost inevitable over winter, Verhoef continues. “In response, it is hoped that hospitals will place renewed emphasis on hand hygiene. This includes not just hand washing but also proper disinfection before performing medical procedures or handling patients. Reinforcing these protocols can significantly reduce transmission risks in clinical settings.”
Greenspeed advocates the use of probiotic cleaners instead of preventive disinfection products. “Probiotic cleaners work to restore and maintain a healthy microbial balance on surfaces, whereas over-disinfecting can create resistant
strains,” said Verhoef. “Surfaces should only be disinfected when necessary.”
Ongoing staff shortages and the persistent threat of illness all combine to strain healthcare resources during the winter, says Essity communications director Jenny Turner. “Winter illnesses lead to heavier patient loads and staff shortages which increase the challenge of maintaining rigorous cleaning protocols,” she said.
“Budget constraints are a significant issue because limited financial resources can impact on essential tasks such as equipment cleaning and training staff. Without adequate funding it becomes difficult to invest in the latest cleaning technologies and provide comprehensive training for staff. And these elements are crucial for maintaining high hygiene standards.”
Staff shortages and long waiting lists place significant pressure on healthcare facilities, she says. “This makes it more challenging to maintain routines and protocols,” said Turner. “In such circumstances it can be difficult to ensure all surfaces are thoroughly cleaned and that hand hygiene routines are strictly followed. However, healthcare establishments must prioritise hygiene and overall cleanliness to minimise the risk of infections, even under these tricky conditions.”
An increase in patient numbers could lead to the mental and physical fatigue of healthcare workers, says Turner. “This could potentially impact their ability to maintain high standards of cleanliness and hygiene,” she said.
A spike in infections is a risk each winter. “In response, healthcare facilities are likely to intensify their hand washing and cleaning protocols,” said Turner. “This includes more frequent cleaning of high-touch surfaces, increased availability of hand soaps and sanitisers and reinforcing the importance of good hand hygiene practices among staff, patients and visitors.”
Tork offers a range of cleaning and hygiene solutions including Tork PeakServe Continuous Hand Towel dispensers which provide touch-free dispensing to minimise cross-contamination. Essity also provides hand hygiene and surface cleaning training for healthcare staff.
Quels sont les principaux problèmes qu’en cette période hivernale les hôpitaux doivent affronter sur les plans de la propreté et de l’hygiène ? Y a-t-il lieu, par exemple, d’intensifier les protocoles de lavage des mains et de nettoyage pour faire face à l’apparition de maladies ? Se peut-il qu’en raison de pénuries de personnel, les opérations de nettoyage et la pratique du lavage des mains soient plus difficiles à mener à bien ? Se peut-il également que des contraintes budgétaires aient conduit à rogner sur les dépenses en équipements vitaux de nettoyage ou en formations de personnel ?
Inadequate healthcare budgets during the winter can compromise high hygiene standards, says Filmop’s business development manager Paolo Scapinello. “It is necessary to remember any initial investment pays off over time,” he said. “A high level of hygiene significantly reduces the costs resulting from infections contracted during hospitalisation, which can be avoided by implementing correct prevention procedures.”
He says a co-circulation of winter viruses occurs every winter. “Influenza is one of the viruses that circulates most widely in EU countries causing seasonal epidemics, while Covid tends to be year-round,” he said. “And norovirus continues to be widespread in winter while MRSA remains one of the main causes of care-related infections requiring year-round attention.”
Severe winter illnesses can contribute to hospital saturation, says Scapinello. “Effective cleaning and proper hand hygiene are essential for prevention purposes and should be pursued at all times, regardless of seasonality,” he said. “However, the increased incidence of infections and viruses in winter means practices and procedures need to be even more stringent to protect the health of the community and safeguard the most vulnerable.”
Filmop’s A-B Plus system of trolleys, mop holders and mops are treated with antibacterial additives to protect them against bacteria, fungi and mould. The
company also offers touch-free stands equipped with an optical sensor or foot pedal designed to make disinfectant dispensing more accessible.
So, what solutions do commentators offer that can address some of the most common “winter woes”?
Improved ventilation can help reduce the spread of infections, says Gundula Braun. “Poor weather conditions lead to people spending more time indoors with all the doors and windows closed,” she said. “The risk of catching air-transmitted pathogens increases when people gather together inside rooms that are not well-ventilated.”
Another prominent issue is the improper and inconsistent disinfection of surfaces, says Greenspeed’s Rosaliene Verhoef. “In many cases, disinfection is performed without sufficient attention to dosage or contact time – and this reduces its effectiveness,” she said. “Thorough cleaning with microfibre is often more effective than poorly executed disinfection.”
And a careful choice of hand hygiene products can address the problem of sore, chapped hands that often occurs in winter, says Essity’s Jenny Turner. “Chapped hands caused by frequent hand washing in cold weather can be unpleasant for healthcare staff and may also spread infections,” she said. “Therefore, soaps that are mild and effective coupled with soft, high quality paper towels will encourage more people to wash hands effectively.”
Was sind die größten Probleme, vor denen Krankenhäuser in diesem Winter hinsichtlich Reinigung und Hygiene stehen? Müssen beispielsweise aufgrund von Krankheitsausbrüchen die Protokolle zum Händewaschen und zur Reinigung intensiviert werden? Erschwert Personalmangel die gründliche Reinigung von Oberflächen und das Händewaschen der Mitarbeiter? Oder führen Haushaltsbeschränkungen zu Einschränkungen bei wichtigen Reinigungsgeräten oder Mitarbeiterschulungen?
Quali sono i più grandi problemi che gli ospedali devono affrontare quest’inverno in termini di pulizia e igiene? I protocolli di lavaggio delle mani e di pulizia devono essere intensificati, ad esempio a causa di epidemie? La carenza di personale rende difficile per il personale pulire a fondo le superfici e lavarsi le mani? Oppure le limitazioni di budget stanno portando a restrizioni sulle attrezzature di pulizia vitali o sulla formazione del personale?
Products: hygiene in healthcare
• Les machines OspreyDeepclean pour le nettoyage à la vapeur et la désinfection trouvent des usages dans tous les services d’un hôpital.
• En collaboration avec Kärcher, TTS a lancé le système Lampo pour le changement rapide de têtes de balayage humide.
• Essity, le fabricant Tork, propose des savons doux, des serviettes tendres et des humecteurs non agressifs pour protéger les mains des personnels de santé.
• Dampfreinigungs-/ Desinfektionsmaschinen von OspreyDeepclean werden in allen Teilen eines Krankenhauses eingesetzt.
• TTS hat in Zusammenarbeit mit Kärcher das SchnellwechselWischsystem Lampo vorgestellt.
• Tork-Hersteller Essity bietet milde Seifen, weiche Handtücher und hautfreundliche Feuchtigkeitscremes, die entwickelt wurden, um die Hände der Mitarbeiter im Gesundheitswesen zu schützen.
• Le macchine per la pulizia/ sanificazione a vapore di OspreyDeepclean sono utilizzate in ogni area dell’ospedale.
• In collaborazione con Kärcher, TTS ha introdotto il sistema di pulizia Lampo a cambio rapido.
• Il produttore di Tork Essity offre saponi delicati, asciugamani morbidi e prodotti idratanti per la pelle, progettati per proteggere le mani del personale sanitario.
Steam sanitise
Laboratory tests using its steam cleaning and sanitising machines - says OspreyDeepclean - have proved the ability to eliminate hospital infection strains, including antibiotic-resistant superbugs such as MRSA and VRE, in under two seconds.
The superheated dry steam, over 150°C, enhances bactericidal effectiveness and reaches areas traditional chemical wipes cannot, offering a deep clean without the need to dismantle equipment or remove items like bedside curtains. This means beds and isolation rooms can return to use quickly and safely. Osprey machines are also
used in hospitals and healthcare facilities to sanitise equipment including beds, wheelchairs and lifting apparatus.
www.ospreydc.com
Quick-change
TTS in cooperation with Kärcher has introduced the Lampo quickchange system, which allows cleaning staff to quickly change accessories for various tasks via an adapter on the telescopic lance or mop holder, enabling immediate task completion and reducing downtime it says.
The system includes a 23 mm mop holder and a 21 mm telescopic lance. The mop holder can be attached to any cleaning trolley using a Lampo plug, allowing for
easy attachment and removal. When the operator slightly lifts the lance, it detaches from the current equipment, allowing for a swift change to another tool. The holder or lance can remain secured in place if tilted forward, enabling continued use.
www.karcher.com
Mild and soft
Essity, manufacturer of Tork products, offers a range of hand hygiene solutions aimed at protecting healthcare staff’s hands. The Tork Foam Soap Sensitive version is allergy-friendly and ECARF-certified, suitable for frequent use. Tork Xpress Extra Soft Multifold Hand Towels meanwhile, are soft, absorbent and gentle on the skin, while fragrance-free Tork Sensitive Moisturising Hand Cream helps prevent chapping and soreness. Essity also offers Tork Clean Hands Training, a digital course for healthcare workers.
www.tork.co.uk
How green is cleaning tech?
Technology is taking an increasingly prominent role in cleaning. But how far can it help companies to achieve their sustainability goals such as cutting emissions, saving energy, reducing water use and minimising chemical usage?
Ann Laffeaty considers the point at which sustainability and technology might meet.
precise and controlled dispensing systems will ensure the correct amount of cleaning agent is used, minimising waste and reducing environmental impact.”
Improving sustainability is a key aim of most smart solutions, she says. “However, this is often intertwined with enhancing efficiency and in many cases, improvements in efficiency will directly translate to sustainability gains. For example, optimising cleaning routes not only saves time and labour costs but also reduces energy consumption and emissions.”
a game-changer. “This is not just for Cleanology but for the commercial cleaning sector as a whole,” said Lovell. “By determining which floors of a building are occupied and which are not, companies are able to significantly reduce the number of hours required for cleaning. And this also cuts down on the time it takes for people to open a door and look inside to determine what to clean.”
TECHNOLOGY IS MOVING at a rapid pace in the cleaning sector. Scarcely a day goes by without a report of a new AI-assisted robot equipped with even more intelligent cleaning capabilities, or a toilet that is able to assess the weight, height, health and hydration levels of its user.
However, as flooding becomes more commonplace the world over and as wildfires rage out of control, the need to protect the planet has never felt more urgent. So in an ideal scenario, technological innovations would combine with sustainable features in order to achieve a ‘smart green clean’.
But how far is this actually happening? Is technology advancing at the expense of sustainability, or can the two disciplines go hand in hand?
Technological solutions such as robots, sensor systems and automated machines all offer the potential for increased sustainability in cleaning, according to Kärcher’s product manager for robotics Alina Seitter. “However, each solution needs to be to individually assessed because their sustainability impact will vary significantly depending on their design, application, and usage patterns,” she says.
“For example, robots can contribute to water and energy savings through adjustable cleaning modes, optimised route planning and efficient brush motors. And
Ergonomics play a major part in sustainability, according to Seitter. “The fact robots can take over the more physically demanding tasks helps to reduce strain and fatigue levels on the part of the cleaning staff. But while smart solutions are able to contribute to sustainable outcomes, sustainability is not inherent simply because those solutions make life easier for the cleaner. The design and implementation of the technology is crucial.”
Revolutionised cleaning
Kärcher’s cleaning robots are said to reduce water and energy consumption while also minimising chemical usage. They are equipped with sustainable Li-ion batteries and provide transparency on water and power consumption via a web portal.
Technology has revolutionised the way in which commercial cleaning operations are carried out today, says service provider Cleanology marketing director Kate Lovell. “By leveraging technological advancements FM managers are able to optimise cleaning processes, monitor performance and create safer and healthier environments,” she said. “Technology is therefore enhancing efficiency, productivity and service quality.”
The cleaning industry can have a massive impact on the environment, according to Lovell. “For example, we use fuel to transport our staff members from site to site and once they are there, our operatives use cleaning solutions, products and equipment in the course of their work.”
The use of sensor technology has been
She says passive infrared sensors can also be employed to measure usage in each toilet area. “And customers can give instant feedback or log issues and access real-time data via their mobile phones or download it to their desktop. Every stage of the work can be monitored with cleaners tapping their keyrings after cleaning has taken place.”
Cleanology focuses its efforts on areas where the greatest environmental impact may be achieved, according to Lovell. Its Cleancopter platform is said to reduce reliance on paper by allowing its teams to manage tasks online while its Cleantelligent system optimises cleaning schedules based on real-time building usage data. Robots, sensors and automated machines can all be sustainable if they are designed and used correctly, says service provider La Lucente marketing and communications manager Silvia Pugliese. “Today’s technological solutions contribute to reducing emissions, saving energy, managing water and improving efficiency in the use of chemicals. “For example, intelligent sensors and energy monitoring systems allow consumption to be optimised and adapt to needs in real time.”
Energy consumption may also be reduced with the use of intelligent lighting and heating systems. “These will automatically adjust to the presence of people and weather conditions,” said Pugliese. “And the automation of processes and the optimisation of energy consumption can directly contribute to the reduction of CO2 emissions. For example, more efficient management of machines and equipment
How green is cleaning tech? (continued from page 28)
using sensors that detect the best time to start and stop machinery reduces idle periods and the emissions associated with unnecessary consumption.”
Improving sustainability is one of the fundamental goals of intelligent solutions - but not the only one, believes Pugliese. “Efficiency is at the heart of smart technology which aims to reduce waste, lower operating costs and improve performance. However, efficiency is often synonymous with reducing resource use, which also implies an environmental benefit.”
La Lucente is constantly sourcing innovations that meet specific sustainability and efficiency criteria. The company has adopted Fimap’s Performance range which includes Long Range water recycling technology, said to reduce water and detergent consumption by 66 per cent. Also from Fimap is a fleet management system claimed to optimise the use of resources by allowing real-time monitoring of machine usage and activities.
Today’s technological solutions have made significant strides in terms of sustainability, according to Essity’s sustainability communications director Renee Remijnse. “These innovations are designed
to optimise resource use, reduce waste and enhance operational efficiency,” she said. “By integrating advanced technologies we can achieve more precise cleaning and hygiene practices and these contribute to overall sustainability goals.”
Hand in hand
Many of today’s smart solutions are engineered to cut emissions by optimising routes and reducing unnecessary movements, she claims. “They also save energy through efficient power management while also reducing water use by employing precise dispensing mechanisms,” said Remijnse. “Additionally, automated machines can minimise chemical usage by ensuring the correct amount is used every time, thereby reducing waste and environmental impact.”
Improving sustainability is a key aim of smart solutions, she adds “However, it goes hand in hand with enhancing efficiency. These solutions are designed to achieve both objectives simultaneously: by making processes more efficient we inherently reduce resource consumption and waste, which directly contributes to sustainability.
“It is this dual focus on efficiency and sustainability that makes these new technologies so valuable.”
Sustainability covers human factors as well as environments. “Smart solutions can enhance work satisfaction for cleaners by streamlining tasks and reducing unnecessary work,” said Remijnse. “For example, data-driven cleaning software uses real-time data to optimise cleaning schedules, allowing cleaners to focus on high-priority areas. The result is a more efficient workflow, less physical strain and greater job satisfaction.”
Remijnse believes smart solutions can help to streamline tasks. “By minimising the need for repetitive and labour-intensive tasks, technologies not only improve the well-being of cleaning staff but also ensure consistent and optimal use of resources,” she said.
Essity’s Tork Vision Cleaning uses realtime data to optimise cleaning operations. This helps to reduce the number of unnecessary cleaning checks - saving both time and resources.
But can technology actually work against sustainability goals in some circumstances?
Yes, if they are not optimally designed or utilised says La Lucente’s Silvia Pugliese. “One major drawback is that connected devices and automated systems often require more energy to operate and depend on complex hardware such as sensors, microchips and electronic circuits,” she said. “These require resources to produce, transport and dispose of them. Smart technologies can also lead to faster obsolescence of devices which results in more frequent product replacement and increases the amount of e-waste generated.”
High-tech devices may use more energy than manual tools if they are left unnecessarily switched on, says Cleanology’s Kate Lovell. “This may also occur if they are not optimised for minimal energy use. And the
La technologie prend une place croissante dans le monde de la propreté cependant que des entreprises développent des robots, des capteurs et des machines automatisées. Dans quelle mesure ces innovations ont-elles permis de réduire les émissions, la consommation d’énergie, l’usage de l’eau et l’utilisation de produits chimiques ? ECJ se penche sur les moyens par lesquels les systèmes de haute technologie contribuent à la durabilité d’une entreprise.
software in some smart cleaning equipment may rely on cloud connectivity or IoT in order to work, and they may become obsolete while their mechanical counterparts are still going strong.”
Some smart solutions may have higher initial energy requirements than manual
Die Technologie spielt bei der Reinigung eine immer wichtigere Rolle, da Unternehmen Roboter, Sensoren und automatisierte Maschinen entwickeln. Wie weit tragen diese dazu bei, Emissionen zu senken, Energie zu sparen, den Wasserverbrauch zu reduzieren und den Chemikalienverbrauch zu minimieren? Das ECJ untersucht, wie Hightech-Systeme auch die Nachhaltigkeit eines Unternehmens verbessern.
ones due to embedded computers, sensors and complex operating systems, says Kärcher’s Alina Seitter. “It is therefore important to conduct a comprehensive life cycle assessment to evaluate the overall sustainability of a smart solution compared with simpler alternatives.”
La tecnologia sta assumendo un ruolo sempre più importante nel settore delle pulizie mano a mano che le aziende sviluppano robot, sensori e macchine automatizzate. In che misura queste macchine contribuiscono a ridurre le emissioni, risparmiare energia, ridurre l’uso di acqua e minimizzare l’uso di prodotti chimici? ECJ esamina i modi in cui i sistemi ad alta tecnologia migliorano anche la sostenibilità di un’azienda.
• La nouvelle balayeuse autoportée FSR8 de Fimap comporte des systèmes de filtrage assurant le rejet d’air épuré à l’atmosphère.
• Filmop, spécialiste du matériel de nettoyage, propose un certain nombre de produits certifiés Ecolabel européen.
• La nouvelle série de récipients de recyclage EnviroPlex de Leafield Environmental réalise le recyclage en marche de flux de déchets multiples.
• Essity, le fabricant Tork, entend aider le client à réaliser ses objectifs de durabilité en lui proposant le programme de durabilité Tork Focus4.
• Les LW44 Flexy et LW52 Flexy sont deux nouvelles autolaveuses développées par Lindhaus pour minimiser l’impact environnemental.
• HTS BIO se spécialise dans le développement de solutions à micro-organismes pour applications de propreté
• Die neue Aufsitz-Kehrmaschine FSR8 von Fimap verfügt über Filtersysteme, die dafür sorgen, dass sauberere Luft in die Umwelt zurückgeführt wird.
•Filmop, Spezialist für Wischgeräte, bietet eine Reihe von mit dem EU-Umweltzeichen zertifizierten Produkten an.
• Die neuen Recyclingbehälter der Produktreihe EnviroPlex von Leafield Environmental ermöglichen das Recycling mehrerer Abfallströme vor Ort.
• Tork-Hersteller Essity möchte Kunden mit dem neuen Tork Focus4-Nachhaltigkeitsprogramm dabei unterstützen, ihre Nachhaltigkeitsziele zu erreichen.
• Bei LW44 Flexy und LW52 Flexy handelt es sich um die beiden neuen Scheuersaugmaschinen, die von Lindhaus zur Minimierung der Umweltbelastung entwickelt wurden.
• HTS BIO ist spezialisiert auf die Entwicklung von Reinigungslösungen auf der Basis von Mikroorganismen.
• La nuova spazzatrice uomo a bordo FSR8 di Fimap è dotata di sistemi di filtraggio per garantire la restituzione di aria più pulita all’ambiente.
• Filmop, specialista in attrezzature per la pulizia, offre una serie di prodotti certificati EU-Ecolabel.
• La nuova serie di contenitori per il riciclaggio EnviroPlex di Leafield Environmental offre la possibilità di riciclare in movimento più flussi di rifiuti.
• Il produttore di Tork Essity si propone di aiutare i clienti a raggiungere i loro obiettivi di sostenibilità con il suo nuovo programma Tork Focus4 Sustainability.
• LW44 Flexy e LW52 Flexy sono le due nuove lavasciuga pavimenti sviluppate dalla Lindhaus per minimizzare l’impatto ambientale.
• La HTS BIO è specializzata nello sviluppo di soluzioni a base di microorganismi per le operazioni di pulizia.
Whole life
Fimap’s FSR8 ride-on sweeper is designed for medium to large area cleaning, with a speed of 10 km per hour and a runtime of five continuous hours. The machine offers a cleaning path ranging from 85 cm, using only the central brush, to 150 cm with two side brushes.
The FSR8 is equipped with various filtration options, including paper or polyester filters for standard cleaning, and Tetratex or Safe Air technology with HEPA filters for enhanced performance, trapping even fine particulate matter.
A key aspect of the FSR8, says Fimap, is its sustainable design which considers the entire life cycle of the product - including responsible material selection, durability, resource conservation and recyclability at the end of life. The machine also supports monitoring of CO2 emissions through Fimap Fleet Management (FFM) technology, providing ISO 14067:2018-certified data to aid in carbon reduction efforts. This model also operates on an electric motor.
www.fimap.com
EU certified
From Filmop come various EU Ecolabel-certified products, including Alpha wheeled trolley cabinets and several microfibre cloths and flat mops.
Made partly from PSV-certified components, Alpha wheeled cabinets are sustainable over their entire life cycle the company says. The modular design makes them easy to disas-
semble and repair if necessary, extending their lifespan. Being made from separable materials makes them fully recyclable at the end of their life, and the production of components uses no heavy metals.
Filmop’s certified microfibres feature very thin filaments which penetrate every surface porosity to capture even the smallest particles of dirt. They also tolerate laundering well for durability and long life.
www.filmop.com
Waste streams
Leafield Environmental has introduced the EnviroPlex, a series of recycling bins designed for ease of use in managing multiple waste streams.
The bin is available with four waste streams, each marked with WRAP-compliant colour schemes and labels on an integrated Foamex signage board, helping users correctly sort their waste. Future models will include additional features such as an external hood for rain protection, alternative apertures to increase capacity for two or three waste streams and side pods for an extra fifth or sixth waste stream.
www.leafieldrecycle.com
Meeting goals
Tork manufacturer Essity aims to help customers meet their sustainability goals via its new Tork Focus4 Sustainability programme - which promotes transparency by providing a summary of the sustainability benefits of selected systems.
Tork focuses on four key areas: materials and packaging, use and waste, carbon and hygiene for all. The Tork Focus4 areas are based on a lifecycle approach, customers’ main sustainability needs and the European Green Deal priorities.
The programme is part of the brand’s holistic effort to help businesses benefit from sustainable hygiene across their facilities. This includes initiatives such as its recycling service for paper hand towels, Tork PaperCircle which helps businesses to reduce waste.
The company also offers a range of carbon-neutral certified dispensers produced with certified renewable electricity and compensated with climate projects by ClimatePartner. Many Tork solutions are also EU Ecolabel certified and FSC labelled, noting they are made from responsibly sourced fibre.
www.tork.co.uk
Minimal impact
The LW44 Flexy and LW52 Flexy scrubber dryers, developed by Lindhaus, are designed to reduce environmental impact, increase productivity and minimise energy and water consumption. These models incorporate a high-efficiency Rotafil Brushless vacuum motor paired with an electronic driver, along with new Rotafil high-torque gearbox brush motors and machine electronics - all aimed at reducing power consumption while extending battery life.
The machines feature three speeds for each motor, three water flow settings, an eco function and UV-C LED lights for enhanced floor sanitation. www.lindhaus.it
Probiotic future
HTS BIO Laboratories has been producing microorganism-based solutions for over 30 years, with a focus on environmental biotechnologies. The company specialises in probiotics and has invested in the acquisition of a 3,000-litre bioreactor capable of producing 4,000 tons annually. By producing microorganisms and biosurfactants locally, HTS says it reduces its ecological impact. A range of bacterial strains are used for various applications, including surface cleaning and treatment of drains and grease traps. The microorganisms are not only deposited on surfaces but are designed to actively break down dirt over time, providing continuous cleaning. www.htsbio.com
VARIETY IS THE SPICE OF LIFE. If ‘diversity’ is another word for ‘variety’, how can it flavour the world?
Gender equality is giving all genders equal treatment when it comes to rights, responsibilities and opportunities. Gender Equity, meanwhile, is about fairness. To ensure everyone has equal opportunities, we need to consider privilege, bias and other parameters that can limit how people access opportunities. Equity takes into consideration a person’s unique circumstances, adjusting treatment accordingly so that the end result is equal.
Inclusion refers to how organisations enable employees to make meaningful contributions by feeling their voices are heard. Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) describes three values organisations strive to implement in order to meet the needs of people.
Companies that are diverse, equitable and inclusive are better able to respond to challenges, win the talent, better support employees and meet the needs of different customer bases.
Benefits of DE&I
Most employees support diversity with a positive overall sentiment. Companies with gender diversity within executive teams are more likely to have aboveaverage profitability (correlation between diversity and business performance). The most gender-diverse companies see a substantial differential likelihood of outperformance (correlation between gender diversity representation and outperformance likelihood).
In addition to profitability, there are five key domains in which DE&I can affect organisations’ performance:
• Winning talent: Organisations monitoring the demographic profile of their workforces are better able to retain top performers while making sure that diverse talent isn’t lost.
• Improving the quality of decision making: Diversity brings multiple perspectives to the table when enhanced problemsolving skills and vision are needed.
Equality makes sense
• Increasing customer insight and innovation: Diverse teams are typically more innovative and better at anticipating shifts.
• Driving employee motivation and satisfaction: Companies committed to diversity are 75 per cent more likely to report a pro-teamwork culture.
• Improving a company’s global image and license to operate: Companies that increase their focus on D&I during crises avoid consequences such as struggling to attract talent or losing customers and government support.
Areas of action for DE&I
Ensure that diverse talent is well represented. Strengthen leadership accountability and capabilities. Be fair and transparent, enabling equality of opportunity. Promote openness and tackle microaggression, bias and discrimination. Foster belonging through unequivocal support for all the ways diversity manifests.
Issues faced by women
Women’s representation in the corporate pipeline has increased. But women remain significantly underrepresented in leadership. At every step in the career ladder, women still lose ground to men. The ‘broken rung’ problem remains a challenge, particularly for those seeking their first step up from entry level to manager.
Microaggression, bias, discrimination and sexism are unfortunately common at the workplace in a still male-dominated world. Burnout, stress and exhaustion continue to affect women more than men.
Female leaders are doing considerable work to support DE&I efforts and employee well-being, but they’re not necessarily being recognised for it
Companies must ensure promotions are equitable. Beyond reducing potential bias in the hiring process, companies need to extend similar rigour to performance reviews. It’s necessary to track representation and hiring and promotion outcomes more fully. A company may track representation for women overall, but does
Industry expert Grazia Polidori highlights the benefits of implementing effective diversity, equity and inclusion (DE&I) in the workplace. She also discusses how organisations can foster a more inclusive workplace that empowers women.
it break those numbers down to look at representation for women?
Companies need to double their efforts when it comes to accountability. Not even half of companies make real progress on diversity goals and even fewer consider progress on diversity metrics in performance reviews.
To create a culture that embraces and leverages diversity, companies need to promote senior-level sponsorship, with top leaders fully and publicly supporting DE&I efforts, modelling inclusive leadership and actively participating in training and events.
Spurring high employee engagement is fundamental. Raising awareness of the barriers women face can help and further training on bias can take employees from awareness to action.
Burnout is on the rise and investing in solutions to help address it remains a crucial issue for organisations. Companies can track symptoms and establish new norms to improve the everyday experience of employees.
They can repair the broken rung on the career ladder for women in technical industries and roles in science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM). Did you know that only 25.2 per cent of the people working in AI in Europe are women? What does this mean? In my view, there is definitely bias happening.
Top 10 tips
• Create and invest in D&I projects,
Equality makes sense (continued from page 33)
policies and norms
• Free companies from gender stereotypes changing culture
• Teach men how to work with empowered women
• Promote and support gender equality on the basis of merit
• Free female leadership
• Ensure equal pay for men and women
• Ensure equal representation of women at company level on boards and governing bodies
• Invest in training women for up- and re-skilling
• Support working mothers with specific projects
• Support women not to give up work because of motherhood or other reasons.
My own story
From a very young age I studied languages in order to travel the world, get closer to people and learn about different cultures. I have over 20 years experience in sales and marketing for an international brand in the cleaning industry. I have been responsible for sales, profits, market share capture and business growth. My passion is motivating and empowering people. I believe it’s possible to drive performance by understanding the cultural nuances of doing business in different countries while thinking and acting globally.
Knowing how to really listen to people with attention and care is so important, especially to those who tell their story by putting their life in your hands. I get emotional by listening to people’s stories and people’s emotions.
Business is business and I enjoy that in
Grazia Polidori évoque les avantages d’une bonne mise en œuvre de la diversité, de l’équité et de l’inclusion sur le lieu de travail. Elle fait également état des moyens pour les organisations de favoriser un lieu de travail plus inclusif, tendant à autonomiser les femmes.
itself. But the real satisfaction comes from relationships with people. Relationships are associated with better health and longer life, as we are social animals, and I am truly inspired by people.
I am passionate and active in women’s rights and gender justice and in those areas I am doing my best to drive change. I try to give my best as role model, guest speaker and mentor for the active, conscious and determined participation of women that will ensure the achievement of equal opportunities for women’s full equality.
In 2021 I was named extremely honoured to be named among the top women for Women’s Leadership in Italy by Donna Impresa magazine. In my ‘Up, Close & Personal’ interview in that magazine, I explained why the world needs more women in leadership roles.
In 2023 I decided to become more personally and proactively involved. I joined different Italian women’s associations and international women’s communities, becoming an ambassador for Donne 4.0., Women at Business, Female Leaders in Cleaning and Women for Women International. All have a common purpose - to help women achieve gender equality and prepare future business leaders.
It is so powerful to share values and exchange ideas through international networking and communities, discussing what to do then doing it. I believe freedom, independence, respect of human rightswhich means women’s rights - is a global purpose. And I strongly believe women united are stronger to speak up and be
Grazia Polidori hebt die Vorteile einer effektiven Umsetzung von Vielfalt, Gerechtigkeit und Inklusion (DE&I, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion) am Arbeitsplatz hervor. Sie spricht auch darüber, wie Organisationen einen integrativeren Arbeitsplatz fördern können, der Frauen befähigt.
heard. Female skills are a fundamental resource that business needs, desperately and right now. Women bring a distinct perspective which leads to stronger economies and better societies. Wanting to experience a brighter future is only productive when combined with action taken today!
And I mainly fight for - with a lot of other women - economic independence, my body my rules and advancing women in the industry. Gender equality is a net positive, it only has benefits and those benefits are felt by everyone.
Inspirational quote
Be intentional about what you do and who you are. Be intentional with your energy. Be intentional with your time. Be intentional with your words. Be intentional with your craft. Be intentional with your breathing. Be intentional with your heart. Be intentional with your habits. Be intentional with your focus. Be intentional with your self-talk. Be intentional with your life. This is your power.
Conclusion
Nobody says it’s easy to be a woman in a male-dominated world. And nothing can be taken for granted when it comes to female issues. We need to speed up and accelerate action to achieve gender equality and women’s empowerment by 2030, as part of UN SDGs: Goal 5.
Making women protagonists in the new global challenge, building a brighter future, as women bring distinct perspectives leading to stronger economies and better societies!
Grazia Polidori evidenzia i vantaggi offerti dall’implementazione efficace di diversità, equità e inclusione (DE&I) sul posto di lavoro. Discute anche di come le organizzazioni possono promuovere un luogo di lavoro più inclusivo che dia potere alle donne.
Innovate now to prosper in the future
Europe’s industries top global investment in research and development (R&D). Yet the region is failing to see levels of payback in terms of getting products, services and technologies to market compared with its major competitors, reports Hartley Milner.
EU CORPORATIONS increased their R&D investment by 9.8 per cent in 2023, outpacing their counterparts in the United States (up 5.9 per cent) for the second year in a row and China (9.6 per cent) for the first time since 2013.
Figures from the latest edition of the EU Industrial R&D Investment Scoreboard also rank the bloc second globally for R&D private investment (18.7 per cent), trailing the US (42.3 per cent) but ahead of China (17.1 per cent), Japan (8.3 per cent) and countries in the rest of the world (13.6 per cent).
Despite a global slowdown in research investment growth (up just 7.8 per cent compared to 12.6 per cent in 2022), the world’s top 2,000 investors – headquartered across 40 countries and representing more than 900,000
subsidiaries – collectively spent €1,257.7 billion on product research in 2023. This accounted for 85-90 per cent of all business-funded R&D.
More than 40 per cent of the total spend was contributed by just 50 companies, including 11 based in the EU, indicating that a small number of players control a significant portion of business sector investment. The top 10 rankings were dominated by US firms, with only Volkswagen flying the flag for Europe in fifth place, investing €21.8 billion.
The EU’s top 800 R&D investors, located across 19 member states, spent €247.7 billion during 2023, representing a growth rate for the year of 8.7 per cent. The automotive sector dominated the table, accounting for 45.4 per cent of global R&D investments, followed by the health sector (19.3 per cent), ICT hardware (14 per cent) and ICT software (7.8 per cent).
EU companies in the semiconductor, automotive component and biotech/ pharma sectors saw “extraordinary increases” in R&D investment, ranging from 200-5,000 per cent over the past decade. “Such investment increases point
to the ongoing diversification and growth potential in these areas,” the Scoreboard report notes.
Encouragingly, the top EU-800 companies include 99 small and mediumsized businesses with fewer than 250 employees, 74 of which are in the health sector and based in Sweden, France, Denmark and Germany. French SMEs lead in R&D investment, comprising 34 per cent of the total, followed by Sweden (21.3 per cent) and the Netherlands (16.6 per cent). Together, they invested €2.4 billion in 2023, a 3.7 per cent increase compared to the previous year.
Closing innovation gap
“Research and innovation investments will determine tomorrow’s economy, industry and competitiveness,” said Ekaterina Zaharieva, EU commissioner for start-ups, research and innovation. “We count on the contribution of European corporate leaders to help close our innovation gap with other world regions. Solid innovation ecosystems will boost our start-ups and SMEs and contribute to our shared prosperity, building on our robust
Business:
R&D industrial base.”
Innovate now to prosper in the future (continued)
However, while the fall in R&D productivity is a global phenomenon, EUbased scoreboard firms show lower R&D productivity levels in terms of generating sales and commercialising ideas, and no signs of catching up with competitors from regions such as China and the US that have higher productivity. This puts them at a competitive disadvantage and suggests that pushing for more investment in research and development is insufficient as a policy on its own.
“Improving R&D routines/processes, attracting and retaining top R&D talent and crafting more effective policy instruments to steer R&D incentives towards impactful innovations are also needed,” the scoreboard report stresses.
Last year Mario Draghi, former head of the European Central Bank, delivered a report titled The Future of European Competitiveness, forewarning of a cycle of “low industrial dynamism, low innovation, low investment and low productivity growth” across all 27 member states. More chillingly, he warned: “We have reached the point where, without action, we will have to either compromise our welfare, our environment or our freedom. It’s going to be a slow agony.”
Presenting his report to the European Parliament, Draghi said the region was facing a world undergoing dramatic change. Global trade is slowing, geopolitics is fracturing and technological change is accelerating. Long-established business models are being challenged and some key economic dependencies are suddenly turning into “geopolitical vulnerabilities”.
Europe most exposed
“Of all the major economies, Europe is the most exposed to these shifts,” he said. “We are the most open: our trade-to-GDP ratio exceeds 50 per cent compared with 37 per cent in China and 27 per cent in the United States. We are the most dependent: we rely on a handful of suppliers for critical raw materials and import over 80 per cent of our digital technology. We have the highest energy prices: EU companies face electricity prices that are two to three times higher than those in the United States and China. We are severely lagging behind in new
Les industries européennes occupent une place de choix pour les investissements en recherche et technologie. Et pourtant, la région ne semble pas tirer les mêmes avantages que ses principaux concurrents en termes de commercialisation de ses produits, services, et technologies, rapporte Hartley Milner. 903
technologies: only four of the world’s top 50 tech companies are European. And we are the least ready to defend ourselves: only 10 member states spend more than, or equal to, two per cent of GDP on defence in line with NATO commitments (a recurrent gripe of US president Donald Trump).
“In this setting, we are all anxious about the future of Europe. My concern is not that we will suddenly find ourselves poor and subservient to others. We still have many strengths in Europe. It is that over time we will inexorably become less prosperous, less equal, less secure and as a result less free to choose our destiny.”
At the heart of Draghi’s economic report was an urgent call for a new strategy to tackle the EU’s massive investment underspend, which he said will have to increase by between €750 billion and €800 billion a year to put the bloc on a level playing field with the United States and China and remain competitive with other large global players.
In December, the European Commission set out plans for a European Innovation Act, which were welcomed by the European Parliament and will go out to public consultation this year.
Commissioner Zaharieva told MEPs: “As the Draghi report has highlighted, Europe is failing to translate innovation into commercialisation. Innovative companies meet obstacles at every stage due to regulatory hurdles, burdens and fragmentation.
“The diagnosis is clear. We must act now and step up our efforts to address these challenges. This will be the main objective of the European Innovation Act. It will simplify and streamline our regulatory framework, facilitate access to venture capital and support industries in testing new solutions and technologies. It will also build on a dedicated EU start-up and scale-up strategy that I will present next year.
“By simplifying our regulatory framework, we can reduce the barriers to entry for new businesses, making it easier for them to innovate, grow and create jobs. By enhancing access to funding and investment opportunities, we can ensure that start-ups and scale-ups have the resources they need to develop and
Die europäischen Industrien investieren weltweit am stärksten in Forschung und Entwicklung (R&D). Die Region erlebt jedoch keine entsprechende Amortisierung im Vergleich zu ihren wichtigsten Wettbewerbern, wenn es darum geht, Produkte, Dienstleistungen und Technologien auf den Markt zu bringen, berichtet Hartley Milner.
commercialise their ideas here in the EU.” Zaharieva wants the Act to focus on overhauling existing but “underutilised and fragmented” tools to make them more effective in supporting innovation. She gave as an example regulatory sandboxes, which help companies test their products under market conditions and get their first major order. She said: “We must advance them to give more certainty to innovators. And we must look at other regulations that could be more unified across the EU.”
Improve working conditions
On funding innovation, the commissioner spoke about the need to mobilise more private capital. With the 27-member bloc accounting for just five per cent of venture capital funds raised against 52 per cent in the US and 40 per cent in China, the added value of pulling in more resources for innovation was strong. “Every euro invested by the European Innovation Council crowds in more than €4 of additional investment into tech startups and SMEs,” she pointed out.
She said another imperative must be to improve working conditions for researchers in order to attract and retain talent, adding: “The appeal of the EU as a place for talent depends on the resources we can offer innovators, not only in terms of venture capital but also hard and soft infrastructure.”
In his report, Draghi said Europe’s goal to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to zero by the middle of the century offers the bloc a chance to build and export clean technologies around the world. And he cited artificial intelligence as an opportunity for the region to correct its failings in innovation and productivity as well as restore its manufacturing potential. Plus he called for AI to be “integrated into our existing industries so that they can stay at the front”.
Zaharieva told MEPs she will also put forward a proposal for a European artificial intelligence research council to improve access to world-class resources for researchers across key areas. It will form part of a broader strategy to boost the uptake of the technology by industry and the public sector, and more generally. “AI is an engine for Europe’s innovation and competitiveness,” she said.
Le industrie europee sono al primo posto per investimenti globali in ricerca e sviluppo (R&S). Tuttavia, rispetto ai suoi principali concorrenti, la regione non riesce a vedere i livelli di ritorno in termini di immissione sul mercato di prodotti, servizi e tecnologie, secondo Hartley Milner.
London’s best yet
The Cleaning Show is the exhibition for the UK’s professional cleaning and hygiene industry, and it returns to ExCel London from March 18-20. ECJ takes a look ahead to what visitors can see there.
THE CLEANING SHOW, the exhibition for the UK professional cleaning industry, will return to ExCel London from March 18-20. Bringing together visitors from contract cleaning, facilities management, healthcare, hospitality, transport, retail and local authorities, more than 7,000 visitors are expected say the organisers. And this year’s event promises to be 2,000 square metres bigger than the last edition in 2023.
Alongside the trade exhibition, there will be the conference programme as usual. This year, however, the organisers are promising a shift to the format - with a series of panel sessions to the threeday programme. Industry experts taking part include Delia Cannings, executive director Environmental Excellence Training & Development and chair of the British Cleaning Council; Daisy Hunter, ESG & innovation manager at Jangro; and Kelsey Hargreaves, technical manager at The British Institute of Cleaning Science (BICSc) and winner of the Rising Star trophy at the 2024 European Cleaning & Hygiene Awards.
Subjects being tackled include the impact of AI in cleaning, the changing habits of the supply chain, preparing for the next pandemic and future-proofing the industry. From navigating facilities
management issues to overcoming staffing and recruitment challenges, attendees are promised insights on a range of critical topics through expert-led panel sessions and keynote presentations, offering actionable strategies to stay ahead of industry trends and improve operational efficiency. Whether it’s enhancing sustainability practices, implementing new technologies, or addressing skills shortages, the programme is designed to help industry professionals learn, connect and inspire positive change.
Innovation Showcase
A key feature of the show is the Innovation Showcase, hosted by the Cleaning & Support Services Association (CSSA). This initiative is designed to shine the spotlight on pioneering technologies and advancements aimed at transforming cleaning operations, from AI-driven solutions to sustainability-led initiatives. There are seven finalists this year:
• CAM Specialist Support – provider of solutions in high-access cleaning
• Exact Comms – expert in communication technologies for better operational efficiency
• Lime Supply – specialist in ecofriendly cleaning product distribution
• Orion Eco Solutions – InvisiGard –provider of sustainable surface protection technology
• PEGO – robotics supplier
• Chartered Practitioner Recognition (CPR) – professional standards through accreditation and recognition
• YuLife – employee wellness programmes within the cleaning sector.
All the finalists will be presenting their innovations on the CSSA stand throughout the exhibition, and will also be celebrated during a special awards ceremony.
Die Cleaning Show, die Ausstellung für die professionelle Reinigungsbranche im Vereinigten Königreich, wird vom 18. bis 20. März wieder im Excel London stattfinden.
Paul Ashton, chairman of the CSSA said: “It’s a fantastic opportunity for businesses of all sizes to showcase their innovations in front of the entire sector.
Having the finalists on display at The Cleaning Show will provide an invaluable platform for these companies to present their products to thousands of industry professionals, sparking fresh ideas and solutions for the challenges facing the cleaning industry today.”
Window Cleaning World Cup
Returning to the show floor, the Window Cleaning World Cup will take place, with Terry “Turbo” Burrows competing to defend his 29-year record of 9.14 seconds. Burrows will be joined by his daughter, Aliscia Burrows, who set a new women’s record with a time of 16.13 seconds at The Manchester Cleaning Show last year. With both Burrows’ competing head-tohead, the 2025 World Cup will also invite exhibitors and visitors to take part, putting speed, skill and expertise to the test.
Register now
Commenting on the 2025 event, Delia Cannings, chair of the British Cleaning Council was enthusiastic: “The Cleaning Show is a fabulous showcase for one of the UK’s biggest and most important sectors and the highlight of the cleaning and hygiene industry’s calendar.
“This year’s London show is set to be the best yet, so make sure you put the date in your diary and register for free tickets to attend. Whatever your role in the industry, you do not want to miss it.”
The Cleaning Show takes place from Tuesday March 18 - Thursday March 20. Entry is free of charge, visitors should register online: cleaningshow.co.uk/london • Turn to page 40 for the start of ECJ’s guide to what’s being launched at The Cleaning Show to help you plan your visit.
Il Cleaning Show, la fiera dell’industria britannica delle pulizie professionali, tornerà all’ExCel di Londra dal 18 al 20 marzo.
The Cleaning Show, le salon britannique de la propreté professionnelle, tiendra sa prochaine édition à Londres les 18, 19 et 20 mars.
• Greenspeed a introduit, sous l’appellation Trebio, des produits de nettoyage probiotiques de troisième génération.
• Interclean est l’organisateur des grands salons de la propreté tenus à Amsterdam et à Shanghai.
• En bonne place parmi les produits du stand Numatic, on verra les machines de nettoyage sans cordon NX300 Pro.
• Greenspeed präsentiert Trebio, probiotische Reinigungsprodukte der dritten Generation.
• Interclean ist für führende Ausstellungen in der Reinigungsbranche in Amsterdam und Shanghai verantwortlich.
• Zu den Highlights auf dem Stand von Numatic gehört die Produktreihe der Reinigungsmaschinen NX300 Pro Cordless.
• Da Greenspeed debuttano i prodotti per la pulizia probiotici di terza generazione Trebio.
• Interclean è responsabile delle principali fiere del settore della pulizia ad Amsterdam e Shanghai.
• Tra i fiori all’occhiello dello stand Numatic figura la gamma di macchine per la pulizia NX300 Pro Cordless.
Greenspeed
Greenspeed’s Tab range features Probio Tab San, Probio Tab Multi, Fizzy Flo and Fizzy Flush. These cleaning products in tablet form are designed to reduce plastic waste, detergent use and CO₂ emissions.
Making its debut is Trebio, a third-generation probiotic cleaning range. These formulations aim to enhance the effectiveness of probiotic-based cleaning.
A user zone provides a handson opportunity to test the Tab range, while Greenspeed is also showcasing its coffee corner solutions developed for hightraffic areas.
As a certified B Corp, Greenspeed extends its sustainability efforts beyond its product
range. A share of profits from its tab products supports the Go Ocean Initiative, which focuses on coral reef restoration. www.greenspeed.eu
Interclean
Interclean is a platform for professionals in the cleaning and hygiene sector, hosting exhibitions in Amsterdam and Shanghai. These trade shows present a broad range of products, services and innovations from international companies, offering insights into industry developments.
At its stand Interclean is highlighting its role in facilitating connections within the sector. It says its events attract senior representatives from major cleaning manufacturers, distributors, and contractors, as well as decision-makers from industrial, commercial, medical, institutional, hospitality and food service sectors.
www.intercleanshow.com
Numatic
Visitors to Numatic’s stand can view the company’s latest developments in cleaning technology, with a focus on efficiency and sustainability. Among the products on display is the NX300 Pro Cordless range.
The event provides an opportunity for Numatic to engage with industry professionals - including facilities managers, contract cleaners, distributors and manufacturers.
The company’s experts will be available to discuss tailored cleaning solutions and conduct live demonstrations, allowing visitors to assess product performance and functionality. numatic.com
TTS
Mopping specialist TTS says its Dosely soaking station simplifies the cleaning process by preparing mops on demand directly on the trolley, ensuring optimum chemical use. The solution is stored in a sealed tank that preserves its active ingredients and can be adjusted between 50 and 350 ml, allowing for proper saturation for various mop sizes and surface areas. The system’s settings control dosing to prevent waste and incorrect application.
When paired with the Pockety system, Dosely ensures optimum hygiene throughout says TTS, as Pockety eliminates the need for
direct contact with soiled mops. The used mop can be removed by pulling the frame off the lid, with the mop collected directly into a bucket. The bucket facilitates quicker and more hygienic disposal and laundry operations.
www.ttsystem.com
Kennedy
Slim Air is the new compact air freshener designed for commercial washrooms and other business areas from Kennedy Hygiene Products. Its narrow design allows for easy installation in a range of locations.
The white version of the dispenser is made from 89 per cent recycled plastic, with additional options available in premium
silver and chrome finishes, as well as the recycled black Obsidian finish.
The unit operates without batteries, using airflow to provide continuous fragrance. Each refill lasts up to 60 days and is available in five scent combinations. Refills are made with hydrophobic gel, ensuring consistent fragrance release.
kennedy-hygiene.com
Satino by WEPA
Satino by WEPA is launching the HYGINITY washroom dispenser series in the UK. These models boast ergonomic, curved design to encourage intuitive use while minimising physical contact.
The series also includes a wall mounting system, userfriendly locking mechanism and integrated smart-ready sensors with 360° filling level indication.
The HYGINITY range encompasses dispensers for feminine hygiene products, hygiene bags, toilet tissue, paper towels and air fresheners.
www.satino-by-wepa.com
• Le visiteur du stand TTS verra l’unité d’immersion de serpillères Dosely, qui permet la préparation de têtes de balayage humide sur demande, et à bord du chariot de nettoyage.
• Slim Air, un diffuseur d’ambiance propulsé à l’air, est le dernier produit de ce type à être lancé par Kennedy Hygiene Products.
• Proposée par Satino-WEPA, la gamme de distributeurs Hyginity pour toilettes collectives fait son début au Royaume-Uni.
• Besucher am Stand von TTS können die Dosely Aufbereitungsanlage sehen, mit der Mopps je nach Anforderung auf dem Wagen vorbereitet werden können.
• Slim Air ist der neueste Lufterfrischer von Kennedy Hygiene Products, der ausschließlich mit Luft betrieben wird.
• Die Produktfamilie Hyginity mit Waschraumspendern von Satino von WEPA feiert ihr Debüt im Vereinigten Königreich.
• I visitatori dello stand di TTS possono ammirare la stazione di ammollo dei mop Dosely, che consente di preparare, su richiesta, i mop sul carrello.
• Slim Air è il nuovo deodorante per ambienti di Kennedy Hygiene Products, alimentato solo dall’aria.
• La linea di dispenser per bagni Hyginity di Satino by WEPA fa il suo debutto nel Regno Unito.
• Jangro dévoile à ce salon son « papier à finalité » durable, qui s’ajoute à sa gamme écologique ntrl.
• Prochem, un spécialiste du nettoyage de tapis et garnissages, expose sa nouvelle machine Steemeasy en premier plan.
Jangro
• Jangro stellt sein nachhaltiges „Papier mit Zweckbestimmung“ vor, das jüngste Produkt der umweltfreundlichen ntrlProduktreihe.
• Der Spezialist für Teppich- und Polsterreinigungslösungen Prochem stellt seine neue Steemeasy-Maschine vor.
• Jangro presenta la sua “carta sostenibile con uno scopo”, l’ultima novità della gamma ecologica ntrl.
• Prochem, azienda specializzata in soluzioni per la pulizia di tappeti e tappezzerie, presenta la sua nuova macchina Steemeasy.
Independent janitorial distributor network Jangro is presenting new developments focused on sustainability and training.
Making its debut is the sustainable paper with purpose range - part of the ntrl product line. This paper is made from recycled kraft cardboard diverted from landfill and is free from bleach and dyes. It is packaged without plastic, fully recyclable and designed to reduce environmental impact through optimised shipping configurations. Jangro also plans
to expand its ntrl range with probiotic cleaning sachets.
The company also continues to develop training initiatives with the launch of a premium area in its Learning Management Solution (LMS), offering courses on working at height and supervisor training - both areas with limited existing training options it says. There will be live demonstrations on the stand.
www.jangro.net
Prochem Europe
Prochem Europe is showcasing a range of carpet and upholstery cleaning systems, including the newly launched Steemeasy, a model equipped with a 200 psi pump and automatic vacuum cut-off.
Other machines on display include the Endeavor - a 50-litre, 500 psi-rated unit designed for large spaces such as offices, trains, and residential properties. The Steempro, Galaxy,
and Bravo Plus carpet extraction models will also be there.
For large carpeted areas in schools, offices and hotels, Prochem will demonstrate the Polaris walk-behind carpet extraction range.
For areas where wet-rinse extraction is not suitable, the PRO 35 counter-rotating brush system provides an interim low-moisture cleaning solution, assisting with surface stain removal.
The CR2 system, meanwhile, is a 500 psi-rated touch-free machine developed for maintaining commercial washrooms, gyms, airports and swimming pool changing rooms. The CR2 can also clean carpets and upholstery with the addition of a wand or hand tool.
Prochem also offers carpet, fabric and hard floor cleaning solutions, including the Natural range, which features eco surfactant formulations and is packaged in 100 per cent post-consumer recycled containers.
prochem.co.uk
Osprey DeepClean
OspreyDeepclean develops steam technology for a range of cleaning applications. The company has over 25
years of experience in steam cleaning innovation, including the introduction of gum removal technology with the GumBusters range and the development of battery-powered gum removal machines. It also manufactures large commercial steam cleaners and industrial-scale Cleaning in Place (CIP) conveyor belt cleaners.
The DeCon fogging attachment for Osprey’s SteamCare range was launched to assist with infection control. The fog disinfects the area to provide the operative with a safe environment to work in, prior to deep cleaning. Once the deep clean
is completed a second fogging leaves the area decontaminated. www.ospreydc.com
Motorscrubber
Making its UK debut is Motorscrubber’s scrubber dryer DRYFT, which incorporates S-Motion technology. This, the company says, enables operatives to clean with a 160 cm-wide pass in a single forward movement. Its patented low-profile head ensures full surface coverage, including edges and corners, while the 4200 rpm scrubbing system performs on both smooth and textured flooring.
For ease of use DRYFT features a lightweight seven-kilo frame, a quick-change MAGPlate pad system for improved hygiene and a SPYDR chassis that optimally distributes weight. This model is powered by lithium-ion battery, while modular service components minimise
maintenance downtime. www.dryft-world.com
Evans Vanodine
Evans Vanodine has its technical and sales team available at the stand to share expertise and knowledge. Latest product developments include the launch of a new hand care range, which visitors can test at a dedicated hand wash station. Also new is EC10 Toilet, a phosphate-free product in the super concentrate range, utilising thicken-ondilution technology.
Lisa Speed, chief microbiologist,is talking about its UKAS accredited microbiology laboratory, which tests disinfectants in accordance with European Standard methods. The company is also focusing on sustainability, highlighting its environmental initiatives and addressing the issue of greenwashing. And there’s a new carbon calculator tool. www.evansvanodine.co.uk
• OspreyDeepclean fait valoir la complète validation scientifique de sa technologie du nettoyage.
• L’autolaveuse DRYFT de Motorscrubber fait ses débuts au Royaume-Uni.
• Evans Vanodine a lancé une nouvelle gamme de produits de soin des mains, ainsi qu’un nettoyant de toilettes concentré.
• Laut OspreyDeepclean ist seine Dampfreinigungstechnologie vollständig wissenschaftlich validiert.
• Sein Debüt in Großbritannien feiert die Scheuersaugmaschine DRYFT von Motorscrubber.
• Evans Vanodine bringt eine neue Reihe von Handpflegeprodukten und einen konzentrierten Toilettenreiniger auf den Markt.
• OspreyDeepclean afferma che la sua tecnologia di pulizia a vapore è pienamente validata scientificamente.
• A fare il suo debutto nel Regno Unito è la lavasciuga pavimenti DRYFT di Motorscrubber.
• Evans Vanodine lancia una nuova gamma di prodotti per la cura delle mani e un detergente concentrato per il bagno.
Taking responsibility
There is now plenty of evidence regarding the dangers around occupational exposure to cleaning chemicals and the health implications for cleaning operatives. So who is responsible for protecting those people’s health? Government, manufacturers, employers, or the cleaning operatives themselves?
Georgia Jordan from Biological Preparations writes for ECJ.
CLEANING OPERATIVES dedicate their careers to making spaces clean, hygienic, and welcoming. In the EU, nearly three million people work as general cleaners, accounting for 2.3 per cent of total employment (2020 data). With the cleaning market continuing to grow, these numbers are expected to increase. Despite their vital role in business operations across industries - removing dirt, reducing illness, and boosting productivity - cleaning operatives face significant challenges, including low wages and limited sick leave. Now, with more research emerging on the short- and long-term health effects of cleaning chemicals, the sector faces a dilemma: how can it continue creating healthy spaces without risking the health of its workforce? This raises a critical question: who is responsible for ensuring that the products used daily by cleaning operatives are safe?
Health risks faced by cleaning operatives
To perform their tasks, cleaning operatives are often given harsh chemicals, assumed to be the most effective. However, many of these products contain synthetic chemicals that not only harm the environment but are increasingly linked to serious health risks for the people using them.
Respiratory diseases: Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) are common in many cleaning products, including sprays, surface cleaners, and air fresheners - even in some labelled as “green.” Once released into indoor spaces, VOCs are inhaled, irritating the respiratory tract and causing immediate issues like coughing, shortness of breath, and aggravating conditions like asthma. A recent study found that indoor VOC concentrations can be up to 10 times higher than outdoor levels.
Prolonged exposure to VOCs can cause lasting health effects, such as lung damage. Quaternary ammonium compounds (QUATs), found in products like window cleaners, can damage lung tissue when inhaled repeatedly over time, potentially leading to permanent respiratory prob-
lems. A 2018 study revealed that domestic and industrial cleaners face a heightened risk of developing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Additionally, female cleaners showed a faster decline in lung function compared to those not regularly exposed to cleaning chemicals.
Skin conditions: Contact dermatitis, a form of eczema caused by irritant exposure, is one of the most common occupational hazards for cleaning operatives. Cleaning chemicals can break down the skin’s protective barrier, leading to itching, blistering, and cracking. Those with pre-existing skin conditions, like eczema, are at even greater risk. Studies show that cleaners are 10 per cent more likely to develop dermatitis than the general population.
Cancer risks: In addition to respiratory and skin issues, cleaning chemicals are also linked to increased cancer risks. A study by ISCO found a 76 per cent higher risk of lung cancer among women employed as maids or housekeepers for more than seven years.
Research on endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs), which are found in many cleaning products, suggests they interfere with hormone regulation. EDCs can mimic or block hormones, leading to an increase in oestrogen levels, which has been associated with a higher risk of breast cancer in both men and women.
And that’s just a few: This is just the beginning of the research into how cleaning chemicals affect health. As more studies are published, it becomes increasingly important to have open discussions about safeguarding workers and ensuring cleaning products not only protect the spaces being cleaned but also the health of those doing the cleaning.
Stakeholders: who’s responsibility is it to protect peoples health?
In the previous section, we explored some of the emerging research regarding occupational exposure to cleaning chemicals and the potential long-term and short-term health effects faced by
cleaning operatives. Given their essential role in maintaining clean, safe spaces for all, more must be done to protect these workers. However, when it comes to the complex and sometimes polarising topic of cleaning and health, it’s often unclear who holds responsibility for ensuring the safety of end-users. Some argue it rests with those in higher positions, while others believe personal accountability plays a role. In reality, the responsibility is shared, involving multiple stakeholders.
Government: In the EU, governments set the standards for occupational safety and health (OSH) through legislation. The EU’s OSH directive, introduced in 1989, provides a legal framework for improving workers’ safety and health. Member states are required to adopt this directive into their national laws, ensuring that employers take preventive measures and conduct regular risk assessments. The directive includes key provisions such as:
• Requiring employers to take appropriate preventive actions to make work safer and healthier
• Introducing the principle of risk assessment, focusing on hazard identification, and eliminating risks at the source
• Establishing a minimum safety and health standard for all workers.
Minimum requirements
However, while these laws set the foundation, they only establish minimum requirements. It’s up to businesses to take further steps to protect their employees and go beyond compliance.
When it comes to chemicals, the EU has a detailed process for evaluating whether a chemical product poses health risks and should be restricted or banned. This includes the REACH regulation (requiring manufacturers to register substances and assess risks), the Classification, Labelling, and Packaging (CLP) regulation (ensuring hazard information is clearly communicated), and continuous risk assessment. Still, as research shows, long-term exposure to many cleaning chemicals can lead to serious health problems. Governments provide the framework, but the responsibility of implementing better protections lies with employers.
Manufacturers: Manufacturers of
Aujourd’hui, un large dossier a été constitué sur les dangers que l’exposition à des produits chimiques de nettoyage représente pour les opérateurs de propreté. À qui revient la responsabilité de protéger la santé de ces personnes ? Les pouvoirs publics, les fabricants, les employeurs, ou les opérateurs mêmes ?
cleaning products must also play a part. Under REACH, they are required to register substances with the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA), assessing and managing associated risks. While manufacturers are not obligated to list every ingredient on product labels, they must provide hazard information and safety data sheets (SDS) to ensure businesses understand the risks involved. The General Product Safety Directive further obligates manufacturers to ensure their products meet safety standards.
Despite these regulations, many hazardous substances still make their way into everyday cleaning products, placing the responsibility back onto individual companies to choose safer alternatives and engage in conversations with their suppliers about the risks.
Employers: Employers hold a significant responsibility for the health and safety of their workers. Regulations like COSHH (Control of Substances Hazardous to Health) require employers to assess workplace hazards, replace dangerous chemicals with safer alternatives where possible and ensure the correct use of PPE. Employers are also bound by directives such as 2004/37/EC, which addresses exposure to carcinogens and mutagens, requiring companies to minimise exposure and conduct health surveillance.
Employers should go beyond the minimum requirements set by legislation, regularly assessing the chemicals they use
and looking for safer options to protect their employees.
Cleaning operatives: At the end of this chain are the cleaning operatives, who have little control over the products they are exposed to. Their role in protecting themselves lies in following safety procedures, wearing the appropriate PPE, and reporting any unsafe conditions. However, without control over the chemicals they are using, much of the responsibility falls on the employers and manufacturers.
So, who’s responsible?
In the EU, a layered approach is in place to protect cleaning operatives, involving the government, manufacturers, employers, and operatives themselves. While legislation provides a framework, true responsibility rests with businesses, who must act beyond compliance to safeguard the health of their employees. This means engaging with suppliers, understanding the chemicals they use, and exploring safer alternatives. Choosing manufacturers with eco-labels and health certifications, such as Global GreenTag’s HealthRATE, is a proactive step towards reducing risks and setting a new standard for worker health. Ultimately, cleaning operatives shouldn’t have to choose between their health and creating healthy spaces. By opening a dialogue with suppliers and taking steps to improve chemical safety, businesses can ensure their workers are protected at every level.
Inzwischen gibt es zahlreiche Belege für die Gefahren, die mit dem Ausgesetztsein gegenüber Reinigungschemikalien am Arbeitsplatz und den gesundheitlichen Auswirkungen auf das Reinigungspersonal verbunden sind. Wer ist also dafür verantwortlich, die Gesundheit dieser Menschen zu schützen? Regierung, Hersteller, Arbeitgeber oder das Reinigungspersonal selbst?
I pericoli legati all’esposizione professionale ai prodotti chimici per la pulizia e le implicazioni per la salute degli operatori del settore sono ormai ampiamente dimostrati. Chi è responsabile della protezione della salute di queste persone? Il governo, i produttori, i datori di lavoro o gli stessi addetti alle pulizie?
Scrubber dryers
Clean and dry at the double
How important is it for a scrubber dryer to be able to clean and dry a floor in the shortest possible time? Ann Laffeaty finds out – and asks manufacturers about the features that can potentially make a scrubber dryer more productive.
ployees can lead to staff being away from work for extended periods. This reduces the effectiveness of cleaning and can be costly in terms of sick pay, agency fees and the cost of replacing the operator. There is also the potential for legal claims along with risks to the reputation of the company carrying out the cleaning work.”
He says the ever-rising cost of labour means some organisations are moving away from nighttime cleaning - which is often higher paid due to the unsociable hours – and switching instead to daytime operations. “In these cases, safety concerns are addressed by means of thorough risk assessments and training,” he said.
water during manual cleaning.”
Fast cleaning reduces working time, lowers operating costs and minimises the amount of time that a floor cannot be walked upon, said Serfezi.
SCRUBBER DRYERS have two important jobs. First they need to be able to remove any grime and soiling from the floor. They then need to be able to dry the floor thoroughly so that it can be reused as soon as possible without creating a slip hazard.
But how can this be achieved? And is the ability to scrub and dry a floor quickly the chief requirement of a scrubber dryer? Or are there other factors that matter more when developing a machine?
Floor cleaning is often carried out when premises are at their quietest, says Robert Scott’s development manager for new products Gavin Holmes. “Rapid drying is less critical when businesses are closed or when there are fewer people around, and this allows for more water usage and a deeper clean,” he said.
“However, there are many instances when scrubber dryers are used during busy periods where there is a heavy footfall, and here the ability to clean and dry the floor quickly is of paramount importance. This is especially true in environments where cleanliness and safety are a top priority such as in healthcare and in settings where minimising downtime is crucial such as in retail and education.”
Safety is the primary concern during drying times, Holmes says. “Protecting the well-being of employees and customers is of utmost importance. Slips involving em-
A swift clean-and-dry process will minimise disruption and downtime, according to Holmes. “This ensures that spaces can remain operational and safe,” he said.
Two key mechanical factors influence the speed of cleaning operations, he claims. “These are the suction power and the squeegee performance,” said Holmes. “A well-designed, high-quality squeegee will gather the wastewater and allow a powerful vacuum to suck up the water into the recovery tank. For these two components to work as efficiently as possible operators must regularly carry out basic but important maintenance tasks. For example, wiping the squeegee daily will give it a good, clean edge to collect the water while flushing the vacuuming hose each week will allow all the suction power to be focused on pulling up the water.”
Swift clean and dry
Robert Scott’s Metascrub-60 is said to combine optimal water dosing, a highquality natural rubber squeegee and a powerful suction motor to provide quick drying times and good cleaning results.
Time and cost-efficiency are both key requirements for scrubber dryer customers, says Hako’s application technology trainer and consultant Klaus Serfezi. “It is therefore important that a scrubber dryer should be able to clean and dry a floor swiftly. It is also about preventing hazards, such as those that can arise from residual
“Optimised brush speeds, powerful suction and innovative technologies will all combine to increase cleaning performance,” he said. “And when the machines are in operation, it is the responsibility of the operator to ensure the sealing strips are in good condition. A good suction result is then guaranteed.” According to Serfezi, Hako machines combine state-ofthe-art technology with ergonomic design and digital functions to ensure the cleaning process is efficient and reliable.
No disruption
Cleaning needs to enhance the environment rather than cause disruption, says Truvox executive director Gordon McVean. “Achieving rapid results minimises the amount of ‘cleaning in progress’ time,” he said. “Easy-to-use machines are essential because they contribute to time savings which also saves money. And a good scrubber dryer will provide a quicker, more effective clean than traditional methods and will do so with water alone, removing the need to use expensive and often potentially harmful chemicals.”
According to McVean, cleaning has become more of a front-of-house activity since the pandemic – and this makes a quick dry more crucial than ever. “Gone are the days when cleaning was carried out at night as though it were a secret,” he said. “And places such as hotel receptions and supermarkets are open 24/7 so there is no choice other than to clean while people are around.”
He claims the company’s Multiwash PRO range offers fast and effective cleaning with minimal disruption, while the Multiwash PRO Steam saves time because the steam helps to shift stubborn dirt more easily than traditional methods.
It is particularly important that floors in industrial and commercial environments are cleaned and dried swiftly, says
Kärcher’s head of product management for scrubber dryers Christian Mrowka. “The ability to efficiently dry a floor is crucial in preventing slip and fall accidents because wet floors pose a significant safety hazard,” he said.
“A speedy dry is also important because it reduces labour, cuts costs and minimises the amount of time that the floor remains out of action. In commercial settings a floor that is unusable can disrupt operations and lead to losses. But by cleaning and drying the floor swiftly, businesses can minimise downtime and maintain a safe and efficient working environment.”
There are a number of factors that can contribute to faster scrubbing and drying, says Mrowka. “Machines that are easy to understand and intuitive to operate will reduce the time spent on preparation and minimise errors, leading to a faster overall cleaning process,” he said.
“Selecting the appropriate machine type for the specific task is also crucial. For instance, a compact, manoeuvrable machine is ideal for use in cluttered areas, whereas a combination sweeperscrubber will be more efficient in large, open spaces.”
He says it is also important a machine should be capable of collecting debris efficiently. “In areas where there are significant amounts of debris a machine with a cylindrical brush deck will simultaneously clean and collect the rubbish, saving considerable time compared to machines with disc technology that may require additional steps for debris removal,” he said. “By considering these factors, cleaning professionals can optimise their scrubbing and drying processes for maximum speed and efficiency.”
Right solution, right floor
Other ways of improving productivity and hastening the process of scrubber drying include using the appropriate cleaning solution for the type of floor and dirt; ensuring the machine is properly maintained and training operators on the correct use of the machine, says Mrowka.
“Operators of scrubber dryers have also traditionally struggled with the charging practices for gel/AGM batteries leading to premature capacity loss and un-
L’autolaveuse a pour vocation de nettoyer et sécher une surface dans les meilleurs délais afin de minimiser les temps de mise hors service. Cela étant, que font les fabricants pour maximiser la productivité de leurs machines ? Nous jetons un coup d’œil sur les produits, systèmes et technologies qui contribuent à garantir les meilleurs résultats de nettoyage et de séchage possibles.
expected breakdowns,” he adds. “The use of lithium-Ion technology will eliminate these pain points and offers a lower total cost of ownership.”
He says Kärcher’s scrubber dryers are designed with ergonomics in mind which makes them easy to operate and manoeuvre. They also offer a choice between cylindrical and disc brush decks to allow for customisation based on specific cleaning needs. “Innovative features such as personalised user keys with pre-set cleaning programmes, onboard dosing systems, automatic fill and tank cleaning and Li-ion technology further streamline the cleaning process for maximum efficiency,” he adds.
Useful accessories
Various accessories can further help to enhance productivity, he says. “For example side brooms, side scrub decks and specialised brushes or squeegee blades can be tailored to carry out specific cleaning tasks. Understanding the unique requirements of each cleaning job is essential for selecting the most effective and productive solution.”
So besides being able to clean and dry efficiently, what other factors are important to customers? Scrubber dryers need
to be able to ease the floor cleaning task for the user, says Robert Scott’s Gavin Holmes. “Robotic systems designed to collaborate with humans can automate repetitive tasks such as scrubbing and drying,” he said. “Incorporating cutting-edge robotic technologies will speed up the process, delivering consistent results while also removing the need for multiple cleaning passes over the same area.
“This enhances efficiency and improves workplace satisfaction by reducing monotonous tasks for cleaning operatives while also offering the sustainability benefits of using less water and fewer cleaning products.”
Hako’s Klaus Serfezi says ergonomic and intuitive operating concepts will reduce fatigue and increase operator efficiency.
“Training for operating personnel and digital solutions such as fleet management systems can also help to increase productivity,” he said.
And ergonomics are crucial, says Kärcher’s Christian Mrowka. “A welldesigned scrubber dryer with good ergonomics will be intuitive to use while also being easier to operate and manoeuvre, reducing fatigue and increasing productivity,” he concluded.
Der ganze Sinn einer Scheuersaugmaschine besteht darin, dass der Boden schnell gereinigt und getrocknet wird, um die Zeit, die er nicht betreten werden kann, so kurz wie möglich zu halten. Wie können Hersteller ihre Maschinen so produktiv wie möglich gestalten? Wir werfen einen Blick auf die Produkte, Systeme und Technologien, die eine schnelle Reinigung und gründliche Trocknung sicherstellen.
Lo scopo di una lavasciuga pavimenti è quello di pulire e asciugare rapidamente il pavimento per ridurre al minimo il tempo di inattività. Quindi, come fanno i produttori a rendere le loro macchine il più produttive possibile? Uno sguardo ai prodotti, ai sistemi e alle tecnologie che contribuiscono a garantire una pulizia rapida e un’asciugatura accurata.
Products:
• Pour servir dans des ambiances contrôlées, telles que des chambres blanches, i-team Global a développé l’autolaveuse SAFET-IMOP.
• Kärcher prône le fait qu’en dépit de sa compacité, son autolaveuse accompagnée B 50 W est munie d’un réservoir de 50 litres.
• L’autolaveuse robotique CB-1 de Fimap permet à l’opérateur de configurer, enregistrer et modifier les parcours de nettoyage indépendamment, sans devoir en établir la carte.
• L’autolaveuse accompagnée
Scrubmaster B5 est une machine pour espaces réduits dotée du système de nettoyage HakoDelta.
• L’ULTIMAXX, autolaveuse produite par Taski, offre 10 000 permutations, une conception durable et une technologie intelligente.
• Für den Einsatz in kontrollierten Umgebungen wie Reinräumen hat i-Team Global die Scheuersaugmaschine SAFE-TIMOP entwickelt.
• Laut Kärcher bietet die handgeführte
Scheuersaugmaschine B 50 W trotz ihrer kompakten Größe einen großen 50-Liter-Tank.
• Die robotische Scheuersaugmaschine CB-1 von Fimap gibt dem Bediener die Möglichkeit, Reinigungswege unabhängig und ohne Kartierung einzurichten, aufzuzeichnen und zu ändern.
• Beim handgeführten
Scrubmaster B5 handelt es sich um eine Scheuersaugmaschine für kleinere Flächen mit dem HakoDelta-Reinigungssystem.
• Die Scheuersaugmaschine Taski ULTIMAXX verfügt über 10.000 Permutationen, ein robustes Design und intelligente Technologie.
• Per l’uso in ambienti controllati come le camere bianche, i-team Global ha sviluppato la lavasciuga pavimenti SAFE-T-IMOP.
• Kärcher dichiara che la sua lavasciuga pavimenti uomo a terra B 50 W offre un ampio serbatoio da 50 litri nonostante le dimensioni compatte.
• La lavasciuga robotizzata CB-1 di Fimap offre all’operatore la possibilità di impostare, registrare e modificare i percorsi di pulizia in modo indipendente senza mappatura.
• La lavasciuga pavimenti uomo a terra Scrubmaster B5 è una lavasciuga pavimenti per aree di dimensioni ridotte, dotata del sistema di pulizia Hako-Delta.
• La lavasciuga pavimenti ULTIMAXX della Taski vanta 10.000 combinazioni, design duraturo e tecnologia smart.
Cleanrooms
The SAFE-T-IMOP by i-team
Global is a battery-powered, ESD-proof scrubber dryer designed for cleanroom environments. It has been tested and approved for use in ISO 9 to ISO 6 environments, GMP C&D and food production areas. Unlike traditional cleaning tools, it is designed to improve operational efficiency and reduce downtime while maintaining hygiene standards.
The SAFE-T-IMOP also cleans sticky mats, which are used for contamination control but can be difficult to maintain with conventional methods.
Designed with ergonomics in mind, the machine aims to reduce physical strain associated with manual cleaning tasks. The lightweight construction and intuitive operation support ease of use for cleanroom staff says i-team. www.i-teamglobal.com
Walk-behind
Kärcher’s B 50 W is a walkbehind scrubber dryer with a 50-litre water tank. Features include a compact design, lithium-ion battery and a system that adjusts water and detergent dosing based on speed, reducing consumption by up to 50 per cent.
This model is available with a roller or disc brush head made from die-cast aluminium. A newly developed D60 doubleedged brush head increases the working width, improving
productivity by 20 per cent says Kärcher. The parabolic squeegee enhances drying efficiency while requiring a lower-powered suction motor (250 W instead of 500 W in the previous model).
The machine is controlled via an app and Bluetooth, eliminating the need for a touchscreen. Users can configure settings, monitor battery and water levels and access explanatory videos. The basic machine operation is managed through an EASY selector switch.
The lithium-ion battery reduces overall resource consumption and can be charged in two hours with an optional quick charger. Additional design elements include an optimised tank shape for easier cleaning, convenient accessory storage and a larger detergent filling opening for safer handling.
www.karcher.com
No mapping
Fimap’s CB-1 is a collaborative cleaning robot designed to give the operator the ability to set up, record and change cleaning paths independently. The machine does not rely on mapping and uses a simple interaction system. Operators save cleaning settings in a mission code which specifies the route, area type and cleaning method.
The settings are stored after scanning a code, and paths can be recorded in two ways. The Learn&Play mode follows a specific route, while the Perimeter mode records boundaries, enabling CB-1 to determine an efficient cleaning path independently. Its circular design allows cleaning in multiple directions and enables it to navigate around obstacles. Sensor Data Fusion technology ensures
accurate space detection, supporting safe operation and protecting both the machine and its surroundings.
www.fimap.com
Small areas
The Scrubmaster B5 features the patented Hako-DeltaCleaning-System, a double-orbital, delta-shaped cleaning tool designed for efficient cleaning performance, optimum manoeuvrability and ease of use. The system’s design reduces energy and water consumption as well as noise emissions.
The double-orbital mechanism keeps the brush bristles upright during operation, helping to maintain consistent cleaning efficiency while extending brush service life.
www.hako.com
Digital tech
The TASKI ULTIMAXX walkbehind scrubber combines physical and digital technology to enhance cleaning efficiency and resource management. Designed for durability and ease of use, its components are optimised to extend machine lifespan and reduce power, water and chemical consumption.
The machine is available with multiple brush deck options to accommodate different floor types and cleaning requirements, with over 10,000 possible configurations. It is designed with ergonomics in mind to reduce operator fatigue and physical strain associated with prolonged use.
In addition to its physical features, ULTIMAXX integrates digital technology to improve cleaning operations. IntelliTrail 2.1, its fleet management system, enables two-way communication, providing real-time insights at both machine and fleet levels. This system allows for operational data collection and remote procedural adjustments. taski.com
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