June/July 2024

BUSINESS SPECIAL REPORTS

Hartley Milner on a new report from Europol about the criminal networks in the EU.

39 Unity crucial to tackle global crime 03 News

20 Shaping transformation

Robotics and AI are leading to a fundamental rethink in industry circles.

24 Robots in real life

Robots are now very much a viable option for certain cleaning applications.

10 Interview - Jim Melvin

14 European reports

34 Interclean Amsterdam review

29 People - the driving force

How can the professional cleaning sector attract and retain talent?

41 Going with the flow

Ann Laffeaty on the importance of ‘flow’ in a kitchen cleaning regime.

44 Thoroughly modern

To what extent is technology changing the face of window cleaning?

47 Scope 3 is on the way

Working with scope 3 greenhouse gas emissions is a business opportunity.

Criterion Publishing Ltd

Castle House, 89 High Street

Berkhamsted HP4 2DF, UK

T +44 (0)1494 791222

F +44 (0)1494 792223

info@europeancleaningjournal.com www. europeancleaningjournal.com

Subscriptions

UK - £60 / Continental Europe - £70 /

International - £80

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

Shanghai, China

11 – 13 December 2024

Amsterdam Innovation Awards - winners announced at Interclean

Interclean Amsterdam officially opened last month with the announcement of the overall winner of the Amsterdam Innovation Award. Diversey - A Solenis Company, took the top prize for its LESSEAU NO-Touch Bar Soap dispenser & refills. The jury said this innovation can have a very broad and truly meaningful impact in many different applications.

Category winners were: Kärcher for its KIRA CV 50 (Smart Technologies & Digitalisation), Baudoin Wash-Systems for its Baudoin Wash Drone (Workforce & Ergonomics), Diversey - A Solenis Company, for its LESSEAU NO-Touch Bar Soap dispenser & refills (Sustainability & Environment) and Hagleitner Global Hygiene for its XIBU 2WIPE hybrid (Hygiene & Health).

The Visitors’ Choice Award went to Kärcher for the KIRA CV 50. A new prize, the Cleaners’ Choice Award, was presented to Baudoin Wash-Systems for its Baudoin Wash Drone.

Michelle Marshall, chair of the jury and ECJ editor said: “Huge congratulations to our winner. All of us on the jury were so impressed with how a very simple idea, a return to the use of bar soap in the washroom, has been reinvented and brought right up to date thanks to the use of smart technology.

“This is a product which we believe can have a very broad and truly meaningful impact in so many different applications.

“Although it won the category Sustainability & Environment,” she continued, “the LESSEAU No-Touch Bar Soap performs well in the other categories too in terms of its credentials in smart technology, workforce & ergonomics and hygiene & health. Diversey - A Solenis Company has completely reimagined what is a basic, everyday activity for all of

us - washing our hands - and presented a truly innovative new solution.”

Nominees and winners

Sustainability & Environment: Category winner: LESSEAU NO-Touch Bar Soap dispenser & refills (Diversey - A Solenis Company)

Other nominees in this category: Switch (Werner & Mertz Professional); Tork Carbon Neutral Certified Dispensers (Tork, an Essity brand); Smart Technologies & Digitalisation: Category winner: KIRA CV 50 (Kärcher)

Other nominees in this category: Nexaro NR 1500 (Nexaro); Adlatus SR1300 Autonomous Vacuum Sweeping Robot (Adlatus Robotics)

Workforce & Ergonomics: Category winner: Baudoin Wash Drone (Baudoin Wash-Systems)

Other nominees in this category: Unger VisaVersa Pro 2-in-1 window squeegee (Unger Germany); Scrubmaster B5 430 ORB (Hako)

Hygiene & Health: Category winner: XIBU 2WIPE hybrid (Hagleitner Global Hygiene)

Other nominees in this category: Kimberly-Clark Professional ICON (KimberlyClark Professional); i-clean handle (i-team Global)

Le gagnant général du Prix de l’innovation Interclean Amsterdam a été annoncé en mai au premier jour du salon. Il s’agit de Diversey, membre du groupe Solenis, pour le LESSEAU, un distributeur de savonettes sans contact.

Industry professionals voted on the Interclean website for the winner of the Visitors’ Choice Award. The prize this year went to Kärcher for its KIRA CV 50. And a new addition to the lineup this year was the Cleaners’ Choice Award. This was won by the Baudoin Wash Drone (Baudoin Wash-Systems). The jury said the product is really helpful for a window cleaner, it makes the job easier less dangerous and “more fun”.

EVENTS

October 3

EuropeanCleaning&HygieneAwards Lisbon, Portugal www.echawards.com

October 16-18

Cleantex Africa Johannesburg, South Africa cleantex.co.za

November 18-21

ISSA North America Las Vegas, USA www.issa.com

December 11-13

Interclean China Shanghai, China www.intercleanshow.com/china

March 18-20 2025

The Cleaning Show London, UK cleaningshow.co.uk

March 25-27 2025 Europropre Paris, France www.europropre.com

May 27-29 2025

ISSA Pulire Milan, Italy www.issapulire.com

September 23-26 2025

CMS Berlin Berlin, Germany www.cms-berlin.de

November 10-13 2025

ISSA North America Chicago, USA www.issa.com

April 14-17 2026

Interclean Amsterdam Amsterdam, Netherlands www.intercleanshow.com

October 19-22 2026

ISSA North America Las Vegas, USA www.issa.com

To have your event included in the Events section, contact ECJ via email at: michelle@europeancleaningjournal.com

Der Gesamtgewinner der Amsterdam Innovation Awards, der am ersten Tag der Interclean Amsterdam bekannt gegeben wurde, ist Diversey – A Solenis Company für den berührungslosen Stückseifenspender LESSEAU.

Il vincitore assoluto dell’Amsterdam Innovation Award, annunciato il primo giorno di Interclean Amsterdam, è Diversey – A Solenis Company per il dispenser di saponetta No-Touch LESSEAU.

Irish minister signs order to increase contract cleaning sector pay

The Irish minister for business, employment and retail - Emer Higgins - has approved an Employment Regulation Order (ERO) for the contract cleaning sector, which provides for an increase in the minimum wage.

All workers aged 18 or over are now entitled to a minimum rate of pay of €13.30 per hour, up from €12.70.

The Irish Contract Cleaning Association (ICCA) was instrumental in the move. Its chair Avril McCarthy told ECJ: “The Irish Contract Cleaning Association represents the employers of the cleaning industry at the Joint Labour Committee where the Employment Regulation Order is agreed. This mechanism sets

minimum terms for the industry.

“A dedicated cohort of our members with expertise in HR and employment practices spent several months negotiating the revised ERO. This particular ERO

Les travailleurs du secteur irlandais de la propreté ont bénéficié d’une augmentation de leur salaire horaire, qui est passé de 12,70 à 13,30 euros.

was a challenge for all parties, as we had already established an agreement that was in play and approved by the courts.”

McCarthy continued: “However, with a significant increase in the

In der irischen Vertragsreinigungsbranche wurde der Mindestlohn vor Kurzem von 12,70 EUR pro Stunde auf 13,30 EUR angehoben.

minimum wage, the industry had to ensure that our workforce was not left behind. We are delighted that an agreement was reached with the employers and unions with the support of the Labour Court.”

Facilitating negotiations

She concluded: “The Irish Contract Cleaning Association would like to thank all the member organisations who permitted their representatives the time to negotiate this agreement, and also the unions (SIPTU and Unite) along with the Labour Court for facilitating the negotiations and formal approval.”

irishcontractcleaning association.ie

I lavoratori del settore delle pulizie a contratto in Irlanda hanno recentemente visto un aumento del salario minimo da 12,70 euro l’ora a 13,30 euro.

GOJO closes Europe operation

GOJO Industries, the US-based producer of hand hygiene and surface cleaning solutions, has closed its European operation, based in the UK.

In a statement the company said: “Our GOJO Europe business has struggled financially for over a decade, requiring significant, ongoing support from the US throughout that time. As a result, a strategic review of GOJO Europe was initiated using outside experts to find a sustainable, long-term solution.

“Many options to turn around the business or to sell it were explored, but regrettably, no viable option could be found.

“Winding down our European

operations was only done after making very extensive efforts to achieve financial viability in the region. Understandably, this news appears abrupt, particularly without the context of more than a decade’s worth of effort and investment in pursuing a sustainable outcome for all involved.”

The statement concluded: “For European business customers, part of the wind down process includes continuing to produce product in France in the immediate term, and making existing inventory available. GOJO Industries is also exploring other ways to minimize disruption.”

• GOJO Industrie, un fabricant états-unien de produits d’hygiène des mains et de nettoyage de surfaces, a fermé son opération européenne, basée au Royaume-Uni.

• Au Royaume-Uni, un laveur de vitres a dû être amputé du bras après que sa perche en fibres de carbone eut touché un câble haute tension.

UK window cleaner loses arm

A UK window cleaner has had an arm amputated after his carbon fibre pole moved too close to an overhead cable. Jason Knight, 34, was cleaning the windows of a private house when a 33,000volt current sent him flying seven feet.

Knight was airlifted to hospital where a scan revealed the shock had narrowly missed his heart. Doctors had to amputate his left arm and five of his toes which had been severely burned. He’d been packing up his equipment when his carbon fibre pole came close to one of the power lines, catapulting him through the air. He had not been aware the electricity lines were

• GOJO Industries, ein in den USA ansässiger Hersteller von Lösungen für Handhygiene und Oberflächenreinigung, hat seinen europäischen Geschäftsbetrieb mit Sitz im Vereinigten Königreich eingestellt.

• Im Vereinigten Königreich wurde einem Fensterreiniger ein Arm amputiert, nachdem seine Kohlefaserstange einem Freileitungskabel zu nahe gekommen war.

so powerful and there were no obvious warning signs around the property.

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has issued a preliminary report stating the power cables are “above the minimum safe height from the ground and beyond the minimum safe distance from the conservatory”, and that there is no requirement for them to be insulated in this setting.

But HSE website guidance states voltages lower than 230 volts can kill and injure people and that flashovers - where electricity jumps a short distance between an overhead line and a nearby object - can occur.

• GOJO Industries, produttore statunitense di soluzioni per l’igiene delle mani e la pulizia delle superfici, ha chiuso la sua attività europea, con sede nel Regno Unito.

• A un lavavetri del Regno Unito è stato amputato un braccio dopo che il suo palo in fibra di carbonio si è spostato troppo vicino a un cavo aereo.

Feel-good Interclean Amsterdam attracts 30,000 visitors

Interclean Amsterdam, Europe’s biggest professional cleaning exhibition, finished last month after four days of business, networking and innovation. And the general mood was highly positive, as exhibitors and visitors alike reported a successful and stimulating show.

In total 30,000 visitors from 143 countries visited RAI Amsterdam - there were 875 exhibitors. Director of Interclean Robert Stelling is delighted with the results. “We’re looking back at an exciting four days. One of Interclean’s main objectives is to enable the cleaning and hygiene industry to grow and thrive, by creating the right environment and atmosphere to do business in.

“I think we really succeeded in this, looking at the positive atmosphere in the halls, at all the networking events but most of all the busy stands where many new contacts were made, and orders closed.”

Stelling continued: “We once again saw the positive impact of the personal connection! I am also proud that we hosted the Global Executive Summit of the World Federation of Building Service Contractors, as well as the Global Association Meeting, a gathering of all the international cleaning and hygiene associations from across the world. Amsterdam really was the global capital of cleaning last week!”

Healthcare Cleaning Forum

Interclean was also the venue for the third Healthcare Cleaning Forum (HCF), a oneday conference organised in cooperation with CleanHospitals. The programme focused on the importance of environmental hygiene in the fight against infections in hospitals and other care institutions. Healthcare experts - including infection prevention specialists and facility managers, cleaning experts and industry members - were

there to discuss new (scientific) insights, innovative technology and procedures.

Alongside the exhibition and extensive content programme there were many new opportunities to network and socialise. The daily Interclean Social Club offered live entertainment and Feel Good

Friday drinks made for a fitting finish to the week.

The next edition of Interclean Amsterdam will take place from April 14-17 2026. Before that, Interclean China takes place in Shanghai from December 11-13 this year.

• ECJ is the official media partner of Interclean

Golden Service Awards winners announced at London ceremony

The winners of the 2024 Kimberly-Clark Professional Golden Service Awards were announced during a ceremony in London recently.

Created over 30 years ago, the biennial awards offer an opportunity for FM companies, contract cleaners and in-house cleaning teams throughout the

UK and Ireland to showcase their excellence and commitment to deliver performances that raise standards and set new benchmarks.

Here are the winners:

• Healthcare: Derrycourt Cleaning Specialists

• Education: Birkin Group

• Office areas below 100,000

• Interclean Amsterdam, le plus grand salon euopéen de la propreté, s’est tenu en mai en présence de 30.000 visiteurs.

• Les gagnants des Kimberly-Clark Prix européens de proprété et d’hygiène 2024 ont été annoncés récemment lors d’une cérémonie à Londres.

square metres: Principle Cleaning Services

• Office areas between 100,000 and 300,000 square metres: Aramark

• Office areas over 300,000 square metres: JPC by Samsic with Chiswick Park Estate Management

• Retail/Shopping Malls under 100,000 square metres: JPC By Samsic

• Retail/Shopping Malls over 100,000 square metres: ABM

• Leisure: Principle Cleaning

• Hospitality: Derrycourt Cleaning Specialists

• Manufacturing: Derrycourt Cleaning Specialists

• Sustainability Leadership: Key Enviro Solutions

• Social Impact: Arcus FM

• Die Interclean Amsterdam, Europas größte Messe der professionellen Reinigungsbranche, fand im Mai statt und zog über 30.000 Besucher an.

• Die Gewinner der Kimberly-Clark Professional Golden Service Awards 2024 wurden vor Kurzem im Rahmen einer Preisverleihung in London bekanntgegeben.

• Inclusion & Diversity: ISS UK&I

• Training: Exclusive Services Group

• Small Business: Right FM

• Cleaning Team of the Year: ABM UK&I

• Supervisor of the Year: Marco Cavalcanti, Key Enviro Solutions

• Cleaning Operative of the Year: Aleksandar Cmrlec, ABM UK&I

“Congratulations to all our worthy winners and also to our well-deserved finalists,” said Craig Bowman, general manager (UK and Ireland), KimberlyClark Professional. “We see more evidence of exceptional achievements despite the challenges of staff shortages, financial uncertainty and the continued post pandemic spotlight on hygiene.”

• Interclean Amsterdam, la più grande fiera europea per il settore della pulizia professionale, si è tenuta a maggio e ha attirato oltre 30.000 visitatori.

• I vincitori dei Kimberly-Clark Professional Golden Service Awards 2024 sono stati annunciati recentemente durante una cerimonia tenutasi a Londra.

Germans complain about poor hygiene in public washrooms

Over sixty-eight per cent of washroom users in Germany are ‘repeatedly disgusted’ by what they find there. And 27.1 per cent only use a public washroom in an emergency. That’s according to The Hagleitner Toilet Report, based on a survey commissioned by hygiene systems specialist Hagleitner. No toilet tissue

Other key findings include:45.6 per cent of respondents reported toilet tissue is often unavailable; 56.5 per cent experience the same issue with soap; and 63 per cent frequently observe overflowing waste bins.

The study’s authors also investigated potential ‘disgust’ factors. They specifically identified the repulsion of touching certain items. This resulted in a top-five index of contact fears. Topping the list is the toilet seat, which ranks first:

90.2 per cent find the toilet seat fundamentally repulsive, and 96.3 per cent event want it disinfected.

The toilet brush follows in second place: 79.5 per cent are horrified at the thought of touching it. The door handle ranks third, with 76.9 percent feeling the same way. 65.6 per cent are repelled by scattered hygiene articles, such as tampons, panty liners and condoms, putting those waste items in fourth place. The waste bin occupies fifth place, disgusting 53.8 per cent of respondents.

‘Repeatedly disgusted’

A total of 68.4 per cent of respondents are repeatedly put off when they use public washrooms - in fact 27.1 per cent only use them in emergencies.

Behavioural patterns were also

analysed: 49.8 per cent of participants dispose of tampons in the toilet; 44 per cent throw away panty liners; 43.2 per cent discard pads, and 20.3 per cent dispose of condoms. Incontinence pads are disposed of by 13.9 per cent,

and 12.6 per cent do so with blister packs.

The Hagleitner Toilet Report was published as a result of research carried out by Appinio on a sample of 1,000 people500 women and 500 menaged 18 to 65.

ISS works with Microsoft to reimagine AI-powered flexible work

Global facilities services business

ISS is joining forces with Microsoft to reimagine flexible work powered by AI solutions.

By combining the data and insights from Microsoft Places, Microsoft’s connected workplace app, with the ISS Workplace

App and ISS’s operational capabilities delivered through its 350,000 employees worldwide, ISS will boost its tech-powered operations.

Microsoft Places is a newly launched AI-powered connected workplace app with feature

• D’après une récente enquête menée en Allemange à la demande de Hagleitner, 68,4 pour cent des gens sont régulièrement écœurés quand ils utilisent des toilettes publiques.

• Le groupe de services d’installation ISS s’est associé à Microsoft pour élaborer des solutions IA de gestion du travail flexible.

integration across Microsoft 365. It allows coworkers to coordinate in-person connection and provides a comprehensive view of how people are using the physical workplace, helping businesses manage their workplace. ISS has been selected as a partner.

Places will allow remote and hybrid employees to easily coordinate schedules and locations to take advantage of valuable in-person collaboration while also enabling managers to gain insights into how the physical workplace is being used for smarter scheduling and resource management.

Elevate the experience

Together, ISS and Microsoft will explore how employers can elevate the workplace experience through the data exchange between the ISS

• Laut einer kürzlich von Hagleitner in Deutschland in Auftrag gegebenen Umfrage sind 68,4 Prozent der Menschen regelmäßig angeekelt, wenn sie öffentliche Toiletten benutzen.

• Das Facility-Management-Unternehmen ISS arbeitet mit Microsoft zusammen, um flexibles Arbeiten auf Basis von KI-Lösungen neu zu konzipieren.

Workplace App and Microsoft Places. This interplay will help to explore the personal work preferences of in-office, roaming and remote employees, which can be used to develop more productive and engaging inoffice company cultures that best fit employee needs.

“We know that while adjusting to the reality of hybrid work, many employers struggle with transforming workplaces into environments that drive collaboration, connection, and convenience,” said Markus Sontheimer, group chief information & digital officer at ISS headquarters in Denmark.

“In teaming up with Microsoft, we are uniquely positioned to help our customers shape the world of work though technology that powers places that engage and energise people.”

• Secondo un recente sondaggio commissionato in Germania da Hagleitner, il 68,4% delle persone è regolarmente disgustato quando usa i bagni pubblici.

• La società di servizi facility ISS sta unendo le forze con Microsoft per reimmaginare il lavoro flessibile basato su soluzioni di intelligenza artificiale.

Harmonised Aircare Sustainable Edge

Facilities are looking for more sustainable ways to elevate their spaces, which is why we have made enhancements to Vibe Pro® and V-Air® Solid Evolution.

“We must speak with a united voice about the value of cleaning”

ECJ editor Michelle Marshall speaks to Jim Melvin, group chief executive officer at The Exclusive Services Group in the UK, about his career in the industry spanning decades. Melvin is also past chairman of the British Cleaning Council (BCC) and past master of the Worshipful Company of Environmental Cleaners. And he was Leader of the Year in ECJ’s 2023 European Cleaning & Hygiene Awards.

Jim Melvin’s success as a leader stems from his clear passion for the industry and for the people working within it. Very much a team player, he is unassuming and modest about his many achievements. From the very start, he was determined to play a part in shaping the industry and how it is viewed by the outside world - that includes at government level. Melvin is a man who is prepared to stand up and take responsibility. The story begins however, not in the world of cleaning but in football. In his youth Melvin played as a semi-professional and needed to earn some extra money. By chance he met the managing director of a cleaning business in the south of England who invited him to join the business as an area manager. “I had absolutely no experience of the industry,” Melvin explains,. At the end of his playing career he completed all the relevant coaching qualifications and moved into that area of the sport full-time. He worked closely with Martin O’Neill (a well-known manager in English

football) at Wycombe Wanderers and then Leicester City - enjoying a period of outstanding success. “The club achieved promotion, we had three winning visits to Wembley and various trophies - great times.”

This took Melvin out of the cleaning industry for a number of years. “I did stay in touch with many of the good friends I had made though, and when I

decided to go back to a semiprofessional coaching position I joined another cleaning business as operations director.”

When the football career finally came to an end, Melvin committed himself to the cleaning sector full-time and has worked in it ever since, in various senior positions at a number of companies based in the south of England. Today he is group chief executive of The Exclusive Services Group, a privately-owned business founded in 1976. With an annual turnover of £33 million (€39 million) and 3,000 staff, Exclusive operates across the UK and Ireland. Key clients include Odeon, CBRE, Williams F1, Dunnes Stores, Boeringher and Koehler. “I’m very fortunate to be working with people who I have absolute trust in and who I know have absolute trust in me,” he says.

Making a difference

Melvin’s interest in the cleaning sector reached far beyond running his business: he wanted to make a difference to the bigger picture. “I had always been a representative within the Cleaning & Support Services Association (CSSA) for the companies I worked with and I was then invited to represent it on the British Cleaning Council (BCC).” He subsequently went on to become BCC deputy chairman, then chairman. His chairmanship came towards the end of the Covid pandemic, a period when the organisation had been particularly proactive in

promoting the professional cleaning sector and the people working within it. “At that time Paul Thrupp was chairman and we were chasing recognition, and campaigning for the Apprenticeship Levy,” he says.

The Level 2 Cleaning Hygiene Operative Apprenticeship was launched in the UK on January 1 this year. All sector employers with an annual wage bill of more than £3 million (€3.56 million) pay the Apprenticeship Levy and can use Levy payments to implement the Apprenticeship Standard in their businesses, as can smaller businesses that have been gifted Levy payments.

In many ways the years of the pandemic were positive ones for the sector, as the crucial role of cleaning operatives was deservedly in the spotlight for the first time. Has that heightened awareness resulted in permanent change in how the industry is perceived? Melvin doesn’t believe so.

“Yes we got the sound bites from Boris Johnson (then prime minister) and other politicians when they acknowledged the cleaners. But if there was a pandemic tomorrow, nothing’s changed,” he says. “Not even in the provision of PPE, for example. I’m currently trying to arrange meetings with the UK Health Security Agency to discuss the key challenges. The government would tell us everything has moved forward, but for our industry it has not.

“I’m fiercely passionate about the things I believe in, and I get really angry and frustrated when people close doors to us. So we need to keep on pushing. We’ve been setting up meetings with MPs and working to put key relationships in place –particularly with the forthcoming general election in mind.

“Cleaning operatives are frontline workers and must be recognised as such. They are the people who get the buildings ready for the key workers to go and work safely. There has been so much chasing and pestering of the people who can make a difference at government level –and sometimes with politics it’s

like herding cats. But we won’t give up and we’ve made some inroads. If we’re going to be selfcritical though, either individually or as an industry, we did also miss some opportunities.

“Hindsight’s a great thing, but perhaps we could have been more assertive. We had a point in time when the press and TV were interested so did we maximise that enough? We do have to remember though, we were fighting a pandemic as well and this was a situation that was entirely unforeseen.”

Having displayed such a willingness to lead in both his business and the UK cleaning sector in these recent challenging years, Melvin was a fitting winner of the Leader of the Year trophy in the 2023 European Cleaning & Hygiene Awards. He is predictably humble about his achievements. “While receiving that recognition was absolutely fantastic – I literally couldn’t believe it! – as you can see from my background, all my life I’ve been part of a team. That’s just ingrained in me.

Passion for change

“And so actually it’s a great opportunity for me to talk about the help and support I’ve had from some fantastic people. Because you can lead, but you lead nothing if you do not have great people behind you – you just make noise. Within my business, at CSSA and BCC I have had wonderful colleagues and it’s important that’s acknowledged.”

I suggest to Melvin that he must possess qualities which inspire and enable the people around him to do the best job they can with him at the helm. “The reality for me, I think, is that a bit of desire and passion can get you to places where you never thought you’d go,” he replies. “And if you believe in something strongly enough, don’t be afraid to stick your head above the parapet and say it. So for me, particularly with the industry association roles I’ve held, it’s almost as

Continued page 12

Jim Melvin

October 3, 2024

The gala dinner and awards ceremony takes place at Sud Lisboa in Lisbon

“We must speak with a united voice about the value of cleaning” (continued from page 10)

straightforward as trying to knock down a few doors. The worst that can happen is people tell you ‘no’.

“Or it’s about knocking on a few doors we’ve never knocked on before, because we were frightened that we would be sent away - and we should never be frightened of being sent away. Never. A bit of determination and some stubbornness go a long way,” he laughs.

“Because I think actually the industry as a whole can sometimes feel like it’s not deserving of recognition. We are not ‘just cleaners’, we are cleaning and hygiene operatives

and we should not be grateful for every crumb of recognition.”

Melvin has long been frustrated by the lack of recognition for the industry he works in. “But the fact is that we are in a sector worth £59.8 billion, with oneand-a-half million employees – five per cent of the UK workforce. We have more than earned the right to respect and acknowledgement. All our people must not be frightened to stand up and say ‘we do a good job’.”

How does Melvin feel his time in football helped to form his leadership skills and prepare him for his future career? “The language in a dressing room is

Michelle Marshall, rédactrice en chef d’ECJ, s’entretient avec Jim Melvin, directeur général de la société britannique The Exclusive Services Group, ancien président du British Cleaning Council, et ancien maître de la Worshipful Company of Environmental Cleaners. Gagnant du trophée du Leader de l’Année aux Prix européens de propreté et d’hygiène 2023, Jim Melvin raconte son passé professionnel et son expérience du leadership.

dramatically different to that in the corporate world but the messages are very much the same,” he replies. “About motivation, how to get better when we go wrong, recognising where we’re going wrong and what we can do about it.”

He goes on: “Coaching a football team also taught me about honesty, being direct and transparent. Not just that, also working within the confines of a budget – and the confines of what a person’s skills and abilities may be. All those things are incredibly relevant.”

What’s also clear is that Melvin is a real ‘details’ man. “Yes I really

Die ECJ-Redakteurin Michelle Marshall führt ein Gespräch mit Jim Melvin, Group CEO der Exclusive Services Group im Vereinigten Königreich, ehemaliger Vorsitzender des British Cleaning Council und Experte der Worshipful Company of Environmental Cleaners. Als Gewinner der Trophäe „Leader of the Year“ bei den European Cleaning & Hygiene Awards im letzten Jahr erzählt Melvin seine Geschichte und von seinen eigenen Erfahrungen als Führungskraft.

do like being in among it and I irritate the life out of people with my fixation on detail. If I’m honest, I’m a bit of a control freak! But I believe in leading from the front and making sure everybody knows what’s expected of them. And if you get something wrong, admit that and apologise for it.”

Having led businesses and also industry bodies, Melvin firmly believes the industry is stronger by coming together – presenting a united voice to the outside world. “That strength, that unity will help to get our sector to where it needs to be, and where it should be,” he concludes.

La redattrice di ECJ Michelle Marshall parla con Jim Melvin, CEO di Exclusive Services Group nel Regno Unito, ex presidente del British Cleaning Council ed ex leader della Worshipful Company of Environmental Cleaners. Vincitore del trofeo Leader of the Year (let. Leader dell’Anno) agli European Cleaning & Hygiene Awards dello scorso anno, Melvin racconta la sua storia e le sue esperienze di leadership.

Wiz DESIGNED TO AMAZE YOU

FLEXIBLE

Always ensures ideal wringing

4 different wringing intensity levels

EFFICIENT

Reduces floor drying time

Wrings 10 to 20% more than traditional wringers

ERGONOMIC

Less strain

Reduces from 50 to 70% the effort required for wringing

Effort required

Traditional wringers

Get maximum results with minimum effort

The adjustment system allows you to set the moisture content of the mop, keeping it constant at each wringing: the result is no longer dependent on the strength of the operator, ensuring high performance and optimum cleaning

AI - should cleaners be worried?

John Griep at VSR in the Netherlands considers the implications of AI for the cleaning sector.

AI has become the talk of the town nowadays. In the cleaning industry too, many applications are currently being developed to automate certain activities. Do cleaners have to fear for their jobs and livelihoods? At VSR, we don’t think so. AI works well as a supplement in the cleaning sector but completely replacing people is an illusion and also not desirable. The essential quality of people is irreplaceable for the time being, and at VSR we thought it was high time for a little extra appreciation for cleaners. That is why the theme of our spring event was ‘The People’. AI as a tool

AI in the cleaning industry is currently mainly a tool that can be used to improve certain processes. Think, for example, of optimising cleaning schedules, dirt and mess detection, machine learning, but also operating cleaning robots. Although cleaning robots are playing an increasingly important role, cleaners are far from finished. For example, a robot will not be able to perform all cleaning tasks at the moment. In addition, humans have unique qualities that an AI-powered cleaning robot simply lacks. Essential quality of people

While AI can take over a lot of tasks, humans are clearly irreplaceable in certain areas. As human beings, we have the ability to combine individual experiences with empathy and intellect. And that is exactly what AI is not (yet) sufficiently capable of. For example, it is impossible for AI to make certain ad-hoc decisions based on gut

L’intelligence artificielle est devenue un sujet brûlant dans tous les secteurs, y compris celui de la propreté. John Griep, correspondant d’ECJ aux Pays-Bas, jette un coup d’oeil sur ses impacts potentiels.

feeling. Think of cleaners who clean workplaces during office hours. They constantly ask themselves questions such as: “This employee has just started a video meeting, wouldn’t it be better to shift my schedule and clean somewhere else first?” Or: “This patient is visibly struggling, how can I provide a nice surprise and some distraction?” And those are exactly the empathic qualities that we as humans use on a daily basis. Situations are not assessed on the basis of pre-programmed algorithms, but on a combination of feeling, experiences and intelligence. Or ‘natural intelligence’, as described by Barry Schwartz in his book Practical Wisdom - The Right Way to Do the Right Thing. VSR Spring Event

It is clear that the human factor is indispensable in the cleaning industry. At VSR, we continue to embrace our natural intelligence. In this context, our VSR Spring Event carried the theme: ‘Putting people first, training, developing and investing in employees’. In May we met with our partners, companies from the cleaning industry and other stakeholders. It was a great day on which various speakers once again emphasised the importance of human input in the cleaning sector. We should continue to value our human employees and work closely with all parties to utilise the full potential of our cleaners.

Tickets for ECJ’s European Cleaning & Hygiene Awards in Lisbon are now available - visit echawards.com

Künstliche Intelligenz (KI) ist mittlerweile ein heißes Thema in allen Bereichen, einschließlich der Reinigung. John Griep, der ECJ-Korrespondent in den Niederlanden, untersucht die potenziellen Auswirkungen.

L’intelligenza artificiale (IA) è ormai un tema caldo in tutti i settori, compreso quello delle pulizie. John Griep, corrispondente di ECJ nei Paesi Bassi, esamina il suo potenziale impatto.

Thanks for noticing us

New campaign launched to encourage passengers to show respect for cleaning staff in the Copenhagen Metro. ECJ’s Lotte Printz reports from Denmark.

At work in the capital recently, I was rather impressed with the cleaning procedures on the Metro. Only minutes after I had entered a carriage where someone had clearly had an accident with a coffee to go, a cleaning operative jumped on board and efficiently cleaned the place before getting off a few stations later.

I admit I might be influenced by this job for ECJ and moved to a different seat, lifted my feet for her to be able to clean under the seats and smiled apologetic when she apologised to me for touching my feet slightly with her mop. I was not the only one on the train, but I was the only one ‘interacting’ with her, perhaps even noticing her. To the other passengers she seemed to be invisible despite the fact that cleaning the floors was not at all an invisible job - in this case making the journey more pleasant.

Stay up-to-date with industry news over the summer at the ECJ website

“Cleaning operatives should not feel invisible. We have to remember to acknowledge them and not to take their jobs for granted,” says Danielle Hansen speaking to the industry magazine Rent i Danmark after Danske Service, the trade association that she chairs, has launched a campaign jointly with the trade union 3F.

“Thanks for noticing those of us who clean properly” (in translation) campaign posters picturing cleaners say in and around the Metro – thanking those who smile at and acknowledge the presence of the cleaners. Hoping

Au Danemark, une campagne a été lancée pour encourager les passagers de montrer davantage de politesse envers les agents de nettoyage du métro de Copenhague. Lotte Printz en donne des précisions.

to inspire more to do so.

This is a campaign launched on distressing grounds, though. Not only do one fifth of 3F members feel lonely at work, 14 per cent of them have been subjected to threats and harassment according to a survey carried out by 3F in 2022, as opposed to an average of two per cent in the country as a whole. And just over a year ago, such an incident occurred in the Copenhagen Metro – and went viral. A woman filmed how a male cleaning operative was being verbally insulted by an aggressive man while quietly cleaning at a station. The aggressor also kicked his bucket and generally acted threateningly towards the cleaner.

A Danish Instagrammer with 1.2 million followers shared the video and condemnation of this dreadful behaviour poured out on social media, as well as public sympathy towards the cleaner.

“No one in this country should be harassed for just doing their jobs,” Danish Games of Thrones and Aquaman actor Pilou Asbæk wrote after having been assured that the video wasn’t staged.

Lasse Andersen, the general manager of the company the cleaner worked for, was appalled that any human being could behave like this, but also stressed that, fortunately, this wasn’t an everyday occurrence.

Even so, a year on, the incident has triggered this campaign and given increased attention to how cleaning operatives are being treated and looked upon.

One can only hope that aggressive behaviour or even violence towards cleaning operatives will cease. However, judging from my experience on the Metro, visibility doesn’t seem to travel fast!

In Dänemark wurde eine Kampagne gestartet, um die Passagiere zu ermutigen, dem Reinigungspersonal in der Kopenhagener U-Bahn Respekt zu zeigen. Lotte Printz berichtet.

In Danimarca è stata lanciata una campagna per incoraggiare i passeggeri a mostrare rispetto per il personale addetto alle pulizie nella metropolitana di Copenaghen. Lo riferisce Lotte Printz.

Latest: France

Why not clean during the day?

Christian Bouzols from France on recent discussions at government level about daytime cleaning.

The idea of daytime and/or continuous working is brought up every now and then in the news. Recently, it was none other than the French prime minister, Gabriel Attal, who raised the matter of work organisation in the cleaning sector.

During his general policy statement he said: “I want the state to lead by example and so from now on, cleaning workers who so desire should be able to work during the same hours as everybody else, that is, during normal office hours.” The French cleaning federation (FEP), which has been campaigning in favour such working practices for the past 15 years with little success, went to the prime minister’s office after he had made his declaration for some progress in this regard.

The studies carried out and the feedback obtained to this day all show there’s a great interest in daytime and/or continuous working for cleaners among both the suppliers and clients of cleaning services. That’s because this type of work brings several advantages. There is better recognition of the workers; it’s easier for them to adjust their working and home life; they spend less time working in isolation; their results become more visible.

But despite all this, off-business hours working remains an obligation for most cleaners, who must work either early in the morning or late in the evening. This reality is also marked by many fixed ideas. For example, there is a fear among cleaning suppliers of causing a nuisance, of vacuum cleaners disturbing office workers with their noise. There is a fear office workers won’t welcome cleaners operating during the daytime or that they will even reject them. These feelings explain why the

Le premier ministre français a récemment fait état de l’intérêt à pratiquer le travail de jour parmi les agents de nettoyage. Christian Bouzols fait le point.

matter isn’t taken up seriously in many practical situations.

It should also be noted that the French (70 per cent) are largely in favour of allowing cleaners to work during daytime, according to a survey carried out in 2023 for the Monde de la Propreté network. However, both public and private buyers remain only mildly committed to an issue that is most important in terms of corporate social responsibility. Last year, only five per cent of public procurement tenders in the cleaning sector had any reference to daytime or continuous working. Aware of this situation, the prime minister would like the state to set an example and make a first step towards daytime working for cleaners by trying it in some ministries before the summer, and to expand it in September.

At a recent press conference, FEP reminded journalists it was not possible to enforce organisational changes. Experience has shown such an approach is counterproductive. In any case, changes aren’t possible in all cases. For this reason, it’s essential to carry out feasibility studies before deploying daytime or continuous working systems. This should also be undertaken with the agreement of all the parties. FEP and the Monde de la Propreté network have devised a standard agreement for new cleaning contracts.

In its new Blue Book, FEP is considering going even further, suggesting public procurement contracts for cleaning services should make it standard practice to carry out feasibility studies regarding the deployment of daytime or continuous working practices. The stakes are high because the possibility to work during normal hours would make the cleaning sector more attractive to many people.

Der französische Premierminister hat sich kürzlich mit dem Thema Tagesreinigung befasst, berichtet Christian Bouzols.

Are our leaders suffering burnout?

From the UK, Lynn Webster urges the sector not to lose sight of the value of its leadership teams.

The UK is embarking on a major charge in its leadership. As this edition is published, we will likely know the resulting outcome of the forthcoming General Election and whilst remaining apolitical here it is apparent that we will be facing major change with the first actually elected prime minister in a number of years. This election will field many new candidates as in excess of 100 current MPs will not be standing for re-election. Some cite the advantage of gaining ‘fresh blood’ and ‘opportunity for change’ but at the same time reflect on the loss of a number of years of strong leadership. There is perhaps a greater concern that our leaders are burning out at an alarming rate - not only are they retiring but this is highlighted by the comparatively young age of those departing. Not to say they are ‘quitting’ which implies failure to achieve, but making life choices that identify those seriously considering their work life balance and leaving for ‘better things’. Refocusing on their ambitions where seniority is no longer their main desire or measure of success. Examples on a wider scale include the recent departure of Leo Varadkar as Irish PM at age 45; Jacinda Ardern as New Zealand’s PM at 43 years old and maybe Nicola Sturgeon, first minister of Scotland at 53 years of age. This then allows a similar reflection on our own industry. Is this being replicated in the FM and cleaning world? Over the last few decades, we have built sound leadership and organisational resilience (illustrated by the nominees for Leader of the Year in the forth-

coming European Cleaning & Hygiene Awards) but with many colleagues reviewing their roles and departing from key industry positions, are we heading for our own version of the brain drain?

It is wonderful to see some of the rising stars becoming our leaders of tomorrow but is this at the expense of strategic experience, skills and knowledge with so many elements of good leadership requiring enormous amount of energy too.

Much of the cleaning industry focus has recently been about attracting the next generation of talent to our industry - to gain greater interest and engagement from the Gen Z and even Generation Alpha - but let’s not lose sight of the value of our leadership teams as well.

The more senior a person becomes the less everything becomes about them - the focus is then the concerns and needs of other people. More energy, both physically and most importantly mentally, is demanded which means their energy is about those around them. And the less energy they have available for themselves.

So many elements of good leadership require enormous expenditure of effort and energy. There is significant importance therefore for leaders to manage their own energy with self-care and wellbeing whether that be a greater awareness of sleep, exercise and mindfulness or focus on the wider concepts of ‘what really matters’, setting clearly defined work life boundaries and not playing the martyr with self-sacrifice.

We need our leaders to be energised; keeping their flame burning and not burning out. Look after yourselves!

Il primo ministro francese si è recentemente occupato della questione della pulizia diurna, riferisce Christian Bouzols.

Se peut-il que des leaders du secteur de la propreté soient victimes du burnout et forcés à des départs prématurés? Notre correspondant au Royaume-Uni, Lynn Webster, se pose la question.

Sehen wir, wie die Führungskräfte in der Reinigungsbranche „Burn-outs“ erleiden und den Sektor vorzeitig verlassen? Lynn Webster im Vereinigten Königreich stellt diese Frage.

Stiamo testimoniando il “burnout” e l’abbandono prematuro del settore da parte dei leader dell’industria delle pulizie? Se lo chiede Lynn Webster nel Regno Unito.

The new food hygiene rules

Anna Garbagna on how new Italian food hygiene laws directly impact on the cleaning sector.

Regulated by both national and European provisions, MOCAs (the Italian acronym for Materials and Objects in Contact with Food) are based on Regulation (EC) No. 1935/2004. Where no specific EU laws exist, member states can establish national measures. Since this involves consumers’ health, it is of particular interest and attention, especially because today it also affects fundamental accessories for carrying out cleaning and hygiene actions. The relevant regulation is constantly evolving and directly involves not only the producers of the materials themselves, but also the distributors, responsible for verifying and complying with the legislation, so as not to cause a danger for the end users.

Luca Campisi executive director of Flashpoint, spoke about it extensively during the webinar organised by AFIDAMP when the directives given by the EC regulation were addressed and explored in depth. In particular, all those materials that are used and consequently come into contact with food substances were discussed. The aim is to protect the consumers’ health, which could be at risk if the material in contact were to change its nature, for example due to deterioration.

Labelling of the products themselves is absolutely fundamental. A task that falls mainly to the producers and, in the event of major changes being made during construction, also to the distributors. A label provides consumers with all the information that can protect them from any health and hygiene problem. These objects come into contact with food products (packaging, paper,

Rapportant d’Italie, Anna Garbagna nous informe d’une réglementation récemment introduite pour les produits couverts par la directive MOCA et les objets en contact avec les aliments.

cardboard, ink and stickers) which must always comply with the regulatory provision in EC Regulation n. 2023/2006.

Luca Campisi then went into detail about all the obligations that distributors in the professional cleaning sector must comply with so that they abide by the current European legislation and its 2023 updates. This will ensure they do not incur any severe sanctions following a NAS (Italian office for the prevention of the adulteration of beverages and foodstuffs) inspection.

All phases covered It is therefore extremely important to follow good manufacturing practices (GMP) of materials and objects intended to come into contact with products used by consumers. The regulation, as mentioned, applies to all phases of production, processing and distribution, involves the entire supply chain and requires a guarantee of compliance with quality standards in all phases, up to the control phase.

This law must regulate the activity of all manufacturers and suppliers of equipment, machines, products and services for professional cleaning belonging to the association, and not just to guarantee professionalism and the correct application of the laws. Hence the importance of the creation of the MOCA Standard manual, the drafting of which has been entrusted to the association itself and which must of course be adapted to the needs of individual members. The association will collaborate and offer support to all companies requiring help with it.

Anna Garbagna aus Italien informiert über die neuesten Hygienevorschriften für Materialien und Objekte, die mit Lebensmitteln in Berührung kommen.

Staff shortages bring less growth

In Germany, the mood in the latest BIV spring survey was not so positive - reports Katja Scholz.

The Federal Association of Contract Cleaners (BIV) has been carrying out a business survey in spring each year since 2019, in which BIV member companies provide a picture of the mood in the sector and express their views on market forecasts, sales expectations and current issues.

The outcome first of all: a significantly dampened mood! This follows on directly from the results of the 2023 autumn survey. Only just under a quarter of the companies surveyed view the year ahead as a whole with positive business expectations, barely half expect to achieve similar results – and 28 per cent of companies are expecting negative trends in the current year’s business. The key issue: staff shortages.

A majority of the companies complain about acute staff shortages: one in every two companies is facing an employee shortage of up to 10 per cent and one in 10 puts their staff shortage at up to 30 per cent. The consequences of this are self-evident: shortage of staff means fewer contracts – since the company is unable to accept any more work – which results in lack of growth and reduced turnover. Almost half of companies stated they “frequently” or “very frequently” had to turn down new customer contracts, as they simply lacked the staff to handle them.

The citizen’s income reform in Germany is still giving rise to controversial debate and unfounded allegations. The BIV actually met this controversy in the last autumn survey when companies were asked whether they feared a ‘migration’ of employees to receipt of citizen’s income. The outcome: on a scale of 1 to 10 (where 1 = no

concern and 10 = great concern), the score of 8.8 showed clearly that employers were extremely concerned that citizen’s income was increasingly competing with waged employment.

In the current spring survey, the question to member companies was worded more positively - in other words, they were asked whether they could attract people away from citizen’s income to work for their companies. This is in line with the declared aim of the Federal Government’s idea of citizen’s income, which is to educate and train people to enter the employment market and enable them to gain a formal vocational qualification on the way.

Since the introduction of citizen’s income in January 2023, however, 85.7 per cent of the companies questioned have not succeeded in attracting people away from receipt of citizen’s income into work, further education, training or an apprenticeship. Only 4.9 per cent declared they had been able to do that. So the more positive formulation of the question has unfortunately not produced the desired result at the moment.

BIV member companies have a very open and positive approach to the employment of all people. Federal guild master Thomas Dietrich sums it up: “We are the sector of opportunity – for all! Our statistics confirm that cosmopolitanism, diversity and tolerance are the guiding principles of our companies.” And the results of the spring survey bear this out: 78.4 per cent of respondents consider it “quite important” or “very important” when recruiting staff to employ people from all over the world, including those from a migrant or refugee background.

Dall’Italia, Anna Garbagna porta notizie sulle ultime normative igieniche per MOCAMateriali e oggetti a contatto con gli alimenti.

L’association allemande de la propreté, BIV, a organisé une enquête de printemps parmi ses membres. Katja Scholz fait rapport sur les conclusions qui en ont été dégagées. Der deutsche Vertragsreinigungs verband BIV führte eine FrühlingsKonjunkturumfrage unter den Mitgliedern durch. Katja Scholz berichtet über die Ergebnisse.

L’associazione tedesca delle pulizie a contratto BIV ha condotto un sondaggio primaverile tra i membri. Katja Scholz riferisce sui risultati.

Making hygiene better every day

Making hygiene better every day – that is what Hagleitner does with enthusiasm, that is the driver behind the invention of XIBU 2WIPE hybrid. It is the world's first automatic dispenser for wet disinfectant wipes – in essence it is a surface-sanitizing wipe dispenser. It has been developed to serve the needs of Public Health and healthcare, to cater to the sanitation requirements of professional kitchens, and address all other hygiene-sensitive areas such as fitness and sanitary spaces, office buildings, childcare facilities, to name just a few.

Always moist, always effective

Hagleitner wants to set new standards in hygiene with this innovation. The non-contact, sensor-controlled opening provides wipe after wipe entirely touch-free. It allows for one-handed operation ensuring hygienic, safe, and easy wipe removal. The dispenser reliably protects them against drying out and contamination. Two contained flowpacks automatically switch from empty to full.

The product has received the Amsterdam Innovation Award in the category of 'Health and Hygiene.' The jury explains: “The traditional method of dispensing disinfectant wipes – from plastic flowpacks – is not ideal because the wipes start to dry out as soon as the pack is opened, resulting in much waste. Hagleitner has tackled this by developing a smart, sensor-driven mobile dispenser featuring a patented sealing system. Each wipe remains moist, and it never needs to be empty.”

Real-time data provide information on consumption

An app allows users to regulate the duration of the lid opening for better consumption control. The dispenser is capable of relaying crucial information, including its fill level and charge status through online transmission. This allows for efficient resource planning. The device offers a versatile power supply, with the option of utilizing mains power, a rechargeable battery, or a recyclable energy unit. The rechargeable battery and recyclable energy unit can power up to 20,000 operations each, providing ample and sustainable energy sources.

Made in Austria

The products are made in Austria in Zell am See. This is where Hagleitner has its headquarters; this is where research, development and production take place. In addition, there are sales offices in twelve European countries, so Hagleitner is active in 27 locations.

The family

To be a leader in innovation, one must be passionate about their cause and build on tradition. Hagleitner Hygiene has been around since 1971, the company remains firmly in family hands. Hans Georg Hagleitner took over his father Johann's business in 1988 and has been leading the company since then. Hans Georg's daughters, Katharina and Stefanie, are actively involved in management: Katharina directs the sales agendas, while Stefanie leads marketing and product management.

www.hagleitner.com

Shaping transformation

The cleaning industry has, in recent years, experienced a wide range of technological changes. The development of digital tools, some of which are directly based on applications powered by artificial intelligence (AI), have had a major impact on the entire profession and are leading to a fundamental rethink in industry circles. But what does this mean? Dr Henning Hayn at robotics technology specialist Nexaro shares his thoughts in this exclusive piece for ECJ.

to progress in both areas. The basis for reducing the environmental impact can, for instance, be the simple realisation that not every surface needs to be cleaned regularly - especially those that have not been used and dirtied. The possibility of such effective “cleaning on demand”, or in other words cleaning based on collected data and concrete need, ensures lower energy consumption, and saves valuable resources. Autonomous and AIbased solutions also make an important contribution in social terms, as they not only relieve cleaning personnel of physically strenuous tasks, but overall require fewer people to carry out cleaning work at unusual hours – for instance, very early in the mornings or late at night. Personnel who share the work with an intelligent machine can therefore observe a normal day and night rhythm of life - as can their social environment.

so-called “cobots” are especially valuable in this regard. These are “collaborative robots” that are specifically designed to provide direct support for cleaning staff. Digitalisation also makes it easier to manage and maintain the equipment used, which leads to greater operational efficiency.

A particularly exciting development is the cross-sector use of technology-driven cleaning solutions. The benefits of this trend are making themselves felt in all branches. In addition to the cleaning performance of these systems, effectively available 24/7, these features themselves add significant value that results in overall improved cleaning performance across the board.

Added value for the cleaning industry

THE INTEGRATION OF AUTOMATION, robotics, and artificial intelligence are each pieces of the puzzle that have the potential to solve the industry’s major challenges. A crucial factor behind the increasing use of intelligent technologies is the dramatic increase in personnel shortages. Professional cleaners are hard to find, which increases the need for automated solutions. Technological progress is revealing completely new opportunities that will take the industry to a whole new level in terms of efficiency and quality. There is another reason why we should rely on digital cleaning solutions in the future: sustainability. Since the introduction of the EU Taxonomy Regulation as part of the European Green Deal, the cleaning industry has also developed its dynamic in implementing environmental, social, and governance (ESG) standards. What was a “nice to have” trend a few years ago has now developed into a “must have”. Given the global climate targets, the “E” in ESG is of particular importance. However, social aspects in the “S” category are now also receiving increasing attention. Digital cleaning solutions can contribute

Why is technology a trend?

The rise of robotics in the cleaning industry is not a random development, but the result of specific market dynamics and technological advances. The most important driver for the use of robotic technologies is the increasing demand for efficiency and cost savings.

The introduction of technologies such as robot cleaners, AI and IoT (Internet of Things) enables cleaning companies to optimise their operations through autonomous robot vacuum cleaners that precisely analyse their environment and perform their tasks with a high degree of reliability. These robots can use intelligent learning and control to optimise their routes, avoid obstacles, and treat different surfaces with the appropriate cleaning techniques. With the availability of fast mobile communications, which include 5G systems, data can be collected and analysed in real-time, enabling precise control and adaptation of cleaning processes.

In addition, robotics can help automate the cleaning process by assuming routine tasks, allowing workers to focus on more complex and demanding activities. The

Increasing efficiency and reducing costs: By using automated cleaning systems, companies can reduce operating costs and increase the efficiency of their cleaning processes. These systems work continuously and without fatigue, which increases productivity and keeps cleaning quality consistently high.

Overcoming staff shortages: The cleaning industry has been experiencing a shortage of qualified staff for years. Automated solutions can fill this gap by taking over tasks. This enables companies to plan and use their resources more efficiently. Another positive factor is that the pressure on human staff is significantly reduced.

Improving cleaning quality: Advanced cleaning systems can clean reliably at any time of day or night. This results in consistently high cleaning quality and makes it possible to meet even unusual customer requirements, such as particularly high air quality and hygiene standards.

Data-based decisions: One of the greatest added values is the capacity to collect and evaluate cleaning data. Digital systems with sensor technology enable continuous data collection and AI-driven optimisation of cleaning processes. As a result of the most recent developments

in AI technologies, cleaning concepts can now be established dynamically and optimised based on figures, data, and facts. Companies and cleaning service providers can thus make well-founded decisions and continuously improve their cleaning processes and resource planning.

Prediction and preventive maintenance: In addition to optimal resource planning, AI technologies also make it possible, within certain limits, to predict cleaning requirements based on weather, building, or personnel planning data. Devices can be serviced preventively by analysing data and projecting its insights into the future. Why is a digital infrastructure important in the cleaning industry?

Customers are demanding cleaning solutions that result in faster, more efficient, and overall better processes while manufacturers are having to respond and meet these requirements of the industry. In this context, technology is the crucial differentiating factor that will contribute to the development of necessary solutions and at the same time reduce the commercial pressure on both sides. The Internet of Things has revolutionised the way devices communicate and interact.

In the field of robotics modern cleaning solutions in commercial cleaning are equipped with mobile connectivity, which enables users to control them remotely from anywhere without the need for complex integration into digital local infrastructure (WLAN), which is often prohibited for reasons of IT security. This connectivity also enables integration with smart building systems, allowing users to schedule cleaning times, monitor quality in real time and receive notifications.

A well-functioning digital infrastructure offers several benefits:

• Overcoming personnel shortages: The acute shortage of qualified personnel is one of the biggest challenges facing the industry. Digital solutions offer an opportunity to compensate for this shortage to a significant extent, with the largest potential being realised through the automation of routine tasks, which in turn relieves the

Les nouvelles technologies et la numérisation font plus que répondre aux défis actuels du secteur de la propreté car elles offrent aussi d’énormes perspectives pour profondément modifier l’avenir de la propreté professionnelle. Henning Hayn, qui travaille chez le spécialiste de la robotique Nexaro, explique la valeur ajoutée qu’elles apportent, en allant des gains de rendement et de la baisse des coûts aux solutions réalisables en vue de faire face aux pénuries de main-d’œuvre et de parvenir à des améliorations générales de la qualité du nettoyage.

workload of human staff.

• Commercial pressure: With a labour cost share of around 85 per cent according to the German Federal Association of Building Cleaners, the cleaning industry is faced with the highest share of such costs in the entire services sector. The continuously rising costs of labour and materials are, in addition, pushing companies to make their operations as efficient as possible and maximise margins. AI can help with this by precisely analysing and optimising operational processes and the use of resources.

• Changing customer expectations: In addition to cost-efficient solutions, customers today expect one thing above all else, and that is consistently high cleaning quality paired with speedy service. Digital cleaning solutions can meet these expectations because they are precise, efficient, and transparent, the latter feature owing to data-based reporting.

Where are we now?

The implementation of new technologies and digital solutions in the cleaning industry continues to gather pace. As a result, many companies currently face technical and organisational challenges that make comprehensive implementation difficult. The most common obstacles include the need to adapt processes and general concerns regarding the use of technical devices. These concerns can be alleviated through targeted training programmes and the close involvement of personnel in the implementation process.

At the same time, efforts are being made to make the tools as user-friendly as possible so that technical expertise is not an essential requirement for operating the devices. Modern systems are therefore increasingly being designed to be more intuitive, to ensure ease of use and thus create a basic level of acceptance - among staff and the companies themselves.

Despite all these challenges, the will to change is being felt. Many companies recognise the benefits of digitalisation and are willing to invest in the necessary technologies and adapt their processes. This growing acceptance is reflected in the increasing number of pilot projects, innovation awards, and best practices entering the market.

New technologies and digitalisation are not only an answer to the current challenges facing the cleaning industry but also offer an enormous opportunity to fundamentally change the future of professional cleaning. The many added values, from increased efficiency and cost reduction to a comprehensive solution for dealing with personnel shortages and improving overall cleaning quality, are the key issues that will transform the industry in the long term. As a manufacturer of a high-tech system solution, we are looking forward to shaping this transformation. We are convinced that cutting-edge technology and digitalisation will play a key role in the future of the cleaning industry and are ready to continue paving the way for this development.

nexaro.com

Neue Technologien und Digitalisierung sind nicht nur eine Antwort auf die aktuellen Herausforderungen, mit denen sich die Reinigungsbranche konfrontiert sieht, sondern sie stellen auch eine enorme Chance dar, die Zukunft der professionellen Reinigungsbranche grundlegend zu verändern. Henning Hayn vom Robotik-Spezialisten Nexaro informiert uns über die Mehrwerte, von gesteigerter Effizienz und Kostensenkung bis hin zu einer umfassenden Lösung für den Umgang mit Personalmangel und die Verbesserung der Reinigungsqualität insgesamt.

Le nuove tecnologie e la digitalizzazione non sono solo una risposta alle sfide attuali del settore della pulizia, ma offrono anche un’enorme opportunità per cambiare radicalmente il futuro della pulizia professionale. Henning Hayn, dell’azienda specializzata in robotica Nexaro, ci parla dei valori aggiunti, da una maggiore efficienza e riduzione dei costi a una soluzione completa per far fronte alla carenza di personale e migliorare la qualità complessiva della pulizia.

• Marvin, le robot de nettoyage de Wetrok, offre à l’agent de nettoyage le choix entre fonctionnement autonome et commande manuelle.

• Nexaro met en avant la qualité de nettoyage et la protection d’ambiance réalisées par son aspirateur robotique, le NR 1500, et le logiciel Nexaro HUB dont il dépend.

• L’autolaveuse robotique CB-1 de Fimap permet à l’opérateur de configurer, enregistrer et modifier les parcours de nettoyage indépendamment, sans devoir en établir la carte.

• Comportant des batteries remplaçables, la KIRA CV 50 de Kärcher est une autolaveuse autonome pour les petites et moyennes superficies.

• SoftBank Robotics propose le robot autonome d’aspiration et balayage Whiz à commande IA.

• Marvin ist der Reinigungsroboter von Wetrok, der Reinigungskräften die Wahl zwischen autonomem Betrieb und manueller Steuerung bietet.

• Laut Nexaro sorgen der Staubsaugroboter NR 1500 und die zugehörige Nexaro HUBSoftware für eine gründliche Reinigung und die nachhaltige Verbesserung der Luftqualität.

• Die robotische Scheuersaugmaschine CB-1 von Fimap gibt dem Bediener die Möglichkeit, Reinigungswege unabhängig und ohne Kartierung einzurichten, aufzuzeichnen und zu ändern.

• Der KIRA CV 50 von Kärcher ein autonomer Staubsauger mit Wechselakkus für kleine und mittlere Bereiche.

• Im Sortiment von SoftBank Robotics befindet sich die autonome Kehrsaugmaschine Whiz AI.

• Marvin è il robot di pulizia di Wetrok che offre agli addetti alle pulizie la scelta tra funzionamento autonomo e controllo manuale.

• Nexaro afferma che il suo robot aspirapolvere NR 1500 e il relativo software Nexaro HUB garantiscono una pulizia approfondita e migliorano in modo sostenibile la qualità dell’aria.

• La lavasciuga robotizzata CB-1 di Fimap offre all’operatore la possibilità di impostare, registrare e modificare i percorsi di pulizia in modo indipendente senza mappatura.

• Dotato di batterie sostituibili, il KIRA CV 50 di Kärcher è un aspirapolvere autonomo per aree di piccole e medie dimensioni.

• Da SoftBank Robotics arriva la spazzatrice autonoma Whiz alimentata da intelligenza artificiale.

Two in one

Marvin is Wetrok’s robotic floor cleaning machine, which offers operatives the choice between autonomous operation and manual control.

Operation is simple thanks to the teach & repeat function - the user guides the robot over the surface to be cleaned, Marvin memorises the movement and repeats it independently on different floor coverings and surfaces. The compact design and driving dynamics make it possible to reach tight spaces and corner areas says Wetrok. www.wetrok.com

Robotic hub

Nexaro says its NR 1500 autonomous robot vacuum cleaner and the accompanying Nexaro HUB software together ensure thorough cleaning of the environment while also sustainably improving air quality.

Thanks to the HEPA H13 air filter of the Nexaro NR 1500, a recent study by the Swedish company Competenspartner shows, particulate matter in the air is reduced by at least 16.9 per cent after at least one month.

Recently launched is the Nexaro Hospitality Solutionwhich is also useful for care

and nursing facilities says the company. The Nexaro Trolley allows for the easy transport of up to four Nexaro NR 1500 vacuum robots, which can be flexibly used without a charging station thanks to the Drop & Go function. The trolley is equipped with an integrated charging function and practical accessory storage.

nexaro.com

Collaborative

Fimap describes its CB-1 autonomous scrubbing machine as a collaborative robot because it frees up personnel time for more skilled tasks.

What makes it so collaborative, the company says, are its simple start-up and set-up procedures. The CB-1 gives the operator the power to set up, record and change cleaning paths autonomously, without mapping.

The operator saves the cleaning settings to be repeated by the scrubber in a mission code. First, the code that will store the settings the operator is about to use, must be scanned. Then there are two ways to record the paths. If CB-1 is to carry out exactly a certain route, Learn&Play is the best mode. With the Perimeter mode, on the other hand, just the boundary within which cleaning must be performed is recorded. The robot independently calculates the most efficient route.

Circular design enhances the ability to scrub and dry in every direction and avoid obstacles. Sensor Data Fusion technology ensures accurate space detection for safe navigation. www.fimap.com

Vacuum addition

With the recent addition of a robotic vacuum cleaner, Kärcher has expanded its portfolio of autonomous cleaning machines. Featuring replaceable batteries, the KIRA CV 50 cleans small to medium-sized carpeted and

hard floor areas.

The focus when developing this model has been on a high level of autonomous area performance and intuitive operation. Using its safety-certified sensors and extensive LiDAR range, the KIRA CV 50 is capable of cleaning expansive areas independently. And if required it can autonomously generate maps and plan paths.

There are two cleaning modes to choose from, depending on the cleaning job and the site of application. For enclosed and less complex spaces, the basic mode requires no set-up. For more complex spaces requiring regular cleaning, the robot can perform a one-off test run to explore the area. The map it creates on this run can subsequently be edited using the corresponding cloud-based app from Kärcher.

There is the option to receive app notifications about the status, battery run time and errors. And when it’s finished, KIRA CV 50 is easy to move thanks to its pull-out trolley handle.

www.karcher.com

Teach and repeat

Whiz is an AI-powered, autonomous vacuum sweeper developed by SoftBank Robotics and powered by intelligent, selfdriving technology BrainOS. This machine can navigate complex environments safely and consistently, while it learns each route continuously using teach & repeat technology.

Thanks to SoftBank Robotics Connect, users can capture Whiz’s coverage and run time. Through this data collection dashboard all stakeholders have access to all information.

Whiz is easy to set up, maintain and manage says SoftBank. Operatives simply need to run the machine through a route in the first instance and check when its battery, bag, brush or filter need replacing.

www.softbankrobotics.com

Upgrade

The RA660 Navi XL, Cleanfix’s largest scrubber dryer robot, has had an upgrade and the RA660 Navi XL Server can communicate with external devices such as gates, lifts and other mobile robots via the BlueBotics ANT Server.

Equipped with a patented navigation system, three cleaning brushes (or pads), and a robust suction nozzle, the RA660 Navi XL is designed for large floor

areas. Control is through an app or directly on the device, while a docking station is optional.

Smart communication capability makes for enhanced operational versatility and efficiency. Over 100 automated guided vehicles (AGVs) rely on BlueBotics ANT technology, ensuring integration into workflows and optimising cleaning processes. www.cleanfix-robotics.com

• L’autolaveuse robotique RA660 Navi XL de la société Cleanfix est capable de communiquer avec des portes, des ascenseurs et d’autres robots de nettoyage.

• La Nilfisk SC25 est une autolaveuse conçue pour des espaces plutôt exigus et autres applications commerciales.

• L’autolaveuse autonome Scrubmaster B75 I de Hako se guide à l’aide de capteurs LiDAR et de caméras 3D.

• Die robotische Scheuersaugmaschine RA660 Navi XL von Cleanfix kann mit Toren, Aufzügen und anderen mobilen Robotern kommunizieren.

• Bei der SC25 von Nilfisk handelt es sich um eine autonome Scheuersaugmaschine für kleinere Bereiche und andere kommerzielle Anwendungen.

• Die autonome Scheuersaugmaschine Scrubmaster B75 I von Hako navigiert mithilfe von LiDAR-Sensoren und 3D-Kameratechnologie.

• La lavasciuga robotizzata RA660 Navi XL di Cleanfix può comunicare con cancelli, ascensori e altri robot mobili.

• SC25 di Nilfisk è una lavasciuga pavimenti autonoma progettata per spazi più piccoli e altre applicazioni commerciali.

• La lavasciuga pavimenti autonoma Scrubmaster B75 I di Hako naviga utilizzando i sensori LiDAR e la tecnologia della telecamera 3D.

Frees up time

The SC25 robotic scrubber dryer from Nilfisk is the result of a collaboration with robotic technology specialist LionsBot.

Designed for cleaning in smaller commercial spaces, it automatically returns to its docking station to recharge, empty dirty water and refill with clean water - eliminating the need for manual intervention.

The SC25 is equipped with light sweeping technology for

picking up small debris. Other features include efficient water consumption and manual spotcleaning mode. www.nilfisk.com

Taught routes

The Scrubmaster B75 i autonomous scrubber dryer cleans taught routes precisely and independently says Hako. To ensure it can navigate safely, LiDAR sensors are used to localise and protect people, as well

as intelligent 3D camera technology for obstacle detection.

The company relied on digitalisation expert Bosch when developing the navigation and safety technology - the machine can be intuitively operated and programmed via a touchscreen.

The optional docking station, which the Scrubmaster B75 i can activate independently after its cleaning run, enables battery charging, dirty water draining and fresh water filling.

www.hako.com

Robots in real life

Autonomous cleaning robots are becoming a viable solution for certain applications and requirements, especially where speed is a priority or there is a need for a quiet and inobtrusive cleaning function. The technology may still be in its infancy, but with increasing experience there is growing understanding with regards to where value can be added and how it can support physical cleaning teams. Steven Foster, CEO at OMNI Group, tells us how this company is integrating latest technologies.

WE HAVE SPENT THE PAST 18 months –investing considerable time and resources – challenging the perception that this smart technology does not yet have a compelling business case for commercial cleaning applications. This is enabling us to embrace the latest advances in robotics within our fully managed outsourced hotel cleaning operation, identifying viable applications in hotel rooms, corridors and open spaces such as receptions, dining, bar and event areas.

Our success has been underpinned by extensive equipment testing and live trials to establish viable applications, calculate return on investment and identify where robotics can support its physical teams. Like many service providers in the cleaning sector there was some initial scepticism, but the results have genuinely impressed us. By demonstrating proof of concept, across multiple machines, it is allowing us to truly commit to the technology and transform our cleaning operation, working closely with our customers and teams to deliver measurable value.

The technology surprised us in a couple of ways after the trial phase. Firstly, team members were very quick to tell us the ro-

bots made their jobs easier, which is such a bonus when employee buy-in is crucial for any successful roll-out. And secondly, the quality and consistency of cleaning was remarkable and better than anything we were expecting. So much so that we wrongly assumed the team had completed a carpet shampoo when inspecting the results after the three-month trial.

One of the biggest contributors to dust in a bedroom or corridor comes from occupied dust that sits under the fibres, which then kicks up when the carpet is walked on. Even when manually vacuumed this dust usually remains and then is often found collecting on skirting boards and picture frames. This was not the case when using robots and almost all occupied dust was removed, while a HEPA filter cleaned the air.

The team liked it, and the quality was certainly there, so then it became about cost – how does a customer afford the machine? What is the return on investment? We evaluated how long a team member would take, while also considering that the robots clean a much greater proportion of the available floor space compared to a manual vacuuming.

At a bigger hotel you may need a dedicated member of staff just to clean the corridors, so we quickly identified a viable function. For one 1,100-room hotel, we were able to alleviate a serious recruitment challenge by using robots to handle autonomous vacuuming in all corridors and reduce the burden on our team there. For smaller sites, we found that room attendants would typically only spend 20 seconds vacuuming outside a room and mainly focusing on the things they can see, so there was huge potential for quality improvements.

These robots have proven to be highly effective in larger, open spaces, saving over two hours of physical cleaning time per 500 square metres, even operating safely and discreetly while these public areas are still in use. They deliver a consistent level of performance, with HEPA filters

to improve air quality, while providing a deeper level of cleaning than is achievable with most vacuum cleaners to better protect the carpets. Working alongside a physical team, the machines clean almost 100 per cent of the available space.

As part of the set-up process the space is mapped out, so the robot can get to work and autonomously and independently complete the desired cleaning task. This is particularly useful after events that run until late because the machines can be set-up to operate overnight, rather than a physical team needing to stay behind to work during the early hours of the morning. Should any issues occur the robot can automatically alert the night team.

We have since evaluated a significant number of robots and introduced three so far to our operation. This includes an in-room solution that can also be used in smaller event spaces, bar areas and corridors. What you initially notice is the cleaning quality, but alongside this we are seeing productivity savings improving all the time. We work closely with our manufacturing partners, and regular software updates are helping the machines to cover more space, move quicker and eliminate re-vacuuming areas.

The in-room robot works alongside the room attendant to increase how many bedrooms are cleaned. We are already achieving an average of 8-10 minutes to vacuum a single bedroom, with a productivity improvement of up to 12.5 per cent per shift. The machine maps out the room and then cleans the maximum available space – typically 80 per cent to 90 per cent of a room – returning to its starting point and shutting down ready for emptying and moving to the next space. In contrast, a human operative will only clean what they see.

Meanwhile, we have undertaken a trial at one site using a robot to clean and maintain a range of hard floors in a reception area, including marble, hard gloss porcelain and ceramic tiles. The results have been dramatic, achieving a 50 per cent

cut in costs, while reducing the frequency of diamond cutting to polish marble floors from three times a week to once every two weeks with zero quality change. This fully automated machine starts, ends, and empties itself, as well as refilling its water tank, providing a nightly deep clean without any human intervention.

Based simply on productivity savings achieved to date, we believe that return on investment can be achieved on all three machines within the first 12 months. However, for us it is more about addressing the recruitment gap rather than cutting jobs.

The robots also remove tedious and laborious duties from our staffs’ roles, while freeing up time for higher value tasks.

The robots deliver improved levels of performance when compared to manual vacuuming and cleaning. As a result, hotel residents benefit from improved air quality, reduced dust and higher health and hygiene standards. And the hotel can also prolong the life of carpets and flooring.

For the best results, robotics needs to be closely aligned and integrated with existing processes, complementing the physical team to get the job completed in the most efficient way possible. The machines can be a very useful tool to improve performance but they are still a tool, and as such, need to be managed and operated correctly. Training is certainly required to ensure cleaners, supervisors and managers are handling and maintaining the robots correctly.

We are very aware that team members can feel threatened, so we communicate the change to reassure everyone the technology is designed to work in conjunction with them. Of course there are challenges to overcome, especially in the case of bedroom cleaning, because we are asking them to adapt their routine to incorporate the machines. However, once we get a team on board the feedback is always positive. Anecdotally, we have even heard the robots are helping to reduce back pain and other physical impact on our employees’ bodies.

The sophistication of robots is only going to improve, evolving to take advantage of emerging AI, tracking and cloud-based technology. Enhanced connectivity will bring together both human and robotic resources into a single management system, while advanced sensors will deliver greater levels of control, functionality and monitoring. Furthermore, scanning technology will eventually have the ability to identify cleaning requirements and maintenance defects in real-time or on-demand to support usage-based cleaning and maximise resources.

Our success has taken a huge amount of effort, persistence and clever thinking but it is already achieving a range of benefits including enhanced cleaning quality; improved staff wellbeing and morale; and increased workforce productivity.

Les robots de nettoyage autonomes sont devenus une solution viable pour certaines situations et exigences, particulièrement lorsque que la rapidité est prioritaire ou lorsque le nettoyage doit se faire de manière silencieuse et quasi-inaperçue. Bien que cette technologie en soit encore au stade de l’enfance, l’expérience acquise à ce jour premet de mieux comprendre les situations où elle peut apporter de la valeur et venir en aide aux équipes de nettoyage. Steve Foster, directeur général de OMNI Groupe, explique comment son entreprise a intégré des solutions robotiques.

Autonome Reinigungsroboter entwickeln sich zu einer praktikablen Lösung für bestimmte Anwendungen und Anforderungen, insbesondere wenn Geschwindigkeit Priorität hat oder eine leise und unaufdringliche Reinigungsfunktion benötigt wird. Die Technologie mag noch in den Kinderschuhen stecken, aber mit zunehmender Erfahrung wächst das Verständnis dafür, wo Mehrwert geschaffen werden kann und wie sie physische Reinigungsteams unterstützen kann. Steve Foster, CEO der OMNI Group, erläutert, wie sein Unternehmen Roboterlösungen integriert hat.

I robot di pulizia autonomi stanno diventando una soluzione praticabile per determinate applicazioni ed esigenze, soprattutto dove la velocità è una priorità o è necessaria una funzione di pulizia silenziosa e discreta. La tecnologia potrebbe essere ancora agli inizi, ma con la crescente esperienza sta crescendo la comprensione in merito alle aree in cui è possibile aggiungere valore e al modo in cui può supportare i team di pulizia fisica. Steve Foster, CEO del Gruppo OMNI, spiega in che modo la sua azienda ha integrato le soluzioni robotiche.

POWER DRIVING PRODUCTIVITY

People - the driving force

IT’S IMPORTANT TO RECOGNISE

people are the driving force behind our sector’s success. Without our people, there are no services. It’s a simple truth, but one we should never forget - despite the continued focus on new products, technologies, and strategies. Now, more than ever, it’s crucial we understand what our workforce values most, beyond pay and benefits.

At SBFM, we’ve taken a focussed approach to recognition, introducing dedicated schemes to highlight the remarkable accomplishments of our staff which we know too often go unacknowledged in the wider world. We’ve also introduced systems that allow our clients to highlight employee dedication and achievement, encouraging recognition directly from the teams which our staff are delivering services for.

Through initiatives like these, we’re making recognition a key part of our culture, with environments where employees feel appreciated and motivated to excel. It’s all about cultivating a community that recognises, rewards and truly celebrates our employees.

Providing opportunities for growth and development is crucial in attracting and retaining talent within any sector. While soft FM is often overlooked, the development opportunities and career prospects our sector offers are vast.

By investing in our workforce through innovative development programmes, support networks, and training opportunities, we can nurture employee talent and cultivate a workforce that is motivated, engaged and committed to the long-term success of our industry.

At SBFM, we’re proud to have launched an initiative dedicated to the development and progression of our employees – Evolve. Evolve is designed to provide employees with unique, tailored development support through coaching, training, and guidance. We believe everyone has the potential to grow and excel. What’s important is the support and opportunities available to them. Through Evolve, we

give our employees the opportunities they need, encouraging ambition and empowering them to reach new heights.

Those heights don’t have to be within FM either. It’s no secret that attrition in facilities management is high and, as in most sectors, it’s seen as a negative. In delivering Evolve however, we’ve come to view things differently. We understand that some people don’t aspire to remain in FM forever. Rather than viewing that as a negative, we want to support and facilitate progression within our workforce, ensuring everyone who works in our sector is supported fully. Through Evolve, and by collaborating with our clients and partners, we support that progression –because it’s the right thing to do.

We don’t mind that people move on to different sectors if they choose to. What’s important to us is that those colleagues have had a positive experience, where they’ve been enabled and supported to achieve their future goals.

Evolve is a transformative initiative, delivering meaningful and extensive development opportunities to staff. As well as encouraging the continued commitment of colleagues within our sector, initiatives like this are a powerful way of attracting talent to our industry, providing a support network that employees can rely on to develop themselves and their career.

Career pathways

For most people, we know that facilities management is not a sector that immediately comes to mind when charting ambition and planning a career path. On the surface, cleaning roles may seem straightforward with little room for progression, but entirely the opposite is true. The world of FM is full of opportunity.

It’s essential to promote the diverse career pathways available while highlighting the success stories of individuals who have grown from entry-level positions to leadership roles. By promoting the limitless opportunities available and by providing clear development pathways to employees from day one, we can attract

Soft FM services form an essential part of hygiene, orderliness, and presentation for businesses, brands, organisations, and communities worldwide. The attraction and retention of talent is pivotal for sustained success. But in an industry that is often overlooked, how can we do that? Kelly Dolphin, people & culture director at services provider SBFM, tell us about the initiatives it has implemented in its business.

ambitious individuals looking to build fulfilling careers.

However, it’s also important to remember external recruitment isn’t always the answer. There is hidden talent within every sector, none more so than FM. Our industry is filled with talented and gifted individuals who are eager for the chance to prove themselves and progress. It’s up to us to give those people the chances they need to develop into our next generation of leaders.

By making meaningful investment in employee development and promoting FM for the opportunities it can offer, organisations can attract top talent while retaining high-performing employees who are eager to grow and contribute to our success.

Prospective employees are increasingly drawn to organisations that demonstrate a vibrant work culture and inclusive environments. It’s important for us all to acknowledge this and cultivate workplace environments that value people, encourage collaboration and instil a sense of purpose.

Nurturing a positive company culture is paramount to success. To do that, we must take the time to understand our workforce and make sure everyone is

Going with the flow (continued from page 41)

included, not only to support our current workforce, but to attract new talent.

Our industry is made up of a rich mosaic of races, ethnicities, cultures, backgrounds, and perspectives. That diversity is a blessing, and we must embrace it while making concentrated efforts to make sure everyone is included and valued to create a genuine sense of community.

At SBFM, we’ve harnessed technology to support in the creation of that community. Through innovation and investment, we’re breaking down barriers that have previously limited cohesion, including language barriers. Steps like this are crucial in creating a sense of belonging. We’re committed to keep building on our achievements to foster a supportive culture with a genuine sense of inclusion and community.

Transparency and integrity of communication is also vital. Employees want

La gestion des infrastructures « soft » (tendant à agrémenter l’environnement de travail) joue un grand rôle pour l’hygiène, pour l’ordre, et pour la présentation dans l’intérêt d’entreprises, marques, organisations et communautés à travers le monde. Cependant, dans une industrie que l’on ignore trop souvent, que faire pour attirer et retenir des talents? se demande Kelly Dolphin, responsable Collaborateurs et Culture chez SBFM.

to know they are truly listened to, and it’s important we make sure they are. This can be done through engagement and satisfaction surveys, appraisals and reviews.

More importantly, we must act upon those views, with tangible evidence and meaningful change generated. That’s what makes employees feel valued and forms a sense of trust. Creating a sense of community can transcends barriers and make everyone feel included.

Disadvantaged groups

Too many disadvantaged groups - exforces personnel, ex-offenders, the longterm unemployed, people with a disability - are often overlooked and under-represented. At SBFM, we’re passionate about supporting them. For example, ex-forces veterans bring a unique set of skills, disciplines, and leadership qualities that have

„Weiche“ Facility Management-Dienste sind ein wesentlicher Bestandteil der Hygiene, Ordnung und Präsentation für Unternehmen, Marken, Organisationen und Gemeinschaften weltweit. Doch wie können wir in einer Branche, die oft übersehen wird, Talente effektiv gewinnen und binden, fragt Kelly Dolphin, People & Culture Director bei SBFM.

been acquired during their service. A job in FM can provide a supportive environment that enables transition while offering opportunities for progression.

Similarly, ex-offenders often face resistance due to stigma and discrimination. By offering employment opportunities and providing support and resources, soft FM companies can empower them to overcome those barriers while providing opportunities for growth and development. We should always remember that people are the most important part of our services. It’s crucial the cleaning industry embraces an approach that places people at the forefront, emphasising recognition, engagement, opportunity, and culture. By doing this, we can fuel the attraction and retention of talent within FM and secure the continued success of our industry.

sb-fm.co.uk

I servizi Soft FM costituiscono una parte essenziale dell’igiene, dell’ordine e della presentazione per aziende, marchi, organizzazioni e comunità in tutto il mondo. Ma in un settore che viene spesso trascurato, come possiamo attrarre e trattenere efficacemente i talenti? Se lo chiede Kelly Dolphin, direttrice delle persone e della cultura di SBFM.

• Enhanced productivity, refocusing labour

• Assured health and safety

• Expected ROI within18 months

• Personalized consultative approach

• Holistic solutions for peace of mind

• Outstanding post-purchase service

DISCOVER MORE ON FIMAP SUSTAINABILITY

DInterclean Amsterdam 2024: Fimap made sustainability and innovation the key points of its attendance

uring the last edition of Interclean Amsterdam, the atmosphere at Fimap’s booth was vibrant with both enthusiasm for the new products and what turned out to be a celebration of sustainability and environmental issues

THE SUSTAINABLE IDENTITY OF MACHINES

Endorsing the market’s strong demand for environmentally friendly productions, Fimap showcased the results of the green attitude that has always distinguished its growth and now ranks the company at the forefront of solutions, technologies and, above all, concrete achievements. Companies are increasingly being called upon to demonstrate that they have undertaken a sustainable path, made up of both practices and products.

The value of a product today is measured by considering its durability, energy efficiency, responsible use of resources, recycled material and life cycle environmental impact. So, for this edition, Fimap displayed the machines with a sort of identity card which reported their ecological features. The percentage of water, detergent, and energy reduction that the technologies enable to achieve were pointed out, together with the amount of CO2 they can prevent.

The environmental report highlighted also the overall figure of CO2 saved over the machine entire life cycle, ISO 14067:2018 certified,

and the percentage of recycled material used for its production, ReMade in Italy certified. Machines were then presented putting the technical qualities on an equal footing with the ecological ones, demonstrating how, for Fimap, the two aspects can no longer run on two parallel paths, but are inseparable components of a single design style.

THE CLEVER CLEANING OF CB-1

As for the machines, in pole position, almost as if to welcome visitors to the stand, the CB-1 autonomous scrubber-dryer literally

worked non-stop for the four days of the event, displaying its abilities in a special area. CB-1 is an exclusive project in which Fimap has invested significantly, in order to come up with the most accurate and useful solution to the actual needs of the market. It is not just a product to complete the range, but an assistant that helps when and where it is needed, to reduce costs and increase cleaning productivity. CB-1 is a collaborative robot, thus not meant to replace the operator, but to support human activity by carrying out time-consuming and repetitive tasks that, however simple, take up valuable time from qualified personnel, who can then spend it on more appropriate tasks. Companies can optimize the cleaning schedule

CARBON FOOTPRINT SYSTEMATIC APPROACH ISO 14067:2018

and even add more services. The autonomous CB-1 scrubbing machine features a circular design that makes it nimble when moving and avoiding obstacles. The sophisticated sensor system guarantees the best detection of space, and therefore safe operations at anytime. The operator works in total peace of mind, giving minimal supervision to CB-1, which carries out its own mission in total autonomy.

THE NEW FSR8 SWEEPING MACHINE

The big news was the ride on FSR8 sweeping machine with automatic dumping at height. Being a bigger version of FSR7, shares the same main features, but arranged to provide

increased performance in order to serve larger and more difficult environments.

As it is for the FSR7, Force technology comes as standard also for the FSR8. It’s the technology developed by Fimap that keeps the central brush in contact with the ground, regardless of surface irregularities, providing consistent cleaning results in a single pass.

With a working width ranging from 85 cm of the central brush alone, up to 150 cm, reached with both side brushes, FSR8 is a versatile sweeper, suitable for medium to large areas in logistics, transportation, and industry sectors. The debris hopper holds up to 210 kg of waste and empties automatically at height, up to 163 cm, manoeuvred from the driver’s seat. With the several options available FSR8 can be equipped to meet many different requirements.

In very dusty places, the front anti-dust skirt holds down dust, so it does not rise, does not disperse, and is immediately vacuumed up.

A very useful device is the on-board vacuum cleaner, which uses a wand to vacuum up dirt in corners and is equipped with a HEPA bag filter.

As for filters, a choice is available for the FSR8, ranging from fabric pocket, polyester panel filters to the Tetratex® pocket filter, a membrane with a microporous structure which provides excellent performance.

It is effective in capturing both dust in difficult environments such as food, chemical and pharmaceutical industries, and where

minerals are processed, as well as particulate matter, preventing it from returning into the environment. Besides returning cleaner air, FSR8 can make other environmental contributions.

Such as the monitoring of emissions made with the FFM – Fimap Fleet Management system which, together with the information on the cleaning operation, also collects the figures of the CO2 produced, providing companies with a starting point for reducing or offsetting it. In addition, the ReMade in Italy certified recycled plastic body option is already available.

With this edition Fimap emphasized how innovation and sustainability will continue to shape the future of production and services, one serving the other, supporting a growth that respects the environment, brings well-being and technology, while reducing the climate footprint.

• Essity, le fabricant des produits Tork, exposait ses distributeurs décarbonisés ainsi que les serviettes tendres multipli comprimées Tork Xpress.

• Le système de dosage integral 1FLAIR de Hagleitner pour produits chimiques de blanchisserie évite les mélanges accidentels et les fuites de produits.

• Les distributeurs Obsidian pour toilettes collectives offrent des avantages tout en facilitant la vie de l’agent de nettoyage, affirme Kennedy Hygiene.

• Le stand Trojan exposait une large gamme de batteries, centrée sur les options AGM et au lithium.

• WEPA Professional fait valoir les hautes normes de durabilité de sa nouvelle série de distributeurs Hyginity.

• Tork-Hersteller Essity stellte seine CO2-neutral zertifizierten Spender zusammen mit den neuen Tork Xpress Compressed Soft Multifold Handtüchern vor.

• Das Dosiersystem für Wäschechemikalien integral1FLAIR von Hagleitner wurde entwickelt, um Produktverwechslungen und Leckagen zu vermeiden.

• Die Waschraumspender Obsidian bieten Nachhaltigkeitsvorteile und erleichtern gleichzeitig den Reinigungskräften das Leben, meint Kennedy Hygiene.

• Am Stand von Trojan wurde das gesamte Batteriesortiment mit Schwerpunkt auf AGM- und Lithium-Optionen gezeigt.

• Laut WEPA Professional setzt das neue Spendersortiment Hyginity neue Maßstäbe in Sachen Nachhaltigkeit.

• Il produttore Tork Essity ha presentato i suoi dispenser certificati a zero emissioni di carbonio insieme ai nuovi asciugamani multipiega morbidi compressi Tork Xpress.

• Il sistema di dosaggio integral 1FLAIR di Hagleitner per i prodotti chimici per il bucato è progettato per eliminare scambi e perdite di prodotto.

• I dispenser per bagni in ossidiana offrono vantaggi in termini di sostenibilità e allo stesso tempo semplificano la vita a chi si occupa delle pulizie, afferma Kennedy Hygiene.

• Lo stand di Trojan ha esposto la sua gamma completa di batterie, concentrandosi sulle opzioni AGM e al litio.

• WEPA Professional afferma che la sua nuova serie di dispenser Hyginity stabilisce nuovi standard in termini di sostenibilità.

Carbon neutral

Tork manufacturer Essity showcased a range of sustainable hygiene solutions, including the Tork carbon neutral certified dispensers. These models are produced using certified renewable electricity while the remaining carbon emissions are offset via verified climate projects through ClimatePartner. The range is a step towards Essity’s commitment to net zero emissions, verified by the Science Based Targets initiative.

Making their debut were the Tork Xpress Compressed Soft Multifold Hand Towels which have been compressed by up to 50 per cent. Also new was the Tork Soap and Sanitiser Dispenser with Arm Lever for touchless dispensing. The Tork Natural Colour range of washroom tissue products also featured on the stand. Made from 100 per cent recycled fibres, the toilet tissue and hand towels have a natural, light brown hue to demonstrate the customer’s sustainability values.

All Tork Natural Colour washroom products are compatible with the Tork PaperCircle recycling service for paper towels. www.tork.co.uk

Laundry dosing

Hagleitner’s new integral 1FLAIR dosing system for laundry hygiene products has been designed to prevent product mix-ups and chemical leakage. “The highlight is the docking unit,” explains Stefanie Hagleitner. “Concentrate only flows once it is engaged. Nothing can

leak here. A product mix-up is also impossible thanks to an RFID chip.”

Greater user and operational safety was also a priority in development. The docking unit consists of a canister and docking station - the special canister closure prevents liquid spillage when changing components. LED lights indicate the respective fill level, allowing empty canisters to be replaced promptly. An integrated sensor stops the machine when washing components run low.

integral 1FLAIR’s digital connectivity allows the device’s status to be viewed at any time via an app. Analyses of consumption and wash cycles provide transparency and aim to make resource usage as economical as possible. Service and maintenance needs are detected and reported in good time, and remote maintenance is also possible.

www.hagleitner.com

Longer life

Obsidian dispensers, made from black recycled ABS plastic, offer sustainability benefits while also making life easier for the cleaner, according to Kennedy Hygiene.

The paper dispensers have a stub roll system to ensure the whole of the roll is used. And the soap dispensers feature a reserve facility to ensure the soap supply never runs out and that nothing is wasted.

All models have been built to last for up to 10 years, and spare parts are available.

kennedy-hygiene.com

Many batteries

Trojan Battery had on show its broad portfolio of batteries, focusing on AGM and lithium batteries for scrubber dryers, burnishers, vacuum cleaners, floor sweepers and other cleaning equipment.

The company says its batteries require minimum maintenance, are durable and have a long life, and can be used in environments that require equipment to be powered by batteries that do not spill or gas.

The new DIN sizes 6V TE35–AES and 12V 5SHP–AES were on display as part of the full line of AES AGM solutions. The rugged, premium VRLA batteries deliver consistent high output and up to three times the cycle life of standard AGM alternatives says Trojan, especially in extreme deep cycle (up to 100 per cent DoD), partial charging or challenging environments.

Delivering high performance and virtually maintenance-free are the Trojan GC2 24V, 36V and 48V lithium-ion batteries. They are also designed with advanced safety features and meet automotive durability and vibration testing standards. www.trojanbattery.com

Dispenser line

The Hyginity range of washroom dispensers was presented for the first time by WEPA Professional. Comprising models for paper towels, toilet paper, soaps and disinfectants in various sizes and designs, this line also includes units such as the Interfold XL, FemCare and Twin-Jumbo Centrefeed with double opening.

A new Sensor Towel dispenser and the option of equipping the Clean&Care Manual Mini with an armrest are also among the innovations. Made using recyclable materials, the new dispensers are touch-free and designed to be easy to clean.

www.wepa.eu

• Bamboi, qui produit du papier hygiénique à partir de bambou, est le gagnant du premier concours de type « Dans l’oeil du dragon » à être tenu sous l’égide d’Interclean et de Facility Data Standard.

• Nilfisk souligne le souci de confort et d’ergonomie qui a présidé à la conception de sa nouvelle autolaveuse autoportée, la SC550.

• Au Royaume-Uni, le British Institute of Cleaning Science (BICSc) a lancé son application de formation.

• La machine de nettoyage de tapis LW38 CC pour le nettoyage en profondeur des moquettes et moquettes a fait ses débuts sur le stand Lindhaus.

• Vileda Professional et Vermop ont tenu des conversations d’expert sur leur stand.

• Bamboi, Hersteller von Toilettenpapier aus Bambus, war der erste Gewinner des ersten Pitching-Events im Stil von „Die Höhle der Löwen“, das von Interclean und Facility Data Standard veranstaltet wurde.

• Nilfisk sagt, dass bei der Konstruktion der neuen, handgeführten Scheuersaugmaschine SC550 Komfort und Ergonomie Vorrang eingeräumt wurde.

• Das British Institute of Cleaning Science (BICSc) stellte seine Schulungs-App vor.

• Premiere auf dem Lindhaus-Stand feierte die Teppichreinigungsmaschine LW38 CC zur Tiefenreinigung von Teppichen und Vorlegern.

• Vileda Professional und Vermop führten an ihren Ständen Expertengespräche zu verschiedenen Themen durch.

• Bamboi, che produce carta igienica in bambù, è stato il primo vincitore del primissimo evento di lancio in stile “Dragon’s Den” organizzato da Interclean e Facility Data Standard.

• Nilfisk afferma di aver dato priorità al comfort e all’ergonomia nella progettazione della sua nuova lavasciuga pavimenti uomo a terra SC550.

• Il British Institute of Cleaning Science (BICSc) ha lanciato la sua app per la formazione.

• Presso lo stand Lindhaus ha fatto il suo debutto la macchina battitappeto LW38 CC per la pulizia profonda di moquette e moquette.

• Vileda Professional e Vermop hanno organizzato conferenze di esperti su diversi argomenti presso i loro stand.

Dragons’ Den

The organisers of Interclean and Facility Data Standard (FDS) held the first-ever ‘Dragons’ Den’ style pitching event during the show. The winner was Bamboi, producer of toilet tissue made from bamboo. Heimdal, which offers a sensor solution for window cleaning was second, with Compax sustainable waste management solution in third place.

The event featured eight start-ups, each presenting their solutions to a panel of investors. This new addition to the show’s line-up aimed to address the digital skills gap within the cleaning industry, make the industry more aware of a startup culture, and raise awareness of the sector for investors and software companies.

Bamboi uses bamboo, a sustainable and fast-growing plant, to produce toilet tissue. This approach, it says, not only reduces deforestation but also offers a lower carbon footprint compared to traditional paper production methods.

“The Facility Data Standard Consortium is dedicated to advancing global open standards for secure data transfer and integration in the facility ecosystem,” said Dirk Tuip, organiser of the event and CEO of FacilityApps. “Tech startups and the success of this event aligns perfectly with our mission to foster innovation and collaboration within the industry and connect them.”

www.facilityapps.com

Nilfisk says its new SC550 walk-behind scrubber dryer was developed with user-centric design, intuitive operation and sustainable technology in mind. This model boasts a seamless and intuitive cleaning experi-

ence that caters to the needs of diverse organisations and individual operators.

With onboard tutorials and maintenance guides, first-time operators can quickly master the SC550 says Nilfisk. There are user-friendly controls and an intuitive interface, with coloured touchpoints indicating where operators should interact for efficient maintenance.

The adjustable steering column can be adapted to the user’s size, while smart presets can be customised to users’ language and skill level. There’s a choice of four scrubber brush types based on floor type and cleaning needs.

The SC550 is also designed to optimise the use of water, energy and detergent. In fact Nilfisk says it is 28 per cent more energy efficient than previous models, and uses up to 40 per cent less water and 60 per cent less detergent than machines with similar technology.

www.nilfisk.com

Training app

The new BICSc Training App was launched by the British Institute of Cleaning Science (BICSc). The organisation’s Virtual Training Suite is now available in app form across the whole industry for the first time.

Users can now access all the training on the go, using tablets and other mobile devices. Group managing director Neil SpencerCook explained: “We are giving all candidates the choice of how they want to train because everybody is different and has their own approach to learning and training. We want to ensure all our wide-ranging content is easier to view and accessible no matter where you are.” www.bics.org.uk

Deep cleans

The carpet cleaning machine LW38 CC for the deep cleaning of carpets and rugs made its debut on the Lindhaus stand. Designed for washing any type of synthetic rug and carpet, the combination of powerful mechanical action and suction means more than 90 per cent of the water used can be picked up - leaving the surface almost dry.

The uniformly wet soft roller rotates at 1500 rpm while the top cover is completely transparent, allowing a clear view of the recovered water flow from the carpet to the tank. On the back of the machine there is a quick coupling to allow the injection/extraction function. With the optional accessory kit it is possible to wash stairs, chair and sofa fabrics. A window cleaning nozzle is also available.

www.lindhaus.it

Virtual talks

Vileda Professional and Vermop staged 10-minute expert talks on various industry topics via a huge screen. Themes included the impact of AI on cleaning and the importance of the proper use of disinfectant in healthcare. New was Vileda’s Max Mop range, available for the company’s UltraSpeed, CombiSpeed and Express Pro floor cleaning solutions. These are made from post-consumer recycled material.

Also on the stand was the Universal One mop which combines dry and wet cleaning, and the new recycled r-MicroTuff family. www.vileda-professional.com

Cleaning boost

Kärcher began the show by picking up the top prize in the Smart Technologies and Digitalisation category of the Amsterdam Innovation Awards for its robotic vacuum cleaner KIRA CV 50. Featuring replaceable batteries, the KIRA CV 50 autonomously cleans small to medium-sized carpeted and hard floor areas using safety-certified sensors and extensive LiDAR range. Also new is the eco!Booster nozzle for use in high-pressure cleaning. Compared to a standard flat jet nozzle, the area performance - and thus the efficiency of the water and energy used - is

increased by 50 per cent says the company. This reduces both use of resources and working time. Available in seven sizes, the eco!Booster attachment is compatible with a variety of Kärcher high-pressure cleaners thanks to the EASY!Lock thread.

The battery-powered stepon upright brush-type vacuum cleaner CV 60/1 RS Bp Pack, meanwhile, is the latest model for cleaning large carpeted areas and hard floors. It boasts 40 per cent more area performance than its predecessor, intuitive operation and simple manoeuvring. The socalled ‘EASY Dial concept’ makes it easy for users to operate.

Other highlights included the new portfolio of sustainable dry vacuum cleaners made from 45 per cent recycled material; the battery-powered spray extraction machine Puzzi 2/1 Bp; the BD 35/15 C Classic batterypowered compact scrubber dryer; and the SGV 8/5 Classic steam vacuum cleaner. www.karcher.com

Power pad

Unger’s new nLITE PowerPad is designed for pure water cleaning on large glass surfaces on the ground floor. It’s a microfibre cleaning pad boasting maximum contact surface to the glass surface. The 360° swivel makes for maximum mobility and ensures permanent contact to the surface, and the rinse bar. The swivel feature can also be locked in seven positions using the swivel lock.

The company says this pad format removes dirt more efficiently and faster than the bristles of a conventional water-fed brush. The integrated rinse bar constantly provides pure water over the entire width of the pad via special nozzles, thereby resulting in a self-cleaning effect. Compatible with the nLITE water-fed pole system and OptiLoc telescopic poles from Unger, the pad comes in 35 and 45 cm widths.

www.ungerglobal.com

• Parmi les produits exposés par Kärcher figuraient un aspirateur vertical autoporté, une autolaveuse compacte, le bec de nettoyage haute pression eco!Booster, et le robot d’aspiration KIRA CV 50.

• Unger a lancé la gamme Green Label, qui réunit des produits certifiés durables pour le nettoyage conventionnel de surfaces de verre.

• Zu den Highlights von Kärcher gehörten ein AufstehStaubsauger, eine kompakte Scheuersaugmaschine, die Hochdruckreinigungsdüse eco!Booster und Staubsaugroboter KIRA CV 50.

• Neu von Unger ist die Produktreihe Green Label, mit als nachhaltig zertifizierten Produkten zur klassischen Glasreinigung.

• Tra le novità di Kärcher figurano un aspirapolvere verticale uomo a bordo, una lavasciuga pavimenti compatta, la lancia per pulizia ad alta pressione eco!Booster e il robot aspirapolvere KIRA CV 50.

• Una novità di Unger è la gamma Green Label, prodotti certificati in modo sostenibile per la classica pulizia del vetro.

FEW STAFF. HIGH WORKLOAD.

Thereʼs Kärcher for that.

Unity crucial to tackle global crime

Criminal syndicates across the European Union are co-opting legitimate businesses as a front for their nefarious activities. But now the bloc’s law enforcers have blown their cover wide open, reports Hartley Milner.

CRIME AGENCY Europol has unveiled “the most detailed report on criminal networks ever undertaken” in the EU, identifying 821 especially menacing gangs with a combined membership of more than 25,000 individuals.

Of these, 86 per cent are seamlessly able to infiltrate the legal economy to hide their crooked capers and launder dirty money, exploiting businesses across the sectors, from fruit importers and logistic companies to hotels, real estate and even nightclubs.

Europol reveals who the crime lords are, the activities they engage in, how their empires are organised, how and where they operate, the methods they employ to avoid detection and the degree of threat they pose to EU member states. A specific characteristic of these networks is the borderless nature of their structure, with 112 nationalities represented among their membership, the report says.

The leaders of 82 per cent of the most threatening gangs live in the main country

where they carry out their illicit operations. Around six per cent run their empires from outside the EU, believing this puts them beyond the reach of the law. All head up multiple activities ranging from fraud, corruption and property crime to migrant smuggling and people trafficking, frequently backed up by bribery, intimidation and violence. Half are also involved in drug trafficking, either as a standalone activity or as part of a portfolio.

One notorious crime boss unmasked is an Italian businessman of Argentinian origin living in Marbella, Spain, who specialises in drug trafficking and money laundering. He manages several outwardly lawful companies, including one importing bananas from Ecuador to the EU. He also owns sports centres in Marbella, commercial centres in Granada and multiple bars and restaurants.

In the shadows

“An Albanian accomplice based in Ecuador takes care of the import of cocaine from Colombia to Ecuador and the subsequent distribution to the EU. Ecuadorian fruit companies are used as a front for these criminal activities,” Europol says in its report, ‘Decoding the EU’s Most Threatening Criminal Networks’.

Massive hauls of narcotics have been hidden in banana shipments throughout Europe over the past 12 months. In February, British border force officers found more than 5670 kg of cocaine among a shipment at the port of Southampton on England’s south coast. The haul was estimated to be worth £450 million (€526.68 million), smashing the record for the biggest single seizure of hard drugs in the UK. Last year, Dutch customs agents found 7980 kg of cocaine inside crates of bananas in Rotterdam, and a police dog sniffed out over three tonnes of cocaine stashed in a case of the fruit at the Italian port of Gioia Tauro.

Europol also cites families from Italy’s ‘Ndrangheta mafia cartel, one of the world’s most powerful, extensive and wealthy crime groups. Their profits come mainly from trafficking drugs from South America to Europe and Australia, but they are also involved in myriads of other activities, including arms dealing and tax fraud. They work in partnership with the Colombian ‘Gulf Clan’ and networks operating in Ecuador and multiple European countries. Proceeds from their crimes are invested in various European and South American countries, mainly in

Unity crucial to tackle global crime (continued)

Business: crime legitimate commercial activities.

Last year, 207 members of the ‘Ndrangheta mob were sentenced by an Italian tribunal to a combined 2,200 years on charges that included drug and arms trafficking, extortion and ‘mafia association’, a term in Italy’s penal code for members of organised crime groups. Two clan chiefs were also each locked up for 30 years.

Collaring a mafia crime don is quite a coup for policing agencies, as they employ cunning ruses to remain in the shadows. But not even a jail term deters some. Europol points to the leader of a criminal network with links to the western Balkans who runs his operations from a prison cell in Italy. From there, he is believed to direct his cronies on activities related to the trafficking of drugs and firearms. He is known to be active in Belgium, the Netherlands, Italy, Germany, Croatia, Slovenia and Bosnia and Herzegovina. Cybercrime is an especially tough nut to crack. Yet last year European law enforcement agencies helped take down one of the world’s biggest online fraud networks. Genesis Market sold stolen login details, IP addresses and other data that make up the ‘digital fingerprint’ of companies and individuals, allowing fraudsters to take over and raid their accounts.

Online hacking

The group charged their hacker clients less than a dollar to several hundred dollars, depending on the amount and nature of the information. Especially lucrative are details that provide access to online bank and other financial accounts. Since 2018, Genesis Market had offered access to more than 80 million financial account credentials from over one-anda-half million compromised computers around the world.

Another criminal network specialises in people smuggling. Irregular migrants pay up to €20,000 to enter the EU and clandestinely move on to further destinations within its borders. The gang advertises its illicit activities on social media platforms and by posting videos of successful transfers. Migrants are moved

Europol a publié un rapport sur les réseaux criminels actifs au sein de l’UE, présenté comme étant le plus détaillé à avoir été publié dans ce domaine à ce jour. Il dénombre 821 bandes particulièrement dangereuses dont l’adhésion totalise 25 000 individus. De cette population, une part de 86 pour cent est capable de s’infiltrer dans l’économie légale afin de dissimuler ses activités illégales et blanchir de l’argent sale, exploitant ainsi des entreprises dans tous les secteurs. Hartley Milner nous en dit plus.

along two main routes, either from Croatia via Slovenia to Italy or from Serbia via Hungary to Austria.

Revenues from organised crime across the EU are almost incalculable, according to Europol. But it estimates they amount to at least €139 billion every year, or one per cent of the region’s annual GDP.

Impact on EU citizens

Presenting the report in April, Europol executive director Catherine De Bolle said its findings “make the invisible visible”. She continued: “These networks are agile, borderless, controlling and destructive. Criminal networks maximise their opportunities in the legal world. They infiltrate companies at a high level or set up their own legal business structures, most often in the EU.

“The longer they are active the more legal businesses structures they can set up, and this makes them stronger and helps them to remain under the radar. These growth and survival strategies allow more than a third of the most threatening networks to maintain their power and influence over long periods, even longer than 10 years.”

Criminal networks impact EU citizens personally. De Bolle said more than 70 per cent resort to corruption, undermining the “essential functions of state institutions and private businesses”. And they build and sustain their empires on fear and coercion.

“Citizens fear the consequences of reporting crime to the police and feel pressured by the gangs into compliance,” she said. “Their destructive nature is also made obvious by the high levels of violence of networks active in drug trafficking, by the enlistment of vulnerable youngsters and the high number of victims of exploitation and fraud, which is a serious concern.”

But De Bolle had this message for criminal gangs operating in Europe: “You can’t hide anymore. We know you are disrupting the security of the EU and our democracy and not respecting the rule of law. You know that we know you are interfering with our legal businesses structures – and now you know that we

Die Polizeibehörde Europol hat „den bisher detailliertesten Bericht über kriminelle Netzwerke in der EU“ vorgestellt, in dem 821 besonders bedrohliche Banden mit insgesamt mehr als 25.000 Mitgliedern identifiziert wurden. Sechsundachtzig Prozent sind in der Lage, die legale Wirtschaft zu infiltrieren, um ihre illegalen Aktivitäten zu verbergen und schmutziges Geld zu waschen und Unternehmen in allen Sektoren auszubeuten. Hartley Milner erzählt uns mehr.

know who you are.”

She said the crime data collected from EU member states and 17 Europol partner countries will give national law enforcement agencies the edge they need to better target and conduct cross-border criminal investigations.

Criminal gangs were dealt a further blow in April when the European Council adopted a law targeting their ill-gotten gains. The directive calls on EU countries to ensure policing agencies are adequately resourced to trace, identify, freeze or confiscate criminal property. It also approves the seizure of unexplained wealth where a link to crime is shown and for frozen property to be sold under certain conditions.

Worldwide, criminality continues to grow at a staggering rate in response to intensifying political, social, economic and security challenges, according to the 2023 Global Organized Crime Index. In fact, nearly 80 per cent of the world’s population now live in countries with high levels of criminal activity. However, data shows that the international response has failed to meet the organised crime threat, the report points out.

The most powerful gangs are able to impact not only the rule or law but also the stability of governments, as seen in Haiti and Ecuador in recent months. Where corruption undermines governance, the very people who should be part of the solution to rising crime levels become instead part of the problem.

The absence of a unified international strategy to tackle the escalating crime contagion greatly alarms Jürgen Stock, secretary general of global policing agency Interpol. “What every police force knows, but the rest of the world has yet to realise, is that there has been an epidemic of transnational organised crime and at such a scale that it is now a global security crisis,” he said.

Stock added: “The first duty of a state is to keep its people safe. Without unity in addressing this threat, and addressing it now, it is going to be beyond the reach of the world’s law enforcement and security agencies.”

L’agenzia anticrimine Europol ha presentato “il rapporto più dettagliato mai realizzato sulle reti criminali” nell’UE, identificando 821 bande particolarmente minacciose con un numero complessivo di oltre 25.000 membri. L’86% riesce a infiltrarsi nell’economia legale per nascondere le proprie attività illegali e riciclare denaro sporco, sfruttando imprese in tutti i settori. Ce ne parla Hartley Milner.

Hygiene

COMMERCIAL KITCHENS are known for being busy, somewhat hectic environments. Timing is everything when it comes to creating tasty dishes for parties of customers, and it can be a major challenge to ensure that everyone’s meals are ready at once and that all of them are served up piping hot.

But hygiene is also crucial in any environment where food is being prepared. So all operatives need to ensure their work surfaces, utensils and hands are kept clean during service periods. This entails regular forays to the hand basins, cleaning products and wiping sources between other tasks such as preparing ingredients and dressing plates. And when these trips are multiplied by the large numbers of staff usually employed in the commercial kitchen, there’s huge potential for people getting in one another’s way.

So is there any way that can this be prevented? For example, can the cleaning and hygiene products be strategically placed to help streamline operations and create a “flow”?

Food service is a fast-paced world where expectations for hygiene, sustainability and guest experience are high, says Essity’s communications director Jenny Turner. “Operators understand that the more seamless the service, the more satisfied the guest – and the more successful the business will be as a result,” she said.

“However, daily pressures can make it hard for managers to focus time and resources on practices that will help to improve their business. According to our own research, 77 per cent of restaurant employees agree that service interruptions affect the guest experience while three out of four kitchen staff members say they would be happier if their workplace were better organised.”

Hygiene is a major concern for everyone working in a kitchen, she says. “When cleaning supplies and hand washing stations are unavailable it can cause disruptions,” says Turner. “Cleaning products should therefore be placed at every

Going with the flow

workstation and should preferably be accessible even when the operative has one hand still on the saucepan or frying pan. It is also important that all workstations are tidied up during the quieter periods because any unnecessary clutter will make everything take longer.”

Kitchens should be equipped with versatile, convenient products that offer multiple cleaning functions in order to save time, according to Turner. “Disposable cleaning cloths work well here because they improve hygiene and help to reduce the laundry burden,” she said.

A good “flow” is crucial in the food preparation sector to allow operatives to move around seamlessly, says Kärcher’s senior consultant cleaning solutions Gundula Braun. “Kitchens need to be safe and hygienic spaces and the necessary cleaning processes should neither hinder the staff in their work nor spoil the ingredients,” she said.

Action plans in place

Hygiene action plans should be created and displayed visibly to ensure all staff members know what to do in any particular situation, she said. “The timely removal of spills and soils is essential which means cleaning needs to take place during meal prep,” she said. “However, it is important to maintain an economic balance between effectiveness and cleaning quality.”

Grease and food residues must be systematically removed in accordance with HACCP guidelines to eliminate breeding grounds for microorganisms, she says. “Hygiene needs to be the top priority in the sensitive food preparation area.”

Braun recommends the use of compact battery-operated machines in the kitchen since these incorporate no trip hazards and are always ready for use. “Batterypowered machines can increase productivity by up to 25 per cent because they eliminate the need to search for power outlets and to wind and unwind cables,” she said. “And the time and effort required by the cleaner in moving back and forth between outlets and dragging cables

How far can the placement of cleaning and hygiene products make a difference to efficiency and productivity in the food preparation sector? Ann Laffeaty on the importance of kitchen “flow” in a cleaning regime.

along is then freed up for cleaning tasks.”

She says scrubber dryers and wet and dry vacuums both work well in the food preparation environment. “These help to prevent slip-and-fall hazards by completely removing spills and soils,” she said. “And to avoid chemical exposure in the kitchen area, steam cleaners or steam vacuum cleaners can be used for afterhours cleaning tasks.”

Hospitality is a hectic environment where thorough cleaning can only take place when every area is accessible, says Cleanology’s commercial director Stephen Lynch. “It is important to ensure all that cleaning operatives are able to reach into every corner and crevice, so it helps if all kitchen units and equipment are on wheels,” he said.

“Technology can also play a part and we use modern solutions such as tablets and intelligent software that monitor cleanliness and flag up any potential issues.

“And given the fast-paced nature of hospitality it is also crucial to have strong lines of communication. So all our staff record their work digitally to allow clients to see easily what has been done and what has not. Exchanging data via smartphones then offers real-time feedback on anything that needs to be carried out on site.”

He says cleanliness and hygiene are critical at every stage of the process from cleaning the floors to making sure all food preparation areas are spotless. “Staff need to be well-trained, well-managed and committed to working to common standards,” says Lynch. Cleanology offers Hospitality Hero training which is said to

Going with the flow (continued from page 41)

help operatives communicate more confidently with client teams and visitors.

Operators must have easy access to all kitchen equipment to avoid prolonging cleaning time unnecessarily, says Filmop’s business development manager Paolo Scapinello. “Promoting orderly and efficient storage where every tool has its place is key,” he said. “If these items are all hung up immediately after work has been completed it will increase their visibility, improve organisation levels and facilitate immediate control. Not only that, but keeping them hung up also ensures complete drying after cleaning to minimise bacterial growth, while also preventing any product deformation that might lead to the equipment needing to be replaced.”

He says creating a good kitchen flow is made more problematic by the shortage of space in a typical kitchen. “This makes it more difficult to find a place for the clean-

On sait que les cuisines commerciales sont des endroits hyperactifs et turbulents, où la tenue des délais est cruciale. On peut donc s’interroger sur le rôle de déploiement de produits d’hygiène et de propreté pour l’efficacité et la productivité de la préparation alimentaire. Ann Laffeaty examine l’importance des flux de travaux d’une cuisine face aux régimes de nettoyage.

ing tools,” he said. “However, this can be solved with the right equipment.”

A smooth flow allows staff members to move seamlessly around the kitchen without hindering one another, says Greenspeed’s marketing executive Rosaliene Verhoef. “This improves productivity and reduces the risk of accidents or delays,” she said. “It also enhances morale among kitchen staff by minimising frustration and maximising collaboration.”

All utensils and equipment need to be easily accessible to prevent time being wasted unnecessarily, she said. “When staff can quickly access the equipment they need it allows them to efficiently carry out tasks and minimise downtime,” says Verhoef. “And convenient access to all equipment helps to ensure cleaning tools are available when they are needed and that hygiene standards are met.”

However, equipping a kitchen for

Großküchen sind bekannt für ihre geschäftigen, etwas hektischen Umgebungen, in denen Timing alles ist. In welchem Maße kann die Platzierung von Reinigungsund Hygieneprodukten die Effizienz und Produktivität im Speisezubereitungssektor verbessern? Ann Laffeaty untersucht die Bedeutung des „Flusses“ in der Küche anhand eines Reinigungsregimes.

optimal flow can be challenging, she adds – particularly in a hectic, high-paced working environment with limited space.

“Common problems include a lack of storage, cramped pathways that hinder movement and the poor organisation of workstations,” she said. “Overcoming these challenges requires careful planning, teamwork and innovative design.”

Proper placement of cleaning and hygiene products can significantly improve the efficiency of food preparation operations, according to Verhoef. “By making sure products are easily accessible at key points such as at prep areas and cooking stations, staff are quickly able to address spills, maintain high standards of cleanliness and meet hygiene protocols without interrupting workflow,” she said. “And this proactive approach improves operational flow and contributes to food safety.”

Le cucine commerciali sono note per essere ambienti affollati e alquanto frenetici, dove il tempismo è tutto. Fino a che punto il posizionamento di prodotti per la pulizia e l’igiene può fare la differenza in termini di efficienza e produttività nel settore della preparazione degli alimenti? Ann Laffeaty esamina l’importanza del “flusso” della cucina in un regime di pulizia.

For dishwashing

Ecolab says SMARTPOWER is a complete dishwashing solution for restaurants and other food preparation applications. The solid, high-concentrate formula reduces packaging waste and storage needs while the user-friendly design is said to minimise task time and the risk of breakage.

The powerful chemistry, it says, ensures consistently clean dishes. And data-driven insights identify areas for improvement and optimised performance. Energy, water and task time can be reduced by up to 10 per cent. en-uk.ecolab.com/offerings/ smartpower

Controlled use

The WypAll Reach PLUS centrefeed wiping dispenser system from Kimberly-Clark Professional is designed to provide flexible, single-sheet wiping with controlled use of its General Clean wiping rolls.

The no-touch unit ensures wiper rolls are fully enclosed to minimise contamination whilst encouraging efficient use of the paper wipes. There are no dirt traps, making it easy to clean, and it is easy to reload. The hinged and lockable lid makes for better hygiene and security.

There are four mounting options suitable for multiple locations. The dispenser can be mounted in a horizontal or vertical position - under the counter or on the wall and either front of house or behind the scenes. Optimised single sheet dispensing makes for up to 50 per cent less paper consumption says Kimberly-Clark.

kcprofessional.co.uk

Safety mat

The 526 Sani-Flex anti-fatigue and safety mat combines hygiene, ergonomics and safety to make food production workspaces safer and more comfortable, says Justrite.

Manufactured from durable rubber, the matting is designed to reduces strain on muscles and joints, promoting better posture and reducing fatigue. The closed anti-slip surface offers secure footing in oily or greasy conditions.

www.buyjustrite.eu

Sorts waste

From JVD comes the Bloom range of waste collection and sorting solutions for use in kitchens. The HACCP-compliant containers are said to be robust and come in various colours for easy sorting.

The company also offers recycling systems for other areas in the building.

www.jvd.fr

Saving time

Tork manufacturer Essity offers a range of products designed to save time and improve efficiency. Tork Reflex Singlesheet Centrefeed can be used for wiping hands and surfaces. Said to be easy to use, hygienic and durable, the dispenser has a rotating nozzle that provides access to the paper from any angle. A run-out refill indicator ensures that the operative

is never left without a paper supply, while the fully enclosed roll is protected against splashes and dirt. Supplied in either a wall-mounted dispenser or in a portable format.

The Tork 2 in 1 Scouring and Cleaning Cloth is an absorbent, abrasive wiper. The nonscratching scourers can be rinsed and reused.

www.tork.co.uk

Easy steam

Greasy, sticky and adhesive dirt in food processing areas can be removed quickly with steam, says Kärcher. Its new SGV 8/5 Classic steam vacuum cleaner generates so-called dry steam at eight bar pressure and 173 degrees in the boiler, ie, there are no more droplets. The steam still emerges from the nozzle at roughly 100 degrees so a high temperature and cleaning performance are achieved.

A wet and dry vacuum cleaner is also installed in the SGV 8/5 Classic, which generates optimum suction power. This means water-soluble dirt such as grease and oil can be efficiently loosened and removed without using chemicals. The operator can steam first and then vacuum, these two steps can also be completed in one step depending on the contamination.

www.karcher.com

Hot or cold

Tecnovap’s Hydrobox electric high-pressure cleaner can clean surfaces with either hot or cold water. It uses two or four litres of water per minute, with operating pressure of up to 150 bar. With a stainless steel body, Hydrobox has a connection for water mains, analogue pressure gauge for pressure regulation and an electronic control panel that can set the temperature of the water. It also signals when boiler cleaning is necessary.

www.tecnovap.it

• Ecolab propose le Smartpower, un produit lave-vaisselle convenant pour des restautants et autres points de vente d’aliments préparés.

• Le distributeur à extraction centrale d’essuyeurs WypAll Reach PLUS de Kimberly-Clark Professional assure des travaux d’essuyage flexibles à l’aide de feuilles uniques.

• Le tapis anti-fatigue et de sécurité 526 Sani-Flex de la société Justrite peut être déployé dans des cuisines et zones de préparation alimentaire à forte activité.

• Bloom est la nouvelle gamme de produits de collecte et de tri de déchets de la société JVD.

• Essity a lancé le tissu de récurage et de nettoyage Tork 2 in 1, un produit ne laissant pas de rayures.

• Le nouvel appareil de nettoyage à la vapeur Kärcher SGV 8/5 Classic attaque les crasses graisseuses, gluantes et adhérentes.

• Hydrobox, proposé par Tecnovap, l’appareil de nettoyage électrique haute pression travaille à l’eau chaude ou froide.

• Laut Ecolab ist SmartPower eine Komplettlösung für das Geschirrspülen in Restaurants und anderen gastronomischen Einrichtungen.

• Der WypAll REACH PLUS Zentralentnahmespender von Kimberly-Clark Professional unterstützt die Hygiene und ermöglicht ein flexibles Wischen mit Einzelblättern.

• Die Anti-Ermüdungs- und Sicherheitsmatten 526 SaniFlex von Justrite wurden für stark frequentierte Küchen und Lebensmittelverarbeitungsbereiche entwickelt.

• Bei Bloom handelt es sich um die neue Produktreihe mit Abfallsammelund Sortierprodukten von JVD.

• Neu von Essity ist das Tork 2-in-1 Scheuer- und Reinigungstuch, das laut eigenen Angaben nicht kratzend ist.

• Der neue Dampfsauger Kärcher SGV 8/5 Classic kann fettigen, klebrigen und klebenden Schmutz bewältigen.

• Bei Hydrobox von Tecnovap handelt es sich um einen elektrischen Hochdruckreiniger, der mit heißem oder kaltem Wasser arbeitet.

• Ecolab afferma che Smartpower è una soluzione completa per il lavaggio delle stoviglie per ristoranti e altri punti vendita di generi alimentari.

• Il dispenser per salviette a estrazione centrale WypAll Reach PLUS di Kimberly-Clark Professional supporta l’igiene offrendo una pulizia flessibile a foglio singolo.

• I tappetini antifatica e di sicurezza 526 Sani-Flex di Justrite sono progettati per cucine affollate e aree di lavorazione degli alimenti.

• Bloom è la nuova gamma di prodotti per la raccolta e la differenziazione dei rifiuti di JVD.

• Una novità di Essity è il panno per pulizia abrasivo Tork 2 in 1, dichiarato antigraffio.

• Il nuovo aspirapolvere a vapore Kärcher SGV 8/5 Classic è in grado di affrontare lo sporco grasso, appiccicoso e adesivo.

• Hydrobox di Tecnovap è un’idropulitrice elettrica che funziona con acqua calda o fredda.

Thoroughly modern

Technology is having a huge influence on every area of our lives. It has even entered the traditional world of windowcleaning. But how far are modern window cleaning systems such as cobots, drones and other hightech systems changing the face of the industry, asks Ann Laffeaty.

would entail cordoning off and securing the entire area to avoid any risk to people. And this would require too much effort.”

She says Unger is constantly working on solutions that achieve optimum results while also making the window cleaning task easier, safer and more efficient. The company uses intelligent technology for its automated pure water-production system which is said to extend running times, minimise maintenance and reduce costs.

significantly reduce the total cost of ownership in the future,” he said. “As it stands, employees are still always required on site for safety reasons.”

THE TASK OF WINDOW CLEANING used to be a relatively simple one that required a ladder, detergent, water, a squeegee and an operator – and little else. But as in every other industry today, technology has been slowly creeping into the sector. And in many cases it is having a positive effect on operations since it is helping to enhance cleaning performance and improve safety.

But does this mean we are experiencing a revolution in window cleaning? Or are the more traditional methods and equipment used throughout the generations still favoured by most operatives?

Unger’s marketing communications specialist Chiara Pick believes automated systems are helping to make the window cleaner’s work easier, safer and more efficient. “Technological progress is a huge opportunity for the cleaning sector and as with most other industries, ours is intensively engaged with the challenges and opportunities it offers,” she said.

Automated systems have already proved their worth in certain window cleaning applications, she says. “Currently they are primarily being used on large, horizontal surfaces and in areas that are difficult to access such as solar panels and ships,” said Pick.

“However, they are still a relatively niche application when it comes to regular buildings. Few professionals would use a drone to clean one of those because it

Manual systems still work best in most residential and commercial buildings, according to Pick. “Automated systems cannot yet replace traditional window cleaning methods for the vast majority of the market,” she said.

The window cleaning sector is coming up against new issues as it evolves, says Kärcher’s product management jetting solutions Steffen Burger. “Modern architecture creates individual challenges that require specific solutions,” he said. “With photovoltaic systems, for example, there was an initial assumption that cleaning and maintenance were unnecessary due to the so-called lotus effect. However, it has become clear weather conditions and air pollution can leave their mark.”

Weather factors

New weather challenges are complicating the task of glass cleaning, he says. “Sand from the Sahara recently settled all over Europe, impeding the view from windows while also having a major impact on the efficiency of solar panel systems,” he said. “This type of weather phenomenon has become more and more frequent in recent years.”

He claims the efficiency of photovoltaic panels can be increased by up to 30 per cent through regular cleaning using the right equipment. And he says there has been a growing call for autonomous cleaning solutions for use on solar panels and large window façades as a result.

“While many companies are seeking innovative methods that involve employing robots or drones for window fronts and glass facades, these are expected to

Kärcher’s window cleaning range includes high-pressure accessories such as rotating roller heads, fixed brushes, multipurpose telescopic lances and adapter sets to an ergonomic carrier system. Brushes are available in three hardness classes – soft, medium and hard –and can be fitted without the need for tools.

Moerman’s chief marketing guardian Kelly Raeds claims to have noticed a recent increase in demand for automated systems. “There is definitely a push towards these for high-rise and hazardous jobs due to their ability to significantly reduce safety risks,” she said. “However, their widespread adoption is still a work in progress.

“While these advancements are noteworthy, it would be premature to label them as revolutionary within the window cleaning sector because their effectiveness is contingent upon favourable weather conditions. And their use can primarily only be justified in largerscale projects.”

She claims the tried-and-tested traditional methods remain indispensable, particularly for residential and smaller commercial buildings where attention to detail is paramount. “After all, clean windows can not only enhance the aesthetics of a building, they will also speak volumes about the professionalism of an establishment,” she said.

While not a specialist in high-tech window equipment, Moerman has introduced some recent innovations such as the Liquidator 3.0 channel which is said to eliminate the need for towel detailing, and the Excelerator 2.0 handle which is described as having an ergonomic design. Automated systems are not yet being widely used in the window cleaning industry, says Principle Cleaning services managing director David Saville. However, he

Thoroughly modern (continued from page 41)

adds that there are clear signs of progress. “The automated cleaning of horizontal surfaces – and solar panels in particular –is increasingly being carried out because the equipment can be controlled more easily and the need to work from height is eliminated,” he said.

“There is also a growing interest in robotics for high-rise work with at least two systems currently emerging. So we can be optimistic that robotics will be with us soon and will be much more commonplace in a few years’ time.”

Small-scale robotics

He says robotics are currently being used on a smaller scale for tasks such as cleaning hard-to-reach windows. “However, it is important that any equipment is well controlled and that it cannot become detached and fall, since this would cause damage to surfaces and could potentially harm anyone down below.”

Cobots, drones and other automated systems are not yet being used at any significant level in the commercial sector, says Saville. “As a result, they are not yet revolutionising the industry - although who knows what is to come?” he said. “In all likelihood we will see some development where robotics are pre-installed as part of new buildings and projects, although this will require some vision from architects and developers.”

Principle is currently exploring a partnership with Skyline Robotics to employ the Ozmo, an automated window washing machine first used in New York. This uses

La technologie a une énorme influence sur tous les domaines de notre vie. Il est même entré dans le monde traditionnel du lavage de vitres. Mais dans quelle mesure les systèmes modernes de nettoyage de vitres tels que les cobots, les drones et autres systèmes de haute technologie changent-ils le visage de l’industrie, se demande Ann Laffeaty.

hyperspectral cameras to assess the condition of a façade and is said to increase productivity, offer safety benefits and reduce carbon footprint.

The use of technology in the window cleaning sector is only likely to grow in the future, according to Saville. “This will particularly be the case around data collection which means work-recording will become more extensive,” he said.

“Technology is also likely to develop as a whole alongside the rest of the workplace and be combined with other factors, particularly in new builds where it can be designed in.

“However, the various access and design challenges encountered in window cleaning require the versatility and adaptability of hands-on cleaning. So I think there is likely to be a place for traditional window cleaning for a long time to come.”

Do other commentators agree with this view? Unger’s Chiara Pick believes that

Technologie hat einen enormen Einfluss auf jeden Bereich unseres Lebens. Sie ist sogar in die althergebrachte Welt der Fensterreinigung eingedrungen. Aber wie weit verändern moderne Fensterreinigungssysteme wie Cobots, Drohnen und andere High-Tech-Systeme das Aussehen der Branche, fragt Ann Laffeaty?

even the newest systems will never function autonomously. “Qualified personnel will be needed to control and monitor their use,” she said. “So, window cleaning that works entirely without people will remain a utopia.”

Safety issues

Kärcher’s Steffen Burger concurs. “We do not anticipate seeing fully automated cleaning systems on the window cleaning market in the near future due to safety issues,” he said. “Modern methods using water-fed poles have come to play a major role and represent a cost-effective method in the window cleaning business. But we still see a lot of classical cleaning still being carried out with a window squeegee and a washer.”

And Moerman’s Kelly Raeds adds: “While technology has its place, there is a timeless appeal to reliable tools that get the job done right.”

La tecnologia sta esercitando un enorme impatto in ogni ambito della nostra vita. È entrato anche nel mondo tradizionale della pulizia dei vetri. Ma fino a che punto i moderni sistemi di pulizia delle finestre come i cobot, i droni e altri sistemi high-tech stanno cambiando il volto del settore? Se lo chiede Ann Laffeaty.

HVE YOU BEEN GETTING questions about your company’s scope 3 emissions? The indirect CO2 emissions throughout your value chain. If not, I predict you will soon. That’s because new European regulation is making scope 3 reporting mandatory for many companies. Some may be your customers. And when your customer must report on scope 3, you’re going to have to give them some answers.

Our industry must be prepared

As part of their own response to climate change, your customers most likely will be asking about the resource consumption of the overall cleaning solution you provide. But they will not stop there. Most likely they will also ask about how you manage your value chain. For example:

• From where do you source your materials and components?

• How do you transport purchased materials and components to your sites?

• How are you distributing and selling your products?

• What are the emissions targets of your suppliers, if any?

• How are your suppliers working to reduce their emissions over time?

In essence, your customers want suppliers like you to tell them whether their purchase of a particular solution will escalate or limit global warming. Their questions will revolve around issues related to scope 3. Your answers will help them decide whether you’re an asset or a potential liability.

The bottom of the iceberg

Scope 3 emissions take place throughout the lifecycle of a product or service. That is, from the extraction and purchasing of raw materials, to inbound and outbound logistics, to the final consumption and disposal of the product. And they are crucial to address – for the sustainability of the planet and your business, because scope 3 is almost always a company’s biggest category of emissions.

On average, 75 per cent of a company’s emissions are indirect and can be defined

Scope 3 is on the way

as scope 3 emissions, according to CDP (CDP Technical Note: Relevance of Scope 3 Categories by Sector, 2023). In that respect companies are much more than the buildings they own and the fleets they operate.

Companies are made up of collaborations between suppliers and customers. They are made up of people trading with each other.

Many companies work with scope 1 (direct emissions from the company’s operations) and scope 2 (indirect emissions from production of the energy the company buys). And that is a great place to start. But it is only the tip of the iceberg. Our industry needs to work with the bottom of the iceberg too.

At Nilfisk only one per cent of our emissions come from the total energy consumption in scopes 1 and 2. The rest is scope 3. (See the graph on the next page) For us and many other manufacturers, driving sustainable growth depends on reducing emissions from the use of our products.

The good news is that when manufacturing companies in the cleaning industry, like Nilfisk, reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the use of their products, we in turn help our customers lower their own CO2 emissions from purchased electricity or fuel use. One company’s scope 3 is another company’s scope 1 and 2. We are part of each other’s value chains in our web of trading with each other. Whenever one company assumes leadership and reduces their product use emissions, the effect ripples out. That means individual efforts have the potential to make big waves. And this is why we need to talk about scope 3.

An industry-wide ripple effect

Consequently, scope 3 is a discipline of dialogue. Sustainability is a conversation we want to have – with our customers, our suppliers, our colleagues, and the communities we are part of. We have

Working with scope 3 greenhouse gas emissions is not only about saving the planet. It also serves your company’s bottom line. In fact, it is a business opportunity the cleaning industry should seize. Malene Thiele, global VP, ESG & sustainability at Nilfisk tells us more.

Sustainable cleaning

Scope 3 is on the way (continued from page 47)

the chance to create a ripple effect in the cleaning industry – just as you do.

Engaging with your suppliers

Together we can make waves by engaging our suppliers. We all can strategically choose which suppliers to use based on their ability to limit their emissions. We all can make and buy products that are more energy efficient. And we all can gently nudge our customers to make the most sustainable choices when they browse our product portfolios.

When you engage with your suppliers

Se soucier des émissions de catégorie 3 parmi les gaz à effet de serre n’est pas seulement utile pour l’avenir de la planète, mais favorise également les résultats de votre entreprise. Il s’agit en fait d’une opportunité que le secteur de la propreté doit saisir, explique Malene Thiele, directrice mondiale ESG et Durabilité chez Nilfisk.

on their emissions, I recommend keeping your questions simple and using the existing recognised standards and reporting frameworks, such as CDP and SBTi. Do not invent your own tailored questionnaires. Use the ratings, rankings and information already out there. Otherwise, we end up spending more time reporting to one another than we do decarbonising our businesses. And that is not good for anyone.

Nilfisk is choosing to engage with a small number of key suppliers that comprise 50 per cent of our spend. Given the size of our mutual engagement, we would

Bei der Arbeit mit Scope 3-Treibhausgasemissionen geht es nicht nur darum, den Planeten zu retten, sondern auch um den Nettoprofit Ihres Unternehmens. Tatsächlich ist dies eine Geschäftschance, die die Reinigungsbranche ergreifen sollte, erklärt Malene Thiele, Global Director für ESG & Sustainability bei Nilfisk.

like to see their emissions quantified and managed. Otherwise, over time they may pose a risk to us, providing our company with high-emission materials or components.

Scope 3 reporting is happening

The first set of European sustainability reporting standards, which requires reports for financial year 2024, calls for scope 3 disclosure. It requires reporting both on significant scope 3 categories and on absolute emissions.

The new EU regulation currently makes reporting on scope 3 mandatory “only” for European listed companies with more than 500 employees. But in 2025 the regulation will expand to include large companies, including commercial foundations and cooperative companies with more than 250 employees that earn above certain revenue thresholds. And from 2026, all listed small and mediumsized enterprises will also have to report on scope 3.

And from 2028 non-EU companies with revenue in the EU above a certain threshold and with an EU subsidiary or branch with a certain level of turnover will be included as well. This means that certain non-EU groups will eventually also have to prepare consolidated sustainability information as per the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD).

In the US, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has also proposed mandatory scope 3 reporting. So far, it is not law.

Still, WWF reports that 60 per cent of Fortune 500 companies have set some type of climate or energy commitment, up from 48 per cent in 2017. Are any of them your customers?

Scope 3 is on its way and coming to a customer near you soon. To stay competitive and successful, our industry needs to prepare. www.nilfisk.com

Lavorare con le emissioni di gas serra Scope 3 non contribuisce solo alla salvaguardia del pianeta, ma è anche utile ai profitti di un’azienda. Si tratta infatti di un’opportunità di business che il settore della pulizia dovrebbe cogliere, spiega Malene Thiele, direttore globale ESG e sostenibilità di Nilfisk.

Reader registration form

June/July 2024

To receive ECJ free of charge (subject to qualification), complete the form below.

Please tick just one box in each section.

Your company’s main business activity:

q Factory & industrial premises

q Offices & commercial premises (including banks)

q Contract cleaning/cleaning services

q Distributors/wholesalers

q Health authorities/hospitals/ nursing homes

q Central and local government

Address

q Hotels/catering/recreation (including leisure centres)

q Education establishments (including universities, schools & colleges)

q Other (please specify)

Number of company employees:

Are you personally responsible for purchasing or specifying machinery, materials, products, equipment or support services used in the cleaning and maintenance of non-domestic establishments? q Yes q No

q None of the above.

Please

if