African Cleaning Review MarchApril 2019

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March/April 2019 | R58.00 (incl. VAT)

Tendering in the age of sustainability 10 commercial-kitchen hygiene rules Save by cleaning smarter ISSA Cleantex Africa speaker profiles

contents MARCH/APRIL 2019 VOL 20 NO. 2 Prime Cleaning Suppliers is a leading South African cleaning-solutions supplier, established in 1996. Prime Cleaning Suppliers has spent a number of years building strong brands, many of which have been tested by the SABS 1828 and 1853 standards and carry their mark of surety, which gives the customer confidence when using the products. All disinfectants are registered as per Act 29 and compliance to the VC8054 compulsory specification for disinfectants. Prime Cleaning Suppliers’ complete cleaning solutions cover paper products/dispensers, cleaning chemicals/ disinfectants, floorcare machines and cleaning sundries. Prime Cleaning Suppliers has an ongoing commitment to ensure the best long-term solution to their customers and represents the following brands: Aquarius, Kleenex, Scott, Wetrok, Wypall, and Rubbermaid Commercial Products.

Opinion

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Industry News

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Tendering in the age of sustainability in cleaning

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CCMA confirms state of readiness with National Minimum Wage implementation Bidvest choose insider Mpumi as CEO designate Groupe GM announces major expansion in West Africa Diversey releases hand-hygiene white paper Winter wellness website launched A 100-percent recycled ocean-plastic bottle launched

Editorial

Dirty high-traffic washroom now a thing of the past – Tork SA PowerBoss Nautilus making inroads in local market – Hako SA Changes at Impact secures growth – Impact Soft Services International co-located workshops and forum sessions at ISSA Cleantex Africa

Educational

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Adapt these 10 commercial-kitchen hygiene rules 10 education facility management trends

Features

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NanoSeptic self cleaning surfaces address traveller hygiene issues Compact utility bag shelf for washrooms

Although every effort is made to ensure the accuracy and reliability of material published in African Cleaning Review, e-squared publications and its agents can accept no responsibility for the veracity of the claims made by contributors, manufacturers or advertisers. Copyright of all material published in African Cleaning Review remains with e-squared publications and its agents.

May/June issue: Editorial deadline 18 April • Hard floorcare solutions • Hand hygiene • ISSA Cleantex Africa show preview

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Jul/Aug issue: Editorial deadline 21 June • Hygiene in healthcare facilities • Digital and smart solutions Sept/Oct issue: Editorial deadline 23 August • Sustainable cleaning • Carpet care Nov/Dec issue: Editorial deadline 18 October • Mopping systems • Fragrance systems and aircare

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Feature in ACR

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Share company news with African Cleaning Review, submit press releases, event information and pictures to: africancleaningreview@cleantex.co.za

ISSA Cleantex Africa 2019

Diarise the date: 4–6 June, Johannesburg 28

Kimberly-Clark Professional™ introduces new Kleenex® toilet tissue Neledzi Cleaning Services receives Quality Management System certification NCCA Western Cape golf day pictures Trevack Dreamer’s Project empowers disadvantaged youth Damonze family unveils new premises

New Products

All editorial contributions can be sent to the editor who reserves the right to publish editorial based on the strength of its content. No articles or photographs may be reproduced, in whole or in part, without written permission from the publishers.

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People and Events

Publishing Editor: Johann van Vuuren +27 (0) 11 238 7848 or +27 (0) 72 611 1959 Email: africancleaningreview@cleantex.co.za Advertising: +27 (0) 11 238 7848 or +27 (0) 72 611 1959 Email: africancleaningreview@cleantex.co.za Administration and Accounts: Nandé Jacobs Email: africancleaningreview@cleantex.co.za

Planned features for 2019

FM Review

Laundry automation with RFID offers modern software and intelligent clothing solutions Services SETA mandatory grant workshops schedule Innovative, sustainable, environmental initiative puts climate change in the hand of hotels Hydrofinity washer achieves environmentally preferred status

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Laundry Review

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Contract cleaning • Save by cleaning smarter • Benefits of sourcing from a single supplier • Value addition and partnerships key to cleaning industry growth Welcome to Green Cleaning 3.0 Architects design buildings with birds in mind Entrance matting is the first step to effective facility cleaning

African Cleaning Review is aimed at end users, contractors and suppliers of products and services to Africa’s Cleaning, Hygiene, Maintenance, Laundry, Pest Control and Facility Management Services industries. It is published every other month by: e-squared publications.

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from the editor Africa’s 2019 professional cleaning showcase offers more content than ever before

opinion

Tendering in the age of sustainability in cleaning

By William Griffin

Companies and cleaning contractors are adopting sustainable cleaning as the new way of doing business and have found it to be a good strategy.

In the early years, sustainable cleaning and sustainable products were provided at premium prices. But more recently, and despite the higher expenses associated with green cleaning supplies, the costs have shrunk and there are often hidden savings and benefits to be found when

The countdown for ISSA Cleantex Africa, the continent’s only trade event focusing on professional cleaning and hygiene has now started. The 2019 show offers more content than ever before, thereby providing a perfect opportunity for visitors and delegates to spend three highly rewarding days at an international exhibition, workshops, forums, educational seminars plus many additional features to source, network, learn and discover new solutions and opportunities for their businesses.

Established in 1998, ISSA Cleantex Africa brings together contract cleaners, distributors, facility, healthcare, retail, procurement and food service managers as well as other professionals within the cleaning, hygiene, hospitality, property maintenance and government sectors.

The co-located workshops at ISSA Cleantex Africa are aimed at business executives, managers and owners to address the big issues and opportunities that could have an impact on the future of business and public sector organisations. For more information about the confirmed workshop/ forum topics and some of the confirmed speakers, refer to page 20.

We look forward to welcoming you to the June 4–6 show and look out for the May/ June issue of African Cleaning Review that will be available at the entrance and inserted in registered delegate packs.

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implementing sustainable cleaning methods.

Tendering on sustainable cleaning Sustainable and traditional cleaning costs should be somewhat similar to each other; labour, supplies, chemicals, and equipment are part of either budget, in addition to overheads for running a business.

In fact, labour costs may not change as a result of using sustainable products to clean a facility, because it may not take any longer to use a sustainable product when cleaning a surface. You can still use standard production rates and square metre costs in your calculations, unless there are special tasks or circumstances the customer requires that will reduce the rate of production.

Depending on the cleaning task, expect an hourly production rate somewhere between 140 and 697 square metres per hour. The final production rate always boils down to what types of areas you are cleaning, what types of services you are providing, and how well you engineer and manage the work.

cost of sustainable products, such as paper products, plastic liners, and equipment, which are normally more expensive than the non-sustainable items. The best source of accurate costs for price comparison is your local cleaning-products distributor. The distributor will know what’s available on the market and have the most current prices available.

There is no good way to bury or hide these increases; you will have to pass them on to the customer. Another suggestion: if you can’t cover the cost of sustainable products with your overhead or profit, find ways to be more efficient and cover them through labour savings. For example, even though you may pay a little more up front for products, you may be surprised to find that you can reduce costs over time due to other savings that stem from product changes. Examples include losing less staff time to injuries from working with dangerous chemicals, reduction of water and chemical use, and less dust in the air from using vacuums that do a better job of containing soil.

Anticipating costs When estimating product costs, add 3 to 5 percent to the cost of supplies, equipment, and chemicals to ensure that you can cover the slightly higher

The future of sustainable cleaning In another 10 to 15 years, sustainable cleaning will be the only way cleaning is performed. Manufacturers will

opinion phase out non-sustainable chemicals, products, and equipment to reduce risk and liability and to meet the market demand for better, safer and more productive ways of cleaning.

Widespread use of engineered and electrically activated water will also increase, as it makes no economic sense to purchase and ship chemicals if you can create what you need on-site.

In 5 to 10 years, we will also see microrobots handling the mopping, sweeping and vacuuming in commercial buildings and homes.

This is not the end of the cleaning business; it’s actually an entirely new phase of professional development and growth for the industry. However, it may impact how we offer our services in the long term.

About the author William Griffin is the President of Cleaning Consultant Services, Inc. He has more than 26 years of cleaning-industry-consulting experience and is a regular speaker and writer on professional cleaning.

In another 10 to 15 years, sustainable cleaning will be the only way cleaning is performed.

Manufacturers will phase out non-sustainable chemicals, products, and equipment to reduce risk and liability and to meet the market demand for better, safer, and more productive ways of cleaning.

industry news CCMA confirms state of readiness with national minimum wage implementation

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he National Minimum Wage Act (NMWA) came into effect on 1 January 2019, whereby the national minimum wage was set at R20 per hour, with special provisions of R18 per hour (farm workers), R15 per hour (domestic workers), and R11 per hour (Extended Public Works Programme workers).

The Basic Conditions of Employment Act (BCEA) was amended to confer new enforcement jurisdiction on the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA) for NMWA and BCEA disputes, and to hear certain BCEA matters related to payment

referred to the CCMA by employees who earn below the Ministerial threshold of R205 430.33 per annum.

Previously such matters could only be included in CCMA referrals related to dismissals.

The BCEA amendments granted the CCMA concurrent enforcement jurisdiction with the courts. This means that the CCMA can convert written undertakings and compliance orders issued by labour inspectors into arbitration awards, which are executable through sheriffs. It also means that the Department of Labour officials now have a broader spectrum

of enforcement institutions to assist them in serving the public.

The broadening of the enforcement jurisdiction is aimed at speedier enforcement processes to the benefit of an estimated 6 million low-paid workers. Complaints of non-compliance with the NMWA can be referred to the Department of Labour for labour inspectors to deal with, or may be referred directly to the CCMA. The CCMA established the specifically dedicated telephone lines 011 377 6627 and 011 377 6625, to assist with queries relating to the NMWA.

Bidvest choose insider Mpumi as CEO designate

Mpumi Madisa

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outh African multi-services and distribution company Bidvest announced during March that Mpumi Madisa will succeed Lindsay Ralphs as chief executive officer, giving her the task of continuing to drive growth for a successful conglomerate with diversified operations.

Ralphs will continue as the group chief executive until the 2021 financial year and will work closely with Madisa to ensure a smooth transition.

Madisa is currently an executive director on the Bidvest Group board and holds other external nonexecutive director roles, including at Adcock Ingram and Business Leadership SA. “I am delighted that Mpumi has accepted this role. One of our key priorities is developing the next generation of leaders and Mpumi is the perfect example of this. Her exceptional leadership skills and depth of experience will ensure continuity for all Bidvest stakeholders and the Bidvest family”, says Ralphs.

Madisa first joined Bidvest in 2003 and has, over the past number of years, held several key and strategic leadership roles at a subsidiary,

divisional and group level. Bidvest’s 30-year-growth story is a testament to the long-term success of its strategy.

To acquire homegrown South African businesses and develop entrepreneurial leaders to run the decentralised operating model that generates wealth, creates jobs and makes meaningful contributions to society.

This long-term thinking extends to good governance in planning future leadership at Bidvest. With this in mind, the Bidvest board said in a statement that it has deemed it timeous and appropriate to appoint Madisa as chief executive – designate.

“This is consistent with a comprehensive succession plan that was developed and has been executed over the past several years to specifically mentor and continue her preparation for the CE role.”

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African Cleaning Review March/April 2019

African Cleaning Review March/April 2019

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industry news Groupe GM announces major expansion in West Africa

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roupe GM, the leading international player in the guestamenity industry, announced the expansion of its international network with Ziketro Business Partners. As part of its international development efforts, the French group will now be growing its operations in West Africa.

Ziketro Business Partners is a key player in the hospitality supply industry in West Africa. It has offices in Dakar, Abidjan, Bamako, Ouagadougou,

Conakry and Freetown where it offers high-quality services to hoteliers.

With solid roots in the region, Ziketro possesses the specific local knowledge and expertise to operate efficiently in African countries.

This expansion confirms Groupe GM’s strategy to expand across the world and solidify its international network. Since its inception in 1972, Groupe GM has built a global network of more than seventy countries. This network is made up of exclusive members – true professionals of hospitality products who offer hoteliers an impeccable, bespoke local service at the best price. With recent expansions in Asia and the Middle East, Groupe GM is now accelerating the development of its operations on the African continent.

The new countries now covered by this exclusive agent include:

• Burkina Faso • Ivory Coast • Guinea • Mali • Senegal Laurent Marchand, President of Groupe GM, commented: “We are thrilled to be partnering with Ziketro. At Groupe GM, we are proud to work with distributing partners that offer their unparalleled know-how and service in the world of hotel amenities. It is no exception with Ziketro Business Partners: their knowledge of the African continent and their expertise in the hospitality industry make them the ideal partner for our group. We are pleased that Groupe GM’s exclusive amenities are now enjoyed by an increasing number of hotels and guests in Africa thanks to Ziketro”.

For more information about Groupe GM, visit: www.groupegm.com

Diversey releases hand-hygiene white paper Diversey has released a new white paper detailing the importance of proper hand hygiene in educational facilities and its impact on student and faculty absenteeism.

According to Diversey, students in the United States miss more than

164 million school days per year, mostly due to illness. Diversey’s white paper, authored by their global-infection-prevention expert, Peter Teska, suggests that by implementing proper hand-hygiene protocols in school, that number can

be reduced by more than 30 percent, especially when students use an alcohol-based hand rub.

To access this complementary white paper, visit: www.diversey.com/blog//routine-handhygiene-schools-its-impact-absenteeism

Winter wellness website launched

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eading skin-health and surfacehygiene specialist GOJO Industries – Europe has developed a winter wellness website in a bid to boost wellness and lessen the impact of seasonal viruses.

The microsite is aimed at businesses that want to protect their workforce from highly contagious infections such as the common cold, influenza, and norovirus. It is available to view in eight languages and features advice, blogs and downloadable resources.

Features include a benefit calculator, which calculates the number of employees, their hourly wage and days saved per winter period by

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African Cleaning Review March/April 2019

implementing a hand-hygiene system.

There is also a winter wellness toolkit that contains awareness-raising signage, product-placement guides and key information about how to stay healthy this winter. The blogs offer wellness tips for employers and staff.

According to GOJO, leading global producer and marketer of skin health and hygiene solutions for away-fromhome settings, up to 80 percent of all infections are transmitted by the hands.

Keeping hands clean is one of the best ways to prevent the spread of infection and illness. This winter germ season, protect yourselves and others, and help to spread the word… not germs.

For more information, visit: www.winter-wellness.eu

SHARE YOUR OPINION WITH US The African Cleaning Review (ACR) magazine is evolving and we need readership input in order to guide us in the process of best servicing the professional cleaning industry.

Your input is valuable to us; all you have to do is to take less than 5 minutes to answer a few questions.

The process is very simple, all you have to do is scan this QR Code with your smartphone or alternatively type the URL into your internet browser. Then answer the 10 straightforward questions about the magazine.

Thanking you in anticipation.

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African Cleaning Review March/April 2019

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industry news A 100-percent recycled ocean-plastic bottle launched

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s part of its ongoing commitment to tackling the problem of plastic pollution in oceans, SC Johnson has announced that it will launch the industry’s first product that uses 100-percent recycled ocean plastic in a major home-cleaning brand.

That product is part of the ubiquitous Windex® brand, one of the company’s most popular brands and a household favourite for the past 86 years.

“With over 5 trillion pieces of plastic debris in the ocean, conditions are continuing to get worse and worse,” said Fisk Johnson, Chairman and CEO of SC Johnson. “The

Windex bottle is just one of the many ways we are not only providing solutions to combat ocean pollution, but taking action to make these solutions a reality.”

Based in the USA, SC Johnson

is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of household cleaning products and products for home storage, air care, pest control and shoe care, as well as professional products.

Dirty high-traffic washrooms now a thing of the past Large crowds can cause serious dilemmas at overcrowded or dirty washrooms at venues like airports or stadiums. Global hygiene brand Tork has therefore developed a new class of hand-wiping system – Tork PeakServeTM – specifically tailored for high-traffic areas. It features an entirely new type of paper towel and combines unprecedented capacity with a unique way of dispensing towels fast and without interruption. This will allow facilty owners and managers to serve 250 percent more guests between refills.

Large crowds put heavy stress on washrooms and the fitted equipment.

Refills such as soap and paper run out fast. Cleaners have a difficult time keeping up with cleaning needs or even accessing washrooms during heavy traffic flows.

New research also shows that dirty and overcrowded washrooms are the biggest issues for guests at high-traffic venues such as sport stadiums – more than violence and long entry lines.

Guests simply don’t want to be delayed in a washroom, let alone a dirty one. Yet,

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African Cleaning Review March/April 2019

over 70 percent have had a unpleasant washroom experience, and a quarter of guests have avoided washrooms altogether.

Tork PeakServeTM combines a number of features that renders high-traffic washrooms well prepared to handle large crowds. The key is a new and patented type of paper towel.

• New and better dispensing: Each bundle of towels is actually a continuous unit of paper. This creates a continuous flow that can serve large crowds fast – without interrupting, tabbing or jamming dispensers. The continuous flow is always maintained as the bundles connect with each other in a unique way. Tork PeakServeTM also feeds towels from the top of the stack, not the bottom, which generates smooth one-at-a-time dispensing that requires very low pull-force.

• Highest capacity on the market: The new towels are compressed in production, twice as much as regular towels. This gives Tork PeakServeTM a higher capacity than any other

system, avoiding the unfortunate event of dispensers running out unexpectedly. A single dispenser can serve more than 1 000 guests between refills – 600 more than existing dispensers.

• More flexible refills: Tork PeakServeTM can be refilled twice as fast and topped up anytime. Thus, cleaners get more time to focus on important cleaning tasks during heavy traffic flows, without fear of empty dispensers, and can instead do refills during less hectic moments. In other words, they get more flexibility to focus on the most important task at the most appropriate time.

“Until today, when selecting a handdrying solution, facility managers have chosen between roll towels that bring high capacity and folded towels that can be refilled more flexibly. We have taken the best of both worlds and created a revolutionary hybrid. Someone might think ‘this is just hand drying’ but it is in fact the most significant innovation within the field in 20 years – and washroom visitors will feel the

editorial Tork Quick facts about Tork PeakServeTM • Highest capacity on the market – can fit 2 132 towels in a single dispenser.

• Can serve over 1 000 guests between refills – 600 more than existing dispensers.

• Serves a towel in 3 seconds – compared to at least 10 seconds dry time for jet air dryers.

• One-at-a-time dispensing with a continuous flow of paper towels – without interruption.

• Can be refilled twice as fast and extra towels can be topped up anytime.

• It is possible to store twice as many towels per cubic metre thanks to highly compressed bundles.

Research insights about high-traffic washrooms difference,”says Kirsty Collard, Tork South Africa.

It is a challenge for facility managers to maintain good traffic flow and avoid washroom hold-ups in high-traffic areas with large numbers of visitors.

With the fast dispensing action of Tork PeakServeTM, visitors can be dispensed with a towel in 3 seconds – compared to 10 seconds dry time for jet air dryers.

For additional information, contact:

• 71 percent of visitors have encountered bad experiences from time to time at high-traffic washrooms.

• 28 percent say they often (or always) have a bad experience.

• 42 percent say bad washroom experiences also had a negative effect on their overall experience of the event.

• Almost 4 in 10 told a friend or family member about their negative washroom experience (and 4 percent even posted on social media about it).

• Dirty and overcrowded washrooms are the most common issues for visitors at events. The biggest reason is fear of dirty and unhygienic conditions (37%) but time is also a major issue. Being held up in the washroom and missing out on the event are the next most important reasons.

• A third (32%) of the guests avoiding the washrooms also limited their food and drink consumption to do so.

kirsty.collard@essity.com

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editorial Hako

PowerBoss Nautilus making inroads in local market Hako, part of the EIE Group, is seeing an upsurge in demand for the PowerBoss Nautilus scrubbersweeper, a machine that provides exceptional value in terms of its high cleaning performance, extensive area of coverage, longer cleaning times and manoeuvrability.

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editorial Hako Marketed under the EIE Group’s Hako range of industrial cleaners, the PowerBoss Nautilus scrubber-sweeper has applications across a range of sectors from food-grade facilities through to heavy manufacturing and warehousing and even outside tarmac areas such as at parking and airport facilities.

manoeuvrability means that the operator is able to turn around in a less-than 2.8-m-wide aisle if needed without having to back up or turn off the water or brushes while scrubbing.

All functions can be turned on and off during operation with a flip of one switch as the functions (scrub and/or

The scrubber-sweeper’s simplicity and ease of operation makes it a very user-friendly machine.

Professional cleaning performance is assured by two sweeping brushes powered by two hydraulic motors, while the machine’s large water capacity gives it an area coverage of up to 15 200 m² per/hour. With its armour-like shell, the PowerBoss Nautilus scrubbersweeper offers robustness and longevity due to its heavy-duty stainless steel components.

The scrubber-sweeper’s simplicity and ease of operation makes it a very user-friendly machine. Excellent

vacuum) are selected prior to cleaning.

The machine is designed for ease of cleaning and debris removal as a large drain hose provides quick and clean draining of the dirty water, with easy access for washing the recovery tank free of sediment. The squeegee is tilted up out of the way so the debris hopper can be removed effortlessly on castors and the debris disposed of safely.

“The PowerBoss Nautilus scrubbersweeper is experiencing an increase in popularity – and rightly so as the

machine offers the performance and robustness expected from such a bestin-class brand,” says Gary Neubert, EIE Group CEO. “Such high performers, combined with our technical and maintenance support, are key to us fulfilling our commitment to building partnerships for life with our client base.”

A complete range of indoor and outdoor cleaning machines is marketed by the EIE Group, thus enabling the industry to select the correct machine for specific, individual requirements, such as the size and layout of the area to be cleaned and degree and type of soiling.

EIE Group, part of the enX Group, which is listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange provides equipment distribution, leasing, rental and value-added services to the general industrial, industrial power, materials-handling and agricultural sectors in South Africa, various other African countries, the UK and Ireland.

For further information, email: antonys@eiegroup.co.za or visit: www.eiegroup.co.za

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educational

Adapt these 10 commercial-kitchen hygiene rules Hygiene is the main ingredient in the food-safety recipe of every professional kitchen. Simple carelessness in cleaning the kitchen environment or in preparing food can cause cross-contamination and the spread of bacteria, leading to food poisoning. The HACCP protocol specifies the procedures that all food handlers must observe, but there are also some good practices to follow regardless of the regulations.

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lectrolux Professional offers the following 10 rules for hygiene in professional kitchens.

1. Personal hygiene Microorganisms can be transferred from hands to food. Hands must be thoroughly washed with soap and hot water after touching food and before performing the next job function. Always dry hands on a clean towel. Hair can also carry germs so keep it tied back and wear a hairnet.

2. Clothing Clothes can carry germs from outside into the kitchen, so it is important to change into work clothes. These should be light-coloured so that stains are immediately visible.

3. Correct food storage It is essential to avoid contact between food and air so make sure it is always stored in lidded containers or covered with plastic wrap, particularly when it is still hot.

6. Keep food at the right temperature

8. Serve food correctly

There is a very close relationship between temperature and microbial load: food must be served at a temperature of at least 70° C. The danger zone – when bacteria will multiply most rapidly – lies between 15° and 55° C.

Do not touch the food that is ready for serving or the parts of the serving dishes that the food is placed on.

7. Chill food rapidly 4. Defrosting Food must be defrosted in the fridge to prevent the growth of bacteria caused by sudden temperature changes.

Every kitchen should be equipped with refrigerated cabinets that create the perfect microclimate and maintain the temperature and moisture content of the food.

5. Avoid cross-contamination Use different utensils and chopping boards for raw and cooked foods and for different types of food to avoid cross-contamination of harmful microorganisms.

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For the same reason, it is important to chill food rapidly: it should drop from 65° to 10° C in no more than two hours.

Every professional kitchen should be equipped with adequate freezers and blast chillers. With the combination of oven and blast chiller within the Cook&Chill system, a completely integrated, lean, and safe process is ensured. The innovative Electrolux Cook and Chill air-o-system is specifically designed to ensure food safety: the food is transferred directly from oven to blast chiller, increasing its shelf life and avoiding waste.

9. Thoroughly clean oven and sink Clean kitchens after every use. Wash and sanitise ovens and sinks once a day.

10. Wash dishes properly Dishwashers are essential for any professional kitchen: bacteria from food scraps can be prevented from spreading by properly washing dishes, cookware and utensils. Use the right dishwashing detergents and temperatures or, even better, use dishwashers with a sanitising function, like the green&clean Rack Type by Electrolux Professional.

For more information, visit: https://professional.electrolux.com

educational

10 education facility management trends Faced with economic pressures, increased competition and the challenge of being asked to do more with less, the cleaning industry is at a crossroads. As a result, building service contractors, manufacturers, distributors and facility managers need to rethink the way they operate in order to survive and consider new ways of setting themselves apart.

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y analysing the key trends that are reshaping the industry and taking a hard business outlook at what to expect in the coming years, you will be better prepared to identify strategic direction and ways to take advantage of the user trends, according to Dave Frank of the American Institute of Cleaning Sciences (AICS).

and the ability to track and monitor compliance.

1. Upper management intervention

5. Increased demand for outsourcing

With a focus on the bottom-line and outcomes, upper management has become increasingly involved in facility management by asking questions concerning the number of people required to clean a specific building and if they should perhaps outsource and utilise business intelligence metrics.

Decisions makers look at the business solutions available to achieve results at the lowest possible cost.

All vertical markets, including education, are evaluating outsourcing. When evaluating outsourcing, managers are looking to reduce their total costs while still achieving the desired results.

Outsourcing can save on human resources responsibilities and other hidden costs, but a school must weigh the advantages of an in-house cleaning programme.

4. More buyer bargaining power Negotiated contracts are on the rise from Group Purchasing Organisations (GPOs) and co-ops. These groups are leveraging their volume to drive price concessions and supply-chain efficiencies.

6. Department financial analytics 2. Increased buyer sophistication Sophisticated buyers are bringing their B2C shopping experiences to B2B situations. These technically savvy buyers have access to industry knowledge and employ data-based decision-making.

Rather than focusing on products, these buyers are interested in metrics such as cost of ownership and productivity rates when making purchases.

3. Strategic supply chain management While the price of a product or service matters, the supply chain is becoming increasingly important.

Considerations involved in supply chain management include delivery time and availability, reduced inventory, improved procurement planning, lowering operational expenses, departmental organisation, business intelligence,

Understanding the costs associated with your cleaning programme can help you get a better ROI. One way to understand these costs is through a process called ‘workloading’. The process can tell you how much it should cost to clean a building. There are five steps to workloading that will help you maximise your cleaning resources: 1. Take inventory 2. Determine the tasks 3. Assign a frequency to each task 4. Calculate labour hours 5. Determine labour costs

7. Industry standards Defining best practices and establishing standard operating procedures is a way for a company to determine sustainable and efficient methods of completing tasks. Industry standards can also serve

as a department gap-analysis framework for evaluation and improvement. When outsourcing, potential contractors can also be pre-qualified based on their utilisation of industry standards.

8. Human resources complexity Employees are an essential part of any cleaning programme. Whether you manage 10, 100, or 1 000 cleaning professionals, issues including insurance, worker safety, Occupational Health and Safety Act compliance, training and the use of robotics must be considered.

9. Sustainability Developing a sustainability policy is important for frontline worker well-being and corporate social responsibility. It is also important when looking at alternative flooring materials. When choosing these alternative materials, it is important to do value engineering to obtain the overall cost of cleaning and maintaining these floors. Green cleaning equipment can also contribute to sustainability by protecting your facility, using environmentally preferable batteries, and reducing the need for cleaning chemicals.

10. Internet of Things (IoT) Many modern buildings are being equipped with hubs that provide facility insights, such as when a room is occupied, when a towel dispenser is broken, or the number of people that have been in and out of a room. Cleaning machines can also be fitted with asset management tools utilising the IoT. Reminder: The ISSA will present an Estimating Made Easy workshop on 4 June 2019 in Midrand. For more information or to book your seat, contact: nande@cleantex.co.za

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feature contract cleaning

Save

by cleaning smarter

There’s a difference between cleaning hard and cleaning smart: both can be effective, but only one can give you a consistent level of clean while saving you time, money and unnecessary stress.

“A

s a cleaning professional, you are continually looking for ways to increase the efficiency of your department and reduce costs,” says Dave Mesko, senior director at Cintas Corp, with more than 16 years of cleaning-industry experience. “Yet with increasing labour costs and a continued pressure to do more with less, we realise this can be a challenge. These six steps can help you build a more comprehensive cleaning programme that will help you save time and money this year.”

Mesko and his team at Cintas have developed the following six ways facilities can save by cleaning smarter:

1. Clean in zones An inadequately cleaned facility can be just as dirty, if not dirtier, than a facility that is not cleaned at all. Zone cleaning programmes assign specific cleaning tools to certain areas of the facility to help limit cross-contamination and promote a higher level of clean.

A zone cleaning programme also offers cleaning professionals an easy system that takes the guesswork out of cleaning by limiting mistakes and the need for unnecessary rework.

2. Develop a schedule for deep cleaning floors In addition to daily floor maintenance, integrate a deep-cleaning programme

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African Cleaning Review March/April 2019

to regularly restore your floors to their original condition. Proper maintenance is key to extending the life of your floor.

According to The Official ISSA 612 Cleaning Times & Tasks, professional deep cleans can also make day-today cleaning easier, resulting in time savings of up to 17 minutes per 46 square metres per week on hard surfaces alone. Regular maintenance can also help delay expensive, capitalintensive projects like replacing floors.

3. Clean the cleaning tools Just like a facility’s floors, cleaning products should be properly maintained and cleaned to ensure that they last longer and are more effective. If not cleaned properly, they do little more than push dirt around, leading to wasted time and possible cross-contamination.

Dirty mop heads and wipes are also a breeding ground for germs and bacteria, so make sure your towels and mops are properly maintained and laundered to retain their effectiveness and absorption power for longer.

4. Protect floors with a matting system To help your facility save on time and money, consider implementing a matting system at all entrances and high-traffic areas to help reduce wearand-tear and save time on cleaning.

Not only does matting reduce the

amount of soil tracked into your facility year-round, it also helps prevent slipand-fall accidents and improves indoor air quality. Launder mats on a regular basis, particularly during inclement weather or high-traffic seasons.

5. C onsider using dilution control systems Chemical dispensing systems are ideal for saving time – as much as 1.5 hours per week – due to the hassle-free design and time-saving, one-step cleaning process. This eliminates time spent searching for, shopping for, re-stocking, and storing bulk cleaning chemicals. It also eliminates the time spent mixing chemicals to ensure proper dilution.

6. Switch to microfibre Microfibre cleaning tools can provide superior cleaning effectiveness and better infection control than traditional mops and towels. According to Rubbermaid Commercial Products Co., microfibre products are proven to remove 99.9 percent of microbes and 80 percent more dust and dirt than traditional mops.

“When you have the right chemicals, tools, and training in place, you help deliver a consistent level of clean,” added Mesko. “This consistency not only improves the overall cleanliness of the property, but can also be a substantial morale builder with staff.”

feature contract cleaning

Benefits of sourcing from a single supplier Cleaning teams continue to face incredible pressure to deliver excellent results while introducing innovations, adding value, improving productivity and promoting sustainability without adding to costs. That can be a difficult set of criteria to achieve. Therefore, it is imperative that contract cleaners should have support in the form of a complete set of products, tools, machines and service for every aspect of their cleaning operation, sourced from a single supplier, according to Diversey, a global leader in cleaning and hygiene.

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s a market leader, Diversey works with customers to devise, configure and implement fully integrated solutions that are finetuned to business and operational requirements and deliver enhanced performance and value. The concept of a total solution from a single vendor is not new, but it does require that suppliers adapt to business and regulatory pressures and take advantage of new technologies.

Sourcing from a single supplier offers a number of benefits for cleaning service providers. Contract configuration and procurement processes are simpler because there are fewer suppliers with whom to meet and negotiate. While this is self-evident many cleaning companies underestimate the time and resources that can be involved with setting up major contracts.

Similar benefits arise during contract implementation because areas such as supply chains, training and compliance are less complex when dealing with fewer suppliers. While this can promote higher standards and greater consistency with reduced risk of incorrect deliveries, it also means shorter and quicker communications channels should any issues arise. This is also the reason why support is usually simplified: there is less risk of being passed from one supplier to another when the underlying issue is unclear. Instead, the integrated supplier offers a single point of contact.

For their part, by offering an integrated solution selected from a wide set of products, suppliers can ensure everything is designed and configured to work together seamlessly and offer the maximum benefit in terms of

performance, innovation, cost-control or any other criteria the customer specifies. As an example, Diversey commits considerable investment and resources to developing and supporting its products. With approximately 8 600 employees across 175 countries and 180 dedicated researchers in 20 advanced facilities, the company is able to offer unrivalled documentation, technical support, applications expertise and insight that helps customers achieve the best possible outcomes.

Integration is about more than simply making existing products work with one another. Innovation is a key requirement in many cleaning operations because it can support other objectives such as improving results or reducing costs.

Diversey’s approach is to introduce innovations and unique technologies across their portfolio to ensure customers can benefit from new ways of working while still dealing with a single marketleading supplier. In this way, the company and its customers can create highly focused solutions by choosing the very best products for the specific application and contract. The alternative of customers

selecting different products from multiple suppliers can lead to the complexity and resultant drawbacks previously mentioned.

Recent innovations from Diversey include: the latest-generation TASKI Swingobot 2000 robotic floor-cleaning machine; Twister, diamond-impregnated floorcare pads for use with floorcare machines and water alone; the IntelliCare hand-care system with a unique wallmounted dispenser – the industry’s first automatic hybrid design with touchless and manual activation; Moonbeam3 and SKY7Xi UV-C disinfection technologies for healthcare settings; the TASKI aero tub and backpack vacuum cleaners, among the quietest and most energy-efficient commercial machines on the market.

In addition, Diversey has also added new Internet of Clean services such as IntelliLinen for laundries and IntelliDish for mechanical ware-washing to build on its extensive capabilities in this growing area.

Cloud-connected services like these are increasingly being used to introduce new levels of insight, management and control to deliver improved performance and reduced costs.

African Cleaning Review March/April 2019

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feature contract cleaning

Value addition and partnerships key to cleaning-industry growth One of the most significant changes in the industrial and commercial cleaning space over the past number of decades is a shift in mindset. That shift has been from viewing cleaning as a commodity service measured purely on cost, to one that values partnerships that contribute to supply chain efficiency. This is the view of Emma Corder, MD of Industroclean, which recently rebranded following a management buyout of Nilfisk South Africa.

“F

or customers, it’s about looking at their total cost of cleaning,” she says. “Labour is always the biggest component, followed by chemicals, consumables and equipment. So, we aim to work in partnership with our customers to see how we can optimise the costs we’re able to control.”

Industroclean is in a unique position in that it’s able to offer a holistic service in this way. Corder says this differs markedly from markets like Europe where there is greater specialisation, with providers supplying only chemicals or machinery or consumables.

“What our local market wants is significantly different. And our labour component is different, which influences the type of equipment and basket of goods we supply,” she says.

Another characteristic of the local market is the consolidation of supply chains by larger organisations.

Corder says that this is as a result of budgetary pressure as well as the need to reduce complexity and pursue efficiencies.

“Our bigger customers are looking for one supplier that can act as a partner to them and supply the biggest basket possible.”

This plays to Industroclean’s strengths as an experienced supplier that represents the industry’s leading brands in machinery, chemicals and consumables. The company also has a long history of manufacturing cleaning equipment, including the WAP brand, in South Africa and for developing its own range of cleaning chemicals.

Emma Corder

market analysis on what customers are going to be wanting in the next couple of years. Our international network and partnerships are key to doing so.”

This is an aspect of the Industroclean business that sets it apart from many local competitors.

And one that has only been strengthened since the company regained its independence.

“We intend to work closely with those partners regarding the trends they’re seeing in their markets and

The company is always looking at how to improve its chemicals in response to customer demands.

Corder says the company is always looking at how to improve its chemicals in response to customer demands.

This is specifically in the field of environmentally friendly solutions that use less water or reduce waste.

“We are always assessing our product portfolio and doing more

what they’re developing. It is also an important strategy to reinforce the message of price vs quality – whether machinery or cleaning materials and chemicals. This is a threat that many an industry has suffered under, however quality products will always prevail in the long run,” Corder says.

Promote your company in The Source of Workplace Hygiene Solutions!

Reach your target market cost effectively by advertising in African Cleaning Review. The direct link to end users, building service contractors, FM service providers and key institutional sectors.

Contact us for more information regarding cost-effective advertising options: africancleaningreview@cleantex.co.za | www.africancleaningreview.co.za

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African Cleaning Review March/April 2019

editorial Impact Cleaning

CHANGES AT IMPACT SECURES GROWTH Impact Soft Services has changed the game from traditional contract cleaning by developing into a full multifunctional service provider focusing on five key areas, serviced by five specialist teams. Previously known as Impact Cleaning, the company has expanded its services beyond general contract cleaning to also include washroom hygiene, integrated pest control, specialised services and grounds maintenance.

After nearly 20 years in business, a change was deemed necessary, especially as more and more companies are entering the labour-intensive cleaning industry each year, thus making it challenging to differentiate the business. The new changes have proved to be be very attractive to existing as well as new clients.

To achieve this goal, Impact Soft Services invested in industry specialists over the past two years in order to build a team of experts within all the key areas of the business.

These teams are fully functional on their own and they support each other to ensure that clients continue to receive excellent service.

One of the organisation’s focus areas is specialised services. The company

now boasts a formidable, fully licensed and highly professional team that specialises in high-rise access and abseiling. Impact identified a gap in the market for a team that has the ability to clean inaccessible areas and the addition of this service provides clients with the necessary peace of mind in terms of health and safety.

“The health and safety of all divisions in the company is crucial, especially as accountability rests directly with myself as managing director of the company.

Therefore, it is my personal responsibility to ensure that each member of the team has the correct training, suitable licensing and expertise for the job at hand,” says Trevor Ackerman.

Standard Bank counts among many of the new companies that

have entrusted Impact Soft Services with property portfolios. Similarly, the Tshwane University of Technology (also know as TUT) entrusted the Mbombela, Pretoria North and Garankuwa campuses to Impact with effect from January 2019.

“Impact Soft Services developed strategic partnerships with major players within the professional cleaning industry, thereby setting us apart from similar organisations in terms of service, pricing, training and support.

The change from Impact Cleaning to Impact Soft Services has truly reinvigorated our vision, increased our potential for growth and secured our future for the imaginable future. It has truly been an Impactful change,” says Ackerman.

African Cleaning Review March/April 2019

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facilities management review

Architects design buildings with birds in mind Studies in the US suggest that between 300 million and one billion birds die each year from building collisions, and as such, some architect firms are adapting their building plans in order to create bird-friendly exteriors.

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ike far too much of animal life, many bird species – one in eight according to a recent study – is facing a real and imminent threat of extinction. And for those not yet in the immediate crosshairs, the struggle for life has become much more of a struggle, as food sources dwindle (and become toxic), habitats disappear, environmental regulations get scrapped, and invasive species present new challenges – all in the context of a changing climate that demands new adaptations. In addition to these already considerable challenges, there is another culprit responsible for an increasing share of bird deaths: architecture. Birds, especially during seasons of migration, will confuse the reflection of buildings and inadvertently fly into windows.

renovation of New York’s Javits Center, an immense 70 600-square metre exhibition hall clad entirely in glass.

Situated along the Hudson River, on Manhattan’s far West Side, the James Ingo Freed-designed building has long been a New York landmark, but it also carried a macabre point of distinction: being the building responsible for the most bird deaths per year in New York.

A recent renovation by FXCollaborative replaced the entire facade, transforming what had been a dark-mirrored glass into a surface with greater transparency and clarity.

As the firm’s director of sustainability, Dan Piselli, puts it, “we reduced bird collisions by 95 percent.” The architects did this by using glass with a subtle fritted pattern, which not only averts bird collisions, but also cuts down on

Birds, especially during seasons of migration, will confuse the reflection of buildings and inadvertently fly into windows.

Top: An exterior view of New York’s Javits Center, a 70 600square metre exhibition facility that was recently renovated by FXCollaborative, reducing bird collisions by 95 percent.

Centre: An interior look at the facility, with Midtown Manhattan in the background.

Bottom: A close-up view of the glass shows the detail that went into ensuring the exterior was bird-friendly.

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“Between 300 million and one billion birds die each year from building collisions,” says John Rowden, the director of community conservation at the US National Audubon Society.

“Across the country, birds face multiple threats,” he explains, “but they also have to navigate our built environment, where they are especially challenged by light pollution and glass surfaces.”

Architects are now starting to take this challenge seriously, designing building enclosures that mitigate bird collisions.

As Rowden explains, “the good news is that incorporating bird-friendly design can reduce collision deaths by up to 90 percent.”

Those statistics are borne out with a recent high-profile project – the

solar heat gain for the building’s vast interior spaces. A new, green roof adds vegetated nesting and feeding space on the waterfront site.

According to Piselli, this is a design challenge that will only become more prevalent. “An increasing number of buildings are being built near their habitat,” he says, “and an increasing proportion of those buildings are clad in glass.” Governments are taking notice, too. Just this year, US representatives from Illinois, Virginia, New York and Tennessee introduced the Bird-Safe Building Act, which would require new federal buildings to incorporate bird safety into their designs.

Source: architecture

facilities management review

Entrance matting is the first step to effective facility cleaning In this article, COBA Africa, the name behind the MATCO matting brand, stresses the importance of choosing the right entrance matting system for specific environments in order to reduce facility cleaning time and costs.

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ntrance matting plays a vitally important role in keeping buildings clean by helping to stop dirt and moisture from being walked in at the point of entry. The problem is that this fact is sometimes overlooked and often underestimated, especially during the specification process.

Having the right entrance matting system in place can make all the difference when it comes to dirt control, interior floor protection and of course (the most critical of all) underfoot safety to reduce the risk of slipping.

Compromising can be costly!

As entrance matting manufacturers, one of the regular entrance problems we encounter is that the walk-off length of matting is insufficient to fully clean passing footwear. If the walk-off area is too short, it means that the matting is only likely to trap around 30–40 percent of dirt, whereas a correctly specified system can virtually prevent all dirt from being walked in. Inevitably, this has a huge impact in reducing cleaning costs and hygiene control.

The higher the pedestrian footfall, the longer the walk-off length should be.

We recommend a minimum of six footsteps in length, which translates to approximately three to four metres for buildings with less than 80 people an hour, with some nine to twelve metres being the recommendation for high footfall areas. We categorise the latter as being in the region of 2 000 people per day, for example, a busy shopping mall or a public building, such as an airport.

Creating functional entrance zones To thoroughly clean footwear, an effective entrance matting system needs to scrape, remove and contain dirt, and wipe away moisture, thus drying the soles of shoes before the individual has walked off the mat. The creation of zones, incorporating the use of a series of different mats in a specific sequence according to their functionality, can be an effective solution.

Before specifying or purchasing entrance matting for a zone system, it’s useful to understand that different matting materials have different properties, when it comes to scraping, wiping and drying. They also have different wear characteristics and busy

commercial entrance areas need to be sufficiently durable to cope with the footfall for longevity, so it is always a good idea to discuss this with the manufacturer or supplier if there are any doubts.

Resistance to fading and UV, and fire retardancy, may be other factors to bear in mind, depending on the type of premises. The environmental credentials of buildings are coming under increasing scrutiny and that is why COBA Africa has introduced options manufactured from 95 to 100 percent recycled materials.

For example, zone one should form the outdoor area, where a ‘weatherproof’ scraper mat is ideally used. In our MATCO branded range, we offer PVC and rubber products such as Super Scraper, Premier Grip and Premier Star Gripper, which can be used in this type of environment. If the building in question has a ‘covered’ external area, which is sheltered from the elements, then this opens up the choice of matting options that can be recommended. continues on page 20 >>

African Cleaning Review March/April 2019

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facilities management review Zones two and three – for internal areas – should generally be carpet surface mats (as these will wipe any remaining grit and moisture from footwear), for which there is an extensive range of MATCO off-the-shelf or custom-manufactured entrance mat solutions. We categorise our products’ suitability for low-, medium- and hightraffic areas, to give clients an indicator of how well they will perform in terms of durability.

The design of any entrance area should allow for disabled access, so matting should either be installed in a recessed matwell and be level with the floor surface, or if surface mounted, have bevelled edging so as not to impede wheelchairs, or any other form of wheeled equipment that needs to enter.

Matting cleaning and maintenance For entrance matting to be effective in dirtcontrol, it needs to be regularly cleaned and maintained otherwise performance and lifespan will be compromised.

Choosing an entrance matting system that suits preferred cleaning techniques and routines generally works best. Some mats, such as those with open-holed surfaces, are designed to be lifted and cleaned, while those with solid surfaces retain dirt and debris on top.

Carpet mats need regular vacuuming to loosen and remove embedded dirt and dust, which otherwise can become caked onto the matting surface. Soiled, crushed matting serves very little purpose and can be detrimental to dirt control and hygiene, as shoes can carry all sorts of harmful bacteria, such as E. coli – which is why such bacteria should

be trapped and contained at the point of entry. Vacuuming helps to restore pile appearance and function, and fast action should be taken to remove any stains through spot cleaning or specialist cleaning techniques.

For assistance in choosing the correct matting, contact COBA Africa. Located in Johannesburg and Cape Town, the company can provide all the guidance required. Coba Africa also developed a mobile application, called Entrance Architect, which is a very handy tool for product selection, it is available for download on iTunes and Google Play.

For more information, contact Coba Africa by e-mailing: sales@cobaafrica.com, calling the Johannesburg office on 011 452 7961, the Cape Town office on 021 557 1204, or alternatively visiting the website: www.matting.co.za

International co-located workshops and forum session at ISSA Cleantex Africa 2019 The co-located workshops at ISSA Cleantex Africa are aimed at business executives, managers and owners to address the big issues and opportunities that could have an impact on the future of business and public sector organisations.

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Estimating Made Easy (EME) Workshop – 4 June 2019, 08h30 for 09h00–16h00

International Accredited Auditing Professional (IAAP) certification Workshop – 5 June 2019, 08h30 for 09h00–16h00

Tommy Taylor, BICS, I.C.E., CIMS Auditor Tommy is a professional trainer and educator with expertise in cleaning and the facilities sector. His key disciplines are skills training, developing training materials and people management.

He has worked in China, Singapore, Saudi Arabia, Brunei, Thailand, and Abu Dhabi. Today he is a freelance cleaning consultant providing support to companies in the UK and the UAE. He is also the Operations Manager for the Middle East Academy for Training and Consultancy in Dubai. Tommy brings an international take on managing facilities teams and organising the provisional healthcare cleaning provision of 129 locations throughout Malaysia. With this EME workshop, he will share his vast knowledge with delegates on how to cost contract-cleaning services. Most cleaning professionals are trying do more with fewer resources. You will learn how to match your facility requirements with the correct cleaning system to maximise resources, to improve cleaning quality and to take your organisation to the next level of development. Plus, this workshop looks at all the definitions of costing for contracts, organisational disciplines, and the benefits of each system.

Dianna Steinbach, Vice President of International Services, ISSA Dianna is based in Mainz, Germany and has been in the professional cleaning industry for more than 20 years, helping people identify new trends, plan strategically, develop business alliances, connect with customers and position themselves for the greatest success. Dianna is passionate about helping companies to change the way customers value cleaning, helping them see it as an investment in human health, the environment and an improved bottom line.

Dianna will present the IAAP workshop and empower cleaning professionals to understand the origin of, and solutions to, deficiencies; reduce operating expenses while increasing employee efficiency; and give delegates the tools to provide clients with the assurance of high-quality cleaning on matters such as: • How to analyse operations data • Incorporating calibration into operations • How to engage/involve the customer or key stakeholders • Hands-on experience in using and demonstrating quality auditing tools and more...

Delegate Fee: ZAR3 400.00* includes ZAR800* worth of software

Delegate Fee: ZAR2 500.00* includes certificate

African Cleaning Review March/April 2019

editorial ISSA Cleantex Africa 2019 Healthcare Forum – Cleaning for Infection Prevention, 6 June 2019, 08h30 for 09h00–12h00 Zainudeen Popoola-Aromire, Director, FM and Operations, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, US Zainudeen, born in Nigeria, is an international expert on healthcare and infection control. He has been in public administration for over 35 years, serving in leadership roles in hospitals and universities all over the United States and is also the Council President of IEHA, a division of ISSA. He has served in leadership and administrative roles in many different organisations, from hospitals to universities, as well as the international sports apparel giant, Nike Corporation. Zainudeen will share with delegates examples, data and information that can be explored and implemented to better educate and influence hospital managers and doctors to enable them to make informed decisions.

Marietjie Swanepoel, MS Consulting Marietjie is passionate about improving standards in hospital hygiene and cleaning to reduce hospital acquired infections and will share her knowledge with delegates. She has been involved in healthcare and the professional training industry for over 23 years and is well known to major healthcare professionals in both the private and public hospitals as well as contract-cleaning companies throughout South Africa. A hands-on self-starter, Marietjie has ensured that those trained on her courses have grown exponentially and she is regarded as an expert in her field. By introducing various initiatives on a national level and to promote best-in-class methodology, public and private healthcare institutions have benefitted substantially from her trials, training and advice. #ISSACLEANTEX

Delegate Fee: ZAR2 250.00* *Delegate fee excludes VAT, member, early-bird and multiple-delegate discount.

Book your seat now – nande@cleantex.co.za

African Cleaning Review March/April 2019

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feature sustainable cleaning

Welcome to Green Cleaning 3.0 This article by Brian Peters offers a thought-provoking take on the progression of green cleaning in the US, to its current evolvement also known as Green Cleaning 3.0. However, the current status is not without challenges, which are highlighted here.

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n a sense, we are now beginning Green Cleaning 3.0. Green Cleaning 1.0 began all the way back in the mid-1990s when, after an Executive Order by then-US President Bill Clinton, federal offices and facilities were required to start using environmentally preferable cleaning tools and supplies whenever and wherever possible. Clinton’s order resulted in federal facilities transferring to green cleaning products and, because the federal government is such a huge purchaser of cleaning supplies, sparked manufacturers in the professional cleaning industry to develop green cleaning products more earnestly.

Green Cleaning 2.0 came into its own in the mid-2000s. That is when the demand for environmentally preferable cleaning products moved into private industry. More and more facilities were seeking the US Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design (LEED) certification and could earn LEED points by using green cleaning products.

Today, buildings are required to have a green cleaning strategy in place to even be considered for LEED certification. In addition, more types of facilities started transferring to green cleaning, including schools, healthcare facilities, office buildings, and hotels. The result was substantial growth in the green cleaning market.

Green Cleaning 3.0 began evolving over the past few years. The use of environmentally preferable cleaning products has now become status quo, with more facilities in scores of industries selecting green cleaning products first and only selecting a traditional product if a green one does not exist or is cost or performance prohibitive. However, Green Cleaning

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3.0 has brought a number of challenges with it. Among these are the following:

Staying current In general, cleaning contractors and facility managers are now interested in learning about what green cleaning tools, chemicals, and equipment are available today that were not available a few years ago. Their goal is to see if new, betterperforming, and more cost-effective products have come on the market since they first transferred to a green cleaning programme.

Focusing on sustainability An increasing number of cleaning professionals are looking for ways to reduce waste, recycle, and minimise their use of natural resources. In some cases, they are doing this because they believe it is the morally correct thing to do. In other situations, they are required to take sustainability steps in order to do business with large purchasers of their products and services.

Eliminating redundancy Traditionally, cleaning contractors and facility managers have selected a variety of green cleaning chemicals and products each designed to perform a specific task.

However, they are realising that some of these products (or newly introduced products) can be used for multiple purposes. To reduce costs, reduce waste, minimise training requirements, and streamline ordering, contractors and managers want to minimise the number of products they select and eliminate those that are no longer needed.

Cold-water cleaning End-users are aware that cold-water dilution is often recommended in green cleaning programmes, and it

also fits in with their goals to become more sustainable and use less energy.

However, they need more information about the uses and best practices for these products before they can make educated buying decisions.

Eliminating ready-to-use products (RTUs) Although RTUs are convenient, contractors and managers are opting to eliminate ready-to-use cleaning products, preferring to select chemicals in larger, 20-litre containers instead. While buying in bulk helps promote sustainability, a significant cost saving can be achieved as well. More concentrated cleaning chemicals in large drums typically last longer.

Looking beyond chemicals Many cleaning professionals are investigating cleaning equipment and procedures that do not require the use of cleaning chemicals – green or traditional.

Sometimes referred to as chemical-free cleaning, this involves using equipment or products that perform using engineered water. In certain situations, this may turn out to be the ultimate in green cleaning.

Data gathering Although there is considerable concern today among cleaning distributors about the emergence of mega-online retailers entering the professional cleaning products industry, Green Cleaning 3.0 may counteract much of the negative impact that may come with these huge retailers. This is because customers will turn to professional cleaning distributors to help guide them into this next level of green cleaning.

The problem for distributors, however, is staying up to date on the latest

The use of environmentally preferable cleaning products has now become status quo, with more facilities in scores of industries selecting green cleaning products first and only selecting a traditional product if a green one does not exist or is cost or performance prohibitive. innovations and products in green cleaning. This can be challenging, especially now that so many manufacturers are introducing their third generation of environmentally preferable products. Data-gathering processes such as web-based analytical tools can help. With these tools, the distributor inputs data – such as an inventory of the green (or traditional) cleaning products currently being used in a facility – into the system, and then the system suggests newer, more cost-effective, or better-performing product alternatives.

For instance, one of our clients, a large healthcare facility, was focused on waste reduction and turned to us for product alternatives that would help them in this endeavour. We suggested that by switching from the 27 kg liners currently used in the facility to 13 kg liners, as recommended by one of these web-based tools, the client could reduce waste and promote sustainability, and may also enjoy a cost savings.

We can view Green Cleaning 1.0 and 2.0 as laying the foundation for widespread green cleaning. The goals of these green cleaning versions were primarily to prove to end-customers that environmentally preferable products could be cost and performance effective. Green Cleaning 3.0 is a far more advanced stage. Cleaning professionals have more questions and want more answers about environmentally preferable cleaning products. Distributors are the people they will turn to for help with these questions, and the astute distributor with the right technologies will have the answers.

Brian Peters is the chairman and CEO of Peters Supply, a US-based distributor of facility maintenance, industrial packaging, food service, safety, office supplies, and solutions.

African Cleaning Review March/April 2019

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laundry review

Laundry automation with Radio Frequency Identity (RFID) offers modern software and intelligent clothing solutions

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echnical assistance, automated decisions, information transparency and full networking – these are the four essential principles of the concept of a digital laundry.

Especially when it comes to networking machines, movable goods, such as individual laundry items and people, this concept can be implemented in a modern laundry, using RFID and stateof-the-art IT technology. In this context, as an innovative IT service provider, SoCom Informationssysteme GmbH provides both consultancy services and the necessary software.

In the wake of increasing demand for automation, RFID technology is gaining new momentum in this area.

The reason: Industry 4.0 requires digital identification of individual laundry items, containers and machines. In addition, all of these system components must be able to exchange data with each other. However, this data exchange only works in conjunction with intelligent software. TIKOS, the complete solution for laundry service providers, supports communication and co-operation between people, systems and products along the entire production process of a laundry.

The RFID transponder remains attached to a laundry item and contains all of the information required by the production process. This way, laundry items can be turned into intelligent

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African Cleaning Review March/April 2019

items. Current data is read out by means of either an RFID reader or a smartphone app. Subsequently, automated status messages can be sent to predefined recipients. Thus, TIKOS serves as the foundation for continuous operational data acquisition and optimal process control. Manual tasks are eliminated. For example, an order can be triggered automatically directly at the laundry input point. The software detects how many items have been collected at the input point.

Automatically, TIKOS generates an order based on the items read in and then sends it to despatch.

transponder is not just read in, but the data in the relevant database is also updated or supplemented. This has the additional advantage of ensuring complete transparency. At all times, TIKOS can provide information about what production-process steps a given laundry item has gone through and what step will be next. One positive by-product: Better data quality.

Efficient wash schedules can also be created through consistent recording of operating data at different cost centres using TEXPRO, a software application specially designed for production-data acquisition and production planning.

The RFID transponder remains attached to a laundry item and contains all of the information required by the production process. This way, laundry items can be turned into intelligent items.

In conjunction with RFID technology and functioning as a ‘smart factory’, TIKOS now offers the option for laundry items to communicate bidirectionally with a reader. This means that data can be read out with either a reader or a mobile terminal.

TIKOS immediately tells the other machines involved how to process an individual laundry item. That means, the information on the attached RFID

Any laundry order can be tracked at any time during system operation: which cost centre is it currently located at, which employees are logged on to that cost centre, whether the cost centre is overstaffed or understaffed, whether the required performance target will be reached.

In addition, the importance of communication with machines in the context of automated production

laundry review is increasing. Using the requisite interfaces, TIKOS communicates with individual machines directly. The RFID chip in the laundry item is read in and reveals details of the item itself, such as its condition, care instructions and any required handling. In the future, for example, a deficiency might be eliminated automatically. The same principle applies to the sorting system, among other things. Here, data is also read in using the RFID reader and then reported to TIKOS. TIKOS prepares the data and sends the necessary commands to the sorting

system. Laundry items are sorted automatically. SoCom already works together with a number of machine manufacturers and offers numerous interfaces to individual machines, all as part of a smooth and automated production process.

Last but not least, laundry items cannot only be read in at fixed locations, but anytime, anywhere.

Thanks to an app called ‘texScan’, which is a smart solution from SoCom, mobile quantity recording via a smartphone can be carried out within seconds directly at the

customer’s site. Using this app, the customer can scan his own inventory and other activities. Goods and container stocks are updated within the system directly and fully automatically. At the same time, the system automatically responds to bottlenecks or congestion.

With numerous app solutions, such as texRoute, texOrder, texUniScan and texEasyPick, and with the aid of intelligent software processes, SoCom offers further options during digitised operation for even more flexible and automated design and control.

Services SETA mandatory grant workshops The Services SETA has extended an invitation to member companies to attend the mandatory grant workshops to submit their 2019–2020 Workplace Skills Plans (WSP) and Annual Training Reports (ATR). The deadline to submit WSPs and ATRs is 30 April 2019. The workshops will be held from 09h30 to 15h00 in each of the provinces as indicated below.

Attendees are requested to confirm their attendance at least 3 days prior to the event.

PROVINCE & DATE

VENUE

TEL.NO.

RSVP TO

Gauteng 3–4 April 2019

Tshwane South College, 200 Qwagga Road, Pretoria West, Tshwane South

Mehlote Hlongoane 012 003 1040

mehloteh@serviceseta.org.za

North West 3–4 April 2019

74 Boom Street, Klerksdorp

Stephen Manicus 018 487 5775

stephenm@serviceseta.org.za

KZN 8–9 April 2019

Services Seta Offices, 73 Ramsay Avenue, Musgrave, Durban

Sebenzile Ndimande 031 207 1761

sebenzilen@serviceseta.org.za

Western Cape 1–2 April 2019

Cape Peninsula University of Technology, Cape Town Campus, Room 4.39, Engineering Building, District Six Campus

Janine Ravens 021 426 9001

janiner@serviceseta.org.za

Mpumalanga 11–12 April 2019

37 Brown Street, Mid City Building, 4th floor, Nelspruit

Jacob Mgwenya 013 752 2207

jacobm@serviceseta.org.za

Limpopo 8–9 April 2019

Capricorn TVET Central Office, 16 Market Street, Polokwane Central, Polokwane

Michael Mbambale 015 230 0016

thulimu@serviceseta.org.za

Northern Cape 11–12 April 2019

38A Sydney Street, Kimberley

Caryl Thala 053 833 9001

carylt@serviceseta.org.za

Free State 8–9 April 2019

152 Nelson Mandela Drive, Westdene, Bloemfontein

Charmaine Arends 051 449 9006

charmainet@serviceseta.org.za

Eastern Cape 10–11 April 2019

3 Elton Street, Southernwood, East London

Viwe Phillips 043 742 7008/9

viwep@serviceseta.org.za

Eastern Cape 1–2 April 2019

75 Havelock Street, Central Port Elizabeth

Dianne Hofmeyr 041 991 5004

dianneh@serviceseta.org.za

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laundry review

Innovative, sustainable, environmental initiative puts climate change in the hands of hotels

F

ollowing the unveiling of a new technique by an innovative European green-driven textile brand, hotels, guest houses and bed and breakfasts will see an opportunity to significantly reduce the impact of global warming and climate change through the use of high-quality bathroom towels, made using recycled plastics.

Marking a step-change in the approach to dealing with excess plastic waste – much of which ends up dumped into the ocean and contributing to the death of marine life – hotels will soon be able to contribute a considerable effort to reduce the growing environmental impacts of climate change, through the commercial large-scale use of the latest towels.

Unveiling the latest innovative solution to plastic waste reduction, green textile specialists 3SIXTY explained the recent development.

“We have announced the launch of a range of hotel-bathroom textiles (towels and robes), created through a process of mixing high-grade cotton with recycled plastic bottles. This is an important step towards reducing global environmental impacts and thanks to our partnership with the world’s leading manufacturer of recycled post-consumer plastic-bottle (rPET) yarn, we can now roll this out to hotels and other accommodation providers around the globe,” said Colm Walsh.

With an ever-increasing awareness

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of the critical damage waste plastic and global warming is having on the planet, many hotel chains have looked to implement reduction processes such as re-using towels, reducing water consumption and recycling waste where possible.

Using 3SIXTY’s manufacturing process hotels can deliver a powerful brand message by confidently stating, for example, that each bathrobe uses up to 20 recycled plastic bottles in its manufacture or that each towel uses up to 12 recycled plastic bottles that would otherwise end up in landfill or the ocean, in its manufacture.

While hotel tourism is not the only factor contributing to the growing concerns for global warming and environmental catastrophe, the UN World Tourism Organization has estimated that the accommodation sector accounts for around 20 percent of tourism-related emissions – strongly recommending hotels seek out initiatives to reduce consumption and environmentally damaging products (UNWTO Sustainable Development of Tourism).

With support from government, public and private sectors, the tourism industry (and hotels specifically) are seeking to reduce the impacts they have. The development and release of a towel option created from harmful ocean-waste plastic provides the most significant opportunity yet for hotels to renew a

commitment and publicly lead the way in reducing the environmental harm being caused by the global industry.

Walsh continued: “The new range of towels is manufactured by taking plastic bottles, which would otherwise end up poisoning our oceans and killing our marine life, then mixing them with cotton to produce a towel that doesn’t compromise on softness or durability. We’re encouraging hotels and accommodation providers of all sizes to lead by example and demonstrate their commitment by showing their customers how serious they are about protecting the planet for future generations. We are excited to already be talking with the world’s leading hotel chains and cruise lines. They understand their responsibility in being part of the solution to reduce the impact of plastic bottles on our planet.”

One of Europe’s new names in environmentally friendly textile production, 3SIXTY has unveiled the latest innovation in waste plastic recycling, in the face of a growing threat to the world’s oceans. The company’s mission is to create the most environmentally friendly, sustainable and socially responsible home textile products available to date.

For more information about the recycled plastic towel range or how to get involved, visit the website: https://www.3sixtyhome.co

laundry review Hydrofinity washer achieves environmentally preferred status

T

he Hydrofinity washing system is the first commercial washing machine globally to be awarded Environmentally Preferable Product Certification by international body, SCS Global Services (SCS).

The certification shows that the Hydrofinity system provides better environmental performance than conventional commercial washing machines.

The certified 25 kg capacity Hydrofinity machine uses XOrbs – created by parent company Xeros Technologies – to reduce water consumption.

Keith Killpack, LCA Services manager at SCS Global, said: “SCS Global Services is pleased to certify the

Hydrofinity 25 kg Commercial Washing Machine as an environmentally preferable product. This is through its lower environmental impacts throughout its life cycle as compared to a conventional washing machine.

Hydrofinity has taken one more step to establish its position as an environmental leader in its industry.”

To test the washing machine and assess its environmental benefits, SCS completed a life-cycle assessment of the Hydrofinity machine alongside a conventional commercial washing machine. This analysis looked at both machines from cradle to grave, meaning from raw material extraction and processing right through to end-of-life disposal.

Mark Nichols, CEO for Xeros Technology Group said: “Our core purpose at Xeros is to radically improve the sustainability of waterintensive processes and we are delighted to have SCS Global’s analysis to further back up our own claims! An accredited independent specialist in life-cycle analysis has now confirmed that our technology for the commercial laundry market is more sustainable on every level compared to a conventional washing machine – from water savings, to CO2 emission, from energy savings to ozone depletion potential. Our world must become sustainable and the team at Xeros will keep on working until it is!”

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people and events Kimberly-Clark Professional™ introduces new Kleenex® toilet tissue featuring Soft Wave-embosser technology

The Kimberly-Clark Professional team pictured in front of one of the sculptures created with wire and toilet tissue as mediums.

Kimberly-Clark Professional™ recently launched its new-look 2-ply Kleenex® toilet tissue incorporating the brand’s innovative Soft Wave-embosser technology, which delivers a softer feel and superior absorbency.

In line with the brand’s promise to deliver products that transform the health, hygiene and well-being of its customers, Kimberly-Clark Professional™ has once again leveraged insights and technologies to elevate the washroom to new levels of efficacy.

Kimberly-Clark Professional™ General Manager for South Africa, Debbie Hassett, says Kleenex® toilet tissue is the commercial brand of Baby Soft.

“The toilet tissue has been embossed with a wavy pattern, alternating with the trademark Baby Soft® puppy. The wavy pattern plays an instrumental role in delivering a softer feel and improving the absorbency levels of the product.

“The packaging has also been redesigned to reflect the changes to the product and has a visual of the wavy pattern on the roll, highlighting the new Soft Waveembosser technology. Importantly, the new design is indicative of our commitment to developing creative and sustainable proprietary-packaging design solutions that are decorative and environmentally friendly,” she adds.

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She says that all Kimberly-Clark Professional™ products are created to help maximise efficiency and productivity. “They deliver against the highest hygiene standards while allowing the highest level of comfort and we are particularly proud of our ability to partner with our customers to deliver exceptional health and hygiene solutions.”

To celebrate the launch of its new bathroom tissue, Kimberly-Clark Professional™ is partnering with the

Guide Dog Association of South Africa. “Partnering with the Guide Dog Association makes sense to us given the caring work the organisation does for visually impaired people in South Africa,” says Hassett.

Interestingly, the puppy on Kleenex® toilet tissue was originally a suggestion of an executive at the Scott® Paper Company’s Andrex™ line in the United Kingdom in 1972, aimed at demonstrating softness and vulnerability. It went on to become one of the most-loved advertising icons in the country. It was such a success that in 2003, a few years after Scott Paper was acquired by Kimberly-Clark Professional™, the puppy was adopted for its own Cottonelle™ brand in the UK, and for Baby Soft® in South Africa.

Hassett says Kimberly-Clark Professional™ will continue to find innovative ways to enhance its products and packaging. “Our company is all about exploring, developing and acquiring new technologies.

“We also leverage strategic partnerships and alliances to help create sustainable health and hygiene solutions. Billions of people choose our products every day to make a positive difference in their lives. That is a big responsibility and one we take seriously,” concludes Hassett.

Members of the Guide Dog Association posing with their dogs at the launch.

people and events Neledzi Cleaning Services receives Quality Management System certification Neledzi Cleaning Services recently achieved its greatest accolade in all its 20-year history when, on 14 February, the company received its Quality Management System-ISO 9001:2015 certification during a handover ceremony.

ISO 9001 is defined as the international standard that specifies requirements for a quality management system (QMS).

Organisations use the standard to demonstrate their ability to consistently provide products and

services that meet customer and regulatory requirements.

“I have the directors, management team and Neledzi staff to thank for making this dream a reality. We are also grateful to Siemens for their assistance in the compilation of our business processes – without their support this exercise would have been a mission impossible. Neledzi Cleaning Services is now a proud ISO 9001:2015 certified organisation, with proper business processes to run our organisation more efficiently for the

Patrick Makhubela receiving the ISO 9001:25 certificate from Charlene Holm, GM, System Certification, BSI South Africa.

benefit of our customers,” commented CEO Patrick Makhubela.

NCCA Western Cape golf day The NCCA Western Cape branch held its annual golf day at the Rondebosch Golf Club in Cape Town on Friday 22 February.

The day was well supported by the Western Cape professional-cleaning industry with many wet holes sponsored by leading companies in the industry. Seen below are some of the sponsors and individuals pictured on the golf course and at the dinner.

Branch Chairman Clive Damonze acknowledged Traidcor Packaging as the best-dressed wet hole on the day. On a scorching hot day, the Professional Body for Environmental Hygiene’s (PBEH) branded Chill sports towels dipped in ice-cold water proved to be a winner among weary golfers.

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people and events Trevack Dreamer’s Project empowers disadvantaged youth

Trevor Ackerman Trevor Ackerman grew up in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, extremely disadvantaged and with very few opportunities, but he always fostered the desire to give back to his community.

Trevor’s dream became a reality with the launch of the ‘Trevack Dreamer’s Project’ during September 2018. This project was much more than social responsibility and dates back to the upbringing of Trevor Ackerman (Trevack) the Managing Director of Impact Soft Services.

Five years ago, Impact Cleaning (now Impact Soft Services) built a community centre in order to uplift the youth of Seaview in Durban.

During 2018 the opportunity arose for Trevor to lead a project that would impact the lives of 10 candidates from the youth centre who were nominated by the community.

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What started off as a small project, quickly turned into a life-changing event, thanks to the wonderful partners who were eager to come on board. “The overall theme for the ‘Trevack Dreamer’s Project’ was ‘Progressing Beyond my Limitations’”, said Ackerman.

These young candidates were offered the opportunity to travel from their hometown to Johannesburg from 21 to 24 September 2018. The weekend was filled with group workshops, coaching and teachings from various industry experts including Fred Platt, CEO of Accéntuate and Dr Cornelius Ruiters, among others.

One of the most powerful segments of the programme was the one-on-one coaching, where candidates had the opportunity to openly and honestly share the challenges they are facing in life.

This platform was a safe place for them to receive life skills, guidance, solutions

and assistance on how to approach their future.

Impact Soft Services sponsored all flights, including that of the caretakers.

Tsogo Sun, the largest sponsor, sponsored private rooms at the Sun Square hotel in Fourways for each candidate, which included three nights accommodation, all meals, entertainment such as movie tickets, and conference rooms at the Palazzo hotel.

All candidates received new Samsung tablets, stationery, tracksuits, branded jackets and a cash donation towards their future, thanks to a host of sponsors.

The Trevack Dreamer’s Project succeeded in its objective, by giving the candidates hope for their future. It also sparked the commencement of a further mentorship programme to be offered by the speakers to each of the candidates.

people and events Damonze family unveils new multi-purpose facility

Clive Damonze Former NCCA National Chairman Clive Damonze formally opened a new multi-purpose facility located in

Parow, Cape Town that will serve as the offices for Clean FM Consultants, Metro Cleaning Services as well as the CleanFM Training Facility. Clive, the current Western Cape NCCA Chairman also utilised the opportunity to announce the formation of the Clive Damonze Foundation, aimed at the upliftment of the local community.

“It has been a life-long dream and my aspiration to one day realise this attainment. This completely renovated facility will serve as offices and a training facility and will be utilised by the local community during the evening,” said Damonze.

A number of speakers including Michel de Bruin (ISSA

European Chairman), Roy Corder (Industroclean), Patrick Makhubela (NCCA Chairman) and Trevor Longmore (Prime Cleaning Suppliers) among others, took to the stage to expand and enlighten guests on Clive’s passion for the professional cleaning industry, his legacy and to highlight the pivotal role he played in raising awareness of the local industry at international events.

The facility was formally opened in front of an appreciative audience of industry colleagues and friends with a champagne-popping and ribboncutting ceremony with the Damonze family including Clive, Yvonne, Neill and Simone in attendance.

SAVE THE DATE

4 • 5 • 6 June 2019 www.issacleantex.com

#ISSACLEANTEX

Gallagher Convention Centre | Johannesburg | South Africa The one international trade show in Africa showcasing all sectors of the professional cleaning and hygiene industry

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new products NanoSeptic self-cleaning surfaces address traveller hygiene issues

TSA security bins with NanoSeptic self-cleaning mat and handle wrap skins.

With a flurry of news reports about germs in airports and hotels, travellers have never been more concerned with cleanliness, and businesses have never been more concerned with the traveller experience. NanoTouch Materials’ new self-cleaning surfaces address these traveller concerns.

The company has released a selfcleaning film for touch screens that can turn any airport check-in kiosk or in-flight screen into a continuously self-cleaning surface. They have also released self-cleaning elevator button covers, NanoSeptic self-cleaning travel placemats for use in hotels, airplanes and restaurants and the TSA security bins with NanoSeptic self-cleaning mat and handle wrap skins.

These innovations add to their current line-up of travel products, which include

Compact utility bag-shelf for washrooms Aesthetically designed, durably constructed and manufactured according to rigorous quality controls, the Serra® utility bag-shelf offers security and convenience to people visiting washrooms while carrying a bag or similar items. With the option to place the bag on the shelf, one can avoid having to position it on an unhygienic, wet or dirty floor.

The standard Serra® utility bag-shelf has been designed for use next to the washing basin station while washing hands.

It features an identifiable rounded handle that can be used for grocery shopping bags, etc.

The mini Serra® utility bag-shelf is ideal for placement within the toilet cubicle on the side wall, thereby providing a vital secure service for bags and other items not meant to be placed on an unhygienic floor.

The internal spring counterbalance is hidden, and activated once the unit is pulled down and a bag is placed on it. By removing the item placed on the utility bag shelf, the shelf returns to its compact vertical position.

The maximum load bearing weight for the Serra® utility bag-shelf is 30–50kg. It is constructed from high grade 304 18/10 stainless steel material with a satin/brush finish. With its unique design and easy-to-use functionality, the Serra® utility bag-shelf is ideal for high-traffic public washrooms at airports, shopping centres, sports stadiums, etc.

For more information about the stainless steel utility bag-shelf, email: info@serra.co.za or visit: www.serra.co.za

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portable self-cleaning mats that the individual traveller can use on the airplane tray table or hotel-bathroom vanity.

But the product that generates the most excitement from the travel industry is the NanoSeptic self-cleaning mat for TSA security bins in airports.

After 6 months of testing by a regional TSA team, the NanoSeptic mats were sent to TSA’s national testing facility for verification. After TSA approval, the mats made their debut at the Akron-Canton airport, providing a cleaner surface for more than 1.4 million travellers per year.

NanoSeptic products are positively disrupting the travel and hospitality industry by getting businesses to look at cleanliness differently.

For more information, visit: www.nanoseptic.com

Tour to Italy and one of Europe’s largest professional cleaning shows This tour package will allow travellers the opportunity to make the most of their visit to two historical Italian cities as well as the country’s largest

Departing Friday 17 May 2019

professional cleaning exhibition, thereby offering an abundant mix of

6 Night tour package: • Return airfares ex Johannesburg • All transfers • 3 night four star accommodation in Rome including breakfast • Half day tour of Rome including lunch • Arrival night pasta evening in Rome • 3 night four star accommodation in Verona including breakfast • Local return flights Verona • Entrance to Pulire exhibition • Entrance to cleaning industry suppliers workshop • Hop on Hop Off Verona city bus pass • Day trip to Lake Garda and farewell lunch

business and leisure options.

Pulire 2019

Pulire is the largest professional cleaning industry exhibition in Italy and plays host to a complete range of machinery, chemical products, equipment and components for professional cleaning and hygiene. Boasting thirty years of history, Pulire is a leading event in Europe, favourably ranked for importance and size, and rated as one of the most influential globally. Pulire attracts 300 exhibitors and more than 10 000 visitors to its more than 17 000m2 of display space. It hosts the largest international groups, industry-leading companies, and innovative solutions for the express purpose of educating cleaning industry professionals.

Tour rates*: Single booking: ZAR 33 500 Twin/sharing: ZAR 29 500 Optional, by separate arrangement: • Day trip to the Ferrari and Lamborghini plants • Day trip to Venice * Includes flights, accommodation, transfers. Rates are subject to exchange rate fluctuations.

Rome

Rome, Italy’s capital, is a sprawling, cosmopolitan city with nearly 3 000 years of globally influential art, architecture and culture on display. Ancient ruins such as the Forum and the Colosseum evoke the power of the former Roman Empire. Vatican City, headquarters of the Roman Catholic Church, has St Peter’s Basilica and the Vatican Museums, which house masterpieces such as Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel frescoes.

Rome

St Peter’s Basilica

Juliet’s balcony

Arena di Verona

Verona

Celebrated by Shakespeare, who made it famous as the romantic setting for the moving tale of Romeo and Juliet, Verona is a splendid, ancient corner of the Veneto region in Italy. Another feature of the city is the Arena of Verona built by the Romans in the 1st century AD to host gladiator fights.

For more information on the tour package or to book, contact Steve Braham at: 083 265 1268 or email: steve@sbpr.co.za

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