BUSINESS SPECIAL REPORTS
Hartley Milner investigates the impact of extreme flood events on European businesses.
Many people are still not washing their hands as effectively as they could.
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European Cleaning & Hygiene Awards 2025 to be hosted in Edinburgh
The gala dinner for the 2025 European Cleaning & Hygiene Awards will be held in the Scottish capital, Edinburghorganiser European Cleaning Journal has announced
The annual awards, which will be in their eighth year, will be held on Thursday, October 2 in the Grand Gallery at the National Museum of Scotland.
The awards, the only pan-European ones for the professional cleaning sector, provide a platform for businesses and individuals to share their success stories. From sustainability and diversity commitments to technological innovations and training initiatives, there is a category for every business in the sector to get involved in.
Entries open January
Michelle Marshall, editor of ECJ and founder of the awards said:
“With a rich Scottish heritage and culture around every corner, Edinburgh promises to be yet another incredible location for our event. The National Museum of Scotland has a real wow factor and we cannot wait to treat our guests to some traditional Scottish surprises on the night.”
Entries for the 2025 European Cleaning & Hygiene Awards will open in January. Visit www.
echawards.com to stay up-todate with information. You can also follow the awards on X @ECH_Awards and #ECHA25 and via European Cleaning Journal’s LinkedIn page.
• Read more about how to get involved in the ECH Awards 2025 in the February/March edition of ECJ. And if you would like to receive regular updates about the awards, email: michelle@ europeancleaningjournal.com
Les prochains Prix européens de propreté et d’hygiène, auxquels les inscriptions seront ouvertes à partir de janvier 2025, se tiendront à Edimbourg le 2 octobre.
EVENTS
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
March 31-April 3 2025 China Clean Expo Shanghai, China www.chinacleanexpo.com
May 27-29 2025 ISSA Pulire Milan, Italy www.issapulire.com
September 23-26 2025 CMS Berlin Berlin, Germany www.cms-berlin.de
October 2 2025 EuropeanCleaning&HygieneAwards Edinburgh, Scotland www.echawards.com
October 29-30 2025
ISSA Cleaning & Hygiene Expo Sydney, Australia www.issa.com
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
November 8-11 2027
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
Die European Cleaning & Hygiene Awards werden am 2. Oktober 2025 in Edinburgh veranstaltet, und Nominierungen können ab Januar 2025 eingereicht werden.
I premi European Cleaning & Hygiene Awards, che apriranno il periodo di candidatura nel gennaio 2025, verranno assegnati a Edimburgo il 2 ottobre.
Common pathogen is resistant to hospital disinfectant cleaners
A common hospital-acquired pathogen is showing alarming levels of resistance to common cleaning products, according to US researchers.
A team of chemists at Emory University in Georgia found that the nosocomial pathogen Pseudomonas Aeruginosa showed significant resilience to active ingredients in household cleaners and hospital sanitising products.
Pseudomonas Aeruginosa is responsible for more than half a million deaths annually and has been identified as a threat of critical priority by the World Health Organisation. According to the Centers for Disease Control, Pseudomonas
Aeruginosa infections increased during Covid-19 and continue to remain above prepandemic levels.
However, the research team has discovered that a new quaternary phosphonium compound - developed at Emory University in collaboration with Villanova University in Pennsylvania - has proved to be highly effective in neutralising all 20 strains of resistant Pseudomonas Aeruginosa Instead of attacking both cellular membranes of the bacterium in the same way as conventional biocides, the compound is said to diffuse passively through the outer membrane and selectively target
Un pathogène iatrogénique courant montre une résistance alarmante aux produits de nettoyage normalement utilisés, rapportent des chercheurs américains.
the inner membrane.
While the research team is unclear why this method is more effective, they hope the discovery may lead to the development of new biocides and more effective cleaning protocols in hospitals and other settings.
Laut US-amerikanischen Forschern zeigt ein häufig im Krankenhaus erworbener Erreger alarmierende Resistenzen gegen gängige Reinigungsprodukte.
Senior author of the study Professor William Wuest believes the new understanding of the bacteria’s resistance could help in the design of future disinfectant products. “Our work is paving the way for much-needed innovations in disinfectant research,” he said.
Secondo alcuni ricercatori statunitensi, un comune agente patogeno di origine ospedaliera mostra livelli allarmanti di resistenza ai comuni prodotti per la pulizia.
October 2 2025
National Museum of Scotland
Edinburgh
Opens for entries January
Cleaning body calls for minimum standards in workplaces
National rules setting minimum standards of cleanliness and hygiene for UK workplaces should be introduced to protect public health and boost the economy, according to the British Cleaning Council (BCC).
Mandatory standards for cleaning would help prevent the spread of common infections, such as flu, among workers and reduce the number of days taken off sick, as well as helping protect the nation against future pandemics - it says.
The body has called for standards to be agreed between Government and employers and be subject to inspection, perhaps by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).
Employers currently have a legal duty of care to provide clean workplaces but the BCC that this requirement is not fit for purpose. It made the proposal following a call from the Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR) for employers to
be tasked with creating healthier work environments, such as providing subsidised nutritious food for workers.
Chair of the BCC, Delia Cannings, said: “If we are considering how to make workplaces healthier, then cleanliness and hygiene must be part of that discussion.
“We’ve all been at work with a colleague who is coughing and sneezing and wondered if we will pick up their bug when we use the kettle or the microwave.
“Having mandatory, enforceable standards of cleaning and hygiene at work will help prevent this kind of sickness spreading and keep staff healthy and well.
“The legal responsibilities of employers with respect to cleanliness are vague, leaving staff vulnerable to picking up illnesses while at work and then spreading them further through society at large. I don’t think they are fit for purpose.
“Most employers support safe and clean working environments. Engaging trained professional cleaning companies gives reassurance that environments are conducive to good health and wellbeing however, sadly, the reality is that some employers do not embrace this principle, therefore the issue
is exacerbated.
“Formal, minimum standards would ensure workplaces take cleanliness and hygiene seriously, protecting their staff and society as a whole, saving the country a fortune in sick days and boosting the economy. We all agree that prevention is better than cure.”
Irish contract cleaning association hosts awards in Dublin
The Irish Contract Cleaning Association (ICCA) recently announced the winners of its biennial awards at a ceremony in the Round Room at the Mansion House in Dublin.
Across 14 categories the awards recognise both individual excellence and team achievements in different
sectors. Here are the winners:
• Educational Building, Higher Education: National University of Ireland Galway for Bidvest Noonan
• Healthcare: National Forensic Mental Health Service for Derrycourt Cleaning Specialists
• Hospitality/Leisure/ Residential Buildings: Edyn
• Le Conseil britiannique de la propreté (BCC) a lancé un appel à l’institution de règles nationales concernant l’adoption de normes de propreté minimales sur les lieux de travail.
• L’Association irlandaise de la propreté (ICCA) a récemment annoncé les gagnants de ses prix biennaux à Dublin.
Zanzibar for Derrycourt Cleaning Specialists
• Manufacturing: WuXi Vaccines for MCR Group
• Offices over 50,001 sq. ft: CBRE - TikTok for MCR Group
• Best Cleaned Premises by a Small Company: Lansdowne Place for Domestic and General Property Support Services
• Retail Buildings over 50,000 sq. ft: Liffey Valley Shopping Centre for Bidvest Noonan
• Offices up to 50,000 sq. ft: Airbnb (CBRE) for MCR Group
• Innovation Award: MCR Group`s Bespoke Productivity & Management Tool MCR Group
• Support Staff Award: Derrycourt’s Stratcom, Derrycourt Cleaning Specialists
• Best Initiative by a Small
• Das British Cleaning Council (BCC) fordert nationale Vorschriften im Vereinigten Königreich, die Mindeststandards für die Sauberkeit an Arbeitsplätzen festlegen.
• Der irische Vertragsreinigungsverband ICCA (Irish Contract Cleaning Association) gab kürzlich die Gewinner seiner alle zwei Jahre verliehenen Auszeichnungen in Dublin bekannt.
Company: FM Services for the CIMS Green Building certification (ISSA) accreditation
• Environmental, Social & Governance (ESG) Award: Exclusive Services Group
• Cleaning Team of the Year Award: Mondelez Weekend Crew, Cagney
• Rising Star Award: Renata Bissoli of Sea Clean Cleaning Solutions
• Overall Operative: Zlata Zsigova of MCR Group for Nutgrove Shopping Centre
• Overall Supervisor: Florin Filip of Derrycourt Cleaning Specialists for National Forensic Mental Health Service
• Overall Site Winner: Liffey Valley Shopping Centre for Bidvest Noonan
• Il British Cleaning Council (BCC) chiede l’introduzione di norme nazionali nel Regno Unito che stabiliscano standard minimi di pulizia nei luoghi di lavoro.
• L’Irish Contract Cleaning Association (ICCA) ha recentemente annunciato i vincitori dei suoi premi biennali a Dublino.
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Acknowledging the true value of people in every cleaning business
Stuart Conroy, commercial director at Peartree Cleaning Services in the UK proudly acknowledges its people are the foundation of the business’ success and discusses some of the ways it rewards and recognises its team.
Established 40 years ago and spanning three generations, Peartree Cleaning Services remains a family-owned and run business with over 1400 colleagues. Our story is one of continuous dedication to creating and maintaining a culture that benefits, recognises, and rewards our employeesthey are the key to delivering service excellence.
Our family business values are at the core of everything we do, ensuring employee welfare and well-being are always prioritised. We actively invest in the personal and professional growth of our employees, ensuring they feel valued and supported every step of the way. This starts with our hiring process, where we carefully select individuals who are not only skilled but also share our values of
integrity, teamwork, and service excellence. Our team qualify for sick pay from day one and we have never employed anyone on a zero hours contract.
We’ve built a culture that champions service, inclusivity, and respect for all our co-workers and clients. We have cleaners from 46 countries, speaking 22 languages and we celebrate this diversity. We offer our cleaning operative training in three different languages.
Living Wage Foundation
We’re proud advocates of fair compensation and workplace equality. In 2014, we became a Living Wage Employer demonstrating our commitment to social responsibility ensuring fair pay for all employees and setting a benchmark for ethical employment practices. This commitment not only reflects our values but has also resulted in tangible benefits for our team. By ensuring our employees receive a living wage, we’ve observed enhanced staff attendance, improved retention rates, and boosted morale across the board.
Stuart Conroy, directeur commercial de Peartree Cleaning Services au Royaume-Uni, reconnaît fièrement que ses employés sont à la base du succès de l’entreprise et discute de certaines des façons dont elle récompense et reconnaît son équipe.
Mental health and well-being
We understand the physical and mental demands that come with cleaning work, which is why we ensure our team has access to the tools, training, and support they need to perform their best without compromising their well-being. Our bespoke ‘Peartree & Me’ app provides direct access to our Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) for counselling and advice on mental health, family, and financial matters. It also gives our people and their families significant discounts from over 8,000 retailers, alongside benefits like cycle to work schemes and private medical care.
With a significant portion of our team hailing from South American Spanish-speaking backgrounds, we prioritise inclusivity in communication by providing all materials in both Spanish and Portuguese.
We have recently launched our menopause policy, guaranteeing a supportive and understanding work environment for everyone experiencing menopause. And we are building upon our existing equality and diversity
Stuart Conroy, kaufmännischer Leiter bei Peartree Cleaning Services im Vereinigten Königreich, erkennt stolz an, dass seine Mitarbeiter die Grundlage für den Erfolg des Unternehmens sind, und erörtert einige der Arten, wie das Unternehmen sein Team belohnt und anerkennt.
policy to ensure we are providing an inclusive and equitable environment for everyone.
Training and development
We believe that investing in our team’s growth is an investment in the future of our business. Everyone, regardless of their position, has valuable skills to offer and can achieve their full potential with the right support and opportunities for career growth. Every staff member is provided with ongoing training to keep them updated on the latest industry practices, safety protocols and technological advancements in cleaning equipment and products. We also see the value in nurturing the potential of the next generation. Our apprenticeship scheme not only allows us to champion young professionals but also invigorates our team with fresh perspectives and innovation, solidifying our commitment to the professional and personal development of our future leaders. Out of our 32 managers, 17 joined as frontline cleaning staff - showing our ‘Rising Stars Programme’ in action! Our ethos of reward and recognition ensures a motivated, inspired and willing workforce. Our Peartree Golden Days initiative rewards those who go above and beyond in their roles. When a team member delivers outstanding work, they are awarded a ‘Golden Day’ which includes an additional day of annual leave and some cash to make their day off extra special. It’s our way of showing appreciation for their hard work and dedication.
We understand the key to outstanding service lies in our people. By valuing, investing in and supporting our colleagues, we have a team that is skilled and committed to our standards.
Stuart Conroy, direttore commerciale di Peartree Cleaning Services nel Regno Unito, riconosce con orgoglio che i suoi dipendenti sono il fondamento del successo dell’azienda e discute alcuni dei modi in cui premia e riconosce il loro team.
Sodexo excels in social mobility
Sodexo UK & Ireland has been named in the top 75 of the 2024 Social Mobility Employer Index, compiled by the Social Mobility Foundation.
Launched in 2017 the Index has become the authority on employer-led social mobility. The 2024 Index saw 150 organisations enter, accounting for the employment of just under one million people.
Continued progress
Mark Goodyer, HR director, Sodexo UK & Ireland said:
“This is the first year we have featured in the top 75 and we will use this valuable ranking to continue to lead our industry on social mobility, making demonstrable and continued progress on areas such as recruitment, pay, progression and advocacy.”
“We truly believe that as an employer of over 30,000
• Sodexo UK & Ireland a été incluse parmi les 75 premières sociétés de l’édition 2024 du Social Mobility Employer Index.
• Le Cleaning Show, le salon de l’industrie britannique du nettoyage professionnel, reviendra à Londres en mars 2025.
• Sodexo UK & Ireland wurde in die Top 75 des Social Mobility Employer Index 2024 (Arbeitgeberindex in Bezug auf soziale Mobilität) aufgenommen.
• Die Cleaning Show, die Ausstellung für die professionelle Reinigungsbranche in Großbritannien, kehrt im März 2025 nach London zurück.
• Sodexo UK & Ireland è stata inserita nella top 75 del Social Mobility Employer Index 2024.
• The Cleaning Show, la fiera per l’industria della pulizia professionale del Regno Unito, tornerà a Londra nel marzo 2025.
people in the UK and Ireland we have the power to be a driver of social mobility - a force for good. Socio-economic diversity is essential to the success of any organisation. We know that a diverse workforce positively impacts on the services we deliver to our clients, and ensures our teams include individuals representing the communities in which we operate.”
London show back next March
The Cleaning Show, the exhibition for the UK professional cleaning industry, will return to ExCel London from March 18-20 2025. Bringing together visitors from contract cleaning, facilities management, healthcare, hospitality, transport, retail and local authorities, more than 7,000 visitors are expected say the organisers.
Alongside the trade exhibition there will be a programme of
panel sessions over the three days with subjects including the impact of AI in cleaning, the changing habits of the supply chain, preparing for the next pandemic and future-proofing the industry on the agenda.
The Cleaning & Support Services Association (CSSA) will host its Innovation Showcase.
Registration is now open.
To find out more visit: cleaningshow.co.uk/london
The purpose of cleaning is cleanliness - do we achieve it?
For three years a team of industry experts has been gathering material on cleaning ergonomics and conscious cleaning. And asking the question: are we forgetting the core objective of cleaning, which is achieving cleanliness? Does the outcome of cleaning support building users’ and cleaners’ health, or is it detrimental to it?
Helge Alt from Puhastusekspert OÜ in Estonia and Tarja Valkosalo of Propuhtaus Finland tell us more.
The purpose of cleaning is to remove dirt and achieve the desired level of cleanliness. Every move you make in the cleaning process should remove dirt. That seems rather selfevident. But, if you look at the cleanliness of rooms, what kind of dirt they have and how the surfaces end up dirty, then it appears that a lot of dirt is actually generated during the cleaning process. For example, there can be sticky layers of cleaning agents or visible wiping and water marks on surfaces. This kind of soiling in turn starts to accumulate until deep cleaning is needed.
This is something to be aware of, because cleaning services should ensure dirt is removed, not spread around. Why does cleaning turn into spreading dirt? There are several reasons for this, such as using wrong methods related to dirt, overdosing of cleaning agents, using excessively wet cleaning methods that do not involve drying or using dirty equipment.
In any case, cleaning is useless if you’ll end up spreading dirt over surfaces. The problem starts long before the layers of dirt become visible to the eye. Such layers provide particularly good hiding places for microbial debris and a favourable environment for the spread of disease, for example in the
context of a pandemic. We need transformation
In his keynote presentation ‘Time for a Clean Start’ during Interclean Amsterdam this year German Ramirez said “Let’s face it: cleaning is not a sexy industry, but cleaning needs fresh talent. Change is not enough, you need transformation. It’s important to find the deeper meaning in what you do.”
Changes are happening in all directions: the industry is going digital, robots are being introduced, responsible and environmentally friendly cleaning is becoming increasingly important, etc. Modern society is driving companies to act responsibly and adhere to environmental (E), social (S) and governance (G) principles. But are we forgetting the core of cleaning, achieving cleanliness? Does the outcome of cleaning support space-users’ and cleaners’ health - or is it detrimental to it?
Cleaning responsibly and efficiently means every movement removes the maximum amount of dirt, while keeping work tasks as easy as possible and using the least number of resources needed. This is in line with ESG principles. Sticking to routine cleaning activities, such as washing the floor in the same way every day, is often pointless. Dirt is different every day, so there is no need to use the same methods each time. Needs-based cleaning is the change the industry needs - regardless of equipment, cleaning agents or machines. What is most important?
Cleanliness plays a bigger role in our daily lives than we think. Research makes it clear that the cleanliness of spaces and the cleaning methods used affect the health of both cleaners and those occupying the spaces.
Pendant trois ans, une équipe de spécialistes a recueilli des données sur l’ergonomie du nettoyage et sur le nettoyage conscient. Ceci pour réponde à cette question : risquons-nous d’oublier l’objectif central du nettoyage, qui est de réaliser la propreté ? Les résultats de cette activité vont-ils dans le sens, ou à l’encontre, de la santé des usagers et des nettoyeurs d’un immeuble ?
This applies to both mental and physical health, as well as people’s motivation to work. It even plays a role in determining the value of property. The list could go on. At the same time, cleaning is an industry where good results often go unnoticed because cleanliness is seen as the norm. Other challenges include low prices. If you need to save money, cleaning seems to be at the top of the list of things to cut.
Cleaning is medium heavy physical work. As a process and as a result it can be either beneficial or detrimental to health, both in terms of mental and physical health.
If the level of cleanliness is not achieved, the work done and the strain it causes is wasted.
Cleanliness is something we all crave, and a clean environment is an important determinant of human health. Spaces differ in their expected level of cleanliness. It is important to understand what kind of cleanliness is desired and what is the deeper meaning of cleanliness in any given context.
As a customer, everyone should think about the deeper meaning of cleanliness, whether their current activities are more like cleaning or spreading existing dirt, and whether cleaning is beneficial or
However, cleaning consciously can be like a light workout, which is good for physical health. Autonomy and the ability to see the results of their work is an important source of job satisfaction for many cleaners.
At the same time, people in the cleaning industry suffer from occupational illnesses and accidents and may be stressed. In other words, cleaning can be detrimental to health.
So, what determines whether cleaning is good for your health or not? It comes down to conscious actions and ergonomics. It is important to know how to choose the best ergonomic methods to achieve the desired level of cleanliness.
Ein Team von Branchenexperten hat drei Jahre lang Material zu Ergonomie und bewusster Reinigung gesammelt. Und sie stellen die Frage: Vergessen wir das Kernziel der Reinigung, nämlich Sauberkeit zu erreichen? Unterstützt das Reinigungsergebnis die Gesundheit von Gebäudenutzenden und Reinigungskräften, oder schadet es der Gesundheit?
detrimental to people’s health. Research show that higher cleanliness correlates with higher work satisfaction level and productivity of space-users. That’s good to keep in mind.
For three years, we have been gathering material on cleaning ergonomics and conscious cleaning in the context of a pandemic and conducting reallife tests and experiments in Erasmus+ collaborative projects. The results have surprised even us. The materials produced as a result of the projects are available free of charge to all. Read more online at: ergoclean.eu/ and: pandemicclean.eu/
Da tre anni un team di esperti del settore raccoglie materiale sull’ergonomia della pulizia e sulla pulizia consapevole. E pone la domanda: stiamo dimenticando l’obiettivo principale della pulizia, che è raggiungere la pulizia? Il risultato della pulizia contribuisce a migliorare la salute degli utenti e degli addetti alle pulizie, oppure è dannoso per essa?
Our expert and innovative vision has enabled us to position ourselves as the benchmark company in the collective washrooms hygiene solutions and equipment sector. We will continue to work to maintain this leadership.
Here’s to another 50 years of success together.
Latest: Netherlands
Design trends impact inventory
John Griep in the Netherlands on how building design changes have affected cleaning measurement.
The design and materials used in office buildings have evolved significantly in recent years, bringing notable implications for cleaning practices and in turn the measurement of cleaning quality according to the VSR Quality Measurement System (VSR-KMS). Before assessing cleaning quality, a building’s features must first be carefully inventoried, yet emerging design trends increasingly challenge traditional inventory methods.
A wall is no longer ‘just a wall’ Modern offices, often featuring open-plan layouts, diverse materials and innovative furnishings, have reshaped our perception of what constitutes a ‘space’ or ‘surface’. A wall, for example, is no longer simply a single structure, but may consist of various textures, finishes, and divisions. These design elements have led VSR inspectors to encounter unique challenges in inventorying buildings accurately and consistently. Even in buildings with identical cleaning programmes, different inspectors might interpret the same features in varying ways, prompting the team to question whether a standard inventory approach is still feasible. One such inventory challenge is the growing ambiguity around shared or connected surfaces. For instance, in a floor where carpet meets laminate with a raised edge, inspectors may see one floor with a defined edge, two floors with contrasting surfaces, or even three distinct components. According to a VSR representative: “Every interpretation can be valid, but consistency and proper documentation of chosen approaches are essential.” This need for consistency has emerged as a critical theme in modern inventorying.
Rapportant des Pays-Bas, John Griep explique la manière dont l’évolution de la conception des immeubles et des matériaux qui y sont utilisés a affecté la mesure a la qualité du nettoyage.
How to manage the subjective nature of inventorying?
Another example involves fixtures, such as a sink with a wall-mounted tap. Should the tap be considered a separate entity or is it part of an integrated structure with the sink?
Such questions illustrate the subjective nature of inventorying modern spaces. In one notable case, a single locker cabinet containing 35 doors divided into seven segments posed a unique inventorying challenge, sparking lively discussions at a VSR meeting on how to best account for complex structures.
To maintain inventory accuracy, at VSR we suggests three essential tips:
1. Weigh key features carefully: when listing items, consider their impact on overall cleaning requirements. For example, a locker with 35 doors may count as 35 individual elements, which could disproportionately affect the total cleaning score. Meanwhile a larger, shared surface - such as a floor - might hold greater hygiene value within the same inventory.
2. Ensure communication between inspectors and inventory takers: if the inspector differs from the original inventory creator, clear communication is vital to align interpretations and avoid discrepancies in quality measurements.
3. Document decisions: capturing and documenting inventory choices is vital to ensure consistency and provide clarity for future inspections.
VSR now aims to adapt inventory processes to the evolving realities of modern office spaces, ensuring reliable and standardised quality assessments despite ever-changing design trends.
John Griep in den Niederlanden berichtet darüber, wie Änderungen bei Design und Materialien in Bürogebäuden die Messung der Reinigungsqualität beeinflusst haben.
Budget proposals worry industry
From France Christian Bouzols on how the French government is looking to reduce its budget deficit.
In its effort to reduce a record budget deficit, the new French government has been considering various ways to save on its expenditure, aiming notably at the subsidies given to companies and local authorities. One potential avenue it has been thinking of is to reduce the funding given to companies to help them reduce the burden of social security charges on the people they employ. This potential measure would be focused on wages situated below the 1.2 times the minimum wage level.
This is a cause of considerable worry to the French cleaning sector. That’s because it is a labour-intensive industry with structurally low profit margins. The French cleaning federation (FEP) says if these proposals were implemented, they would be disastrous for the cleaning sector. In fact, the FEP estimates they would hit net profits to the tune of 30 to 50 per cent.
Cutting nearly half of company profits would be “quite unbearable at a time when companies have to put up with unprecedented economic difficulties,” FEP said. More specifically, these difficulties have been caused by the fact that since 2021 they have been legally prevented from passing on to their customers all the rising costs inflation has imposed on them; by the enforcement of EU legislation concerning paid sickness leave; by the cancellation of public subsidies to sandwich courses or work-linked training programmes; and finally, by the plan to abolish the financial help the state was giving to companies to help them alleviate the cost of work stoppages.
For Philippe Jouanny, FEP president, “these nefarious measures, that have been envisaged without any discussion
with our sector, would have the immediate effect of putting an end to the large-scale recruitment we have been achieving (we’ve created 110,000 new net jobs in 10 years), thus depriving thousands of potential newcomers of work opportunities. All this would give rise to a major crisis whose main victims would be socially fragile people.”
After having to face rising costs at several levels and being prevented from passing them all to their customers, cleaning companies would face massive job losses. The state and local authorities (which represent 25 per cent of the market) would then have to take cleaning operations in-house.
This in turn would have serious consequences - there would be a considerable rise in public expenditure, a lowering of professional standards of the cleaning trade, a loss of knowhow and techniques, a deleterious effect in terms of public health, hygiene and the living conditions of the French people.
This is how Philippe Jouanny sees it: “At a time when technological innovation (such as the use of robots and artificial intelligence) is speeding up, when online platforms are getting ever more popular as a means of reducing costs, do we really want to kill off the ordinary worker in a conventional enterprise? I refuse to accept such a level of social and economic disruption for workers and companies operating in the cleaning sector. This government project is destabilising, dangerous and unjust. It is imperative that it’s revised and negotiated, and a planned implementation timetable put in place - in a spirit of cooperation. The very survival of cleaning companies and their workers is at stake.”
John Griep, nei Paesi Bassi, riferisce di come i cambiamenti nella progettazione e nei materiali utilizzati negli edifici adibiti a uffici abbiano influenzato la misurazione della qualità delle pulizie.
Le nouveau gouvernement français envisage des coupes budgétaires qui inquiètent beaucoup le secteur de la propreté, rapporte Christian Bouzols.
Die neue französische Regierung überdenkt Haushaltsvorschläge, die die Reinigungsbranche beunruhigen, berichtet Christian Bouzols.
Il nuovo governo francese sta valutando proposte di bilancio che preoccupano l’industria della pulizia, riferisce Christian Bouzols.
When the Christmas period is over and until March sets in, the quiet period, the cleaners at AC Hotel Bella Sky Copenhagen spend the exact same hours at the hotel as they do on a working day during the peak season. But instead of spending their entire day with their housekeeping trolleys cleaning rooms, they now keep their heads in the books at the hotel as well taking Danish lessons.
These lessons are one part of the housekeeping strategy that Heidi Axelsen took the lead on after she joined Bellagroup (running three Copenhagenbased hotels with a total of 1,600 rooms) as a housekeeping specialist in 2022. She had met cleaners in the industry crying under the strain of struggling to keep pace and having to clean up to 50 rooms a day and knew some things had to change on her watch.
More time
“It’s no secret that cleaners are not paid well. If, on top of that, they are treated badly, that’s downright unfair. So, I said it wouldn’t be a job for me if that was the way to do things,” Heidi Axelsen says speaking to ECJ.
The Bellagroup management was sympathetic, so she met up with a network contact, Kasper Willemoes, CEO of The Ellen Group, a cleaning company with the ambition to offer what they call worry-free hospitality services.
“If money isn’t an issue, how can
Worry-free and transparent housekeeping
ECJ’s Lotte Printz on a successful venture in the hospitality industry in Denmark that may sound too good to be true.
we make the coolest housekeeping unit ever?”
That was the starting point for their brainstorm, and Heidi Axelsen’s face lights up speaking about its outcome. The housekeeping strategy now prevailing at Bellagroup, who consequently outsourced most of the housekeeping to The Ellen Group, is unlike traditional housekeeping practices in various ways. The amount of time granted for cleaning a room for new arrivals has nearly doubled since the introduction of worry-free housekeeping, from the 16-minute industry norm to 30 minutes. Where they really stand out, though, is in terms of onboarding procedures.
New employees get four weeks of training during which time the ‘rookies’ do not have to clean on their own but have an experienced housekeeper to help. At the end of the training, they take a practical and oral exam with 56 questions about everything from what to do if there are small blood stains on the sheet, to how many rooms the floor mops can be used for.
Safe environment
“Do we really have time for this?” is often the first reaction from employees who come
Lotte Printz, notre correspondante en Scandinavie, parle d’un projet lancé au sein de l’hôtellerie danoise dont le succès éclatant est à peine crédible.
on board this way. But they are generally pleased that they do. Explicit checklists for how to set up a trolley and when to do what, as well as an atmosphere where they can safely say if they feel too much pressure, are also key to keep the housekeepers happier. Job satisfaction is also achieved through contracts that all cleaners have enabling them to attend Danish lessons during working hours in the quiet period.
Worthwhile investment
Usually, the contractual working day for housekeeping at AC Hotel Bella Sky Copenhagen does not exceed six hours, typically covering 10 ‘check-out’ rooms and five ‘stay-over’ rooms, but cleaners can accept more during particularly busy spells. And if, say, a single mum needs to work full time to make ends meet, she may ‘top up’ working in the hotel breakfast area or reception.
On the face of it, this venture does seem like a costly affair. Nevertheless, the Bellagroup management decided to invest in the worry-free housekeep-
ing ambition, and it has paid off. Today, housekeeping costs are more or less the same as before, considering money saved on sick leave and employee turnover, not to mention hotel guest complaints and compensation, Axelsen explains.
The initiative received attention when Axelsen spoke at a seminar for the Danish cleaning industry earlier this year and several of her peers have already stopped by for inspiration. Heidi Axelsen is happy if she and Bellagroup can set new standards in hospitality services, including a unique and transparent partnership with Kasper Willemoes and The Ellen Group.
“We have access to all of The Ellen Group’s prices, what they make from this deal and other numbers related to efficiency and extra hours. Transparency to the last digit. In return, they can access key aspects of our logistics system to operate as smoothly as possible. I haven’t heard about anybody else who has had the nerve to collaborate like this,” Axelsen proudly points out.
This edition’s special report on the need for training in hand hygiene starts page 19
Die ECJ-Korrespondentin Lotte Printz berichtet von einem erfolgreichen Vorhaben im dänischen Gastgewerbe, das zu schön klingt, um wahr zu sein.
bella per essere vera.
Lotte Printz di ECJ racconta un’impresa di successo nel settore dell’ospitalità in Danimarca che potrebbe sembrare troppo
Impact of the telephone sick note
From Germany Katja Scholz tells us about the increase in the sickness absence rate in the sector.
In what has almost become a tradition, the Federal Association of Contract Cleaners (BIV) presented the results of its autumn business survey in October. Over 400 member firms took part, showing the overall mood in the sector along with forecasts and expectations. A particular stand-out topic was the telephone sick note.
The spring survey had already shown barely one quarter of the participating companies had positive business expectations for the year as a whole and barely half of them saw their business as unchanged. The autumn forecast regrettably fails to reveal a more optimistic picture: only 18.5 per cent of the participating companies, so even fewer than in the spring, view 2025 with positive business expectations, 43.4 per cent see their business as unchanging and just under 38 per cent have a negative view of future prospects. The majority of companies are highly critical of the use of the telephone sick note which, since December 2023, has now been made possible again in Germany.
Since then the sickness rate has increased for more than 70 per cent of the companies surveyed, while for 30 per cent it has remained the same. A third of the businesses affected even state that, in the current year, their sickness rates have increased by up to 10 per cent as a result of the telephone sick note. “The telephone sick note made sense during the pandemic - but it is now turning into a distinct handicap for our companies,” said Federal Guild master Thomas Dietrich. “The Federal Government is right to review this instrument in the context of their growth initiative – but for us there is only one correct conclusion: abolition.” A
Rapportant d’Allemagne, Katja Scholz décrit les effets d’un système de communication téléphonique de certificat médical qui a été lancé en décembre 2023.
clear majority of 81.4 per cent of the companies surveyed agree.
Political interference in the right to independent collective bargaining came right at the top of the scale (from one to 10) of concerns with a score of 8.5, especially with regard to the legal minimum wage requirements. Following close behind were the soaring costs of the social security system, particularly in the area of health and pensions insurance.
But now at the year end, some more cheerful news: this year’s contract cleaners’ company award went to a traditional business from Remscheid, North Rhine Westfalia: Schulten Gebäudedienste. This company, which employs a staff of 2,600, convinced the jury with the in-house social care programme which its employees have turned to with confidence for 25 years now for help with their individual issues and concerns. This could involve dealing with official procedures, providing help through the jungle of red tape, sick visiting or simply just lending a sympathetic ear.
Equally good news from the upcoming generation in the sector: the BIV ‘newcomer’ prize was also awarded at the members’ assembly. Following the award of last year’s title to a journeyman apprentice from Bavaria, this year’s prize was presented to Sarah Lutz from Baden-Württemberg. She brings the skilled trade into the realm of social networking and has also passed her master’s exam. “This title is also well-deserved because Sarah Lutz has acted as an ambassador for the sector, representing our skilled trade on social media with dignity, freshness and affection, thereby gaining an impressive number of likes, clicks and followers,” said jury chairman Holger Eickholz.
Katja Scholz berichtet aus Deutschland über die Auswirkungen der seit Dezember 2023 möglichen telefonischen Krankschreibung.
Equipment rental - an added value
Anna Garbagna from Italy on how equipment rental is become more popular with cleaning companies.
Renting professional cleaning equipment is increasingly becoming the option of choice for many. This is because it can offer several advantages both for those offering the equipment for rent and for the cleaning companies and/ or individual professionals who decide to make use of this opportunity. Among the benefits offered, there is certainly a reduction in initial costs, access to more cutting-edge technology on the market, as well as reduced maintenance and service costs following the purchase of the various pieces of equipment.
Rental service trends in the industrial cleaning market were indeed discussed during the update meeting ‘Rental in the professional cleaning market: an added value’ organised by AFIDAMP in collaboration with Rental Network and presented by the organisation’s Pier Angelo Cantù.
In a sector estimated to be worth €168 million in Italy, it is important to understand how this avenue can generate important economic growth and allow the opportunity to offer continuous modernisation of equipment.
On the manufacturers’ side, the inclusion of the rental service represents a real added value that can go a long way toward growing their clientele as well as expanding their range of services. On the other hand, from the point of view of those who use equipment rental in professional cleaning, it is an advantageous solution for those who are looking for flexibility, technological upgrades and cost reduction.
However we should not speak of savings alone, as the rental formula also allows companies
to give their clients a series of timely and up-to-date solutions to the various needs they face. However, it becomes almost ‘obligatory’ for the company renting equipment to the industry operators to have and offer increasingly technologically advanced, cutting-edge and fully functional machines, so that the relationship of trust can grow and expand between the two parties by meeting and, in some cases, anticipating market demands.
Among the most popular rental equipment in the industrial cleaning sector in terms of yield and efficiency there are highpressure washers, industrial sweepers and vacuum cleaners, cryogenic cleaning systems (such as sandblasters), tank cleaning equipment, drones and inspection and cleaning robots. Other sectors
On the other hand, the ranking of the sectors that make the most use of industrial cleaning equipment rental sees, among others, the presence of the manufacturing and metallurgical sector (which - working with metals and heavy machinery - requires frequent cleaning to remove dust, metal residues and chemicals); the food and beverage industry (which requires steam sanitisers to clean equipment and surfaces to food safety standards) and water and waste treatment (which requires specific cleaning equipment, such as high-pressure pumps and industrial vacuum cleaners, to safely handle residues and waste materials).
Given the still limited use of this new service in Italy, suppliers and customers can certainly help develop this new industry, which has immediately proved to be of great use and seems destined for success.
Katja Scholz in Germania ci parla dell’impatto del “certificato di malattia telefonico”, possibile dal dicembre 2023.
Anna Garbagna erläutert, dass der Verleih von Geräten bei italienischen Reinigungsunternehmen stetig an Beliebtheit gewinnt.
Comme l’explique Anna Garbagna, la location d’équipements s’est popularisée de plus en plus parmi les entreprises de propreté italiennes.
Come spiega Anna Garbagna, il noleggio di attrezzature è diventato sempre più popolare tra le imprese di pulizia italiane.
A policy for health creation
Lynn Webster in the UK brings news of calls for minimum standards of cleanliness at workplaces.
The UK has had National Standards for Cleanliness in Healthcare for many years although the effective implementation of them is not always in place. Following a recent report on health and prosperity from a UK leading ‘think tank’ the Institute of Public Policy Research (IPPR), the British Cleaning Council (BCC) is calling for the introduction of national rules setting minimum standards of cleanliness and hygiene to be introduced for the workplace.
This would protect both employees’ health and in turn boost the economy. Such, possibly mandatory, standards would provide the necessary benchmarking to help prevent the spread of infections and illnesses among employees and in turn reduce the number of sick days and for the bigger picture protecting everyone in case of future pandemics.
This initiative will go a long way in tackling the national costs of employee sickness (reported to be £103 billion in 2023) and in so doing supporting the economy. Although the report suggests people are getting sicker and that this impacts on productivity in work. Subsequently there is the likelihood of even more days being lost through sickness; some 900,000 workers reportedly missing work through sickness which post pandemic could rise significantly further and greatly damaging the economy as a whole. People with one or multiple health conditions are reported to be twice as likely to take sick days or experience lower productivity due to working when sick.
In addition, there should be a focus on preventing rather than treating illnesses; moving away from a ‘sickness model’ of health policy to one of ‘health creation’. This will lead to healthier lives
Dans son compte rendu du Royaume-Uni, Lynn Webster évoque les appels qui y ont été lancés à l’introduction de normes minimales de propreté sur le lieu de travail.
with intervention in the places where people spend their time - tens of thousands of hours in work and for young people, thousands of hours in education too. It is in and through these spaces that such a system could be founded, in a workplace that creates health. The IPPR has set some bold plans towards a system which creates good health, including in the workplace.
Although there is an employer duty of care to provide clean workspaces the BCC suggests this is not robust or fit for purpose in terms of an agreed standard. Formal cleaning and hygiene inspection may become a valid means of measurement.
Delia Cannings, BCC chairman commented: “If we are considering how to make workplaces healthier, then cleanliness and hygiene must be part of that discussion. The legal responsibilities of employers with respect to cleanliness are vague, leaving staff vulnerable to picking up illnesses while at work and then spreading them further through society at large.
“Formal, minimum standards would ensure workplaces take cleanliness and hygiene seriously, protecting their staff and society as a whole, saving the country a fortune in sick days and boosting the economy. We all agree that prevention is better than cure.”
A joined-up approach between such strong voices can only be of value for the cleaning industry and maintains the support of the former All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for the sector and its key recommendation to have ‘minimum standards for hygiene infrastructure and cleaning in diverse venues’. Creating a plan that hopefully will become a reality.
Lynn Webster im Vereinigten Königreich berichtet über Forderungen nach der Einführung nationaler Mindeststandards für Sauberkeit am Arbeitsplatz. Lynn Webster dal Regno Unito riferisce sulle richieste di introduzione di standard minimi nazionali di pulizia sul luogo di lavoro.
Power
Is training the answer?
HAND WASHING IS IMPORTANT.
Health bodies all over the world agree that this is the case and like to tell us exactly how and when to do it.
The National Health Service in the UK asks us to sing happy birthday twice while washing our hands to ensure we take the required 40 seconds. The Centers for Disease Control in the USA lists 10 everyday activities that need to be followed by a hand wash including blowing one’s nose, changing a nappy and petting an animal.
And the World Health Organisation advocates a five-moment hand hygiene regime for anyone working in hygienecritical sectors such as healthcare.
Yet not everyone seems to have received the message. According to various surveys only 60 to 90 per cent of people say they always wash their hands after visiting the washroom, while observational studies show that actual hand washing compliance figures are often much lower than people are willing to admit.
A record-breaking attempt to instruct children in the art of good hand hygiene was staged in October this year for World Hand Hygiene Day. A large-scale lesson for primary school children was held throughout the UK as more than 100 schools attempted to break a Guinness World Record.
Students joined the live-streamed event in which they were given instructions on proper hand washing techniques with the aid of hand hygiene stories and talking puppets.
But is hand hygiene instruction for children – and for people in general – the right way to go about instilling good hand hygiene habits into the population?
Still not correct
It is a sad fact that hand hygiene is still not being carried out correctly by all of us, says Principle Cleaning’s head of safety and compliance Ian Sinclair. “Not everyone consistently follows the proper procedures, despite the fact there has been significant progress in hand hygiene awareness as a result of the government’s
campaigning during the pandemic,” he said. “Poor hand hygiene compliance can pose serious risks, particularly in shared or high-traffic environments where the potential for contamination is higher.”
The reasons why people are failing to wash their hands comes down to several factors, says Sinclair. “Many people underestimate the importance of thorough hand hygiene - particularly if they haven’t directly experienced its consequences,” he said. “In other cases bad habits may be caused by complacency or the fact that there are few reminders around.”
Not an alternative
Many people have come to believe hand sanitiser are a suitable alternative to hand washing following the Covid-19 pandemic, he says. “However, this is not as thorough a method as using soap and water and washing for at least 40 seconds.”
According to Sinclair, some people avoid frequent hand washing because they believe their immune systems may not develop properly if their hands are too clean. “This idea comes from the hygiene hypothesis which suggests that limited exposure to microbes during childhood might increase susceptibility to allergies and autoimmune conditions,” he said.
“However, experts clarify that while it is beneficial to be exposed to a variety of bacteria through normal daily life - during outdoor activities and when interacting with pets, for example - avoiding basic hygiene practices such as hand washing does not actually build immunity,” he said. “Regular hand hygiene keeps us safe from harmful bacteria and viruses while natural exposure to everyday microbes helps the immune system develop.”
He believes training can significantly increase compliance, however. “Studies show that when people are taught effective hand-washing techniques - and when they are also given reminders and made to understand the benefits of hand hygiene - they are more likely to practise it more consistently,” he said. “Training reinforces knowledge about when and
We all know how important it is to wash our hands. But some people are still not doing it as frequently – nor as effectively – as they should. Could hand hygiene training be the answer and if so, who would it benefit most asks ECJ?
how to wash the hands properly and can reduce the spread of germs and illness in workplaces, particularly in industries where maintaining high standards of hygiene is crucial.”
Hand hygiene training is important in healthcare facilities, food preparation environments, schools and offices, he says. “These are places where people are in close contact with each other or where they handle sensitive materials,” said Sinclair. “Beyond these it is beneficial to promote good hand hygiene habits in public spaces such as transport hubs and recreational facilities. Teaching such principles in early education can instil lifelong good practices.”
He believes a combination of handson demonstrations, informative signage, digital resources and regular refresher courses can all play a role in teaching people about hand hygiene. “Posters and videos will demonstrate the correct techniques, while interactive training sessions can ensure that people understand why these practices matter,” he said.
Principle Cleaning produces posters on hand washing techniques and conducts training at client locations.
End users are often insufficiently informed about the active ingredients in soaps and hand sanitisers, according to Salveco’s marketing manager Elvire Mathieu. “We saw this particularly during Covid when children and healthcare
Is training the answer? (continued from page 19)
staff were using hydroalcoholic gels very regularly,” she said. “The consequences for their skin were disastrous: certain fragile populations should not be exposed to dangerous active ingredients and if they use them without precautions this can pose a major risk.”
Hand hygiene is important in all sectors, she says. “People in the medical sector and carers in particular are heavy users of hand hygiene products, and this can cause problems if the product has long-term irritating effects,” said Mathieu. “In some environments there is also the risk of product ingestion, which is particularly dangerous for certain categories of product.”
According to Mathieu, teaching children about hygiene and sanitary risks is essential for educating future generations about the importance of hygiene for long-term health. “In schools it is important to make children aware about the need for hand hygiene, the time they should spend hand washing and the precautions they should take if products irritate their eyes or skin,” she said.
“Posters are a good way of communicating the hand hygiene message in public washrooms. It is also crucial to inform people about the cleaning and hygiene products they use so they can protect themselves from the health risks indicated on the products with pictograms.
“And healthcare staff need to understand the desired frequency of hand hygiene ad how long it should take, while Institutions should seek out safe and sustainable products to protect end users from chemical hazards.”
The company offers training materials to its customers’ sales teams so they can pass this information on to the end user. Salveco’s plant-based hand hygiene products are said to feature a low concentration of active ingredients and reduce any health risks for the user.
Enhance practices
Despite the well-documented risks associated with contaminated hands it is clear that hand hygiene practices are not consistently being followed by everyone, says Essity’s communications director Jenny Turner.
“However, we should consider the many reasons why people may not adopt hand hygiene,” she said. “People often feel too busy to wash their hands properly and may be deterred by hand hygiene systems that are not intuitive to use. Run-outs of soap and paper towels can also discourage hand washing. And many individuals may not fully understand the importance of hand hygiene or the correct techniques for doing so.”
She believes relevant training and information can significantly enhance people’s
Malgré les risques de contamination qu’entraîne le fait de ne pas se laver les mains correctement, il semble que cette discipline n’ait pas été adoptée par tous. Ainsi, conviendrait-il que les fabricants de produits d’hygiène proposent quelque moyen de formation ou d’information à ce sujet ? Et quel serait la meilleure appoche à envisager ?
Noch immer wird Handhygiene nicht von allen korrekt durchgeführt – trotz der Gefahren, die kontaminierte Hände darstellen können. Sollten Hersteller von Hygieneprodukten eine Form von Schulung oder Informationen anbieten, um zur Behebung dieses Problems beizutragen? Und in welcher Form sollte das erfolgen?
hand hygiene practices. “When people are informed about the correct methods and the critical importance of hand hygiene, they are more likely to adhere to those practices,” said Turner.
She says hand hygiene training is particularly crucial in environments where the risk of contamination and infection is high. “These include healthcare settings, schools and the food industry,” she said. “However, it is also beneficial in other public spaces such as offices, gyms and public transport hubs to ensure a broader impact on public health.
“By teaching children good practices at a young age we can help to instil lifelong habits. When children learn the importance of washing their hands properly they are more likely to continue these practices into adulthood.”
Effective hand hygiene education can take various forms, according to Turner. “Engaging and informative materials will teach schoolchildren the importance of hand hygiene, while comprehensive training programmes will reinforce proper hand hygiene techniques for healthcare staff,” she said. “And posters and stickers placed in strategic locations in public washrooms provide visual reminders that encourage good practices.”
Habit forming
Tork offers a range of hand hygiene training and informational aids including Tork VR Clean Hands Training, an interactive virtual reality experience for healthcare settings, and Tork Ella and Max hand hygiene trainings which are designed to teach children the importance of proper hand washing through fun and educational activities. The company also offers educational posters and stickers that can be used with the new Tork Signage Holder.
According to Turner, it is not sufficient to simply tell people that hand hygiene is important in order to cause a behavioural change. “Significant change can only be produced with the aid of a deliberate programme combining several elements including the right tools for the task; education on the need for hand hygiene and visual reminders,” she said. “A new habit takes time to form, and needs to be continually reinforced.”
Le pratiche per l’igiene delle mani non vengono ancora eseguite correttamente da tutti, nonostante i pericoli che le mani contaminate possono rappresentare. Le aziende di prodotti per l’igiene dovrebbero fornire una sorta di formazione o informazioni per aiutare a risolvere questo problema? E in che modo?
Products:
• Le distributeur Milano de la société Hylab est fabriqué à partir d’une seule feuille d’aluminium, grenaillée pour un fini brillant.
• Essity poursuit une campagne de promotion à l’accessibilité du lavage des mains dans des toilettes collectives publiques et d’entreprise.
• Les savons pour les mains HTS Bio sont produits par des procédés biotechnogiques qui en garantissent le caractère purement naturel.
• Pour les zones sans approvisionnement en eau, Dreumex propose les lingettes Expert Wipes pour le lavage des mains.
• Conçu pour des zones de haute fréquentation, Kennedy Hygiene propose le distributeur Savona Max à cartouche de 800 ml.
• La gamme de distributeurs ICON de Kimberly-Clark Professional comprend des modèles pour serviettes, papiers hygiéniques et soins de la peau.
• Der Milano Seifenspender von Hylab ist aus einem einzigen sandgestrahlten Aluminiumblech gefertigt und erhält so ein hochwertiges Aussehen.
• Essity setzt sich für eine bessere Zugänglichkeit zum Händewaschen in öffentlichen Waschräumen und am Arbeitsplatz ein.
• HTS Bio Handseifen basieren auf Biotechnologie und sind zu 100% natürlich.
• Für Bereiche, in denen kein Wasser verfügbar ist, bietet Dreumex Expert Desinfektionstücher für die Handreinigung an.
• Der Savona Max Spender von Kennedy Hygiene mit 800-mlKartusche wurde für stark frequentierte Umgebungen konzipiert.
• Die Spenderreihe ICON von Kimberly-Clark Professional umfasst Modelle für Handtücher, Toilettenpapier und Hautpflege.
• Il dispenser di sapone Milano di Hylab è realizzato tramite un’unica lastra di alluminio sabbiato per un look di alta qualità.
• Essity si batte per una maggiore accessibilità al lavaggio delle mani nei bagni pubblici e nei luoghi di lavoro.
• I saponi per le mani HTS Bio sono derivati dalle biotecnologie e naturali al 100%.
• La Dreumex propone le salviette per le mani Expert Wipes adatte alle aree dove l’acqua non è disponibile.
• Il dispenser Savona Max di Kennedy Hygiene con cartuccia da 800 m è progettato per ambienti ad alto traffico.
• La gamma di dispenser ICON della Kimberly-Clark Professional include modelli per asciugamani, carta igienica e prodotti per la cura della pelle.
Elegant function
Hylab says its Milano Soap Dispenser combines elegance and functionality, manufactured from a single sheet of durable sandblasted aluminium for a premium look. Designed in a range of sizes, it features antifingerprint finish and easy-toclean surfaces.
Capacity ranges from 5002000 ml, reducing the need for frequent refills in high-use areas. And there are versions with refillable and hard cartridges for liquid soap, for optimum versatility. Dispensers can also be customised with branding or logos.
www.hylabdispensers.com
Better access
Tork manufacturer Essity is campaigning for enhanced accessibility when it comes to hand washing in public and workplace washrooms.
Washroom users may be challenged by factors including loud noises, a lack of privacy, low levels of cleanliness and the inability to access soap and hand towel dispensers.
According to the 2024 Tork Insight Survey, many individuals are not comfortable when using a public washroom. A total of 73 per cent of respondents said they felt unsafe when unable to wash their hands in an awayfrom-home washroom.
Tork and the Global Hand-
washing Partnership recently hosted an inclusive hygienefocused roundtable convening experts and facilitating discussion in a bid to identify those areas for change. Experts and leading voices representing public and private organisations met to share expertise. tork.co.uk/inclusivehygiene
Bio-based
HTS BIO’s biotechnology-based soaps feature biosurfactants derived from plant-based ingredients, designed to offer effective cleaning performance. These ingredients are fully biodegradable and formulated with glycerin for a soft texture. Dermatologically tested, the soaps are free from parabens and dyes, using RSPO-certified vegetable oils, making them suitable for all skin types. The range is designed for hand and body washing.
The soaps are available in three fragrances developed by a perfumer from Provence in France: Aromatic Promenade, Floral Escapade, and Fruity Odyssey. They carry the COSMOS Natural certification, reflecting a focus on sustainability and ingredient transparency. Packaging is recyclable, and refillable bottles are available to help reduce plastic waste.
www.htsbio.com
Wet wipes refill
Dreumex has introduced a new refill for its Expert Wipes, designed for use with its Dreumex Expert Wipes bucket. The wipes are formulated to remove challenging substances such as paint, glue, ink, sealant, oil and grease. They provide an alcoholfree cleaning solution suitable for hands, tools and surfaces, particularly in workplaces without water access.
The product has undergone dermatological testing and is deemed safe for skin use, making it appropriate for industrial environments where skinfriendly cleaning is required.
The new refill enables reuse of the bucket, reducing plastic waste by up to 83 per cent when compared to the original packaging.
www.dreumex.com
Max soap
Kennedy Hygiene’s Savona Max is a reserve soap dispenser designed for high-traffic environments. It features an 800 ml cartridge and an additional 200 ml built-in reserve tank, ensuring a continuous supply of soap and minimising waste. The dispenser is made from durable thermoplastic material.
The unit dispenses a foaming soap lotion directly from nozzle to hand, without contact with the dispenser. The combined cartridge and reserve capacity provides up to 2,500 doses. Refills are easy to load and an inspection window indicates when soap levels are low. The dispenser is secured with a universal key that fits across Kennedy Hygiene’s product range, simplifying maintenance. kennedy-hygiene.com
No empties
Kimberly-Clark’s ICON rolled hand towel dispenser collection is designed to address common issues such as empty dispensers. The system features visual lighting cues that indicate when refills are needed, helping to prevent shortages.
The dispensers are high capacity, capable of holding up to 380 metres of hand towel - this reduces the frequency of refills and ensures continuous supply. Research highlights the hygiene benefits of single-use paper towels, said to remove up to 77 per cent of bacteria remaining on hands after washing. ICON dispenser batteries can support over 150,000 towel dispenses, while dampened hinges make for smooth maintenance. www.kcprofessional.com
High-pressure cleaners
Sustaining the pressure
What are the sustainability arguments for using highpressure washers – which often remove the need for using chemicals, but use copious amounts of water in their place - compared with other cleaning methods, asks Ann Laffeaty?
SUSTAINABILITY NEEDS to be built into every cleaning process in today’s environmentally-conscious society. Companies are continuously weighing up the pros and cons of using one cleaning method compared with another in terms of the impact it is likely to have on the planet and eco-systems.
But it can be difficult to make a clear sustainability assessment when there are so many factors to be considered. A manual cleaning method may require no external power source but might only be effective when used with strong chemicals, for example. It could also prove to be less efficient when compared with machine cleaning. And manual cleaning could result in aches and pains for the operative – a factor that will have a negative impact on its overall sustainability.
The picture is similarly complex as far as high-pressure cleaning is concerned. This method uses concentrated water jets to blast off dirt from surfaces such as walls, floors and facades.
Depending on the water pressure used and the surface in question, cleaning can often take place using cold water alone and without the need for chemicals.
However, high-pressure cleaning requires the use of significant quantities of water which is becoming a precious resource in many countries. And there are certain risks associated with this method such as the possibility of skin tearing, eye injuries or kickback due to the force of the water supply.
So once these factors have been taken
into account, can high-pressure cleaning be described as an environmentallyfriendly way of tackling a task?
Using a high-pressure cleaner is inherently more sustainable than working with a standard water hose, according to Kärcher’s senior product management director for professional high-pressure cleaners Volker Steigauf. “This is because it reduces water consumption by up to 80 per cent,” he said.
“When high-pressure cleaners are used with the right type of power source and with suitable accessories there is already a good balance achieved between resource consumption and cleaning quality. However, there are other factors that can further improve this relationship and ensure an even greater level of sustainability.”
He says the choice of accessories and the level of power used can both have a significant impact on the sustainability and performance of cleaning, particularly when the machine is used with warm water.
“The nozzle and the pressure used should be selected to match the unit performance,” he said. “A nozzle that is too small will limit the machine’s performance while a nozzle that is too large will lead to the water coming out with too little pressure.” Point jet nozzles are suitable for tackling localised, stubborn dirt while surface cleaners are often the tools of choice for large areas, says Steigauf.
One of the main sustainability arguments for using a high-pressure cleaner is the enhanced efficiency of its cleaning performance, he said. “Users will benefit from significant time, water and energy savings while the use of cleaning agents can also be reduced,” explained Steigauf.
Even cold water high-pressure cleaners can be used to remove stubborn and greasy dirt, he says. “This makes them much more efficient than cleaning with a normal water hose, for example,” said Steigauf. “The hot water high-pressure cleaner in comparison has the advantage
that the water will dissolve greasy dirt more quickly and will have a powerful effect against germs even without cleaning agents. And in addition, surfaces cleaned with hot water will dry much more quickly. So the bottom line is: hot water highpressure cleaners save a great deal of time and money.”
He claims that an operator using a hot water high-pressure cleaner can make time savings of around 40 per cent when compared to cleaning with cold water. Available for hot water high-pressure cleaners is Kärcher’s eco!efficiency mode which is said to allow the operator to clean more surfaces with the same amount of water. The mode also regulates the water temperature of the high-pressure cleaner to 60 degrees C.
More efficient
The company’s machines can be used with an eco!Booster nozzle which is said to allow water to be employed more efficiently. “Compared with a standard flat jet nozzle it can help to increase the area performance along with the efficiency of the water and energy used by 50 per cent,” he said. “And in addition to the conservation of resources, working time is also significantly reduced.” The eco!Booster nozzle from Kärcher can be teamed with cold and hot water high-pressure cleaners up to 300 bar and 80 degrees C.
All Kärcher’s hot water high-pressure cleaners can be operated with biodiesel and e-fuels in accordance with DIN EN 15940, says Steigauf. “These are made from renewable raw materials and are CO₂- neutral,” he said. “Thanks to better combustion properties compared with traditional diesel, the emissions are considerably reduced which helps to support the protection of the environment in the long term.”
Addressing the potential risks of using a high-pressure cleaner, Steigauf says that concern for the user’s health and safety has become a driving factor in the industry. “There is an increasing focus on ergonomics,” says Steigauf. Kärcher’s ma-
chines feature an automatic hose reel and the EASY!Force trigger gun, which is said to reduce the holding force required by the operator’s hand and fingers.
High-pressure cleaning can certainly be a sustainable cleaning method when good protocols are applied and where the user has a strong awareness of the environmental impact, says IPC delegate for product compliance and regulatory affairs Mario Scarpa.
“High-pressure cleaning is a particularly effective method of removing tough dirt and grime,” he said. “However, in order to enhance its long-term efficiency it is important to use modern equipment where the technologies are designed to regulate resource usage.
“Machines with advanced controls will allow operators to manage water, energy and cleaning agents more efficiently.”
Quels sont les arguments invoqués en faveur de l’emploi d’appareils de nettoyage haute pression en soutien de la durabilité ? Le fait que de l’eau y remplace des produits chimiques rend-il ces appareils plus favorables à l’environnement ? Ou bien, dans le sens contraire, peut-on soutenir que ces appareils exigent de grande quantités d’eau et d’énergie tout en exposant l’opérateur à des risques de santé et de sécurité ?
Where conditions permit, using osmotic deionised water instead of chemical agents can make high-pressure cleaning a more sustainable choice, says Scarpa. “This is particularly relevant for applications such as maintaining photovoltaic panels or cleaning large glass surfaces, where the absence of chemicals may help to protect surrounding ecosystems,” he said.
Water essential
Water is an essential component of any wet cleaning method – with high-pressure cleaning being no exception, says Scarpa. “However, what truly matters is the efficiency with which the water is used,” he adds. “Selecting the appropriate equipment and the right techniques for the specific cleaning task can significantly reduce water consumption, and this in turn makes the method more environmen-
Welche Nachhaltigkeitsargumente gibt es für den Einsatz eines Hochdruckreinigers? Werden sie durch die Tatsache, dass Wasser anstelle von Chemikalien verwendet wird, zu einer umweltfreundlichen Option? Oder erfordert diese Reinigungsmethode große Mengen Wasser und viel Energie, während sie gleichzeitig Gesundheits- und Sicherheitsrisiken für den Bediener birgt?
tally responsible.”
IPC PW-H61 and IPC PW-H101 machines are said to offer advanced controls that allow operators to manage water, energy and cleaning agents more efficiently. Other sustainable features of the models include the Ecosystem, which cuts diesel consumption and emissions by automatically setting the water temperature to 60 degrees C; the Advanced Multifunction Safety Control for enhanced machine safety and operator protection, and the Digital Temperature Stabilizer Control for precise water temperature control.
Scarpa concludes he believes high-pressure washers in general offer a sustainable cleaning solution. “The key lies in how the method is executed, ensuring the equipment used is appropriate and that resources are optimally managed for the task at hand,” he said.
Quali sono gli argomenti di sostenibilità a favore dell’uso di un’idropulitrice? Il fatto che venga utilizzata l’acqua al posto dei prodotti chimici la rende un’opzione ecologica? Oppure questo metodo di pulizia richiede grandi quantità di acqua e molta energia, oltre a comportare rischi per la salute e la sicurezza dell’operatore?
Supporting firms in climate resilience
Europe was pounded by its worst rainstorms on record this year, swamping vast areas from Spain to Poland and costing economies billions of euros. With extreme flood events becoming ever more frequent, Hartley Milner explores their impacts on the continent’s smaller businesses.
HAVING UNLEASHED its fury across large swathes of central Europe, Storm Boris was now barrelling menacingly eastwards. In the historic Polish town of Kłodzko, restaurant owner Jurek Bochenek was taking no chances, the catastrophic floods of previous years etched deep in his memory.
Jurek adopted a siege mentality. After cancelling the evening’s bookings and sending his staff home, he pulled down the shutters, checked his flood defences and went up to bed. But it was to be a turbulent night with the rain’s incessant thrumming instilling in him a churning dread of what the morning would bring.
Daybreak confirmed his worst fears as he squinted through the sheeting rain to the road below … or rather the seething river it had become. “It was the last thing
I wanted to see,” he told ECJ. “The entire street was awash. As fast as the rain was coming down it was bubbling up again from the drains like fountains. The drainage system had been overwhelmed in just a few hours. It was chaos.
“Yet there were people out in all this attempting to drive to work, despite being told to stay home. What worried me most was the wash from heavy vehicles splashing up against shop frontages and over the sandbags people had put out. I had hoped that if the sandbags failed the flood-resistant doors and windows I installed after previous floods would have done their job.
“But when I got downstairs I found myself wading up to my ankles in filthy water and it just kept rising. I managed to move most of the restaurant furniture and some kitchen equipment upstairs to our living area. Unfortunately, I couldn’t save the food in the freezers because I had to turn off the electricity.”
After several days of almost continuous rain, the storm passed revealing the full extent of the damage. “The water had come up the walls by over a metre in every room on the ground floor, including the restaurant area,” Jurek said. “Worse still, it smelt of sewage, which is every food
caterer’s worst nightmare at times like these. The smell was so bad we had to move out and stay with friends. I felt sick, not only from the smell but also thinking about the clean-up bill for all this.”
Kłodzko was dealt a second blow when a dam burst on Poland’s border with the Czech Republic, further swelling the surging waters and prompting the mayor to announce that the town had “lost the battle” against the floods. In all, 17,000 people were left without power and many others were evacuated. Satellite links were used to maintain mobile phone and internet communications. Across Poland, the storm claimed nine lives.
Funding package
A similar pattern of destruction unfolded across other regions of central and eastern Europe, including Austria, Germany, Italy, Slovakia, Hungary and Romania. Power outages, road and rail transport disruption were widespread and businesses were disrupted or forced to shut down, some very likely for good. In all, 27 people died after more than a month’s worth of rain was dumped on the continent in just four days.
European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen responded to the
emergency by announcing a €10 billion funding package to support EU countries with their clean-up operations and passed on her “deep sympathies” to victims. However heartfelt her commiserations, they would have brought little comfort to businesses whose focus had by then turned to practical issues such as redeeming their insured losses.
This was certainly uppermost in restaurateur Jurek’s mind. He said: “It was the worst flooding I can recall since 1997 and 2010. Fortunately, I am covered for natural disasters and the assessors fast-tracked my claim, including for loss of income and other disruption. That was all good with Christmas coming up, which is our busiest time. But I am expecting my premium to shoot up next year, which means I will have to serve a lot more meals and takeaways in future.
“I know of other businesses that were not covered for flood risk, either because they couldn’t afford it or their insurance provider didn’t offer it. They say they are desperately worried about how they are going to pay for repairs to their premises, and we are told events like these are only going to become more frequent and severe in coming years.”
Economic fallout
Insured losses from the September floods were estimated by global reinsurance broker Gallagher Re at around €2 billion-€3 billion. UK professional services firm Aon said its impact on the Czech Republic, Poland and Austria could make it “one of the costliest events ever recorded” on the continent. And that was before floods swept tsunami-like across the Spanish municipality of Valencia in late October when a year’s worth of rain fell in just eight hours. They took a huge toll in terms of lives lost and economic fallout.
The true cost of storm damage in Europe this year will probably never be known. Only about 25 per cent of weather and climate-related losses are insured in the region, according to EU insurance regulator the European Insurance and Occupational Pensions Authority (EIOPA). “This large insurance protection gap has a detrimental impact on Europe’s economy
Des pluies jamais enregistrées jusqu’alors se sont abattues sur l’Europe cette année, innondant de grandes étendues de territoire, de l’Espagne à la Pologne, et coûtant des milliars d’euros en dégâts. Face à la multiplication des événements extrêmes de ce type, Hartley Milner se penche sur leurs conséquences pour les petites entreprises du continent.
and its citizens,” it said. “As losses are set to increase, the shrinking availability and rising cost of insurance will only widen the protection gap, amplifying the economic costs, systemic risks and fiscal pressure on governments.”
EIOPA chairwoman Petra Hielkema criticised insurers for their inclination to simply exclude high-risk flood areas from coverage as an easy solution and warned that this could erode their foundational purpose. “If you do that, you will, in the end, lose trust and lose your reason to be there,” she told the industry.
In a move towards more affordable premiums, EIOPA proposes striking public-private partnerships, with governments and the insurance sector sharing the burden. Plus, with one in eight Europeans living in flood-risk areas, it has been looking at ways to boost consumer uptake of natural catastrophe cover. These include educating people about climate risks, promoting more equitable insurance products and offering incentives like premium discounts on risk mitigation measures.
Many of EIOPA’s proposals are included in the final report of the Climate Resilience Dialogue, a stakeholder group set up in 2021 by the European Commission comprising insurers and risk managers, public authorities and consumers. Its remit was to debate solutions to narrow the climate protection gap and increase the resilience of economies and societies against climate change impacts. The report:
• provides an overview of the main climate-related risks to which people, businesses and assets are exposed;
• analysis of key causes of the climate protection gap, such as premium affordability, mistrust of insurance and limits to the insurability of risks;
• analysis of risk reduction solutions, including risk sharing and risk transfer via public-private partnerships, and insurance-based measures to overcome barriers thrown up by the protection gap;
• deep dives into climate-related risks –floods, wildfires, heatwaves, droughts and storms – and learning from past events to increase climate resilience.
Europa wurde in diesem Jahr von den schlimmsten Regenfällen seit Aufzeichnungen begannen heimgesucht. Dabei wurden riesige Gebiete von Spanien bis Polen überschwemmten, Hunderte Menschen starben und den Volkswirtschaften entstanden Kosten in Milliarden Euro. Angesichts der zunehmenden Häufigkeit extremer Hochwasserereignisse untersucht Hartley Milner ihre Auswirkungen auf die kleineren Unternehmen des Kontinents.
The EU is aiming to become climate resilient by 2050. However, the bloc needs to be more ambitious, according to SMEunited. The employers’ association says small and medium-sized businesses can play a vital role in tackling global warming, but stresses they are among the most vulnerable to extreme weather events. The EU must therefore “accelerate its efforts on all levels” to close the climate protection gap and urgently take firm actions to reach its climate resilience targets.
Platform proposal
SMEunited suggests using case studies where smaller enterprises have already applied innovative adaptation solutions to show the way for others. Businesses also need to be better supported in their resilience transition at both EU and national level in terms of know-how and skilling up. To this ends, the association is proposing the European Commission set up a ‘one-stop’ climate resilience hub.
“The creation of a European climate resilience platform is essential to foster collaboration across sectors and civil society and to ensure that the best available knowledge and tools are shared widely,” said Andreas Brieger, SMEunited’s director for climate, energy and environment. “Such platforms can help foster the resilience we need to face the challenges ahead,” he added.
Addressing the European Roundtable on Climate Risk Management, Brieger also flagged the need for financial support, saying that climate resilience investments are often expensive and many SMEs struggle to access adequate funding. Delegates added their voice to the call for public-private partnerships to ensure SMEs have the financial resources they need to implement climate adaptation strategies.
Europe’s devastating floods provide a stark glimpse of the future for the world’s fastest-warming continent, scientists say. SMEs account for 99.8 per cent of enterprises in the EU’s non-financial business sector, so getting them onside will be critical if the region is to achieve its climate targets.
Quest’anno l’Europa è stata colpita dalle peggiori tempeste di pioggia mai registrate, che hanno sommerso vaste aree dalla Spagna alla Polonia, costando alle economie miliardi di euro. Vista la sempre maggiore frequenza degli eventi alluvionali estremi, Hartley Milner ne analizza l’impatto sulle piccole imprese del continente.
When reality beats imagination
INCREASED EFFICIENCY
ITEL (Spanish Technical Cleaning Institute) conducted a field study to determine the time savings that can be achieved by using a specially configured Magic trolley compared to a standard trolley. The analysis found that Magic trolleys maximise productivity by saving between 19 and 36% time compared to conventional trolleys. Compared to the cost of the most fully configured trolley, the initial investment is recouped within 60 to 120 days.
HYGIENE GUARANTEE CERTIFIED SUSTAINABILITY
Magic trolleys are made using highdensity premium polypropylene: this is the only way to obtain smooth surfaces that are easy to clean and disinfect and resistant to all types of disinfectant, ensuring maximum hygiene and long life. The closing of all holes further simplifies cleaning by preventing dirt from settling. Furthermore, the plastic panels clearly separate the trolley modules avoiding cross contamination between the washing, storage and waste collection areas.
Polypropylene used for the production of Magic trolleys minimises CO2e emissions. Besides, several components contain recycled PSV certified polypropylene which further halves emissions. In 2019 TTS has started a compensation programme to fully absorb the emissions associated with the annual production of Magic trolleys, making them the first carbonneutraltrolleyline.Theextensive Magic range includes EU Ecolabelcertified trolleys, which stand for low environmental impact.
Too posh to push
TROLLEYS PROVIDE an easy method of moving cleaning materials from A to B. But when they are loaded with buckets, mops, vacuums, cloths and water, how easy are they to push? Not very, say manufacturers who are working hard to come up with systems that facilitate the movement of cleaning materials around a building.
Pushing a trolley with an excessively heavy load can result in injuries to the back, shoulders and arms over the long term, says Filmop’s business development manager Paolo Scapinello.
“Designing a trolley without taking ergonomics into account can have a negative effect on the health of operators and increase the possibility of occupational illnesses,” he said. “Similarly, forgetting those factors that are strictly related to operator safety when handling the trolley can add to the risk of accidents at work.
“One should therefore evaluate all those elements likely to minimise stress in the design phase - such as the lightness of the components, usability of the handle and the ability of the wheels to glide freely over surfaces.”
He says it is also important that the cleaner should stand at the correct distance from the trolley to avoid the risk of impact and injury when he or she advances and retracts.
“The position of the handle in relation to the height of the operator is another crucial aspect in terms of usability,” he adds. “However, the fact that operator height can vary significantly makes it difficult to position the handle at a height that suits everyone.”
Adjustable handles are an important factor in any trolley design, according to Scapinello. “This allows the operator to push, pull and manoeuvre the trolley while maintaining a comfortable position,” he said. “In this way, handling-related pains and injuries are effectively prevented.”
Trolley wheels also need to be carefully chosen to ease the pushing process, he adds. “The wheels should allow the trolley
to easily glide across indoor and outdoor floors,” said Scapinello. “And reducing its weight will help the operator move it more easily, reducing strain and preventing fatigue.”
Filmop’s Alpha line of trolleys are said to be lightweight and easy to manoeuvre. They can be supplied with an adjustable ergonomic handle and are available with a choice of indoor and outdoor wheels that are designed to cope with any surface, no matter how uneven.
IPC Tools marketing manager Serena Toso agrees pushing a trolley can create physical strain on the part of the operator. “This is particularly the case as far as their back, shoulders, arms and wrists are concerned,” she said. “The prolonged pushing of heavy or poorly designed trolleys can lead to musculoskeletal injuries such as lower back pain, shoulder strain and repetitive strain injuries due to improper posture or handle height.”
Reduce injury risk
Ergonomics are crucial in the design of any trolley system, she says. “They directly affect the user’s comfort and reduce the risk of injury,” said Toso. “Features such as handle height, angle and grip are essential for ensuring a proper posture and minimising the amount of strain during use. In fact, ergonomics are among the most important considerations – particularly for cleaning professionals who push their trolleys for extended periods.”
Systems that ease trolley movement include adjustable and ergonomic handles, a lightweight chassis, manoeuvrable wheels and an overall compact design, she says. “For example, our new Motto trolley features a higher ergonomically-designed handle which helps to prevent incorrect spinal posture and that can accommodate a range of operator heights. And the compact, lightweight design of the trolley enhances manoeuvrability.”
Technological advancements such as electric trolleys, ‘follow me’ technology and robot trolleys are being developed to reduce physical exertion for cleaners, ac-
Pushing a trolley laden with buckets, appliances and chemicals can represent a significant physical challenge for a cleaner.
Ann Laffeaty looks at some of the ways in which producers are helping to ease the strain.
cording to Toso. “These technologies help to automate movement or assist cleaners in pushing heavy loads with minimal effort,” she said. “However, electronic trolleys are not the cheapest models so this is very much a ‘plus’ option for customers in the manual cleaning sector.”
Trolleys can be made to be easier to push in a number of ways, she says. “Reducing the amount of equipment on them or using lighter components such as vacuums, buckets and mops can alleviate some of the strain, but this alone may not be sufficient,” she said. “Many trolleys are required to handle heavy tasks and to carry increasing amounts of supplies to cover larger areas.
“A significant weight contributor is often the volume of cleaning water and detergents in the buckets - and this can have a major impact on manoeuvrability. A practical solution is to use a dosing system that allows the operator to carry only the necessary amount of detergent for each task, significantly reducing the load.”
Designing trolleys with detachable or stackable components can further enhance ease of transport and overall usability, said Toso. “This will then make them more efficient for operators when working in different environments,” she said. IPC offers the Ekos dosing system to reduce water weight and the Motto double bucket trolley which has detachable components. Also from IPC is the Kinetic wringer which is said to feature a secure grip, a comfortable working angle
Too posh to push (continued from page 31)
Trolley systems and a 360° free rotation system claimed to reduce effort and allow operators to maintain a good posture.
Pushing a heavy trolley can lead to physical strain if the components have not been engineered for ergonomic usage, according to new product development manager at Robert Scott Gavin Holmes. “High-quality wheels will result in a smooth rotation on the floor and this will reduce any strain on the part of the cleaner,” he said. “Adjustable handles set at a comfortable height will further reduce the risk of shoulder and back problems. And a lightweight chassis will reduce the overall effort required to move the trolley.”
Follow-me technology is another good solution, according to Holmes. “This uses hands-free automation which completely removes the need for the operator to manually push the trolley,” he said. “With the aid of sensors and a motor, the trolley will follow the cleaner who will be armed with a remote control. The fact operatives are not required to repeatedly return to their trolley or move it helps to reduce the physical strain and enables more efficient, on-the-go cleaning. And that enhances productivity and improves job satisfaction.”
Follow-me-enabled trolleys are particularly useful in situations where staff are constantly on the move, according to Holmes. “They are ideal when operatives are mopping a floor or putting in place ‘wet floor’ signs, for example, because the trolley is able to safely navigate around obstacles behind them,” he said.
New from Robert Scott is the Exel Follow-Me Smart Trolley which features hands-free technology and an innovative accessory rail that allows for numerous configurations, according to Holmes. It comes equipped with a 45-litre waste bag and a built-in checklist holder, while two of the wheels feature a brake.
Competitive advantage
Ergonomics are an important factor in the manufacture of any trolley, says senior sales director of Kärcher’s manual tools department Michele Redi. “Trolleys need to offer an intelligent combination of characteristics such as ease of use, efficiency, ergonomics, sustainability and an attractive design,” he said. “But in view of the growing shortage of personnel and increasing cost pressures we feel ergonomics may become a competitive advantage for building service providers in future.”
A trolley needs to be a helpful aid – and not a transport tool that becomes a burden for the cleaner, he said. “When developing our Flexomate janitorial trolleys we surveyed service operators internationally on their challenges and on-the-jobrelated physical issues they faced,” said Redi. “These valuable feedbacks were then taken into consideration by our engineers when designing key components such as the handle, drawers and the tilted tray.”
All handles should be ergonomic and height-adjustable at the touch of a button, he said. Tilted boxes and trays where mops are stored are said to prevent the operator from having to bend their back to access
Les chariots de nettoyage deviennent de plus en plus sophistiqués. Et leurs fabricants ne ménagent aucun effort pour minimiser les efforts de ceux qui ont à les pousser. ECJ explore certaines des innovations qui leur ont été apportées, en allant de la technologie de suivi de mouvements à l’adoption de cadres léger, de manches ergonomiques et de roulettes de plus grande taille, interrogeant des fabricants sur ceux de ces agencements qui aident le mieux les agents de nettoyage.
Reinigungswagen werden immer raffinierter. Und die Hersteller tun alles in ihrer Macht Stehende, um die Belastung der Reinigungskräfte beim Schieben zu verringern. Das ECJ betrachtet einige der neuesten Innovationen, von der „Follow-Me“-Technologie bis hin zu leichten Rahmen, ergonomischen Griffen und größeren Rädern, und fragt Unternehmen, welche davon den Reinigungskräften am meisten helfen.
them and help them to keep a straight posture while picking up a clean mop.
Kärcher’s Lampo system is fixed on the base of its Flexomate trolleys and allows the operator to switch between dusting and washing operations by clicking in the desired plug while standing. This avoids the need for them to bend their back or touch the frame or the mop, says Redi.
There are many other ways in which the cleaner’s load may be lightened, he says. “Operators need to be able to transport various items and appliances such as vacuum cleaners, and the manufacturing technology of trolleys is very much oriented towards plastic rather than metal,“ he said. “Polypropylene is one of the most widely used materials and is lightweight, shock-resistant, chemical-resistant and can be used as part of a colour coding system. And we use aluminium lateral profiles which are rust-free and very light.”
The transportation of water to and from the cleaning area needs to be reduced as far as possible, he says. “There are still a lot of heavy buckets of water being carried around and cloths that have to be immersed and then wrung out,” said Redi. “The use of pre-impregnated mops is preferable since this will lower the weight of the buckets.”
Kärcher machines can be integrated into the company’s janitorial trolleys to increase productivity and save time, says Redi. The modular system of its Flexomate trolleys is designed to allow cleaners to move around a building with a large trolley and use the smaller element in narrow, restricted spaces.
Trolleys should be designed to be as easy as possible to push – but manual tools also need to be relatively simple, says Redi. “When people choose a cleaning tool it is mainly a question of habit, userfriendliness and budget, and they don’t expect to have to deal with electricity or electronics,” he said. “This is why sophisticated trolleys such as motorised ones or those that use ‘follow me’ technology are still thin on the ground.”
However, he adds Kärcher is constantly working on new solutions for its customers. “We will be using our expertise in the field of robotics for future innovations in the trolleys sector,” he said.
I carrelli diventano sempre più sofisticati. E i produttori fanno tutto il possibile per ridurre lo sforzo degli addetti alle pulizie quando li spingono. ECJ esamina alcune delle più recenti innovazioni, dalla tecnologia “follow me” ai telai leggeri, alle maniglie ergonomiche e alle ruote più grandi, e chiede alle aziende quale di queste aiuta maggiormente l’addetto alle pulizie.
Products: trolley systems
• Proposé par la société Vikan, le chariot HyGo s’adapte à différents environnements de travail grâce à ses modules personnalisables.
• La plateforme Flexomate de chariots de nettoyage Kärcher repose sur un concept modulaire et ergonomique.
• Le système d’accrochage LinkUp de la société Filmop permet à l’opérateur de séparer la zone de porte-sac de la partie restante du chariot de nettoyage.
• L’installation du système d’accrochage-décrochage Lampo sur les chariots de nettoyage TTS Magic a permis aux utilisateurs de ne disposer que d’une seule poignée par chariot.
• Le chariot utilitaire Toolflex de Delex Teknik peut être personnalisé afin de répondre à des besoins spécifiques.
Customisable
Vikan’s HyGo is a mobile cleaning station designed for the food and beverage industry, boasting hygiene, efficiency and manoeuvrability.
The trolley features customisable tool modules and brackets to adapt to varying requirements. Tool brackets hold up to five tools, with the option to expand capacity to 12 using another bracket. The upper tray supports up to 20 kg, while the lower one accommodates up to 12 kg, offering sufficient storage for cleaning supplies.
The system is accessible from all sides and more than five machines - such as vacuums - can easily be carried. This cuts out unnecessary journeys, reducing cleaning time by up to 15 per cent says Kärcher.
For ergonomic working the elements provide height-adjustable handles and tip boxes. All surfaces are easy to clean and there is a collecting tray for liquids in the base plate.
www.karcher.com
Quick link
• Bei HyGo von Vikan handelt es sich um einen Reinigungswagen, der dank wandelbarer Module an verschiedene Umgebungen angepasst werden kann.
• Der Reinigungswagen FlexoMate von Kärcher basiert auf einem modularen und ergonomischen Konzept.
• Das Hakensystem Link-Up von Filmop ermöglicht es den nutzenden Personen, den Bereich des Beutelhalters vom Rest des Reinigungswagens zu trennen.
• Durch die Kombination des Magic Reinigungswagens von TTS mit dem Lampo Fixier- und Freigabesystem brauchen nutzende Personen nur einen Stiel pro Reinigungswagen.
• Der Toolflex One Utility Cart von Delex Teknik kann an spezifische Anforderungen angepasst werden.
Constructed from FDA-compliant materials, HyGo supports food safety standards. It is available in six colours to align with colour-coded hygiene systems. Compact design and 360-degree lockable wheels ensure smooth navigation through narrow spaces and uneven surfaces, such as drains, while back wheels can be locked for stability during use.
www.vikan.com
Process focus
• HyGo di Vikan è un carrello in grado di adattarsi a diversi ambienti grazie a moduli personalizzabili.
• La piattaforma di carrelli Flexomate della Kärcher è basata su un concetto modulare ed ergonomico.
• Il sistema a ganci Link-Up di Filmop consente all’operatore di separare la zona di raccolta rifiuti dal resto del carrello.
• La combinazione dei carrelli Magic di TTS con il sistema di fissaggio e rilascio Lampo consente all’utente di avere una sola maniglia per carrello.
• Il carrello Toolflex One Utility Cart prodotto dalla Delex Teknik può essere personalizzato per soddisfare le specifiche necessità.
The Flexomate cleaning trolley platform from Kärcher is based on a modular concept - it boasts a process-oriented and ergonomic design.
Flexomate has the flexibility to carry modules for different cleaning tasks and to add or remove them on the go. This means cleaners may be moving around a building with a large trolley, and can dock the small element required and take it with them for work in small, restricted spaces.
Filmop’s Link-Up is a hook system designed to enhance the functionality of its Alpha trolleys by allowing the bag holder area to be detached from the rest of the trolley with a single movement. This separation creates a compact cleaning unit, simplifying waste or linen collection and enabling easier access in confined spaces such as lifts, corridors and laundry rooms.
The system is intended for environments where a trolley needs to accommodate collection, storage and washing areas while maintaining the flexibility to use the units independently. The hooks ensure smooth movement across all surfaces while keeping the collection and storage areas apart to prevent interference between their wheels. Hooks are securely fixed to the trolley’s vertical frames to avoid accidental detachment.
The Alpha range includes five Link-Up configurations tailored to different requirements. www.filmop.com
No clutter
Trolleys often become cluttered with multiple mopping frames and handles, obstructing access to operational areas and
complicating basic tasks such as emptying bins or opening compartments. TTS’ Magic multipurpose trolleys - combined with the Lampo system - address this issue by requiring only one handle per trolley, streamlining the cleaning process.
The Lampo system includes an immediate fixing and release mechanism that allows a single handle with a Jack adapter to be used with the full range of TTS cleaning tools. Operators can switch frames directly on the trolley without touching potentially contaminated surfaces. The Plug device stores frames outside the working area, eliminating unnecessary handles and creating an organised layout. This system ensures even compact trolleys can carry a full set of cleaning tools, transforming them into comprehensive cleaning stations capable of handling both routine and unexpected tasks.
www.ttsystem.com
Workflow
The Toolflex One Utility Cart is designed to improve efficiency and ergonomics by providing a flexible hanging storage system for tools and accessories. The cart positions tools at an accessible height, reducing strain and simplifying workflows.
Available with one or two aluminium rails in black or white, the cart can be customised to suit specific cleaning requirements. It supports various tools and supplies through interchangeable hooks and accessories - accommodating items such as buckets, spray bottles, hoses, cords, gloves and face masks. The patented click-andgo feature allows users to adjust or reposition accessories as needed.
www.toolflex.com
MEDICLINICS: 50 YEARS OF INNOVATION AND LEADERSHIP IN THE BATHROOM EQUIPMENT INDUSTRY
In 2024, the Spanish company Mediclinics celebrates 50 years as a leader in the bathroom equipment industry. What began in 1974 as a small distributor of hospital equipment in Barcelona has evolved into one of the world’s leading manufacturers of hand dryers.
Innovation as the Key to Success
Since its foundation, innovation has been the driving force behind Mediclinics’ growth. In 1985, the company launched its first hand dryer, the Saniflow E-85, initiating a series of products designed to enhance functionality, design, and sustainability. A recent exampleofthisphilosophyis the U-flow dryer, awarded at the iF Design Awards 2024 for its innovative “hands through” design, which offers greater efficiency and freedom of use.
However, Mediclinics has not limited itself to hand dryers. In 2016, it launched Babymedi, a line of baby changing stations that has quickly become a benchmark for hygiene and safety in public spaces. In 2022, it introduced a recessed version, adapting to the new demands of architects and interior designers.
Global Expansion
Mediclinics’ success has not been confined to Spain. Since 1989, when it began its expansion across Europe, the company has managed to position itself in over 100 countries. This expansion has been made possible by the company’s ability to adapt its products to local needs, with milestones including the opening of subsidiaries in the United States and Italy, as well as its entry into emerging markets like Australia and New Zealand.
Commitment to Quality
One of the aspects that sets Mediclinics apart is its rigorous commitment to quality. The company designs and manufactures its own products, allowing it to adapt to the demands of the global market while maintaining high standards. All of its products comply with strict international regulations, thanks to thorough quality control processes.
Another key element in Mediclinics’ success has been the close relationship it has maintained with its customers over the years. Since its inception, the company has cultivated trustandloyaltyamongitsbusinesspartners,manyofwhom have been with the brand since 1974.
A Legacy of Success and Innovation
As Mediclinics celebrates its 50th anniversary, it stands firmly as a global brand, but with an eye on the future. The companycontinuestobetoninnovationasthecentralaxisof its strategy. An example of this is the recent launch of the evolution of its “Behind the Mirror” product, which transforms the experience in communal bathrooms by integrating advanced technology, sustainability, and efficiency.
After half a century of continuous growth, Mediclinics has come a long way since its origins as a local distributor of sanitary equipment.Today,itisaglobalbenchmarkinthemanufacture of hand dryers and other bathroom equipment, combining innovation, quality, and an unwavering commitment to its customers.
In summary, Mediclinics not only celebrates 50 years of history but also looks to the future, with the same passion for innovation that has characterised it since its inception in 1974.
Babymedi changing station
Mediclinics’ factory in Spain
Behind The Mirror system
Sustainability
Big questions
We are entering an era of extreme weather that will change the world’s cleaning needs. And with big changes come big questions. How many are you prepared to answer? Because our industry will not only have to adapt to change – we will need to cater to it.
in Europe. About 30 per cent of Europe’s population is affected by water stress during an average year. Water stress occurs when the demand for water exceeds the available amount during a certain period. It can also happen when poor water quality restricts its use.
According to the European Environment Agency, water stress is expected to worsen. That’s because climate change is increasing the frequency, magnitude and impact of droughts.
to know which recycled plastic resource you’re using.
The same goes for energy, detergent, particularly problematic metals, wooden crates and other resources sourced and applied in the process of manufacturing, distributing and operating cleaning equipment. We already see this shift happening.
Higher expectations
ON ONE SINGLE DAY over the summer scorching heat was crushing Olympic athletes and spectators in France – and people throughout much of Southern Europe. Rescuers in India were searching for survivors of landslides triggered by torrential rains. Monster typhoon Gaemi was still wreaking havoc in China. Wildfires were burning out of control in the western USA. An historic heatwave boosted ground temperatures in East Antarctica to 20-30 degrees C above average – during what was winter there.
And that’s just a snapshot from a single random day. So, what does this have to do with the professional cleaning industry? Plenty.
Extreme weather will cause many industries to face lower productivity. It will change market demand for many products and services. And it will change availability and prices of various raw materials and components. But amidst the doom and gloom there is also some positive news. In fact, I believe that extreme weather has the potential to put our industry in a very impactful place.
First, though, we need some answers. How are you protecting precious resources? For example, let’s take a look at the water our industry relies on for cleaning. Water is a major and growing concern
Nilfisk is just one of the companies manufacturing and selling cleaning equipment and services that use water to perform their cleaning tasks. In an era of water stress, we need to devise extremely water-efficient solutions. We need data to document water consumption. We need digital solutions that nudge user behaviour to optimise water consumption. We need to rethink how we use this precious resource.
Why? The availability of water is one reason. Price is another.
Because what happens when a resource becomes scarce? Prices go up. With increasing water scarcity, we can expect price fluctuations. That translates directly into the total cost of ownership of cleaning equipment.
Water is just one example. In an era of extreme weather and rising global temperatures, we can expect prices to increase on other raw materials as well as energy.
Resource efficiency
Questions like these are just the start. Think of another resource which is currently highly debated: plastic.
Plastic is used in virtually every cleaning machine. Increasingly, customers will be demanding both recycled and recyclable plastic that is robust enough to get the job done over and over again. Yet there’s still a limited supply of recycled plastic. And not all recycled plastic is equal. Postconsumer recycled plastic (PCR) and postindustrial recycled plastic (PIR) impact the environment differently, too. It pays
We should anticipate that customers will pay more and more attention to the resource efficiency of the cleaning solutions they choose to invest in going forward. As an industry, we will need to be prepared to answer questions such as:
• How efficient is your cleaning solution when it comes to water use?
• How much detergent does your cleaning solution use?
• How energy efficient is your cleaning solution?
• Does your cleaning solution include the use of recycled plastic?
• How durable is your cleaning solution? Is equipment easy to maintain and repair for a long lifetime of service?
• Is your cleaning equipment designed for easy disassembly and recycling at the end of its long life?
The EU’s Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) regulations are taking expectations to the next level. The above questions can be tricky enough to answer. But if your customer is encompassed by the directive and/or working strategically with sustainability, you’ll likely get lots more questions.
Resource consumption while your business operates cleaning equipment is just a starting point. A much greater sustainability quiz will further zoom in on the environmental impact of your cleaning solution throughout your company’s supply chain. You’ll also need to prepare to answer questions such as:
• Where do you source your materials and components from?
• What percentage of recycled plastics does your cleaning solution use, and what type of recycled plastic is it?
• What are the emissions targets of your suppliers, if any?
• And much more!
In effect, you will need to be able to explain to your customer(s) whether their purchase of your cleaning solution will increase or help limit global warming. Customers will increasingly confront our industry with these and many other questions as they mature in their responses to global warming.
CSRD is not only a gamechanger in corporate sustainability reporting (and for investors). It may very well also become a commercial and market share gamechanger, favouring those companies who have documented answers to sustainability questions.
So far, this editorial has focused on changing market expectations in the light
of extreme weather and increasing global temperatures. But it doesn’t tell the whole story of their impact on our industry.
In the face of extreme wind, rainfall, floods and droughts, the world will also need cleaning solutions to limit the spread of infectious diseases, to protect assets, to limit downtime, to maintain productivity and to keep local communities running. People will turn to and rely on our industry more and more.
Cleaning must change
Consequently, our industry will not only have to adapt to change – we will need to cater to it. What’s more, we will need to live up to the challenges we are uniquely positioned to meet. In an era of extreme weather, our customers will need a swift and reliable cleaning solution. As an indus-
try, we should be prepared to provide it. I could end my editorial here, but the story still would not be complete. Instead, let me rewrite a quote attributed to Albert Einstein: we cannot solve the world’s extreme weather problems with the same solutions and mindset that helped create them.
In addition to answering a lot of new questions about the sustainability of our industry’s products and services, we need to change. We need to find new ways to supply the world with the cleaning solutions it needs – without contributing to global warming and while actively working to limit it.
This is the essence of the change we need to see. This is why clean is changing. This is why clean must change – for all our sakes.
Le monde est entré dans une ère phénomènes climatiques extrêmes qui modifieront ses besoins en matière de propreté. Et ces grands changements entraîneront de grandes questions. Combien sont ceux qui sauront y répondre ? Car notre secteur ne sera pas seulement obligé de s’adapter au changement, il aura aussi à le gérer. Malene Thiele, vice-présidente, ESG et Durabilité chez Nilfisk, écrit pour ECJ.
Wir treten in eine Ära extremer Witterungsbedingungen ein, die die Reinigungsbedürfnisse der Welt verändern werden. Und mit großen Veränderungen kommen große Fragen. Wie viele sind Sie bereit zu beantworten? Denn unsere Branche wird sich nicht nur an Veränderungen anpassen müssen, sondern wir müssen auch darauf eingehen. Malene Thiele, VP ESG & Sustainability bei Nilfisk, schreibt für das ECJ.
Stiamo entrando in un’era di condizioni meteorologiche estreme che cambieranno le esigenze di pulizia del mondo. E con i grandi cambiamenti arrivano anche grandi domande. A quante siete in grado di rispondere? Perché il nostro settore non solo dovrà adattarsi al cambiamento, ma dovrà anche soddisfarne le nuove esigenze. Malene Thiele, VP ESG e Sostenibilità di Nilfisk scrive per ECJ.
Which battery?
Floor cleaning machines are increasingly powered by battery, but which one is best for each application? Matt Herr, senior product manager at Trojan Battery Company, takes a look at the advantages and limitations of each battery type - including the latest Liion technology - and highlights optimal deployment scenarios.
ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT manufacturers (OEMs) design floor cleaning machines to meet the maintenance needs of small, medium, and large facilities. Ride-on, walk-behind, and autonomous models typically offer cleaning widths ranging from 30 to 127+ cm (12–50+ inches). Most of these machines are powered by lithium-ion (Li-ion), valve regulated lead-acid (VRLA), or flooded lead-acid batteries. OEMs select battery types based on specific operational requirements, including power density, run and charging time, service and maintenance demands, and total lifespan.
This article reviews the advantages and limitations of each battery type, highlights optimal deployment scenarios, and explores the increased adoption of Li-ion batteries in new cleaning machines. Lastly, it discusses various upcycling opportunities for end-of-life Li-ion batteries, focusing on environmental benefits and cost savings.
Understanding the tradeoffs: energy density and cleaning time vs. cost and lifespan
Li-ion: Packing high-energy density, Li-ion batteries efficiently deliver significant power and extended cleaning time in a small, lightweight form factor. With a charging capability at a fraction of the time of lead-acid, these batteries allow floor cleaning machines to regain a large percentage of power in a short amount
of time. Li-ion batteries can operate in a partial state of charge without negatively impacting long-term battery life - a crucial capability that standard flooded lead-acid batteries lack. Additionally, lowmaintenance Li-ion batteries deliver an operational lifespan of eight to 10 years. In contrast, VRLA batteries typically last four to five years, while flooded leadacid batteries offer a lifespan of two to three years.
Li-ion batteries, however, can cost up to two to three times more than lead-acid options. Moreover, due to their lighter weight, Li-ion batteries may reduce downward cleaning pressure. This can be offset by adjusting brush pressure settings or incorporating additional counterweights in the machine.
VRLA: VRLA batteries cost-effectively balance power, weight, and performance for many types of industrial floor cleaning machines. Delivering up to three times the cycle life of standard flooded lead-acid batteries, VRLA batteries are a durable and reliable option for daily use and full cleaning shifts. Although they still require a full charge periodically, some VRLA batteries can also safely handle opportunity and occasional partial charging without negatively affecting long-term battery life. These low-maintenance batteries generally provide a four- to five-year operational lifespan, with costs falling between lithium-ion and standard leadacid batteries.
Flooded lead-acid batteries: Flooded lead-acid batteries power many different types of industrial floor cleaning machines. While offering a lower upfront cost for budget-conscious businesses and organisations, these heavier batteries pack lower energy density than Li-ion - limiting runtime and overall equipment productivity. Flooded lead-acid batteries also require routine maintenance to function optimally, as well as a full charge cycle to prevent sulfation, which significantly impacts battery life. Lastly, overfilling or spills during routine water level mainte-
nance is a common occurrence and could ruin floors, goods, clothing, and pose a moderate safety risk.
Exploring real world deployment scenarios
Low-maintenance, long-lasting Li-ion batteries minimise downtime with optimal cleaning time, partial charging capabilities, and extended operational lifespans. These high-performance, fast-charging batteries offer a reliable, long-term solution for walk-behind, ride-on, and autonomous industrial floor cleaning machines in large facilities such as warehouses and factories. Additionally, Li-ion batteries power floor cleaning machines in medium-sized buildings, including schools, offices, hospitals, and retail centres. Some manufacturers also use Li-ion batteries to power cleaning machines in smaller retail stores, clinics, and restaurants.
High-performance, low-maintenance VRLA batteries provide a reliable, costeffective solution for walk-behind and ride-on industrial floor cleaning machines in both large and medium-sized facilities. These widely used batteries offer midrange cleaning times that can be safely extended with occasional partial charging, increasing durability while reducing replacement frequency.
Flooded lead-acid batteries power walk-behind and ride-on industrial floor cleaning machines in both large and medium-sized facilities. These batteries are typically selected by businesses and organisations with limited budgets that plan to clean their facilities in stages, perform routine monthly maintenance, and are diligent about fully charging batteries after each use. Flooded lead-acid batteries can also power machines in smaller retail stores requiring shorter cleaning tasks. Regional differences can also significantly impact the choice of industrial floor cleaning machines and their batteries. In North America, warehouses and thirdparty logistics (3PL) facilities commonly use large cleaning machines. In contrast, European facilities - such as warehouses
and big-box retail stores - often have narrower aisles and rely on smaller, mediumsized machines to manage space constraints effectively. The European market for walk-behind, ride-on, and autonomous industrial floor cleaning machines is markedly diverse, with manufacturers customising their solutions to meet specific regional requirements.
The future is Li-ion
Many OEMs now select Li-ion batteries to power their latest industrial floor cleaning machines. For example, an autonomous cleaning robotics company recently upgraded its flagship unit from VRLA and lead-acid batteries to 36V Li-ion packs. Featuring an advanced battery management system (BMS), these Li-ion packs deliver 45Ah each, scalable for the application. They also last for around 4,000 cycles while protecting against short circuits and overheating. Equipped with two 140-litre tanks and 200-metre LIDAR coverage, the upgraded autonomous machines now offer 30 per cent more operational time (five to six hours) per full charge and can add even more power during dump and refill cycles.
To further accelerate the adoption of Li-ion technology in the industrial cleaning space, battery companies are increasing collaboration with OEMs. This partnership helps improve the design of customised battery line-ups while optimising capacity and runtime for legacy, new and emerging industrial floor cleaning machines. Collaboration also aims to create a seamless user experience for cleaning staff and maximise runtime, both of which are critical to realizing ROI. This is particularly important when selecting autonomous floor cleaning machines equipped with LIDAR, advanced artificial intelligence (AI), and machine learning (ML) capabilities, which require highly efficient power solutions to deliver maximum runtime.
The sustainability advantages of Li-ion batteries
Li-ion batteries are driving a more sustainable future for the cleaning industry by enabling manufacturers to replace internal combustion engines (ICE) with electric motors in large cleaning machines. These highly efficient, zero-emission motors eliminate carbon emissions,
Les machines de nettoyage des planchers sont de plus en plus aimentées par batterie. Nous examinons les avantages et les limites des différents types de batteries, y compris celles utilisant la technologie aux ions Lithium la plus récente, et soulignons les scénarios de déploiement optimaux.
minimising the risk of carbon monoxide exposure and buildup in enclosed spaces. Additionally, they free cleaning personnel from storing, transporting and filling petrol tanks, simplifying maintenance and significantly reducing potential health and safety hazards.
Li-ion batteries deliver an optimal operational lifespan of eight to 10 years. After this point the battery’s ability to hold a charge declines, charging efficiency decreases and energy density gradually diminishes. Although no longer capable of powering high-performance industrial floor cleaning machines, ageing Li-ion batteries can retain up to 60 per cent of their capacity, allowing them to be upcycled or repurposed across a diverse range of applications.
For example, older Li-ion batteries that previously powered large industrial floor cleaners can be repurposed in smaller walk-behind machines, handheld power washers, or robotic vacuums. Beyond commercial or industrial cleaning applications, these batteries are used as backup power banks in data centres, portable power solutions, and residential energy systems.
If upcycling isn’t an option due to low power levels or physical damage, aging Liion batteries are recycled. As Li-ion battery recycling technology improves, recyclers
can more efficiently recover valuable materials like lithium, cobalt and nickel. Both recycling and upcycling retired batteries help minimise environmental impact, reduce reliance on newly mined raw materials and contribute to a circular economy by reintroducing valuable resources into the supply chain.
Conclusion
Li-ion, VRLA, and flooded lead-acid batteries each provide distinct advantages and limitations for a wide range of industrial floor cleaning machines. High-density Li-ion batteries are increasingly the preferred choice for high-performance cleaning solutions that require low maintenance, optimal cleaning times, partial charging capabilities and extended operational lifespan.
VRLA batteries provide a cost-effective middle ground with reliable performance and a lifespan of four to five years. They balance power, weight, and performance effectively while enabling opportunity charging and operating safely in a partially charged state without significant degradation. Lastly, flooded lead-acid batteries remain a practical choice for budgetconscious businesses planning to clean in stages, perform monthly maintenance, and ensure a full charge cycle after use. www.trojanbattery.com
Bodenreinigungsmaschinen werden in zunehmendem Maße mit Akkus betrieben, aber welcher ist für eine jeweilige Anwendung am besten geeignet? Wir werfen einen Blick auf die Vorteile und Einschränkungen jedes Akkutyps – einschließlich der neuesten Li-Ion-Technologie – und zeigen optimale Einsatzszenarien auf.
Le macchine per la pulizia dei pavimenti sono sempre più frequentemente alimentate a batteria, ma qual è la migliore per ogni applicazione? Esaminiamo i vantaggi e i limiti di ciascun tipo di batteria, compresa la più recente tecnologia agli ioni di litio, ed evidenziamo gli scenari di utilizzo ottimali.
• La ERC45 de la société Eureka est une machine de nettoyage de contremarches d’escalator utilisable sur tous les modèles.
• Le système à papier hygiénique Tork OptiServe signé Essity permet d’utiliser une même recharche de papier sans noyau dans l’ensemble d’un établissement.
• La nouvelle gamme Multiplex de systèmes de dosage à capacité IdO de Brightwell est destinée à la buanderie grande échelle.
• Truvox a étendu sa gamme d’autolaveuses Multiwash PRO en y ajoutant la Multiwash PRO Steam.
• L’appareil Lotus PRO V9 de la société Tersano transforme l’eau du robinet en ozone aqueuse stabilisée pour le nettoyage exempt de produits chimiques.
Clean escalators
The latest addition to the Eureka range is the ERC45 escalator riser cleaning machine. This model, it says, addresses a common issue with conventional escalator cleaners, which typically only clean the treads and leave the risers - visible parts when viewed from the bottom of an escalator - untouched.
The ERC45 is designed to complement the horizontal cleaning performed by the EC52 or similar tread cleaning machines. It enhances the overall cleaning outcome by cleaning the risers, which contributes to a visibly cleaner escalator. Used in con-
ordering more complicated and requires staff to be trained in the use of multiple systems.
Having only one solution across the facility allows managers to optimise ordering, handling and storage inventory. It also saves time because cleaning teams can use the same refill in every washroom.
The system comes in a wide range of dispenser options, each of which uses the same compact rolls without a core or outer wrap. The compact rolls take up half the space on a cleaning trolley, in store cupboards and during transport.
Steaming ahead
• Der ERC45 von Eureka ist eine Maschine zur Reinigung von Rolltreppenstufen, die bei allen Modellen eingesetzt werden kann.
• Tork OptiServe von Essity ist ein Toilettenpapiersystem, mit dem die gleichen hülsenlosen Toilettenpapier-Nachfüllpackungen einrichtungsübergreifend verwendet werden können.
• Die neue Produktfamilie Multiplex mit automatisierten IoT-Dosiersystemen von Brightwell wurde für große Wäschereibetriebe entwickelt.
• Truvox hat sein Sortiment an Multiwash PRO Scheuersaugmaschinen mit der Einführung des Multiwash PRO Steam erweitert.
• Der Lotus PRO V9 von tersano verwandelt Leitungswasser in stabilisiertes wässriges Ozon (Stabilised Aqueous Ozone, SAO) für eine chemikalienfreie Reinigung.
• ERC45 di Eureka è una macchina per la pulizia delle alzate delle scale mobili che può essere utilizzata su tutti i modelli.
• Tork OptiServe di Essity è un sistema di carta igienica che consente di utilizzare le stesse ricariche di carta igienica senz’anima in un’intera struttura.
• La nuova linea Multiplex di sistemi di dosaggio IoT automatizzati di Brightwell è progettata per le lavanderie di grandi dimensioni.
• Truvox ha ampliato la sua gamma di lavasciuga pavimenti Multiwash PRO con il lancio di Multiwash PRO Steam.
• Il lotus PRO V9 di tersano trasforma l’acqua del rubinetto in ozono acquoso stabilizzato (SAO) per una pulizia senza sostanze chimiche.
junction with the EC52, the ERC45 can reduce total cleaning time by up to 50 per cent says Eureka.
The ERC45 is compatible with all escalator models, regardless of length, width or make. It operates using a high-precision detergent spray system combined with high-speed brushes, and features a powerful vacuum system designed to recover both dirt and cleaning solution. www.eurekasweepers.com
Reduce impact
Designed to enhance efficiency and reduce environmental impact in the washroom is new Tork OptiServe from Essity This toilet paper system allows managers to use the same coreless toilet paper refills across an entire facility.
Using different types of toilet paper creates extra work, says the company, as it leads to more inventory checks, makes
Tork OptiServe dispensers are certified as being Easy to Use by the Swedish Rheumatism Association. They are also designed for fast refilling and the refill packs feature carry handles for easy ergonomic handling.
www.tork.co.uk
Scalable dosing
Brightwell has introduced the Multiplex range of scalable, automated IoT dosing systems designed for large-scale industrial laundry operations. The systems cater to various laundry sizes, offering solutions for dosing chemicals to multiple washing machines. There are four models, accommodating between four and 12 machines. Extra channels can be added to the central unit.
The Multiplex systems can dose up to 10 different chemicals, with pump flow rates reaching up to five litres per minute. The maximum daily production capacities vary from 1,000 kg to 4,000 kg.
The systems are integrated with Brightwell’s cloud-based platform, providing a whole IoT solution. The platform delivers real-time data insights, including tracking of chemical consumption, detailed cost reports and performance metrics.
www.brightwell.co.uk
Truvox International has introduced the Multiwash PRO Steam, an addition to its Multiwash PRO scrubber dryer range. This model combines counterrotating brushes with a steam function, enabling it to clean and sanitise floors effectively. The steam function enhances the machine’s ability to kill up to 99.99 per cent of bacteria, says Truvox, including strains like S.aureus, E.coli, P.aeruginosa, and B.subtilis, improving hygiene and infection control.
The Multiwash PRO Steam is suitable for use across various floor types and it cleans using only water, eliminating the need for hazardous chemicals and making it suitable for sensitive environments.
Truvox has also introduced the Multiwash PRO Battery model. This scrubber dryer is designed for use in areas without direct power sources. It features a battery with a run-time of up to 60 minutes, reducing the risk of trips and slips with its cable-free design. Features include a quickchange battery system and a two-hour charge time.
www.truvox.com
Water converter
The tersano lotus PRO V9 system converts tap water into Stabilised Aqueous Ozone (SAO) on-site and on demand. This patented technology offers a sustainable alternative to traditional cleaning chemicals, says the company, by generating a cleaner, disinfectant, and deodoriser that kills up to 99.99 per cent of germs and is fully biodegradable.
On-site generation of SAO eliminates the need for singleuse plastic bottles and packaging, while the cleaning solution is free from toxins, fragrances, additives, preservatives, quats, dyes and residues.
www.tersano.com
