October 2022 by European Cleaning Journal

The pan-European magazine for the professional cleaning sector

OCTOBER 2022

TECHNOLOGY

SPECIAL REPORT

BUSINESS

European Cleaning & Hygiene Awards 2023 - time to submit your entries

Transformation of the FM sector

Sustainability energy focus

Why is profit a dirty word?

Page 3

Page 36

Page 22

Page 47

CONTENTS

October 2022 | Vol.30, No.5

BUSINESS

SPECIAL REPORTS

47 Why is profit a dirty word?

22 Running out of energy

Hartley Milner explores our conflicted relationship with monetary gain.

03 News

The climate emergency has made us all aware of cutting energy usage.

24 How to make a difference? How can cleaning industry businesses positively influence society?

08 A.I.S.E. news

29 Workforce wellbeing Being a sustainable business means looking after the welfare of your staff.

13 ECHA award winners

31 Wear and tear - versus care In what types of facilities are hard floors at most risk of wear and tear?

17 European reports

36 The transformation of FM Technology is powering the future of the FM industry, says ISS.

39 Fresh air - what is it? ECJ asks what the term ‘fresh air’ means to air freshening specialists.

44 Information is power Be informed about the right type of battery to use in your cleaning machines.

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Editor Michelle Marshall Features Writer Ann Laffeaty Advertisement director Chris Godman Advertisement sales executive Laura Bell

Circulation Marie Payne

Italy, Spain & Switzerland Fabio Potesta Mediapoint & Communications Corte Lambruschini, Corso Buenos Aires, 8 V0 Piano, Interno 7 16129 Genova, Italy T +39 010 570 4948 F +39 010 553 0088 info@mediapointsrl.it www. mediapointsrl.it

European Cleaning Journal is published six times a year by Criterion Publishing Ltd. Although every effort is made to ensure the accuracy and reliability of material published in European Cleaning, Criterion Publishing Ltd and its agents can accept no responsibility for the veracity of claims made by contributors, manufacturers or advertisers. Copyright for all material published in European Cleaning remains with Criterion Publishing Ltd and its agents.

ISSN 0968-901X ©Criterion Publishing 2022

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NEWS & EVENTS

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NEWS EXTRA Versatile online training raises standards worldwide, says BICSc (continued) boosted interest in virtual training. The pandemic accelerated things particularly at the start. Now, the pandemic no longer means we cannot conduct training face-to-face, however, the virtual offering is proving so popular. “We had anticipated that at one point we might achieve, by the end of this year, a ratio of 50/50 face-to-face versus virtual training. However, within the first quarter of this year we were already at a rate of 68 per cent of training delivered virtually, with in the region of 90 per cent of requests relating to virtual courses, reflecting the growing trend industry-wide. “Introducing the Supervisor’s

Certificate course online is proving to be another huge area of growth for us as it is a course that has been missing from the industry for some time.”

Face to face still needed Looking ahead, BICSc does not foresee virtual training will ever eliminate the need for traditional training face-to-face. Rather it will enhance and elevate the growth of training options available for cleaning operatives working within the professional cleaning sector. Spencer-Cook explained: “There are still people who prefer training face-to-face. So while we are not seeing the demise of in-person training - there will always be a requirement for that option - we continue to see a

Le secteur de la propreté professionnelle est le théâtre d’une forte tendance au recours à des formations en ligne adaptées, qui ont eu pour effet de relever les normes de qualité. Le British Institute of Cleaning Science (BICSc), un prestataire de services de formation, en fournit des précisions.

12 | October 2022 | ECJ

significant shift and huge growth in virtual training. “BICSc will always have trainers available for those who require a face-to-face option and will continue to enhance our online offering for those who want to utilise virtual training courses, which also ensures greater standardisation across the sector as all candidates are accessing the same standard of training. “Virtual training means there won’t be trainer variation or interpretations of training variations, the demonstrations are the same every time with all candidates accessing the same online courses and content.” BICSc is also offering free courses for candidates to

Die professionelle Reinigungsbranche erlebt einen erheblichen Trend hin zu einer vielseitigeren virtuellen Schulung, wodurch weltweit die Verbesserung der Standards vorangetrieben wird. Wir erfahren mehr vom Schulungsanbieter British Institute of Cleaning Science (BICSc).

access. An associated app is in development and there is a new NHS course online, with the aim being to more complimentary courses this year. As requirements evolve within the cleaning community BICSc continues to update content online and will roll together courses so they are skills specific as well as being applicable to the whole workplace. Spencer-Cook concluded: “With 80 to 90 per cent of requests we receive being for virtual training it is a trend that is clearly here to stay. The more choice we give people, the more freedom they have to undertake the training in their way.” For more information go to www.bics.org.uk

Il settore delle pulizie professionali sta assistendo a una significativa tendenza verso un più versatile training virtuale che sta portando a dei miglioramenti negli standard in tutto il mondo. Ce ne parla l’organismo di formazione British Institute of Cleaning Science (BICSc).

EUROPEAN CLEANING & HYGIENE AWARDS

360 degree approach Pioneering the world’s first recycling service for paper hand towels is an impressive boast for any company. So is launching a ground-breaking bio-based cleaning cloth for industrial use. But Essity won the European Cleaning & Hygiene Award for Sustainability – Best Practice for neither of these breakthroughs, says sustainability communications director Renee Remijnse. “I hope we won it for two reasons,” she said. “One, for our integrated and longstanding company policy and commitment to sustainability. And two, for our 360 degree approach, which means we look at the complete picture rather than at a single environmentally-friendly benefit.” Sustainability is at the heart of Essity and its Tork professional hygiene brand, she says. “From the origins of our company in 1929 we have been at the forefront of developing and incorporating a sustainable way of working, and we have a long history of sustainable forest management as SCA,” she said. In 1992 the company became one of the first in Europe to begin integrating Life Cycle Analysis into its product development. This means Essity considers each stage of a development from raw materials sourcing to production, choice of manufacturing sites and waste disposal and recycling. In 2007 the company’s global parent SCA was ranked the second most environmentally-friendly company in the world by Ethical Investment Research Services. “We now have new commitments on topics such as carbon, waste and plastics and we have earned recognition from leading industry standards bodies,” said Remijnse. “Our ambition is to ensure 50 per cent of our innovations offer social or

environmental improvements.” Two of the company’s recent initiatives are Tork Heavy-Duty Cleaning Cloth 99% Biobased and Tork PaperCircle. The cloth is designed for industrial environments and is made from 99 per cent plant-based fibres that have been sustainably sourced. Tork PaperCircle – described as the world’s first recycling service for paper towels – is said to enable businesses to reduce their environmental footprint for paper towels by 40 per cent. Used towels are collected from the customer’s site and taken to local recycling centres where they are turned into other tissue products. Essity chose not to focus on either of these initiatives in its entry to the European Cleaning & Hygiene Awards. “We wanted to inspire the industry to look beyond a single proof-point,” said Remijnse. “So we showcased our three main sustainability focus points: More from less, Well-being and Circularity.” Essity uses compressed packaging as standard on many of its products to help it achieve its “more from less” goals. Tork dispensers are designed to naturally reduce product consumption and the company wants 100 per cent of its packaging to be made from recyclable materials by 2025. Around 90 per cent is currently derived from renewable resources. It is also committed to reaching net zero by 2050 at the latest. “We work with global organisations such as the UN and Unicef to improve sustainability and wellbeing for everyone on a global level,” she said. “We also team up with local groups and organisations to make an impact on a country-by-country level. We are proud of the way in which our employees support

The climate emergency has prompted many companies to adopt new sustainability goals. But Essity’s own commitment to the environment dates back nearly 100 years – and it is this ingrained culture that helped the company to win the European Cleaning & Hygiene Award for Sustainability – Best Practice. our sustainability goals.” The company aims to improve the cleaner’s wellbeing by creating dispensers that are quick to refill and by introducing Tork EasyHandling packaging on 68 per cent of its products. This has been designed to be easy to open, carry and refill. Its Tork Vision Cleaning data-driven cleaning software helps cleaners work more efficiently and improves job satisfaction. And besides Tork PaperCircle, Essity’s circularity goals include the recycling of paper cups for Starbucks Netherlands and McDonalds in Germany into Tork toilet tissue, plus a move to integrate renewable wheat straw into Tork products made at the company’s Mannheim mill. The European Cleaning & Hygiene Awards are important to Essity, says Remijnse. “They represent the value the cleaning industry places on us and our products and services, and an award like this shows us we are on the right track. And on a broader scale, this important award can inspire other companies to invest more heavily in sustainability because it demonstrates that it will create opportunities in the long run.”

October 2022 | ECJ | 13

EUROPEAN CLEANING & HYGIENE AWARDS

Empowering cleaners Deploying a robot army used to be the stuff of computer games. But LionsBot has made this eminently achievable – and has won itself a European Cleaning & Hygiene Awards Technological Innovation of the Year award in the process. Robots aim to make light work of cleaning. They take away the heavy lifting and allow human operators to concentrate instead on more detailed work and intricate tasks But the problem is, every robot needs a human being to control it. Or at least they used to do. Enter LionsBot, cleaning robot manufacturer and joint winner of this year’s European Cleaning & Hygiene Awards Technological Innovation of the Year award. The company has developed the LionsClean app in a bid to make the cleaner’s job even easier. “The app allows cleaners to operate multiple robots at the same time via a remote control,” says the company’s cofounder and ceo Dylan Ng. “They can then focus on other cleaning tasks while the robot carries out the repetitive work.” One of the cleaners currently using the app is Lily who works at Singapore’s Harbourfront Centre shopping mall. “Lily is 76 years old and operates four robots daily while continuing with her other tasks,” says Ng. “Equipped with just an app she is able to carry out the job of five cleaners and work on four different floors. She can then focus all her efforts on interacting with customers and attending to detailed work. And as a result she is able to clean more than 8,000 square metres of floor

14 | October 2022 | ECJ

area by herself – without even breaking into a sweat.” The company’s LeoBot machines belong to a family of four comprising the LeoScrub, the LeoMop, the LeoVac and the LeoPull. LeoBots are currently being used in 22 countries and in prestigious locations including NHS hospitals, Munich’s BMW museum, an Abu Dhabi shopping mall and Singapore Changi Airport. User-friendliness lies at the core of LionsBot’s ethos, says Ng. “We build our robots with cleaners in mind,” he said. “A lot of cleaners are scared of robots because they fear the technology or because they are concerned that robots will take their jobs. So at LionsBot we innovate cleaning robots that are super easy to use. Anyone can operate them after just 10 minutes of training and we find that people love them, both for their cleaning powers and for their personalities.” A LionsBot machine becomes the cleaner’s everyday cleaning companion, says Ng. “Our robots use their interactive display to win over even the most resistant cleaner,” he said. “They’re a welcome addition to any space, quietly cleaning at any time of the day as they entertain people on the go.” LionsBot robots have “eyes” that can express warmth and affection or be rolled in exasperation. The machines are developed in Singapore where 50 per cent of the cleaning workforce is over the age of 63 and where recruiting new staff is becoming increasingly difficult. The app works using the LionsCloud, a unified dashboard that serves as a single point for administering all robots, users and data. The human operator receives live

notifications and can tweak the operational settings and change cleaning paths. And the system also offers benefits for cleaning contractors, says Ng. “They can gain an overview of every robot operating at any one moment,” he said. “Supervisors are then able to generate evidence-based cleaning reports to ensure consistent cleaning quality. And since our LeoBots can run for more than one shift, cleaning companies are not required to buy in so many robots.” LionsBot robots are also designed to be sustainable, says Ng. “We minimise our water use during cleaning,” he said. “For example, our R3 Scrub only uses six litres of water per hour whereas traditional scrubbers use 40 litres per hour, which means we make water savings of 85 per cent. And we only use fresh water and don’t recycle our dirty water.” According to Ng, LionsBot is grateful that the hard work behind the company’s products has been recognised with a Technological Innovation of the Year award. “We are extremely honoured and proud to win,” he said. “This is the first time we have won this award and it means a lot to us. It serves as validation that our team is doing ground-breaking and impactful work while also giving our customers and dealers more confidence in us.” Ng was one of the LionsBot team attending the ceremony. “We thoroughly enjoyed ourselves and it was great to catch up with fellow industry peers,” said Ng. He adds that the ultimate role of LionsBot robots is to uplift and empower human cleaners and bring them pride in their work. “Our vision is to have a LionsBot for every cleaning professional,” he said.

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EUROPEAN CLEANING & HYGIENE AWARDS

Taking responsibility Sustainability, inclusivity, diversity and world peace – these just a few of the values that shape Momentum Support, joint winner of this year’s ECJ Sustainability – Best Practice award. When Momentum Support’s award win was announced in Brussels, corporate social responsibility and quality manager Verona Pentony took to the stage and made the universal hand gesture for peace. This was because spreading the peace message is a topic that is particularly close to the company’s heart, she explains. “In September we organised the White Rose of Peace Walk 2022 around Ireland in which all our employees were welcome to participate,” said Pentony. Staff members were invited to walk a route around their local area to highlight the issue of world peace, with a shared goal of walking 3,171 kilometres in total. This is just one of a number of sustainability moves that helped to earn Momentum a European Cleaning & Hygiene Award for Sustainability – Best Practice this year. The company’s other key sustainability policies relate to the environment, occupational health and safety, wellbeing, corporate social responsibility, diversity, equality, sustainable procurement, supplier ethical trading, anti-slavery human trafficking, stakeholder engagement, responsible promotion, employee volunteering, communication and flexible working. “These policies govern our overall ethos across the three key areas of social, economic and environment that adhere to the

16 | October 2022 | ECJ

values of sustainability and responsibility,” said Pentony. The company has made pledges through accredited third parties such as the Business in the Community Ireland Low Carbon Pledge and The Elevate Pledge. “We are also one of 14 founding member companies of the Open Doors initiative, a cross-sector move to promote greater inclusion and diversity in the workplace,” said Pentony. “It also promotes training and employment opportunities for marginalised groups in Irish society. “As such we have pledged to be inclusive as an employer and to create pathways to employment for marginalised people.” The company is also committed to setting science-based carbon emission reduction targets by 2024, she adds. “This will be in line with the Paris Agreement and the latest Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change findings.” She says the key to achieving high standards in sustainability as far as Momentum Support is concerned is to ensure the company is always building on its achievements. “All our teams throughout the business are focused on making a difference together,” said Pentony. “We are always looking to the future and exploring how we can further elevate the positive impact we have on our stakeholders.” Sustainability is ingrained into Momentum Support’s everyday operations, she says, but the company decided to formally embed responsible practices in April 2017. “Following a strategic business review, we established a CSR division to develop and implement our Mission Right Let’s Make the Right Choice strategy,” she said. “Our objective was to achieve Business in the

Community Ireland’s Business Working Responsibly Mark.” The BWR mark is the audited standard for CSR and sustainability in Ireland. Certification is via independent third-party assessment and the company’s sustainability management system is scrutinised across five pillars: governance, workplace, marketplace, environment and community. “I believe that achieving the BWR mark has set us apart from other companies since it shows we have implemented real policies and practices in the area of sustainability,” said Pentony. Established in 1982, Momentum Support now has more than 2,500 employees across Ireland and the UK and delivers upwards of three million hours of service per annum. “We operate a daily external audit quality management system that has enabled us to expand at a fast pace while also delivering a consistently high standard of service to all our customers,” said Pentony. She believes it is always important to take a holistic approach to sustainability. “This is what we have strived to achieve,” she said. “Acting sustainably does not mean simply working to improve your environmental impact, it means striving to ensure that you operate in a responsible way for the company, its employees, partners, customers, and for the wider public and the social and natural environment in which it operates.” On winning the European Cleaning & Hygiene Award Pentony said: “We are very proud to be recognised for our sustainability performance by our industry peers, particularly given the high standards demonstrated by our fellow nominees.”

LATEST: NETHERLANDS

LATEST: FRANCE

Generating your own energy

Lack of enthusiasm for daytime

John Griep at VSR in the Netherlands reports on a meeting discussing climate and energy transition.

Christian Bouzols in France explains that some commercial clients are not a fan of daytime cleaning.

As a platform and knowledge institution for the professional cleaning sector, VSR organised an event on Climate and Energy Transition recently. The urgency of the energy transition, which needs to take place on a massive scale, is finally dawning on most people. This is also true for Milan and Patrick van der Meulen, both barely 30 years old and owners of a company providing solar energy systems since 2013. They realised 15 years ago we cannot continue emitting CO2 and damaging our climate. They saw the documentary An Inconvenient Truth by the former US vice president Al Gore. Several years later they followed his training course, becoming both business owners and Climate Reality Leaders in 2015. VSR invited them to inspire cleaning professionals to make changes. It is clear we need to start doing things differently. But can and will we actually do it? “We chose not to be part of the problem, but part of the solution,” says Patrick. “We try to engage as many people and businesses with the events of today – the energy crisis, the nitrogen crisis, the economic crisis, hyperinflation and - as the common thread - our climate.” Milan added: “We are an emissions-oriented society. CO2 is released as a result of almost everything we do and it passes directly into that very thin layer of the atmosphere. It is released by food production and the use of vehicles but also results from the way we generate our energy, 80 per cent of which is still not being produced sustainably.” According to the brothers the consequences are visible to all: in the Netherlands, 20 of the 21 warmest years have occurred Notre correspondant aux Pays-Bas John Griep rend compte d’une réunion qui s’y est tenue récemment sur le changement climatique et la transition énergétique, sous les auspices de l’organisme professionnel VSR.

since 2002. The warming of our oceans is causing major downpours and flooding. Heat sucks moisture from the ground, leading to forest fires and rendering agricultural land infertile. Even from an economic perspective, this is a finite model. Power is still hierarchically based. Consumers are dependent on suppliers and the business model demands that as much energy as possible is consumed. The amount of energy available, however, is limited which results in price rises. According to the brothers, we are also transitioning from centralised energy generation to a decentralised network in which everyone generates and stores their own energy. After all, the availability of renewable energy from solar and wind power is infinite and will cause prices to fall. Said Patrick: “If we were to become CO2 neutral from now, global warming would cease within three to five years.” Political leadership is essential but as long as politicians fail to take action, the movement will be put into action from the grass roots upwards, ie, by citizens and businesses. Milan added: “A unique moment has arrived. We all should ask ourselves: what is my role? What can I do now to contribute towards solving this climate issue?” The nice thing about the Milan and Patrick’s message is that, as well as evoking the scenario we now are in, they are both confident it is possible to turn the tide. The difference lies between telling a story and inspiring others. People must identify the opportunities that exist in their own situation and have the will to bring about change.

John Griep, der ECJKorrespondent in den Niederlanden, berichtet über eine Konferenz zum Thema Klima und Energiewende, die vor Kurzem vom Industrieverband VSR organisiert wurde.

Dall’Olanda il corrispondente di ECJ John Griep ci aggiorna su un recente meeting sul clima e la transizione energetica organizzato dall’organismo del settore VSR.

Marie-Laure Léau runs a cleaning company, Segid, in Hérouville-Saint-Clair, a town situated near Caen in Normandy. Its more than 300 industrial cleaners of both sexes would ideally like to work during normal daytime hours and not to have to work at the crack of dawn or late at night. They see this as a priority, but not all their clients are in agreement. Indeed, some of them are quite reluctant. MarieLaure Léau explains how she is facing this challenge and her approach in trying to convince reticent clients. Ten years ago, you were already championing daytime scheduling for cleaning professionals. What is the situation today? “We’ve made progress but it’s not easy everywhere. We have clients who are not willing to change. Sometimes they accept daytime scheduling but only partially. That could be the case of a shopping centre where a shift is at work daytime but where we’ve also been asked to deploy a team early in the morning. When a new client comes on board or when we take over a contract, we always request that work begins at 07.00 and not 06.00, or that lunch break is scrapped in exchange for doing away with very early starts. What are your clients’ objections? “Some think the work won’t be done well if there are people around although this can be handled perfectly well. Others tell us that our employees’ working conditions are our problem, not theirs.” The 300 to 350 women and men who work for you, what

kind of scheduling do they want? “None of them want to work according to traditional schedules. Those workers with sufficient seniority have organised their lives on the basis of deferred work schedules and have asked for these. Some women prefer to work early so as to be back home in time to accompany their children to school. Others are also happy to work early because they have several jobs. As a matter of policy, we’re not allowing anyone to start work before 06.00, the only exception being a bakery, and all our cleaners can be back home for supper. Our decisions are based on both commercial and human factors.” Cleaning trades are under stress these days. Would daytime schedules help you to recruit people? “We’re having problems finding candidates. Work schedules are still being prepared for the coming week, and we’ve got dozens of workplaces to fill for January. Daytime scheduling is indeed one of the factors that improve working conditions. Most of our cleaners work part time, 20 hours on average. We also try to give our cleaners full time opportunities, but this is not ideal for a lot of them because it might conflict with the daily life structuring that suits them or because full time working might compromise some the social benefits to which they are entitled. “We give great importance to training, which is carried out at our own centre and supports our recruitment efforts. We want all the people who work for us to be professional cleaners.”

Could you be a winner in the 2023 European Cleaning & Hygiene Awards? Entries are open now - visit the website at echawards.com to find out more Notre correspondant en France Christian Bouzols raconte que le nettoyage de jour est loin d’enthousiasmer certains clients commerciaux.

Christian Bouzols berichtet aus Frankreich, dass die Tagesreinigung von einigen Geschäftskunden mit mangelndem Enthusiasmus begrüßt wird.

Dalla Francia, il corrispondente Christian Bouzols ci informa su come le pulizie effettuate di giorno vengano accolte con scarso entusiasmo da alcuni clienti commerciali.

October 2022 | ECJ | 17

LATEST: GERMANY

LATEST: ITALY

An everyday cleaning case study

Seizing new opportunities

Katja Scholz in Germany brings us a cleaning case study from her recent visit to an alpaca farm.

Anna Garbagna in Italy on a new national plan for the industry’s recovery being spearheaded by ANIP.

During an extended trip this summer, I came across an alpaca farm. It had rained very hard that day, so I sat with a coffee in the comfortable farm shop and looked out at the almost 60-strong herd of alpacas which had found their home here. The farm shop with café attached is located in a converted barn. In the roughly 200 square metre space of farm shop Robert, the farm’s owner, sells everything alpaca-related - from socks and t-shirts to soft toys. For a pleasant break in between he also offers visitors freshly made waffles and coffee. I was so impressed by the animals and the whole organisation of the farm that I took the opportunity to tell Robert about my work for ECJ and why - even when travelling around on holiday - I often looked at things “with my cleaning hat on”. And this is how I learned how important appropriate appliances and products are to him and how much easier they make his wide-ranging daily cleaning tasks. The separation of the stable area for the animals from the shop and café for the customers represents for him a particularly important responsibility in terms of cleaning. There are 10 customer parking spaces in front of the entrance to the shop. If more than 10 cars arrive at the same time, they can park on the adjoining field. For this car park and the approach to the shop, the farm owner uses a brush or a small sweeper. “That depends entirely on how much dust, fine or coarse dirt there is lying around. Obviously, a sweeper is more comfortable to use but sometimes it is not worth getting it out of the shed specially for such a relatively small area”, explains Robert. He realises of course that sweep-

“PNRR e Servizi Industriali, imprese e opportunità” (PNRR and Industrial Services, companies and opportunities). That was the title of the webinar organised in Rome by national cleaning company association ANIP-Confindustria. It was an overdue and much needed meeting, given the current situation of the country and of the industrial cleaning sector. The implementation path of the Piano Nazionale di Ripresa e Resilienza – PNRR (National Plan for Recovery and Resilience) has become absolutely vital for the development of the market and in the last few months it has been in full swing in terms of the reforms that are required and that inspire it, and also the start of the various projects involved. Italy, as shown by recent political and economic events, is going through a critical stage regarding investments and reforms, both those required in the future as well as those already implemented. Moreover, this period requires a clear direction, aimed at removing administrative, regulatory and procedural obstacles to allow implementation of new projects without further delays. Unsurprisingly the reforms requested by the sector include: simplification of public procurement, competition law, delegated laws on corruption, reduction of payment time by public administration, simplification and rationalisation of environmental standards, repeal and revision of rules that fuel corruption. All these measures would help the sector, which is already dynamic and evolving in itself, to continue its natural journey of growth and success. In this context, as explained by ANIP-Confindustria president Lorenzo Mattioli, the service

Notre reporter en Allemagne Katja Scholz présente une étude de cas intéressante consécutive à sa visite d’un .... élevage d’alpagas.

ers clean more thoroughly and with less dust but sometimes efficiency outweighs the effort of getting the sweeper out of the shed – the fine distinction between theory and practice. The dirt trap grating located in front of the entrance area is in his view particularly important. This keeps large particles such as small stones, sand or mud away from the floor of the shop. “I decided on a grating rather than a mat as a dirt trap as coarser dirt also accumulates here on the farm. The grating is more effective in winter or when there is a lot of rain and it is also much easier to clean.” Robert has installed mainly wooden shelving and display surfaces in the alpaca shop – natural materials in line with his general principles. For the accumulating dust and coarse dirt particles he likes to use the allround superstar in the suction range: the wet/dry vacuum cleaner. The floor is also made of wood so he can use the same appliance - with any appropriate attachments - to complete most of the cleaning necessary. In the farm shop, next to where the alpaca-related products are sold, Robert also offers freshly made waffles and coffee. Hygiene is of course exceptionally important here. For daily, thorough intermediate cleaning he likes to use a steam cleaner to ensure the whole counter area is hygienically clean. “I try as far as possible to avoid using chemical cleaning agents. The steam cleaner is therefore an enormous help to me - and also, because the steam penetrates all the crevices and the folds in the rubber where it is difficult to clean with a brush or a cloth”. This is just a brief glimpse into the daily work of a farm shop and café.

Katja Scholz, die ECJKorrespondentin für Deutschland, liefert eine interessante Fallstudie im Anschluss an einen persönlichen Besuch ... einer Alpakafarm.

18 | October 2022 | ECJ

Dopo avere visitato personalmente un allevamento di alpaca, la corrispondente tedesca di ECJ Katja Scholz ci parla di un caso di studio interessante.

En Italie, Anna Garbagna parle d’un nouveau Plan national de reprise et de résilience, issu d’une initiative lancée récemment par l’organisme professionnel ANIP.

sector - which has proven to be a key and propulsive element of the recovery in Italy, taking into consideration the economic force and the human capital it includes (in Italy 70 per cent of workers are employed in the service sector) - wants to seize the opportunities offered. Meanwhile, the awareness to be created at industrial and policy maker level is that we can no longer be considered a commodity but rather our services are an indispensable element and their value changes according to who delivers them. The level of service measures the degree of development of each small or large community and therefore of the country. In this context of rapid evolution rich with opportunities, ANIP-Confindustria organised a meeting with the participation of the Ministry of Economy and Finance and with the contribution of experts from the sector, to present to service companies the opportunities offered by PNRR and at the same time to deliver the proposal of the new reality of the Country System defined service industry to the economic, financial and institutional scenario of the country. In addition to the president of ANIP Confindustria e Federazione Confindustria Servizi HCFS, the general secretary Barbara Fiorucci, the general director Central Service PNRR Ministry of Economy and Finance Carmine Di Nuzzo, the director of Policy Area for Territorial Cohesion and infrastructures of Confindustria Giuseppe Mele and the head of department of Development Foundation Italia Digitale Davide D’Arcangelo also took part in the event. The event was led by Paolo Valente, communications officer for ANIP-Confindustria.

Anna Garbagna berichtet aus Italien über den neuen Nationalen Aufbauund Resilienzplan, der kürzlich vom Industrieverband ANIP vorgestellt wurde.

Dall’Italia, la corrispondente Anna Garbagna ci informa su un nuovo Piano Nazionale di Ripresa e Resilienza lanciato di recente dall’organismo di settore ANIP

LATEST: SWEDEN

LATEST: UK

End of an era as a new king reigns

Report from a Mop Bucket revisited

UK reporter Lynn Webster reflects on a period of mourning following the death of Queen Elizabeth II.

Lotte Printz on a Swedish cleaner and author, Maja Ekelöf, whose biography has just been released.

The UK has recently experienced a momentous event as we mourn the passing of our sovereign, Queen Elizabeth II. It was reported around 5.1 billion watched her funeral service worldwide, that is around 64 per cent of the world population. More than a million people were estimated to have lined the streets of Westminster and near Buckingham Palace as the processions took place. This was after an estimated quarter of a million people had spent four days queuing for hours to pay their respects at the Queen’s Lying in State Subsequently the cleaning teams involved were in action immediately after the procession passed. They worked tirelessly to clean the City of London, clearing away rubbish and sand that was laid on the streets for horses involved in the processions. On the morning after the funeral the procession route was already pristine, with not a piece of litter to be seen, and few signs left of the historic event. An estimated seven tonnes of additional litter were gathered and removed during this period. There were many comments across social media platforms: “Praise for ‘excellent’ teams who have been “working round the clock to keep Westminster clean.” “Central London and its parks immaculate already this morning. Not a piece of litter in sight. A huge thank you to the hundreds who must have worked through the nights on this entire amazing operation.” “Walking down The Mall on Tuesday morning the ground was pristine. Thank you!” “Proud to make sure the parks are fully open and returned to their former splendour.”

”Ugh! Most people would probably say when they think about working as a cleaner. It’s a dull word. You can almost sense the smell of dust and dirty water. You also sense the back pains and the chapped hands. This is a low-income job. All hard manual labour is, I suppose. You don’t think you need education to become a cleaner. It’s such a demanding job that not anybody can manage it… you’ve got to be fit. (…) Even though I’m fed up with this work, I feel it’s important… Everything gets so shabby when not kept clean.” Written by Swedish Maja Ekelöf, a divorcee and a mother of five, the youngest nearly 18 and herself on the road to 50, in her diary… in 1968, mind you! But couldn’t those words not have been written today? At least the author of a new biography about Maja Ekelöf thinks so. “Many of her arguments hold true even today and we discuss the same questions and issues whenever cleaning is brought up or the view on low-income jobs. (…) And even though some things have changed in the industry, cleaning is still toilsome and heavy manual work and the wages for work so essential to society too low,” Nina van den Brink says speaking to the Swedish cleaning industry magazine Rent. Reading about the biography, I heard about Ekelöf for the very first time – a cleaner who became an author at the age of 52. I was intrigued. And set out to read her diary novel, Report from a Mop Bucket, from 1970. I have to say it grew on me. Not just because of the way Ekelöf describes her own life and work as a cleaner. Her diary also gives an insight into the early Swedish welfare system and almost takes the reader on

Au Royaume-Uni, notre rédactrice-en-chef Lynn Webster contemple avec émotion une ère qui a pris fin avec le décès de la reine Elizabeth II.

“Street cleaners, returning the area popular with tourists on any day, not just around Her Majesty’s funeral to its usual glorious state.” This level of respect for someone most individuals have never met and the loyalty she commanded from so many; for a person to bring cohesion to otherwise disparate groups; and have admiration by so many, brings timely thoughts for us all. Loyalty is an important component in any relationships, including in our working life. It can help build stronger bonds and create support. Loyalty can be fostered by being honest, supportive, respectful, appreciative and, yes, loyal. It is as much concerned with attitudes, emotions and a sense of personal identity as it is with actions. Duty of loyalty is a director’s responsibility to act at all times in the best interests of their company. Leaders who inspire real loyalty see their role as motivating and improving the working lives of those they lead. They view their team members as more than just people to help them execute their own goals. Customer loyalty is a measure of a customer’s likeliness to do repeat business with a company, manifesting itself by how willing a customer is to engage with and repeat business with you versus your competitors. Loyalty is the by-product of a customer’s positive experience with you and creates trust. Building loyalty amongst staff is by showing appreciation when they go above and beyond what is expected. Creating a way for managers and supervisors to show employee appreciation. An employee is obliged to give loyal service to the employer, to act with good faith and in their employer’s interests.

Im Vereinigten Königreich wirft die ECJ-Korrespondentin Lynn Webster einen Blick zurück über einen emotionalen Zeitraum – das Ableben von Queen Elizabeth II.

Nel Regno Unito, la corrispondente di ECJ Lynn Webster ripercorre il periodo emotivo a seguito della scomparsa della Regina Elisabetta II.

Rapportant de Suède, notre correspondante Lotte Printz rend compte d’une nouvelle autobiographie écrite par un ancien agent de nettoyage devenu écrivain.

a Forrest Gump-like trip to world events of the 1960s. Maja Ekelöf, who completed six years of school, took on many different cleaning jobs in her day and often got up in the middle of the night – after having attended evening classes sometimes. Yet, she was struggling to make ends meet. Her body ached, she had varicose veins and it was “quite the art to clean without the uterus dropping when worn down”, as she puts it herself in her diary. At one point she wonders: “how am I supposed to keep on working as a cleaner until I retire?”, considers asking for early retirement and talks about the anxiety of the poor. Yet she doesn’t really seem to pity herself for long – if at all. “It’s better to work as a cleaner than to go begging at the Social Security Office,” she writes. She is pleased that her job is fairly independent and free of foremen bossing, as in the factories. And “as long as I have the strength to carry on this grind, I know my place in life,” Ekelöf points out. She types her handwritten diary ‘borrowing’ the typewriters at the offices where she cleans, managing a couple of pages a day, and submits the diary to a publisher’s competition. She ends up winning for best political novel, her diary is published, and six editions are printed in the year of publication alone. Ekelöf only published one more book in her lifetime. But she continued being a keen debater, declared her support for a cleaners’ strike in 1975 at a press conference held in her home and never really lost her position in the public eye.“ It’s sad people like Maja Ekelöf do not get their voice heard today,” Nina van den Brink says.

Die ECJ-Korrespondentin Lotte Printz berichtet über eine neue Biographie, die in Schweden von einer ehemaligen Reinigungskraft verfasst wurde.

La corrispondente di ECJ Lotte Printz ci parla di una nuova biografia scritta da un ex addetto alle pulizie in Svezia che è ora diventato autore.

October 2022 | ECJ | 19

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SUSTAINABILITY

Running out of energy The climate emergency has made us all aware of the need to conserve energy. So, what products and systems do manufacturers offer that cut down on energy usage, asks Ann Laffeaty?

Energy costs are soaring across Europe. Gas prices have surged by around 340 per cent in the space of a year alone, and European governments are scrambling to push through multi-billion euro packages to prevent utility firms from collapsing. But high costs and a lack of availability are only part of the problem. Businesses had already been working hard to reduce their energy use long before prices went through the roof. A growing awareness of the climate crisis is prompting many companies to come up with greener, cleaner strategies that require a lower reliance on fossil fuels and that offer energy-saving benefits. Kärcher, for example, has introduced an eco!efficiency mode on many of its professional machines. “This ensures all machine functions are automatically controlled to provide the best possible levels of efficiency,” says sustainability and energy manager Katrin Schmuck. “The result is a lower consumption of energy, water and cleaning agents, and this has the knock-on effect of reducing the customer’s costs.” The battle against global warming is one of the most important challenges of our time, according to Schmuck. “Companies and entire countries need to play their part – and the key way of reducing CO2 emissions is to cut down on energy consumption and the use of fossil fuels,” she said. Electricity consumption accounts for the major part of Kärcher’s CO2 footprint, says Schmuck. “This means our goals on saving electricity during our production processes, generating it for ourselves and on switching to green electricity are all crucial for us.” Kärcher’s aim is to develop products that work effectively while also making minimal use of natural resources. “Our portfolio

extends from eco-friendly cleaning agents to water-saving, energy-efficient and lowemission machines increasingly being made from recycled materials,” says Schmuck. All Kärcher machines have a low-emission design, she adds. “We are constantly improving the energy efficiency of our machines whether they are powered by cable, rechargeable battery or combustion engine.” As well as reducing energy consumption, Kärcher has also been working to ensure its transport fleet is less reliant on fossil fuels. “We are increasing the number of electric vehicles in our fleet and reducing business travel along with the greenhouse gas emissions that result from travelling by train, car or aeroplane,” she said. “We are holding more digital conferences and we compensate for any emissions we can’t avoid. In fact all our business travel within Germany and to destinations abroad has been CO2neutral since 2021.”

Regenerative sources More energy used in Kärcher’s factories is now being obtained from regenerative sources, adds Schmuck. “The proportion used in our global production network is already currently at 33 per cent and we will continue to increase this share by purchasing more electricity from renewable energies or by generating our own,” she explained. “Many of our factories already have photovoltaic systems and our largest one in Quistello, Italy, produces 360,000 kWh of electricity annually from an area 11,500 square metres in size.” Reducing energy usage in today’s climate is a duty, not a choice, according to Losdi’s marketing and communications manager Pau Ortiz: “Companies all over the world need to take important steps towards combatting climate change since its consequences will be irreversible within the space of just a few years,” he said. All businesses need to consider their annual energy consumption and analyse where savings could be made, he says. “This involves taking a closer look at one’s production, warehouse and transport processes as well as at other, less obvious areas such

SUSTAINABILITY

as the office air-conditioning units.” Losdi has redesigned the packaging of its products to tie in with eco-design guidelines. “Our Eco-Luxe line of soap and paper dispensers is also made from 100 per cent recycled plastic and is designed to maximise consumption within a smaller footprint,” said Ortiz. Consumers are becoming increasingly aware of the role they play in contributing to climate change, says Greenspeed sales director Johan Tops. “They are beginning to make more sustainable choices while also demanding action and transparency from brands,” he said. Greenspeed is committed to making its products fit within a circular Cradle to Cradle model and creating no waste, according to Tops.

Collective responsibility “Within this model the exclusive use of renewable energy is standard,” he said. Greenspeed products are made from renewable ingredients from plant-based origins and the company uses recycled packaging and produces microfibre cloths from PET bottles. “Our products are also biodegradable,” he adds. Greenspeed’s Probio Tabs are claimed to reduce energy consumption because they come in a compact tablet format. “This means there is no need to transport unnecessary liquid because the customer simply adds the water for themselves,” says Tops. “And Probio Tabs also save storage space by 99 per cent.” We all have a collective responsibility to reduce energy use, according to LionsBot ceo and co-founder Dylan Ng. “The crisis is a good catalyst for us to examine more energy-efficient ways of carrying out our operations,” he said. “Less energy usage equals lower quantities of imported fuels – and this in turn leads to lower prices.” He believes the global reliance on imported energy sources needs to be reduced. “Green alternatives are preferable and in the cleaning sector, electricity is one area in which we can help to reduce consumption,” he said. According to Ng, all LionsBot robots are designed to be sustainable and energy-efficient. “For example, our Rex model is able to run for up to 10 hours while using the same set of batteries,” he said. “And our R3 Dans le contexte de la crise énergétique actuelle, quels sont les produits et systèmes que les fabricants ont à proposer pour réduire les besoins en énergie ? Les systèmes manuels sont-ils à préférer par les temps difficiles du moment, ou les fabricants ont-ils d’autres solutions pour faire tomber la consommation énergétique ? Et que font les entreprises en termes de gestion de leurs parcs de véhicules pour moins dépendre de combustibles fossiles ?

robots can be charged in the space of just two hours, and our customers can choose to do this when costs are lower - at night for example.” He says LionsBot’s next generation of trucks will all either be electric vehicles or energy-efficient hybrids. “We are also actively improving our delivery planning to reduce the number of wasted trips we make,” he said. “And we are constantly working to improve our software to make our robots even more energy-efficient than they are now. One way in which we’re cutting our energy usage is by making our robots last even longer which means each machine can clean for many more hours during its service life.” Reducing one’s use of energy is clearly crucial in terms of climate change, agrees Cleanology ceo Dominic Ponniah. “Fossil fuels such as gas and coal should be the main focus for reducing emissions,” he said. “It is also a key issue in the light of the cost of living crisis which is fast becoming an emergency. “In fact it is probably fair to say that if your business is not already focused on its carbon footprint and its impact on the environment, it is an outlier.” Cleanology has switched to a 100 per cent electric van fleet which is claimed to save 5,000 litres of diesel per year – equivalent to 13.5 tonnes of CO2 from diesel fuel. “We are now on our second generation of fully electric fleet,” said Ponniah. “As a business we are very focused on doing our bit to reduce our emissions and on helping our clients to do the same.” According to Ponniah the company is constantly reviewing its machinery opera-

tions and efficiency levels. “We are also looking at our office space and considering how we can reduce our usage and expenditure,” he adds. “Perhaps one positive thing that will come out of the cost of living crisis will be that people will afford their energy usage far greater scrutiny than we could have ever imagined. And as a result they will reduce their dependence on fossil fuels and move to more sustainable alternatives.” But in today’s highly mechanised world, is there a case for returning to more manual cleaning systems to reduce energy usage? Whether or not a cleaning method requires a power source is only part of the story, says Kärcher’s Katrin Schmuck. “Textile mops still need to be cleaned which means they have to be transported to and from the laundry facility – and this takes energy,” she points out. LionsBot’s Daniel Ng agrees the picture is complex. “While manual cleaning systems such as mops require no electricity, they do need a human to operate them – and the building in which they work will therefore need to be heated or cooled,” he said. “An autonomous robot can perform the same job as a human but with minimal energy consumption.” Cleanology’s Dominic Ponniah concedes there is a strong case for moving back to manual cleaning methods as a result of the energy crisis. “However, modern cleaning equipment is highly efficient and requires the lowest possible levels of power,” he points out. “So this should be taken into consideration along with the time savings that can be made with machine cleaning compared with manual methods.”

Welche Produkte und Systeme, die den Energiebedarf reduzieren, bieten Hersteller während der aktuellen Energiekrise an? Werden in diesen schwierigen Zeiten manuelle Systeme bevorzugt, oder kompensieren Unternehmen ihren Energieverbrauch auf andere Weise? Und wie verwalten Unternehmen ihre Fuhrparks, um die Abhängigkeit von fossilen Treibstoffen zu reduzieren?

Durante l’attuale crisi energetica, quali sono i prodotti e i sistemi offerti dai produttori per ridurre il bisogno di energia? Durante questi periodi difficili sono preferibili i sistemi manuali oppure le aziende controbilanciano il loro consumo di energia per mezzo di altri metodi? E come gestiscono le loro flotte per renderle meno dipendenti dai carburanti fossili?

October 2022 | ECJ | 23

SUSTAINABILITY

How to make a difference? How can businesses make a difference in terms of sustainability and how can they positively influence society? Solving the biggest sustainability challenges will require collaboration says Berat Onur of P&G Professional. Now more than ever, companies are conscious of their environmental impact and the impact of their products from idea to the end of its life cycle - and consumers alike expect the products they use to be more sustainable. Many businesses are committing to ambitious sustainability goals like becoming carbon neutral. However, where can businesses in the cleaning industry make a difference and how can they positively influence society to consider environmentally friendly alternatives? Solving the biggest sustainability challenges will require collaboration, and it is only if everyone is on board that a difference can be made. Consumers are making more and more sustainable choices. According to Deloitte’s Sustainable Consumer Survey 2022, most consumers are making small changes to their daily routines. Over the past decade or so, consumers have gradually begun to reduce their food waste and recycling packaging, but many are also starting to shop more consciously by limiting how much single-use plastic they buy and by buying fresh products that are in season. Not only are consumers now evaluating themselves and how they can positively Quels seraient les apports potentiels du secteur de la propreté au dossier de la durabilité et comment pourrait-il encourager la société à envisager des alternatives plus vertes ? Pour relever les grands défis de la durabilité, il faudra de la collaboration, et ce ne sera que le jour où tout le monde sera engagé qu’il sera possible de faire une différence .

24 | October 2022 | ECJ

impact the world around them, they are also looking to the brands themselves to set an example. They are more likely to look closer into items that they deem to be essential and buy most frequently. People are now looking for brands that choose to have ethical practices and values while also being environmentally sustainable. This is backed up with a YouGov survey that showed 57 per cent of UK consumers are willing to pay more for environmentally friendly products, increasing to 69 per cent in younger generations. Consumers are becoming more aware of the impacts of household products on the environment, and also more aware of alternatives that are both more environmentally and cost friendly. This means companies can no longer be complacent and rely on their brands reputation. They need to be seen to be actively involved in the sustainability movement.

Transparency need Many businesses are shifting their focus from just recyclable packaging to ensuring all products from idea to fruition are environmentally friendly, with more consideration into the whole life cycle of the products. There is continued pressure for transparency in how products are manufactured, and what the continued impact is. How many tonnes of water does one bottle of surfactant take to produce? How many tonnes of CO2 is produced when manufacturing all products? Although Deloitte’s study looks into consumer behaviour, it is also important for B2B businesses to be one step ahead of the game. It will only be a matter of Wie können Unternehmen der Reinigungsbranche einen Unterschied in Bezug auf die Nachhaltigkeit bewirken, und wie können sie die Gesellschaft positiv beeinflussen, um umweltfreundlichere Alternativen in Betracht zu ziehen? Die größten Herausforderungen auf dem Gebiet der Nachhaltigkeit werden sich nur durch Zusammenarbeit bewältigen lassen, und nur wenn alle am gleichen Strang ziehen, werden wir einen Unterschied bewirken können.

time before B2B customers are demanding the same high standards from their suppliers. Businesses must approach sustainability from all angles. Companies need to be constantly reevaluating the strategy in which they wish to pursue. There is a constant need to continue to innovate and develop more sustainable alternatives. Companies can no longer be complacent about the question of sustainability and what’s more, governments across the world are becoming more aware of the practice of ‘greenwashing’ and putting measures in place to stop it. Change needs to be tangible, strategic and impactful in order for it to truly matter. The UK government introduced climaterelated financial disclosures in April this year, the aim of which is to hold more businesses accountable to sustainability. Now, over 1,300 of the largest UK-registered companies and financial institutions will have to disclose climate-related financial information on a mandatory basis. This was followed by the introduction of the Plastic Packaging Tax, with companies that use less than 30 per cent recycled plastic in their packaging will have to pay further taxes. Measures such as this will continue to steer companies in the right direction and could even drive further innovations in sustainable packaging. Naturally, the true ambition of companies should be to minimise the total impact on the environment without compromising product quality. Consumers expect more - and businesses must take strides to meet those expectations. Together, we can take steps towards a more sustainable future. Come possono le imprese del settore del cleaning professionale fare una differenza in termini di sostenibilità e come possono influenzare in modo positivo la società per far considerare le alternative rispettose dell’ambiente? Risolvere le più grandi sfide di sostenibilità richiede collaborazione e solo se tutti sono d’accordo può essere fatta una differenza.

PRODUCTS: SUSTAINABILITY

Reliable lifecycle Kärcher’s new Flexomate cleaning trolley platform is based on a modular concept, making for high investment reliability across the whole lifecycle it says. Other key features are process-oriented design and ergonomy.

Flexomate incorporates the flexibility to carry modules for different cleaning tasks and to add or remove them on the go. For example a cleaner may be moving around a building with a large trolley, and can dock the small element required and take it with them for work in small, restricted spaces. The system is accessible from all sides and more than five machines, such as vacuums, can be carried. This cuts out unnecessary journeys, reducing cleaning time by up to 15 per cent. And the right machines are available for every cleaning task. For ergonomic working there are height-adjustable handles and tip boxes. All surfaces are easy to clean and there is a collecting tray for liquids in the base plate. And recycled plastic has been used for the buckets, tray and drawers. www.karcher.com

Certification Filmop has achieved certification of the climate footprint calculation system for its entire range of trolleys. Implemented in accord• Le nouveau chariot de nettoyage Flexomate de Kärcher se signale par sa conception ergonomique ainsi que les distinctions qu’il a obtenues pour ses attributs de durabilité. • Filmop a fait certifier son système de calcul de l’empreinte carbone de sa gamme entière de chariots de nettoyage. • La gamme MAXX S de produits chimiques de nettoyage de la société Ecolab a reçu la certifitation Cradle to Cradle ainsi que l’écolabel européen La Fleur.

ance with the UNI EN ISO 14067:2018 standard and based on the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) methodology, the certified system allows quantifying of the CO2e related to each phase of the products life cycle - from the supply of raw materials to production, through transport and use by the consumer to disposal at the end of life. The company’s commitment to sustainability is well established - in 2011 it became energy self-sufficient having installed a photovoltaic system at its headquarters to use clean solar energy in the production of textiles. Quantifying the impact of products in terms of emissions is Filmop’s next step. www.filmop.com

High performance Ecolab has launched the MAXX S range of maintenance cleaners for floor, sanitary and all-purpose cleaning. Cradle to Cradle Certified and accredited under the EU Flower mark, the products come in a 30 per cent postconsumer recycled resin (PCR) containing packaging, which allows for high concentrated formulations to achieve low dosing - minimising costs, waste and reducing CO2 emissions due to less transportation of the product. The products require no hazard labelling and are colour-coded. www.ecolab.com

• Der neue Reinigungswagen Flexomate von Kärcher bietet ergonomisches Design und wurde mehrfach für seine Nachhaltigkeit ausgezeichnet. • Filmop hat die Zertifizierung des Berechungssystems der Klimabilanz für seine gesamte Palette an Reinigungswagen erreicht. • Die Produktreihe MAXX S mit Reinigungschemikalien von Ecolab ist Cradle-toCradle-zertifiziert und verfügt über die Euroblume.

• Il nuovo carrello di pulizia Flexomate prodotto dalla Kärcher include design ergonomico e ha vinto dei riconoscimenti per le sue credenziali di sostenibilità. • La Filmop ha ottenuto la certificazione del suo sistema di calcolo dell’impronta climatica per l’intera gamma dei suoi carrelli. • La gamma di detergenti chimici MAXX S prodotta dalla Ecolab è certificata Cradle to Cradle e possiede il marchio EU Flower.

October 2022 | ECJ |25

PRODUCTS: SUSTAINABILITY

• Le système de dilution X2 de Cleenol mélange, en cours d’opération, les concentrés chimiques de nettoyage Evolution Super de ce fabricant. • IPC a obtenu la certification empreinte carbone et la marque ReMade in Italy. • La gamme Rubbermaid de conteneurs de déchets s’est enrichie du Wheeled BRUTE, équipement à roue conçu pour les environnements les plus rudes. • Beim X2-Verdünnungssystem von Cleenol werden die Reinigungschemikalien Evolution Super Concentrate unterwegs gemischt. • IPC hat sowohl die CO2-BilanzZertifizierung als auch ReMade in Italy-Zertifizierung erzielt. • Die neueste Ergänzung in der Produktfamilie mit Abfallbehältern von Rubbermaid ist der Wheeled BRUTE, der für die härtesten Umgebungen konzipiert wurde. • Il sistema di diluizione X2 della Cleenol miscela i suoi detergenti chimici Evolution Super Concentrate in qualsiasi momento o luogo. • La IPC ha ottenuto sia la certificazione per l’impronta carbonica che il marchio ReMade in Italia. • Il nuovo prodotto aggiunto alla gamma di contenitori per rifiuti della Rubbermaid è Wheeled BRUTE, progettato per gli ambienti più difficili.

26 | October 2022 | ECJ

Mixing on the go The Evolution X2 system from Cleenol is an easy to use, lightweight system that instantly mixes its Evolution Super Concentrates on the go - eliminating the need to measure and dilute through traditional systems. Using patented dilution technology, each pull of the trigger delivers the correct ratio of concentrate to water every time. Users simply load the cartridge and lock it in. Seals on the concentrate cartridge prevent human contact and accidental spillages - and the system will only operate when a water and concentrate cartridge are loaded.

The trigger is made from a durable plastic designed to be comfortable in use and reduce the risk of repetitive strain. Each cartridge measures 325 ml, making the whole system weigh less than a standard 750 ml ready-to-use equivalent. And each cartridge of concentrate produces the equivalent to more than 12 standard 750 ml readyto-use trigger sprays. cleenol.com

mercial vacuums. Now IPC is working on a new line of high pressure cleaners that will be made using recycled and recyclable plastic. www.ipcworldwide.com

Waste addition

Commitment In recent years IPC has achieved carbon footprint certification for many of the scrubber dryers in its range - quantifying their environmental impact. The company has also committed to ReMade in Italy certification. This label focuses on the environmental impacts derived from the use of recycled material (waste) instead of virgin material. The certificate applies to its trolleys, buckets and com-

The latest addition to the range of waste containers from Rubbermaid Commercial Products (RCP) is the Wheeled BRUTE. Designed with the same durability and robustness of the original BRUTE, the wheeled version’s ergonomic features support users to move waste much more easily. It comes with a five-year warranty. www.rubbermaid.eu

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PRODUCTS: SUSTAINABILITY

• Essity a publié une feuille de route pour l’atteinte du statut d’émetteur net zéro qui précise les détails du cheminement vers cet objectif d’ici à 2050. • Les tissus et serpillères TTS ont été classés en tant que faibles émetteurs de micro-matières plastiques dans les machines à laver. • Selon ETS, le papier tissue est un produit durable parcequ’il est naturel, biodégradable et issu d’une source renouvelable. • Tecnovap propose le Tecnovap Extreme Steam System (TESS), système novateur de nettoyage à la vapeur de très hautes surfaces à l’aide de perches en fibre de carbone.

• Essity hat den Aktionsplan „Journey to Net Zero“ veröffentlicht, in dem Einzelheiten zum Ziel genannt werden bis 2050 „Net Zero“ zu werden. • Mopps und Tücher von TTS habe eine Klassifizierung erhalten, die besagt, dass sie in der Waschmaschine nur eine geringe Menge von Mikroplastik abgeben. • Laut eigenen Angaben von ETS ist Tissuepapier nachhaltig, da es natürlich, biologisch abbaubar und aus einem erneuerbaren Rohstoff ist. • Tecnovap bietet jetzt das Tecnovap Extreme Steam System (TESS), eine neue Art und Weise zum Reinigen hochgelegener Oberflächen mit Kohlefaserstangen.

• La Essity ha pubblicato la tabella di marcia Journey to Net Zero Roadmap, che fornisce i dettagli del suo target per diventare zero netto entro il 2050. • I mop e i panni prodotti dalla TTS sono stati classificati a basso rilascio di microplastiche quando vengono lavati in lavatrice. • A detta della ETS, i prodotti in carta sono sostenibili in quanto naturali, biodegradabili e da fonte rinnovabile. • La Tecnovap propone il sistema Tecnovap Extreme Steam System (TESS), un nuovo metodo per pulire le superfici poste ad alti livelli che utilizza pali in fibra di carbonio.

28 | October 2022 | ECJ

Net zero

Tork manufacturer Essity has published a Journey to Net Zero Roadmap providing details of its target to become net zero by 2050. Nearly 50 per cent of the company’s greenhouse gas footprint currently stems from its production processes which makes reducing emissions from its own operations a key target. “Going fossil-free in an industry that is traditionally energy-intensive is one of our most important and challenging tasks,” said Essity’s sustainability communications director Reneé Remijnse. ”To achieve this we are committed to redefining the standards of the industry and investing in breakthrough technology.” The company is looking at hydrogen, geothermal steam, sustainable biomass and synthetic biogas as alternative renewable fuels. “We have already made significant progress with a biomasspowered plant in Lilla Edet, Sweden,” said Remijnse. ”And in Kawerau, New Zealand, we have invested in the world’s first tissue machine that incorporates a fully geothermal steam drying process.” Essity works closely with sup-

pliers to reduce the footprint of sourced materials and invests in machinery that enables it to process alternative raw materials with a lower carbon footprint. Renewable materials include responsibly-sourced fresh fibres, recycled fibres and alternative fibres such as wheat straw. www.tork.co.uk/papercircle

Better washing Microplastics not only originate from the fragmentation of waste, they are also a direct consequence of the deterioration of synthetic textile fibres during machine washing. TTS says microfibre is the best solution in terms of efficiency, however the company has gone further by ensuring its cloths and mops have a low release of microplastics when being washed. In fact this has been certified according to ISO 23231 by an external laboratory. So Allice Eco multipurpose manual cloths, Tri Wet 1 double-sided mops, and Microriccio, Microblue, Soft Band, Microsafe, Microsafe Wide and Ultrasafe flat mops have all been tested. www.ttsystem.com

Renewable According to European Tissue Symposium (ETS), tissue boasts many environmental credentials because it is 100 per cent natural, biodegradable and made from a renewable resource. With a raw material that has a 50-year growing cycle, tissue producers have always had to think long term, it says. All ETS member companies are committed to using cellulose wood pulps derived from sustainably and legally managed forests. The majority of pulp purchased by the European paper industry is certified by an environmental management system confirming recognised standards. europeantissue.com

Extreme steam

Tecnovap has developed the Tecnovap Extreme Steam System (T.E.S.S.), a new of steam cleaning high-level surfaces using light carbon fibre poles that can reach significant heights from ground level. Steam is produced using a stainless steel boiler and surfaces can be sanitised without the use of chemicals. www.tecnovap.com

SUSTAINABILITY

Workforce wellbeing WITH THE GROWING importance of ESG, cleaning businesses are having to not only consider the impact they have on the environment, but also how they support the wellbeing of their staff and the communities they work within. Any effective sustainability strategy needs to have clear objectives that reinforce a company’s focus on its social and ethical responsibility. The cleaning sector is massively labourintensive, employing many people who may be in disadvantaged and challenging situations. While delivering a vital service, cleaners can often be largely invisible – unnoticed and unappreciated – and are most likely to be the lowest paid workers in the building. Wellbeing is not something we can simply pay lip service to. These vital workers need to be treated with fairness, dignity and respect, and this in turn will have a positive impact on our industry. Positive wellbeing is about balancing the psychological, social and physical needs of staff, so any strategy has to understand and reflect this. Nurturing financial stability and professional enrichment, alongside diversity, equality, and inclusion, will have a significant impact on employee welfare. This in turn, will typically lead to increased resilience, better employee engagement, reduced absenteeism and ultimately improved performance. In the current economic climate, where people are increasingly concerned about the cost-of-living crisis, it will be the lower income people who are the hardest hit, so it becomes even more important for businesses to support their workforce. Financial stability will be crucial in the coming months and having mechanisms in place for staff when they are struggling can go a log way to alleviating workplace stress and improving their home life. Many employee benefits just require some clever thinking and do not have to add significant financial burden to a business. For example, it could be possible to offer short-term loans to pay for unexpected expenses; provide a corporate discount scheme to help wages go that

little bit further; or offer a free course that provides guidance on better financial management. However, rapid rises in fuel, energy, rent and food cost, have resulted in inflation far outstripping wage growth, so the cleaning sector needs to take responsibility and champion fair pay that eliminates in-work poverty. In the UK, the real living wage is a voluntary rate, which is calculated independently by the Living Wage Foundation based on actual living costs. With pace of inflation running at a 40-year high, the hourly rates that more than 11,000 companies have opted in to has been raised earlier than usual to provide more financial support to hundreds of thousands of workers. They have gone up by £1 to £10.90 across the UK and by 90p to £11.95 in London.

Below minimum wage The Living Wage Foundation estimates that around 75 per cent of cleaners still fall below the real living wage rate, which means there is still a long way to go. Progress is dependent on true partnership within the industry, with suppliers and customers working together and often having difficult conversations, but a truly sustainable cleaning sector should be demanding fair levels of pay as standard. A fair level of financial reward does offer significant benefits to both cleaners and the provider. Any shortfall in pay often results in people having to take multiple jobs or accept extra shifts, seriously affecting quality of life. And a tired and stressed workforce will undeniably have a negative impact on performance levels. In fact, those companies that have chosen to opt into paying the real living wage have typically experienced a range of operational benefits. Such as higher retention levels and an increase in quality, with noticeable improvements in productivity, operational resilience, and cost savings. Everyone should feel valued and comfortable within their job as well as have the means to achieve their full potential. The cleaning sector is all too often seen

With the growing importance of Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) factors, cleaning businesses are having to not only consider the impact they have on the environment, but also how they support the wellbeing of their staff and the communities they work within. Sally Ann Van Blerk, group sustainability director at Ecoserv Group, writes exclusively for ECJ. as a low paid, low skilled industry so the challenge is to create a culture of social mobility, with professional cleaners who feel empowered and rewarded, within a positive working environment. Training and development are crucial for any cleaning business, and when done well, can be hugely beneficial to well-being. It is about providing the resources and knowledge for them to do their jobs safely and with confidence, while also giving a pathway to progress within their careers. The challenge is to ensure staff have the time, desire and means to improve their skills. Providing interactive courses online, via an e-learning portal such as UhUb, can certainly offer flexibility, but it is important to ensure everyone has access to a computer or smartphone. If cleaners can complete accredited courses, perhaps give them additional time off to take exams or complete course work. It is about ensuring everyone has access to upskilling and is given the incentive and encouragement to learn. Reward programmes are also an effective way of recognising hard work. Whether this is at a local or central level, it provides greater visibility for a remote workforce, which can make them feel appreciated and more motivated. Even a simple Cleaner of the Month Award is a great way of celebrating achievements, Continued page 30

October 2022 | ECJ | 29

SUSTAINABILITY Workforce wellbeing (continued) and anything that makes cleaning staff feel rewarded and valued, will contribute towards an inclusive workplace where everyone feels they belong. According to one study, one in five people in the workplace experience a mental health condition, and while many employers are developing policies to support a healthy workforce, there is often no shared vision for mental health. For labour-intensive sectors such as cleaning, this could represent a significant number of people who are suffering or at risk. Businesses must put reactive and proactive measures in place to support them. Employee assistance programmes (EAPs) can certainly help staff deal with personal and workplace problems that might be impacting their performance, health and wellbeing. A helpline, with access to experienced counsellors or finanDevant l’importance croissante des considérations liées à l’environnement, au bien-être social et à la gouvernance, les entreprises de propreté ne doivent plus seulement songer à leur impact sur l’environnement, mais également à leurs actions en soutien de leurs personnels et des communautés au sein desquelles elles travaillent.

cial/legal specialists, can provide guidance in a moment of need. Often issues can spiral out of control and leave someone feeling helpless, so it ensures they know they are not alone and support is available.

Mental and physical wellbeing Companies also need to take proactive steps to protect and involve their cleaners. Having effective communication channels where they can freely share and discuss their ideas, thoughts and concerns, is a strong first step, and this needs to be something that is embraced across the business. A defined complaints process for customers is also a useful way to take the pressure off by channelling issues away from individual cleaners on site. While supervisors and line managers have a duty to protect their cleaning teams, a company also needs to take Durch die zunehmende Bedeutung der ESG-Faktoren (Environmental, Social, Governance – Umwelt, Soziales und Unternehmensführung) müssen Reinigungsunternehmen nicht nur ihre Auswirkungen auf die Umwelt berücksichtigen, sondern sie müssen auch das Wohlbefinden ihres Personals und der Gemeinschaften, in denen sie arbeiten, unterstützen.

responsibility to ensure they are not placed in environments that put them at risk or under undue stress. This must start at board level with a commitment to only working with customers that share their values and standards. The cleaning industry needs to target and negotiate sustainable contracts that encourage the highest levels of respect and partnership. Cleaners represent the backbone of the cleaning industry and are members of their local communities. Ensuring they are treated fairly, with dignity, cannot be overlooked and is a moral obligation for any cleaning business. Every cleaner deserves a decent reward for their efforts, alongside good working conditions and job security, so if their wellbeing can be prioritised there are genuine benefits for the business, its workforce, the sector and society as a whole. Con la crescente importanza dei fattori ambientali, sociali e di amministrazione (Environmental, Social and Governance - ESG), le imprese di pulizia devono ora non solo considerare l’impatto che hanno sull’ambiente, ma anche il modo in cui sostengono il benessere del loro personale e delle comunità in cui lavorano.

Just tell me what to do

I’ll do the work The co-botic 1700 can be programmed to vacuum spaces as precise and efficiently as possible. With the i-team professional app, you can divide the room in several zones and view day to day information. It’s also possible to create virtual boundaries to setup your device as precise as possible. No time for that? The co-bot 1700 can also program itself to perform the most efficient cleaning job. Scan the QR code for more info about the co-botic 1700

Seeing is believing: For more information or a demo contact your local i-team partner or visit us at www.i-teamglobal.com INQUIRE. INNOVATIE. INSPIRE

30 | October 2022 | ECJ

CARE OF HARD FLOORS

Wear and tear - versus care THE FLOORS OF SOME FACILITIES are seemingly in constant use. Industrial environments and warehouses receive particularly heavy traffic from fork-lifts, trolleys and safety boots for example. And airport terminal buildings are constantly being criss-crossed by people wearing high heels and dragging heavy trolley cases. But in these type of facilities the appearance of the floor is arguably less important than that of, say, a smart shopping centre or an upmarket bank. Here the customer will expect to be wowed by the pristine appearance of their surroundings - and the spotless floors will contribute to their impression. But are there any facilities that receive particularly high levels of traffic but where a spotless appearance is also crucial? Facilities such as hotels and shopping centres need to keep their floors clean to convey a professional image, says Filmop’s business development manager Paolo Scapinello. “A high shine can take on a greater importance when the floor is made of wood or polished stone,” he said. “For example, marble and granite surfaces tend to lose their brilliance when they are not properly treated.” He adds that hospital floors also need to be cleaned frequently and thoroughly with the use of the right equipment. And the floors of airports, railways, bus stations and metros all come with a high risk of wear and tear because these hubs tend to be used by a constant stream of people, many wielding trolley cases.

Material is key “The floors of schools, shopping centres and large sport arenas also carry a high risk of wear and tear,” he said. “The material with which the floor is made plays a key role here since wooden floors tend to become damaged more quickly, particularly if they are located in congested areas.” He says floors will become more quickly worn in high-traffic environments where the cleaning regime is less than adequate. “These high-risk areas will require fre-

quent cleaning to prevent dust and dirt particles from becoming embedded into the surface,” he said. However, good floorcare begins with an effective mat outside the facility, according to Scapinello. “This will prevent dirt being trodden in from the outside to the inside,” he said. “It is also essential to use cleaning tools that are suitable for the particular type of floor and level of traffic in question. And it doesn’t matter how good your equipment is - if you clean too infrequently in high-traffic areas you will still risk your floor deteriorating over time.” He says dust needs to be frequently removed from a hard floor, particularly if that floor is in constant use. “Fine dirt is subject to continuous friction and this could impact on any floor treatment, ultimately resulting in a loss of brilliance,” he said. “It is pivotal to choose professional dusting systems that are suitable for the type of surface and the size of the environment to be cleaned.”

Worst culprits Filmop offers synthetic and cotton mops as well as microfibre products with long loops for higher collection power. The company also offers disposable cloths impregnated with mineral oils which are said to be able to remove even the finest of dust particles. Heavy footfall, mechanical load and spillages are the worst culprits when it comes to damaging a hard floor, says Kärcher’s scrubber dryer product manager Daniel Friz. “High traffic and furniture items such as chairs and tables will put a floor at risk of wear and tear,” he said. “In addition, spillages of water or acid can place a heavy burden on wooden floors. And loose dirt such as stones or sand will also have an impact and create scratches in the same way that sandpaper does.” Luxury hotels and upmarket stores are a particular challenge when it comes to cleaning, he says. “These types of environments attract heavy usage but the optical appearance of the floor is very important,”

In what types of facilities are the hard floors most at risk of wear and tear? And where does a pristine appearance matter most? Ann Laffeaty looks at the sliding scale of wear versus care and finds out where floorcare needs to be a top priority.

he said. “Factors such as maintenance, cleaning and protection are a big issue.” Regular cleaning with the right tools and detergents is crucial to keep floors looking pristine, according to Friz. “All detergents should contain ingredients that protect and support the natural resistance of the floor while the regular removal of solid and liquid dirt will prevent it from spreading further in the building,” he said. “Dust and sand will increase the mechanical wear of the floor if these substances are not cleared away by correct maintenance cleaning. So dust - which would otherwise be swirled up into the air - must be removed. He says the type of scrubber dryer or sweeper chosen to clean the floor will depend on the amount of debris, the size and character of the dirt and the type of floor in question - whether it is made of concrete, tiles, wood or natural stone for example. “Cleaning intervals should be based on the frequency of use and the amount of dirt involved,” he adds. “And periodic spot cleaning will help to maintain a good appearance while also protecting the floors from damage. Small, compact machines are a good choice here.” He advocates the use of scrubber dryers since these offer a high level of mechanical cleaning power while also leaving the floor dry. ”Water left behind on the floor after manual mopping will increase the risk of slips and falls while also leading to Continued page 32

October 2022 | ECJ | 31

CARE OF HARD FLOORS Wear and tear - versus care (continued)

a continuous build-up of residual dirt and detergent, known as a grey haze,” he said. “After a while this can only be removed by aggressive deep cleaning.” He adds high traffic hard floors that are liable to soils and spills require daily scrubbing. “Dirt entry into the building can be significantly reduced by sweeping the outside area, which will also reduce the effort needed for cleaning inside,” he said. “And this will reduce the cost of indoor cleaning and save detergent and water while also prolonging the life of a sensitive floor.” Tiled floors are particularly at risk of

32 | October 2022 | ECJ

wear and tear according to Hako’s technology trainer and consultant Klaus Serfezi. “Heavy loads from shopping trolleys, luggage trolleys, pallet trucks and other items that are pulled or pushed across the floor are all liable to cause damage,” he said. “When choosing a hard floor it is important to weigh up the general risks of wear and tear in the building and to use a covering that is of the appropriate quality for the conditions on site. Buying cheaply means saving at the wrong end.” Wheeled vehicles that are driven, pushed or pulled across the floor will

create the most damage, he says. “Large weights, small wheels or rollers that have a very high specific pressure under high loads are particularly likely to harm the floor covering,” said Serfezi. “In the same way, small hard objects such as grit can get in front of a wheel and block it, leading to scratches if pushed with force.” He says the more a floor is subjected to wear, the more important cleaning becomes. “Cleaning will not actually prevent a floor covering from showing signs of wear under heavy load, but it will delay this process,” he said. “By removing dirt regularly you will take away the issue of additional mechanical stress. And that means in addition to the normal daily maintenance cleaning, spot cleaning may also need to be carried out.” Every floor will show signs of wear and tear at some point, according to Serfezi. “There is no rule of thumb for how often a floor should be cleaned,” he adds. “The schedule needs to be adapted according to the dirt accumulation.” Hako offers a range of scrubber dryers and vacuum sweepers and the company carries out site visits to prospective cus-

CARE OF HARD FLOORS

tomers. “This way the machines can be equipped with the right brushes or pads and the appropriate chemicals to ensure the machine is suited to the building,” said Serfezi. Airports and schools are among the environments where the floors are at the highest risk of wear and tear, says IPC product manager Paolo Bassanini. “These floors have a heavy footfall which means they are under particular pressure,” he said. “They will also be subject to shopping trolleys, cabin bags, wheeled cases and forklifts - and these will cause wear and tear to the protective film on the floor. Any spills could also result in permanent stains plus a dulling of the shine.” A daily clean will prolong the life of the Quels sont les types d’établissement où les sols durs sont exposés à des taux d’usure particulièrement élevés ? Les aéroports, établissements scolaires et centre commerciaux seraient-ils ceux aux sols les plus affectés par des dommages ? Et quels seraient les secteurs où il importe le plus que les sols présentent un aspect impectable en tous temps ? ECJ étudie la relation mobile entre usure et soin et décrit les zones où le soin des planchers doit être prioritaire.

surface treatment while a periodic background clean will help to restore the floor’s appearance, he says. “This will keep the floor looking pristine.” IPC offers a range of scrubbers dryers plus single-disc machines.

Shiny and clean So, where is the overlap between excess wear and the need for high levels of care most evident? Hospitals are a key case in point because these are subject to high levels of traffic along with wheelchairs and trolleys, says Kärcher’s Daniel Friz. “Clean floors are crucial in a hospital because dirt and dust are breeding grounds for microorganisms such as bacteria and viruses,” he says. In welchen Arten von Einrichtungen sind Hartböden der stärksten Abnutzung ausgesetzt? Handelt es sich bei Flughäfen, Schulen und Einkaufszentren um die Umgebungen, in denen eine Beschädigung der Böden am wahrscheinlichsten ist? Und in welchen Bereichen ist es am wichtigsten, dass Böden jederzeit makellos aussehen sollten? Das ECJ betrachtet die Gleitskala von Abnutzung gegenüber Pflege und findet heraus, wo die Hartbodenpflege oberste Priorität sein muss.

“However, in environments such as hotels it is also important to have clean, shiny floors plus an effective cleaning regime. It is these little details that determine whether or not the guest feels comfortable, so hotel managers need to create a pleasant, reassuring atmosphere and a clean environment that customers will equate with safety.” Filmop’s Paolo Scapinello believes floors should be kept clean in every facility whether it receives high traffic or a relatively low use, however. And IPC’s Paolo Bassanini concurs. “The look of the floor needs to provide an immediate impression of cleanliness which means that all floors should offer an elegant and clean appearance,” he concluded. In che tipo di edifici o strutture i pavimenti duri sono più a rischio di usura? Sono gli ambienti tipo aeroporti, scuole e centri commerciali più a rischio di subire dei danni ai loro pavimenti? E in quali settori ha più importanza che i pavimenti abbiano costantemente un aspetto perfetto e incontaminato? ECJ prende in esame il livello progressivo di usura in rapporto alla manutenzione e scopre dove la cura dei pavimenti deve essere priorità assoluta.

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October 2022 | ECJ | 33

PRODUCTS: CARE OF HARD FLOORS

For restoration

Walk-behind

The EZshine Tricon Diamond Pad from Ashine has been developed for restoration and maintenance of hard floors. In three steps the pads can remove deep scratches and scuff marks, says the company, using only water and a scrubber dryer. www.ezshinepad.com

Kärcher’s walk-behind scrubber dryer BD 50/55 W Classic Bp boasts traction drive and battery operation. Designed to be simple to handle, this machine is also compact in size making it easily manoeuvred in confined areas. The brush head and squeegee are made of die-cast aluminium for long life, while the control panel is clearly designed and includes the essential functions

Rubber squeegee The mono bloc rubber squeegee from Haug is suitable not only for hard and level floors, but also safety floors too. Featuring an abrasion-resistant lip, this product is bi-injected in a single block and is used in areas where hygiene is of utmost importance.

with colour coding. No programmes have to be selected, the operator lowers the brush head and/or squeegee manually and the motors start up. Cleaning under shelves and fridges is possible thanks to the fact the disc brush head is just 100 mm high. www.karcher.com

High gloss

There are no gaps to allow dirt or bacteria to accumulate, the squeegee is also antibacterial, heat-resistant up to 121 degrees and autoclavable. It is suitable for use in the food processing industry and has been food-approved. Working width is 60 cm, with six colours available. www.haugbuersten.de • Les tampons diamantés Tricon de la société Ashine sont destinés à la restauration de planchers de béton et autres surfaces dures. • Haug a développé la raclette en caoutchouc Monobloc pour des zones telles que celles de l’industrie alimentaire. • L’autolaveuse accompagnée de Kärcher BD 50/55 W Classic Bp et à avance par traction et à alimentation par batterie. • Les tampons de nettoyage des sols Duo, de Bonastre, s’utilisent à la fois pour le polissage et l’entretien journalier.

Bonastre’s Duo Xtreme is a floor pad that can be used to both polish and maintain with a scrubber dryer or high speed burnisher. Using just that one pad floors can be cleaned and polished to a high gloss finish. Time savings of up to 30 per cent can be achieved as fewer passes are needed to achieve a high gloss. The Duo pad is odourless and free of chemicals, it is designed to be used with water only. www.bonastre-system.com

• Das Tricon Diamond Pad von Ashine wurde für die Instandsetzung von Beton- und anderen Hartböden konzipiert. • Haug hat den Gummiabzieher Monobloc für den Einsatz in Bereichen wie etwa der Lebensmittelverarbeitung entwickelt. • Die batteriebetriebene Nachläufer-Scheuersaugmaschine BD 50/55 W Classic Bp von Kärcher ist mit einem Fahrantrieb ausgestattet. • Die Duo-Bodenpads von Bonastre können sowohl zum Polieren als auch zur täglichen Pflege verwendet werden.

• I dischi Tricon Diamond Pad della Ashine sono progettati per il recupero di pavimenti in cemento e altri materiali duri. • La Haug ha sviluppato il tergipavimento in gomma Monobloc adatto per essere utilizzato in aree come ad esempio quelle di preparazione alimentare. • La lavasciuga pavimenti con operatore a terra BD 50/55 W Classic Bp della Kärcher offre trazione e funzionamento della batteria. • Il disco per pavimenti Duo della Bonastre può essere utilizzato sia per lucidare che per la manutenzione giornaliera.

October 2022 | ECJ |35

TECHNOLOGY

The transformation of FM At the heart of every workplace is the technology transforming the facilities management industry and powering its future. New and emerging innovations bring the promise of more efficient and environmentally sustainable organisations and more engaged, more productive workers. Markus Sontheimer, group chief information and digital officer at ISS in Denmark, writes exclusively for ECJ.

AS WE EMERGE FROM the global pandemic, the world has never been more interested in the workplace. And right at the heart of the workplace is the technology that is transforming the facilities management industry and powering its future. New and emerging innovations – from machine learning to AI, blockchain, chatbots, mobile apps and the cloud – bring the promise of more efficient and environmentally sustainable organisations and more engaged, more productive workers. In facilities management, new technology can help our customers meet some of the biggest challenges we face as businesses. Across the world, industry by industry, leading companies are launching sustainability targets and commitments. They need data to transform, measure progress and reach those targets. Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) commitments cannot be met without the tech capability to apply mathematics and intelligence to reduce energy consumption and waste, improve diversity and monitor governance. For a global company with half of our revenue relating to cleaning and a clear ambition of becoming the technology leader in this industry, we

36 | October 2022 | ECJ

also need to adapt to these changes at ISS. And ensure that tomorrow’s cleaning solutions are build on the investments we are doing in technology today.

The growing importance of workplace, cleaning and technology The global pandemic brought about a huge amount of change and disruption across all walks of life. And there was significant change in three areas of huge importance for the facilities management industry: the workplace, cleaning and technology. Millions of employees had to work from home for the first time ever, leaving workplaces empty for months on end and changing forever how staff interacted and communicated with each other. Technology became even more important, allowing businesses to continue functioning despite the disruption and providing new ways for companies to adapt their services. And finally, as restrictions began to lift, cleaning was absolutely key to unlocking workplaces again and giving employees the confidence that they could return to these shared spaces safely and responsibly. As a result, many companies across different industries invested in deep cleaning and disinfectant solutions. Now, with more and more of us all around the world back in our workplaces, we must maximise the opportunities created by these changes. The FM industry should continue to innovate cleaning so the workplace can become ever more efficient and sustainable, as well as helping to facilitate more engaged, productive employees.

Transforming cleaning with technology Cleaning is viewed by some as a manual, traditional function, but new technologies have the power to transform this aspect of facilities management. The use of technology can relieve cleaning staff from time consuming and physically tiring work, freeing them up to focus on other important tasks.

One example is the use of robots. At ISS, we are part of a project called FacilityCobot, a co-creation project to develop a mobile robot that will combine a smart building sensor system with a human robot interface. It will travel independently around workplaces, removing dirty dishes and empty bottles from canteen tables and desks. What may have once been viewed as a scene from an office of the future is now well within reach. These robots will be quicker and more efficient than more traditional ways of operating, ensuring shared spaces can be maintained at the highest standards at all times. While canteens are the initial focus, the robots could be particularly effective at clearing larger spaces such as airports or exhibition halls. If smart robots can help with specific cleaning tasks, smart buildings can help to predict behaviour and provide even greater efficiencies. Smart systems and booking apps can monitor employee patterns and movements, identifying the most used areas that may require more cleaning than quieter parts of the office space. This highlights the power of data – just like so many other parts of a business, information is key. The more a business can know about how its services are used, by whom and when, the more it can plan its cleaning around this information to drive efficiency and improve results.

Environmental benefits of new technologies Robots such as the FacilityCobot and other technological solutions can also play a significant role in improving the sustainability of shared workplaces. The use of smart cleaning solutions can significantly reduce the amount of water used in cleaning practices. And the use of data can help a business know when and where an area needs to be cleaned, meaning we can cut down on any unnecessary waste created by cleaning processes. This could be of a significant benefit for businesses. The global march of the ESG agenda means that almost all large

TECHNOLOGY

businesses have sustainability commitments – and cleaning and maintenance is one area they can look to where significant improvements can be made.

Challenges to overcome We have seen how the roll-out of these initiatives and technologies can provide efficiencies for cleaning staff and lead to a greener cleaning practice. But what are the potential barriers to the wider adoption? Business leaders must contend with multiple issues day-to-day, so cleaning and technology must grapple with other priorities on their to-do lists. Inflation remains high across Europe, and with further economic disruption predicted for the months ahead, businesses could be reluctant to continue to invest in future technology enhancements. During the height of the pandemic, many workplaces introduced thorough cleaning practices to make their staff feel safer and more comfortable. A survey conducted by ISS earlier this year found the majority of staff are now back in offices after the lifting of lockdowns around Europe. Some business leaders may be tempted to take this as an opportunity to revert back to previous cleaning techniques and practices to save on costs. However, this might not be the right approach. The pandemic shone a light on the importance of employee wellbeing, both from a physical and mental health per-

Au cœur de chaque lieu de travail se situe la technologie qui transforme l’industrie des services d’installation et la guide vers l’avenir. Les innovations nouvelles et émergentes apportent la promesse d’organisations plus efficaces et durables et de travailleurs plus engagés et productifs. Markus Sontheimer, directeur informatique du groupe ISS, écrit exclusivement pour ECJ.

spective. Employees demand, and indeed deserve, to feel comfortable and safe in their working environment, and so maintaining a clean shared space where they want to come on a daily basis is of the utmost importance. The physical workplace can play a vital role in employee engagement and sense of belonging. What kind of message would it send if the business was seen to be cutting back on something as important as cleaning? In the current environment, where more employees are considering their careers and recruiting staff is extremely competitive, maintaining a welcoming workplace could be the deal breaker for a staff member. There is not one size fits all when it comes to introducing new technological solutions to a workplace. It is important that they are tailored to the specific needs of the business and the employees. At ISS we work alongside our clients to ensure we are providing a solution that works for them. As we develop each solution, we ask ourselves simple questions: does it contribute to great workplace experiences for our customers and users? Will it help them to reduce their impact on the planet? How can it deliver insights that will advance their people-focused goals and ultimately deliver benefits for society? Collaboration and understanding are key to build a practical outcome that can drive ef-

ficiencies, reduce waste, and create better workplaces for all. Technology will drive all of these changes, and the businesses which take advantage of these trends early on in the process will reap the benefits further down the line. We believe technology and innovation have the power to make people and places smarter, more engaged, more efficient, and more sustainable. This is why we continue to invest in technology and recently launched a new, dedicated software development centre in Porto, Portugal. This will be focused on developing differentiating high-quality and scalable digital solutions for our customers and will complement our existing technology headquarters in Copenhagen and Warsaw. Approximately 100 highly skilled software engineers are expected to work at the centre by end of 2023. This adds to ISS’s current technology team of more than 750 employees. As facility management companies our core services, whether it be cleaning, catering, technical or workplace services, remain our key deliveries towards our customers. But none of these can stand alone without adding in the benefits of technology enhancements. And as an industry we must be able to attract the right talents with an innovative mindset and technological capabilities to be frontrunners of this inevitable transformation of our industry.

An jedem Arbeitsplatz nimmt die Technologie, die die Facility Management-Branche umwandelt und die zukünftige Entwicklung vorantreibt, eine zentralen Rolle ein. Neue und aufkommende Innovationen versprechen effizientere und nachhaltigere Organisationen und engagiertere, produktivere Arbeitskräfte. Markus Sontheimer, ISS Group Chief Information and Digital Officer, schreibt exklusiv für das ECJ.

Al centro di ogni luogo di lavoro c’è la tecnologia che trasforma il settore della gestione degli impianti e alimenta il suo futuro. Nuove ed emergenti innovazioni portano con sè la promessa di organizzazioni più efficienti ed ecologicamente sostenibili e inoltre dei lavoratori più coinvolti e più produttivi. Ce ne parla nel suo articolo esclusivo per ECJ, Markus Sontheimer, responsabile delle informazioni e digital officer della ISS.

Investing in technology

October 2022 | ECJ | 37

AIR FRESHENERS

Fresh air - what is it? AIR FRESHENING SYSTEMS have become a common feature of public buildings worldwide, particularly in facilities such as luxury hotels and upmarket spas. But what does the term ‘fresh air’ actually mean? The dictionary definition is “the air outside as opposed to in a room or another enclosed space”. So presumably, a good air freshening system should be able to mimic the scents and quality levels one would experience outdoors. But how fresh is the air outside? Air quality is now a global issue with an estimated seven million people dying each year from indoor or outdoor air pollution. The World Health Organization (WHO) describes it as the biggest environmental threat to human health and estimates that 99 per cent of the world’s population lives in locations that fail to meet WHO clean air thresholds. This situation can be attributed to a number of factors such as the burning of fossil fuels, forest fires, waste incineration and other industrial practices. So, does this mean we have steadily managed to ruin the quality of our air over the years through industrialisation? Whether or not this is the case, things were little better in the mid-1850s when the therapeutic effects of fresh air first began to be appreciated. Nineteenth century hospitals and convalescent homes started encouraging patients to spend more time outdoors to help them to recuperate from infectious diseases and pulmonary conditions. This was particularly the case in London: but England’s capital at the time smelt chiefly of horse manure and the air was thick with coal fumes and industrial emissions. So Victorian ‘fresh air’ was unlikely to have had an entirely positive effect on patients. Today’s air freshening companies have a tough brief. The role of their products is to remove bad smells from the air and introduce new aromas in their place – preferably ones that people might associate with cleanliness and freshness. This is

why outdoor scents such as pine, citrus and floral options are so popular, along with the aromas of baby powder and clean linen. But the term ‘fresh air’ can have different definitions depending on the environment in question according to Vectair’s vice-president of marketing Chelsey Schwartz. ”Fresh air can mean anything from air that has been cleansed or filtered, to an atmosphere where all malodours have been neutralised and where a pleasant fragrance is offered in their place,” she said. “For example, a hospital will have different requirements of fresh air to those of a hotel because each facility will have a unique set of visitors with different expectations.” The use of a fragrance is a critical element in communicating to visitors that a building is clean, according to Schwartz. “In today’s world it is important to reinforce cleanliness in your facility via all the senses,” she said. “One of the most effective ways of doing this is by leveraging fragrance to advertise your cleaning practices.”

Neutralise odours She says a good air freshener should be able to eliminate malodours while also leaving behind a fresh scent. “It is important that such products are not designed to mask odours alone, but to neutralise them and use the created fragrance to communicate the cleanliness of the facility,” she said. Vectair’s latest product is Vibe Pro which incorporates patented Vibrating Mesh Technology. This is said to deliver an ultra-fine fragrance mist that lasts longer than a traditional aerosol. The term ‘fresh air’ refers to the sensation of olfactory freshness that certain spaces can provide, explains Prodifa’s commercial export manager Séverine Bossaert. “We associate fresh air with a seaside stroll or with a walk in the forest,” she said. “However, it is important to note that forests contain a high concentration of volatile organic compounds, or particles

Is it a bracing sea breeze? Is it a pleasantly-scented building? Or does it refer to an allergen-free environment? ECJ asks companies what the term “fresh air” means to them and their customers – and finds out how their products and systems freshen the air of publicly-used facilities.

suspended in the air. But this doesn’t mean the particles in question are necessarily harmful to the body.” Prodifa aims to strike a happy medium when developing its own fragrances. “We aim to incorporate natural products while also coming as close as possible to zero allergens,” she said. “The objective is to find ‘fresh air’ in the places where we live and work.” According to Bossaert, the term can also be synonymous with an absence of bad smells. “A room that smells bad is often the result of an accumulation of bacteria linked to a lack of hygiene,” she said. “Products such as odour destroyers and perfume diffusers will mask this issue, but the source of the bad smell also needs to be addressed. At Prodifa we can treat a malodour and freshen the air, but it is also essential to treat the source of the odour to avoid its return.” She says the presence of an olfactory signature is essential. “It speaks to the user’s subconscious and tells them that cleaning has been carried out and that the facility smells fresh as a result,” she said. “And a scented atmosphere often makes the environment seem more pleasant and welcoming. “But whatever people’s perceptions, I don’t think the air can be qualified as fresh simply because a pleasant perfume has been used.” Prodifa offers a range of floor cleaners Continued page 40

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AIR FRESHENERS Fresh air - what is it? (continued)

• Photo: Rock Capital Group

eliminating malodours and creating a fresh scent while also removing allergens. “The only way to completely remove allergens is by continuously ventilating or filtering the air in the room,” she said. One organisation that aims to achieve this is Rock Capital. The company has come up with the “immune office” concept which uses air sterilisers in conjunction with ultraviolet radiation to filter disease particles from the air and kill them with the aid of UV-C light.

that incorporate a fragrance, and Bossaert believes these play an important role in the overall impression of a facility. “We often notice that companies opting for fragrance-free cleaning products choose to complete their cleaning regime with either a manual or automatic air freshening system to improves people’s perception of the environment,” she said. According to Bossaert, air fresheners are not intended to be used to neutralise allergens or bacteria. “Only the cleaning or filtration of the ambient air will meet this need,” she said. “On the other hand, an air freshener can instantly stop an odour problem while the source of the smell is being addressed, and this is particularly useful in a professional environment.” She believes it is essential for a deodorising product to also offer a fragrant action. “Depending on the need to be addressed and the premises concerned this perfume could be fresh, discreet, powerful, fruity, sweet - or even close to the body’s own perfume,” she said. Prodifa offers a wide range of air fresheners and room fragrances designed to create pleasant scents while also incorporating sustainability features such as reusable cartridges and recyclable containers. According to Bossaert it is impossible to come up with a product that is capable of

Multiple heat exchangers are installed in the ventilation systems of immune offices to heat and cool the air as required. And dehumidifiers are employed to reduce the germ load and increase the comfort of office workers. Rock Capital’s asset management managing director Andreas Wissmeier claims there is a growing demand for healthier office environments as a result of the global pandemic. “Even before the advent of Covid-19 it was clear that absenteeism tended to increase during periods of colds and flu, and that productivity decreased as a result,” he said. “But throughout the pandemic it was noticed that relatively few employees were absent during the 2020/2021 flu season either because people were working

En quoi consiste l’« air frais » ? Faut-il y comprendre une atmosphère qui a été nettoyée de pathogènes potentiels ou de particules de poussière, rendant cette atmosphère plus facile à respirer ? Ou l’air n’est frais que lorsqu’on lui aura conféré une fragrance agréable visant à rehausser la perception que l’on se fait d’une pièce ou d’un immeuble ? Ou encore la « fraicheur » de l’air reviendrait-elle à l’absence de toutes mauvaises odeurs ?

Was macht Luft frisch? Verweist der Begriff „frische Luft“ auf eine Atmosphäre, die von potenziellen Krankheitserregern oder Staubpartikeln gereinigt wurde, sodass sie leichter einzuatmen ist? Ist die Luft nur frisch, wenn ihr ein angenehmer Duft verliehen wurde, um unsere Wahrnehmung eines Raums oder einer Gebäudes zu verbessern? Oder ist „frische Luft“ einfach nur ein Synonym für die Abwesenheit einer Gerüchsbelästigung?

40 October 2022 | ECJ

Healthier workplaces

from home or because they were wearing masks when they came into the office.” The company plans to open its first immune office in Aschheim, Germany, in 2023 and among its first tenants will be global hygiene company Essity. The office building will be equipped with high-tech ventilation and hygiene concepts, UV-C air sterilisation units, self-opening doors and contamination-free heat recovery. There will also be green atriums, roof terraces, yoga areas, a concierge service and on-site sports facilities to further improve the healthy culture. “The overall concept of the new office development convinced us that we can create working worlds that inspire our employees and create space for creativity,” said Essity board member in Munich Volker Zöller. Rock Capital’s Wissmeier believes that healthy office spaces with clean air will be the next big thing. “According to a survey in which we polled 80 commercial estate marketers, 74 per cent said companies would like to lease healthy office spaces for their employees in the future,” he said. “And 90 per cent of respondents said they believed the needs of office seekers have changed as a result of the pandemic. This shows that demand for immune offices will only increase.”

Cosa rende fresca l’aria? Il termine “aria fresca” si riferisce a un’atmosfera che è stata ripulita da potenziali elementi patogeni o particole di polvere, rendendo così più facile respirare? L’aria si considera fresca solo quando sono state aggiunte delle fragranze per potenziare la percezione di una stanza o di un edificio? Oppure “aria fresca” è semplicemente sinonimo dell’ assenza di cattivi odori?

PRODUCTS: AIR FRESHENERS

Customisable Vectair Systems’ new Vibe Pro aircare system combines patented Vibrating Mesh Technology with customisable programming to provide a consistent scent experience when and where needed, by delivering an ultra-fine mist of fragrance. The batteryoperated dispenser delivers its ultra-fine mist through 2,000 lasercut holes - the smaller fragrance particles hang in the air longer and scent is consistently apparent says Vectair. Meanwhile, the Airadicate Malodour Counteractant neutralises odours in the air. Dispensers can be programmed to deliver fragrance only when needed, with

Intensity Plus Event Technology enabling fragrance boosts at the busiest times of the day. www.vectairsystems.com

Dual action JVD has developed Sup’Air Fresh, a dual action hand dryer that not only dries hands but also neutralises odours. Thanks to its patented technology that treats and destroys the VOCs responsible for bad odours, this unit offers protection round the clock, guaranteeing odour-free washrooms while avoiding the use of chemicals. JVD says the electricity consumption of the Sup’Air Fresh does not exceed €30 per year on standard use. It’s also made of

25 per cent recycled plastic. www.jvd.fr

Safe solutions The Oxy-Gen Powered range of air fresheners is designed to tackle bad odours in the washroom using continuous and consistent fragrance and odour control throughout cartridge life. All without the use of CFCs, VOCs, propellants or alcohols. Cartridges are 100 per cent recyclable and can be safely disposed of into a plastic recyclable bin when empty. The system is easy to use and can be programmed to deliver fragrance and control odour for 30, 60 or 90 days. All fragrances are formulated with the proprietary odour eliminator Neutra-lox, which eliminates odour causing molecules. Fragrance cartridges come in various intensities and are available in a wide range of scents. www.oxygenpowered.com

• Le système de soin de l’air Vibe Pro de Vectair Systems diffuse une nébulisation ultrafine de fragrances pour produire une ambiance parfumée constante. • JVD a introduit le SUP’Air Fresh, un sèche-mains à double action de nettoyage des mains et de neutralisation des odeurs. • Les systèmes électriques de purification d’air Oxy-gen comprennent l’éliminateur d’odeurs Neutra-lox qui s’attaque aux molécules génératrices d’odeurs.

• Das Luftpflegesystem Vibe Pro von Vectair Systems liefert mittels eines äußerst feinen Duftnebels eine beständige Dufterfahrung. • Neu von JVD ist der SUP’Air Fresh, ein Händetrockner, der sowohl Hände trocknet als auch Gerüche neutralisiert. • Die Lufterfrischersysteme von Oxy-gen Powered beinhalten den Geruchseliminator Neutra-lox, der Molekülen zu Leibe rückt, die Gerüche verursachen. • Il sistema per la purificazione dell’aria Vibe Pro della Vectair Systems eroga un’esperienza costante di profumazione attraverso una nebbiolina ultrafine di fragranza. • La novità della JVD è SUP’Air Fresh, un asciugamani che oltre ad asciugare le mani neutralizza gli odori. • I sistemi di profumazione dell’aria Oxy-gen Powered sono dotati dell’eliminatore di odori Neutra-lox per combattere le molecole che causano gli odori.

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Evolve Your Aircare, Elevate Your Space Vibe® Pro leverages patented Vibrating Mesh Technology to create an ultra-ﬁne mist of fragrance that ﬂoats in the air—meaning fragrances last longer and spaces stay fresh. Proprietary scents are specially formulated to pass through 2,000 laser-cut holes

Unique formula creates an ultra-ﬁne mist

Includes Airadicate® Malodour Counteractant

www.vectairsystems.com/vibe-pro

INNOVATORS IN AIRCARE AND HYGIENE

NEW PRODUCT Launching Autumn 2022

BATTERIES

Information is power Cleaning machines all require high quality batteries to ensure performance and long autonomy. However cleaning is also one of the most challenging markets for manufacturers, as batteries often have to withstand to less than optimal charging conditions, deep discharging and intermediate charging. Micha Denys, export sales manager for Battery Supplies tell us more. SWEEPERS, SCRUBBER DRYERS and municipal cleaning equipment… they all require a set of high quality batteries for good performance and long autonomy. This makes the cleaning market a very interesting one for battery manufacturers and distributors. But it is also one of the most challenging markets where batteries often have to withstand less than optimal charging conditions, deep discharging and intermediate charging. It is highly recommended that sales of batteries in this market are accompanied by good advice as to how to treat the batteries, ensuring a long lifetime and good performance. As most cleaning machines are intensively used, it is necessary to equip them with deep-cycle batteries that are fit for deep discharging. In open lead-acid battery technology, both PZS monoblocs (or cells) and US deep-cycle batteries are the best fit. Throughout the cyclic processes of discharging and charging the battery whilst using the equipment, the lead will start crumbling off the positive plates, eventually leading to the end-of-life of the battery. In order to delay this as long as possible, battery manufacturers will try to add as much lead as possible into the positive plates. PZS monoblocs are mainly produced in Europe and contain tubular positive plates. This design allows the manufacturer to add more lead into the battery and this robust construc-

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tion shows its advantage immediately in the lifetime of the battery: at a depth of discharge of 80 per cent, PZS monobloc batteries will from 1,200 to 1,500 cycles. Alternatively, US deep-cycle batteries, mainly produced in the USA, are made of flat positive plates. However, compared to European flat plate batteries, the US deep-cycle’s positive plates are much thicker and better fit for cleaning machines than European semi-traction batteries. US deep-cycle batteries tend to perform from 700 to 1,000 cycles. Open lead-acid batteries will give you a very long lifetime at the cheapest price. However, open batteries do require careful maintenance in terms of watering. A maintenance-free deep-cycle battery would definitely be an interesting option for users who want a plug-and-play and hassle-free battery system. In addition, not all product environments allow the usage of open lead-acid batteries and a maintenance-free solution would be then the only option. The most commonly used maintenance-free lead batteries in this market are gel deep-cycle batteries. Gel batteries are perfectly fit for deep discharging and offer a lifetime of 550 to 600 cycles. An upgraded solution might be lead carbon deep-cycle batteries. Lead carbon batteries are maintenance-free, where carbon is added into the negative plates. Carbon is one of the best conductors of energy and offers better energy uptake, throughput and release throughout . The advantage is their lifetime is almost double that of a gel battery. They also withstand intermediate and opportunity charging better, and have considerably higher performance in cold temperatures. The disadvantage of sealed batteries is it is difficult to determine what could have caused an early fall-out of the battery: there is no acid density to measure and they are completely sealed. Very often a voltage unbalance in the battery set can explain an early end-of-life. The batteries in the set could be of a different batch. Or

one battery can be somewhat weaker for whatever reason: after all, batteries are chemical products. The weaker batteries will bring down the whole battery set if they are not identified at an early stage. A very good recommendation is to charge each battery individually before connecting them together into a set. Open batteries will equalise themselves during charging and correct any imbalance. It is very important to consider the right charger. The performance of the energy pack does not only depend on the performance of the battery set, but also on the charger and the way the battery is charged! Many battery issues are caused by a poor battery/charger combination. First of all, as a general rule we advise that 12A charging output is minimally required to charge a 100Ah (C20) battery. If the charger is too light, or if not enough charging time is given, the battery will start to sulphate. And if the charger is too heavy, it might dry out the battery set.

Correct charging essential Secondly, the charger needs to be set at the correct charging curve. Throughout the last 10 years conventional chargers have been replaced by high frequency chargers, and not only in the market of the cleaning machines. In terms of size, noise and most importantly charging efficiency, this has been a very good development. But this development didn’t come without risk: high frequency chargers charge batteries through a charge profile or charge algorithm. Each battery technology has its own charging profile. And within the same battery technology, different battery brands might also have a different charging algorithm and charging a particular brand of battery with the charging curve of another might lead to a quick loss of battery runtime and early fall-out. Charging a battery set with a wrong charging curve may easily lead to battery issues within less than five months. Most chargers have several charging curves that can be selected through a switch or have a user-friendly option to

BATTERIES

upload the required charging curve onto the charger (eg, via a USB stick). Information on how to charge the battery and which charging profile is recommended can usually be found on the technical datasheet. We strongly advise you to turn to your battery supplier for questions as to which charging curve on a particular charger model is preferred, especially if you decide to equip your cleaning machine with a fresh set of batteries of another battery technology. Another interesting technology slowly finding its way into the cleaning sector is LiFePO4. These ensure the longest possible battery lifetime available in the market, fully withstand intermediate charging and ensure an unmatched performance. They are controlled by a battery management system (BMS) that keeps the battery balanced at all times, monitors the battery parameters (voltage, state of charge, Les machines de nettoyage ont toutes besoin de batteries de haute qualité pour garantir bonne performance et longue autonomie. En effet, le secteur de la propreté constitue l’un des marchés les plus exigeants pour les fabricants parceque les batteries ont souvent à y supporter des conditions de recharge moins qu’optimales, des décharges poussées et des recharges intermédiaires.

current, temperature), protects the battery and communicates with the external and internal output. In terms of return on investment there is no better solution than a LiFePO4 battery, but the initial cost is considerably higher than sealed lead-acid batteries and definitely open lead-acid batteries. And do opt for batteries with a (waterproof) IP66 certified housing. PZS monoblocs , US deep-cycle batteries, gel deep-cycle batteries, lead carbon deep-cycle batteries and LiFePO4 battery solutions all have their specific advantages and disadvantages. And they are all available in the same sizes. It is the job of companies like ours to listen to your needs and to offer you the technology that will meet specific requirements. But choosing the right battery for specific needs is one thing, it is also important to point out the many challenges batteries in a cleaning machine application are Alle Reinigungsmaschinen erfordern hochwertige Batterien, um Leistung und langfristige Autonomie sicherzustellen. Der Reinigungsmarkt stellt jedoch auch eine der größten Herausforderungen für Hersteller dar, da Batterien häufig weniger als optimale Ladebedingungen, Tiefentladen und Zwischenladen aushalten müssen.

confronted with and to offer advice on how to maintain their batteries properly, how to check for unbalanced battery sets, to choose the correct charger setting if the cleaning machines is equipped with another battery technology - to ensure the charger is not too light, to avoid intermediate charging, etc. Batteries are an expensive but critical part of your equipment. Out of all battery problems less than five per cent would technically be considered as a ‘production fault’. The rest would be due to poor battery maintenance (under watering or over watering) or less than optimal charging conditions (too much intermediate charging, undercharging, overcharging or bad charger/battery-combination). A wellinformed customer will definitely benefit from a longer battery lifetime, longer equipment autonomy and higher performance overall. Tutte le macchine per le pulizie richiedono delle batterie di alta qualità per garantire il rendimento e una lunga autonomia. Tuttavia, il settore delle pulizie professionali è anche uno dei mercati più impegnativi per i produttori in quanto le batterie devono spesso resistere a condizioni di ricarica non ottimali, scaricamento completo e ricarica intermedia.

October 2022 | ECJ | 45

PRODUCTS: BATTERIES

• US Battery a lancé une nouvelle gamme de batteries lithium-ion à décharge poussée désignée Essential Li. • Les nouvelles batterie lithium-ion de 24 et 36 volts de Trojan Batterie combinent longue durée de vie et cycles de marche de longue durée. • ACE Battery affirme que sa batterie à ferrophosphate de lithium réalise plus de 5000 cycles.

• US Battery hat unter dem Namen Essential Li eine neue Produktreihe mit Lithium-Ionen Deep CycleBatterien eingeführt. • Die neuen 24- und 36-VoltLithium-Ionen-Akkus von Trojan Battery kombinieren lange Lebensdauer mit langer Betriebsdauer. • ACE Battery teilt mit, dass die EnerExpert Lithium-EisenphosphatAkkus mehr als 5.000 Zyklen bieten.

• La US Battery ha introdotto la nuova gamma di batterie agli ioni di litio a ciclo profondo Essential Li. • Le nuove batterie da 24 e 36 volt agli ioni di litio prodotte dalla Trojan Battery abbinano lunga durata e lunga autonomia di lavoro. • La ACE Battery afferma che la sua batteria al litio ferro fosfato EnerExpert offre oltre 5.000 cicli.

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Latest lithium A new line of lithium-ion deepcycle batteries called Essential Li has been introduced by US Battery Mfg. The new line includes a 24-volt GC2 model designed for use in cleaning machines. Features include a Battery Management System (BMS); CAN communication capability to allow for machine integration; long life and no maintenance; long runtime and fast charging. www.usbattery.com

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which already includes a GC2 48-volt model. Designed for professional floor cleaning equipment, the new batteries combine long runtime with long lifetime to maximise equipment uptime. They come with an eight-year warranty and require virtually no maintenance. Trojan also offers flooded leadacid, AGM and gel batteries. www.trojanbattery.com

Reliable power New additions Trojan Battery Company has added 24- and 36-volt lithiumion batteries to its range -

EnerExpert is ACE Battery’s lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) battery, which it says delivers reliable power to commercial

and industrial scrubbers and sweepers for uninterrupted operations. This model boasts longer battery life with over 5,000 cycles, and the smart Li-ion technology makes for exceptional energy density and longer runtime says ACE. Recharge time is less than an hour, and the battery is maintenance free. The Battery Management System (BMS) provides continuous communication between battery and machine to protect the user and equipment from unsafe operating conditions. www.acebattery.com

BUSINESS: GREED

Why has profit become a dirty word?

Why has ‘profit’ become a dirty word? Could it be because the profit motive is all too easily seduced by the lustful influences of ‘greed’ or is that just how we perceive it? Hartley Milner explores our conflicted relationship with monetary gain in the context of the energy crisis. There is a jolly little game people like to play when they feel the need to point an accusing finger. And it has rarely been pursued with such fervour and feeling than during these months of stratospheric rises in fuel bills. Playing the ‘blame game’ in relation to who is responsible for escalating energy prices is much the same as trying to ‘pin the tail on the donkey’, in that it is almost impossible with any precision to place the guilt where it actually belongs. There are simply too many other likely suspects. But that has not stopped us from having a go, and in the view of a great many people the energy sector should take the rap: for being at the very least indifferent to the suffering the crisis is causing or at the

other extreme callously profiteering. Countries that held polls during 2022 found significant cross-sections of their population did believe fossil fuel producers were raking in excessive profits at their expense. In the UK, where household budgets are being hit harder than anywhere in western Europe, 34 per cent of people went as far as to accuse energy companies of “blatant” profiteering. That figure had moderated in a later survey to just under 30 per cent with 47 per cent citing the government as mainly responsible for “failing to prepare for or prevent” the unprecedented price hikes. In the EU 24 per cent of respondents, mostly from Italy, Spain and Portugal, pinned the guilt on energy producers and in America 68 per cent thought they were to blame a “great deal” or a “good amount”. Many of the world’s largest energy producers have indeed reaped colossal profits, as their second quarter figures for 2022 show. British multinational Shell posted record adjusted net earnings totalling $11.5 billion, up from $9.13

billion during the first three months of the year. BP reported $9.3 billion, its highest second-quarter profit in 14 years and coming despite a loss of $20.4 billion in the first quarter due to having to write off investments in Russia because of sanctions. French rival TotalEnergies also declared stellar results, with a record profit of $9.8 billion, while Americanowned ExxonMobil, the world’s biggest oil and gas corporation, tapped into profits amounting to a stonking $17.6 billion, nearly double what it made in its very profitable first quarter and 273 per cent higher than for the same period a year ago. British Gas owner Centrica’s adjusted operating profit for the first six months of 2022 ballooned five-fold to $1.49 billion, up from $293 million a year earlier. At a time when households and businesses are struggling with soaring cost-of-living increases, people are seeing energy companies returning billions of dollars to shareholders via share buybacks and dividends, as well as Continued page 48

October 2022 | ECJ | 47

BUSINESS: GREED Why is profit a dirty word? (continued) passing on hefty bonuses to employees, further inflaming resentment. High-profile global figures, too, have expressed disgust. In August Antonio Guterres, secretary general of the United Nation (UN), said: “The truth is we are seeing these excessive, outrageous profits from the oil and gas industries at a time when we are all losing money. It is immoral oil and gas companies are making record profits from this energy crisis on the backs of the poorest people and communities, at massive cost to the climate. “So I call on all governments to tax these excessive profits and to use these funds to support the most vulnerable in these difficult times. And I urge people everywhere to send a clear message to the fossil fuel industry and their financiers that this grotesque greed is punishing the poorest and most vulnerable people, while destroying our only common home, the planet.” The UN chief’s outburst appears to have been heard in the right places. In September, the EU set out plans for windfall taxes, mandatory electricity savings and a cap on the price of Russian gas to limit Kremlin revenues used to finance the war in Ukraine. European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen said the proceeds would help domestic consumers and companies pay “astronomical” bills. Other major economies, including the US, were considering following suit. In May, the British government announced a 25 per cent windfall levy on oil and gas producers’ profits.

Tax on excessive profits But shortly after being elected to office in September Britain’s new prime minister, Liz Truss, said a new, higher windfall tax on energy producers would not be part of her plans. She said the tax was about “bashing” businesses and would put companies off investing in the UK “just when we need to be growing the economy”. On the leadership hustings a few weeks earlier, Truss put up a vigorous defence of the energy sector, saying: “I don’t think profit is a dirty word and the fact it has become a dirty word in our society is a massive problem. Now of course, the Pourquoi en est-on venu à décrier la notion de « bénéfice » ? Se peut-il que le motif du profit est effectivement associé à la notion d’ « avidité », ou que telle est l’association qui prévaut dans les esprits ? Hartley Milner examine notre relation conflictuelle avec le profit monétaire dans le contexte de la crise énergétique.

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energy giants, if they’re in an oligopoly, should be held to account and I would make sure they’re rigorously held to account. But the way we bandy words around ‘profit’ as if it’s something that’s dirty and evil, we shouldn’t be doing that as Conservatives.” Energy producers have largely keep schtum about accusations of profiteering levelled against them. However, energy executives called to account at a US Congressional hearing into rocketing prices at the pumps earlier in the year denied engaging in price gouging. Gretchen H Watkins, president of Shell USA, told the committee: “Because oil is a global commodity, Shell does not set or control the price of crude oil. Today’s crisis and the pressure on hydrocarbon supplies and prices reveal the urgent need to accelerate the energy transition.” ExxonMobil chief executive Darren Woods said: “The uncertainty of supply in a tight market with growing demand leads to significant price volatility, which is what we are seeing.” And, commenting on the company’s website, BP’s chief executive Bernard Looney asserted that the second quarter profit declaration showed the group was continuing to “perform while transforming”. He said: “Our people have continued to work hard throughout the quarter helping to solve the energy trilemma – secure, affordable and lower carbon energy. We do this by providing the oil and gas the world needs today while at the same time investing to accelerate the energy transition.” In the last issue of ECJ, I reported a UK energy expert saying the surges in fuel prices were rooted in the Coronavirus pandemic. Dr Roman Sidortsov, senior research fellow in energy justice at the University of Sussex Business School, explained that companies “curtailed” energy production during Covid. Then when economies began opening up production had to quickly be reinstated but could not keep pace with the sudden spike in demand and run on reserves. “This was

one of the huge reasons for the quick jump in prices,” he said, conceding that the war in Ukraine had “exacerbated the situation”. Indeed, you will recall that prices were on the up well before Putin invaded in February this year. In Britain at the close of 2021, they were 59 per cent higher than at the start of the year. Also drawing much flak are costly clean energy and climate policies or the failure to switch to renewables fast enough, increasing demand for dwindling natural resources due to overpopulation, the expansion of industrial and agricultural sectors and the misuse of energy.

Finger of blame? So, should we be levelling the pointy finger of blame at energy producers? Not without closer scrutiny of their profits and reasons for them being so high, according to Akeno Tanaka, associate lecturer in economics at the Open University in the UK. She said: “At times of financial turmoil like these when we see extra large profits being made while we may be struggling to pay our bills, the first thing we do is look for someone to target our resentment at. We quickly make up our minds where the blame lies and this is when words like ‘profiteering’, ‘exploitation’ and ‘greed’ get bandied about. When other potentially blameworthy candidates emerge, we may modify our views or doggedly stick to our original perceptions, or throw our hands up in confusion and simply get very irate. “The current crisis is complicated and assigning responsibility can be problematic. For example, you rarely hear governments condemning the fossil fuel industry, but then when profits soar so too do tax revenues, which are then fed into financing public services. ‘Greed’ is a perception, a viewpoint and not a number we can quantify. Profit is a quantifiable number. But we can only judge that number to be disproportionately high after diligent analysis and collective agreement identifies it as such. Only then can we perhaps fairly attach the tag ‘greed’ to it.”

The next edition of ECJ will be November. Keep up-to-date with industry news at the website Warum ist „Profit“ zu einem schmutzigen Wort geworden? Könnte es daran liegen, dass das Profitmotiv all zu leicht von den lüsternen Einflüssen der „Gier“ verführt wird, oder ist das nur unsere Wahrnehmung? Hartley Milner erforscht unsere zwiespältige Beziehung zu finanziellem Gewinn im Kontext der Energiekrise.

Perchè “redditività” è diventata una parola sporca? Potrebbe essere per il fatto che la motivazione del profitto è troppo facilmente conquistata dall’influenza concupiscente dell’ “avidità” oppure è semplicemente il modo in cui la percepiamo noi? Hartley Milner esplora la nostra relazione conflittuale con il guadagno economico nel contesto della crisi energetica.

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