April/May 2022

The pan-European magazine for the professional cleaning sector

APRIL/MAY 2022

CLEANING AGENTS

BUSINESS

EDUCATION

What are the key drivers?

The European telephone switch

Training for better processes

Page 30

Page 42

Page 104

Interclean Amsterdam - everything you need to know about Europe’s biggest cleaning show Starts page 49

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NEW

CONTENTS

April/May 2022 | Vol.30, No.2

BUSINESS

SPECIAL REPORTS

42 Are you ready for the switch?

27 Minimising risk

Hartley Milner looks ahead to the most radical change to telephone services in generations.

How can we protect staff from the harmful effects of chemical products?

30 A chemical reaction How are contrasting requirements impacting on new cleaning agents?

45 Under the microscope A case study from last year’s Olympic Games in Tokyo from our reporter.

03 News

48 Seeking new solutions As the world goes back to the office, how can tech help address challenges?

12 EFCI news

49 Interclean Amsterdam preview Everything you need to plan your visit - our guide starts here.

18 European reports

99 Polishing preferences What are customers looking for when choosing a polishing solution?

111 Product review

104 Train to improve processes Education must be tailored in line with enhanced cleaning and disinfection.

106 Working hand in hand A look at the evolving relationship between cleaners and smart technology.

109 Let’s hear it for cleaners Celebrating the work of cleaners, the lifeblood of our industry.

Criterion Publishing Ltd PO Box 299, Chesham, Buckinghamshire HP5 1FP UK T +44 (0)1494 791222 F +44 (0)1494 792223 info@europeancleaningjournal.com www. europeancleaningjournal.com Subscriptions UK - £60 / Continental Europe - £70 / International - £80

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

Circulation Marie Payne

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

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

ISSN 0968-901X ©Criterion Publishing 2022

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NEWS & EVENTS

Latest News & Events from ECJ

European Cleaning & Hygiene Awards - time to announce the winners!

At the time of going to press, the winners of the European Cleaning & Hygiene Awards 2022 from European Cleaning Journal were about to be announced at a gala dinner in Brussels. News on the winners will be in the next ECJ. After over two years away due to the global pandemic, the awards finally returned this month, and with some outstanding achievements on the shortlist, it promised to be an inspirational evening.

From sustainability and innovation to the leaders and rising stars of the industry, the winners were being revealed at the awards ceremony and gala dinner at Hotel Le Plaza in Brussels - just after this edition of ECJ was going to press.

Here are the the finalists in the 10 categories: Best Use of Smart Technology

by Service Providers • Climex • Leviy in partnership with Alpheios Belgium • Principle Cleaning Services & Drop Marking • Principle Cleaning Services & Landsec at Dashwood House • Sasse Facilities Management Investment in Training • Breedweer Facilitaire Diensten • Derrycourt Cleaning Specialists • Markas • Momentum Support Excellence in ClientContractor Relationships • Atalian Servest with LNER • Incentive FM with Beaumont Leys Shopping Centre • JPC by Samsic with Broadgate • Momentum Support with Brown Thomas Dublin • Sodexo with Queen’s Hospital Start-Up of the Year • ICE Cleaning • Sensosan • TRU

Sustainability - Best Practice • Care • Cleanology • Essity • Momentum Support • Rubbermaid Commitment to Diversity • Breedweer • CSU • Markas Austria Best Initiative Raising the Profile of the Cleaning Sector • ANIP Confindustria • Leviy in partnership with Alpheios Belgium • Nviro • Unger Germany Technological Innovation of the Year • Gaussian Robotics • LionsBot Leader of the Year • Siva Kugathas, Servicemaster AAA • Dominic Ponniah, Cleanology • Neil Spencer-Cook, British Institute of Cleaning Science (BICSc) • Brian Warren, Nviro

cleaning and hygiene industry back togethe to celebrate our finalists and reveal our welldeserving winners.”

The awards were launched

by ECJ and are organised by EMG. The judges are ECJ editor Michelle Marshall, industry expert Lynn Webster, EFCI president Juan Díez de los Ríos de San Juan, and industry expert Frank Veneman, who all donate their time to supporting the event.

This year’s headline sponsor is Boma. Other sponsors

include: Kärcher, Interclean, Ceris Burns International, Jangro, Greenspeed, Truvox International, Vectair Systems, i-Team, Tork (Essity), Vermop and LionsBot. Media partners are Tomorrow’s Cleaning, GSA and Services.

For further information visit www.echawards. com or contact awards@ europeancleaningjournal.com Follow the awards on Twitter @ECH_Awards and #ECHAwards2022. News as it happens on the night!

For news of the winners, follow live on Twitter on the night @ECH_Awards and #ECHAwards2022, or at the ECJ website.

News and photos will be featured in ECJ June/July!

EVENTS

Rising Star • Martina Alexandrino, Principle Cleaning Services • Mattia Capozzi, Markas • Jade Collazo, Cleanology • Zach Corbett, Momentum Support

April 28

November 16-18

European Cleaning & Hygiene Awards

ISSA Pulire Clean Africa

Brussels, Belgium www.echawards.com

Lagos, Nigeria issapulirecleanafrica.com

May 10-13

March 14-16 2023

Interclean Amsterdam

The Cleaning Show

Amsterdam, Netherlands www.intercleanshow.com

London, UK cleaningshow.co.uk

ECJ editor Michelle Marshall said: “We are delighted to be back for 2022 and with a record year for entries. It was an incredibly difficult job for our judges to narrow down to a shortlist but we feel our finalists really deserve recognition for their dedication and commitment to our industry over what has been a challenging few years on the frontline.

“After almost two years apart, we look forward to bringing the great and the good of the

September 14-15

May 9-11 2023

ISSA Cleaning & Hygiene Expo

ISSA Pulire

Sydney, Australia issacleaninghygieneexpo.com

Milan, Italy www.issapulire.com

October 10-13

September 19-22 2023

ISSA North America

CMS

Chicago, USA www.issa.com

Berlin, Germany www.cms-berlin.de

October 18-19

October 16-19 2023

Forum ISSA Pulire

ISSA North America

Milan, Italy www.forumpulire.it

Las Vegas, USA www.issa.com

Les gagnants des Prix européens de proprété et d’hygiène 2022 ont été annoncée récemment lors d’un dîner de gala à Bruxelles.

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

Die Gewinner der European Cleaning & Hygiene Awards 2022 wurden vor Kurzem im Rahmen eines Galadiners in Brüssel bekanntgegeben.

I vincitori dei premi European Cleaning & Hygiene 2022 sono stati annunciati di recente durante una serata di gala a Bruxelles.

April/May 2022 | ECJ | 3

NEWS

One in four cleaners stop work due to sickness

New recycling

Large numbers of cleaners, security guards and people who work with machinery are regularly forced to leave their jobs early due to injury or ill health, new figures reveal.

According to the Trades Union Congress (TUC) one in four cleaners and manual workers will quit the labour market before their retirement age due to health issues. This compares with only one in 10 of people working in professional occupations who do the same.

The figures also show that BAME workers are more likely to leave their jobs early due

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to sickness. And the TUC points to structural inequalities affecting this section of the working population.

TUC general secretary Frances O’Grady says these inequalities need to be tackled to prevent older workers from being forced out of work due to ill health.

Years of poverty “All workers should be able to retire in dignity with a decent pension when the time is right,” she said. “But many older workers - particularly BAME workers and those in working class professions - are obliged

• Une nombre conséquent d’agents de nettoyage, de gardes de sécurité et de gens travaillant sur des machines sont régulièrement forcés précocement hors de la vie professionnelle en raison de blessures ou de mauvais états de santé, indiquent de nouvelles statistiques.

• Kimberly-Clark Professional a lancé, sous la désignation de RightCycle Programme, une action pour le recyclage de distributeurs et serviettes usagés.

4 | April/May 2022 | ECJ

to stop earlier due to ill health.

They must not be consigned to years of poverty and sickness.

Better support needed “The government should halt plans for further rises in the pension age and focus on improving support for people who are being forced out of work due to health issues.”

The figures also reveal that twice as many older workers have left the labour market due to sickness during the pandemic, with 97,000 people aged 50-65 leaving their profession for such reasons.

• Aus neuen Zahlen geht hervor, dass eine große Anzahl an Reinigungskräften, Sicherheitsbediensteten und Menschen, die mit Maschinen arbeiten, regelmäßig dazu gezwungen werden, ihre Arbeitsstellen aufgrund von Verletzung oder Krankheit frühzeitig aufzugeben.

• Kimberly-Clark Professional hat das RightCycleProgramm vorgestellt, um alte Spender und gebrauchte Handtücher zu recyceln.

• Dei nuovi dati rivelano che un grande numero di addetti alle pulizie, guardie di sicurezza e persone che lavorano con macchinari vengano regolarmente forzati a lasciare il loro lavoro a causa di infortuni o cattiva salute.

• Il programma RightCycle Programme è stato lanciato dalla Kimberly-Clark Professional per il riciclo dei vecchi dispenser e degli asciugamani usati.

NEWS

Scientists say sanitisers are better for environment than soap

Using a hand sanitiser is better for the environment than washing the hands with soap and water, according to research.

Scientists from Trinity College Dublin studied the environmental impact of four hand hygiene practices: using an ethanol-based sanitising gel,

an isopropanol-based gel, liquid soap with water, and bars of soap with water.

The effects of all four methods were rated under 16 categories including climate impact, freshwater ecotoxicity, ozone layer depletion and water use.

The results showed isopropanol-

L’emploi de désinfectants des mains affecte moins le milieu ambiant que le lavage des mains à l’eau et au savon, indiquent les travaux de chercheurs au Trinity College de Dublin.

6 | April/May 2022 | ECJ

based sanitising gel had the lowest impact in 14 out of the 16 categories. And in the climate category, the impact of isopropanol-based was four times lower than that of handwashing with liquid soap.

According to the study authors: “Isopropanol performed better across nearly all measurements compared with ethanol except for fossil fuel use. When the results were normalised, fossil fuel use was found to be the least important of the 16 impact categories measured in this life cycle assessment.”

Research author Dr Brett Duane said hand hygiene had been a major help in slowing Covid-19 transmission rates

Die Verwendung eines Händedesinfektionsmittels ist besser für die Umwelt als das Waschen der Hände mit Wasser und Seife. Dies geht aus einer neuen Untersuchung von Wissenschaftlern am Trinity College Dublin hervor.

over the past two years. But he added increased hand-washing practices caused “significant harm” to the environment.

“The work shows that sanitising gels cause less harm than soap-and-water practices, with isopropanol-based gels in particular leaving a relatively lower impact,” Duane said.

“This is useful information for reducing further environmental damage but also underlines the need for new gels that are more environmentally friendly.”

• According to the World Health Organisation, hands that are visibly soiled should be washed with soap and water, while sanitising gels may be used when there is no visible soiling on the hands.

A quanto emerge da una nuova ricerca condotta dagli scienziati del Trinity College di Dublino, utilizzare un disinfettante per le mani è meglio per l’ambiente che lavarsi le mani con acqua e sapone.

NEWS

Eighty per cent of staff want a more sustainable workplace - study

Eight out of ten office employees would like their workplace to be more environmentally-friendly, according to an Essity survey.

Around 60 per cent believe their colleagues would also react positively to more eco-friendly practices by employers. And 46 per cent believe the green

initiatives taken by their bosses are often an afterthought.

Top workplace sustainability gripes among staff members include a lack of food waste bins; computers left turned on all day and night; no options for recycling used paper towels, and no provision for charging of

Selon un sondage effectué par Essity, sur dix employés de bureau, il y en a neuf pour lesquels leur environnement de travail manque de qualités écologiques.

8 | April/May 2022 | ECJ

electric cars.

“Over the past 18 months there has been a definite shift in our general attitudes towards how to be environmentally friendly,” said Essity sales manager Lee Radki. “People seem to be taking the issue more seriously than ever before.”

Other workplace gripes in the Essity sustainability study included a failure to introduce car-sharing drives; a lack of cycle-to-work schemes and a shortage of bicycle storage facilities, with 27 per cent calling on employers to encourage green commuting.

Staff members also complained about electric hand dryers using energy in the washrooms and the provision

Aus einer von Essity durchgeführten Umfrage geht hervor, dass sich acht von zehn Büroangestellten einen umweltfreundlicheren Arbeitsplatz wünschen.

of single-use water cups. And 48 per cent believed that cost concerns were preventing their employers from encouraging more sustainable practices. Top eco-unfriendly practices still seen in British offices: • No food waste bin • People putting food in the general waste • People mixing recycling • Computers always being connected to charging cables • Lights buzzing all day • Computers left on at night • No electric car charging ports • No option to recycle used paper towels • The printer endlessly churning out paper • No incentive to encourage people to use electric vehicles.

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NEWS

British Cleaning Council publishes new industry data for 2022 The British Cleaning Council (BCC) - the umbrella organisation for the UK professional cleaning and hygiene sector - has published its 2022 research report. It shows the number of sector businesses grew to 69,005 in 2021 and the number of employees working in the sector remained static at 1.47 million, according to the latest statistics available.

The number of people employed in the cleaning, hygiene and waste sector in 2021 was approximately five per cent of the UK workforce, ensuring the industry remains one of the top 10 biggest in the UK, the report said.

According to the latest

information available, the industry contributed £58.9 billion (€70.58 billion) to the UK economy in 2019, up from the previous year, showing that it went into the Covid-19 pandemic in robust health.

All subsectors, bar landscape service activities, saw a yearon-year growth in turnover up to 2021.

Staff on the frontline The report recorded that turnover in the sector increased by 22 per cent from 2015 to 2021, a similar figure to growth in the economy as a whole.

Sector staff had been on the frontline in the fight against the Covid-19 pandemic, the report

Le Conseil britannique de la propreté (BCC) a publié son rapport de recherche 2022 dont il ressort que le secteur de la propreté, de l’hygiène et de la gestion des déchets a apporté une contribution de 70,56 milliards d’euros à l’économie britannique en 2019.

10 | April/May 2022 | ECJ

also noted, with the current pressures, increased workloads and ongoing uncertainty leaving many exhausted.

Opportunistic The number of sector businesses grew from nearly 66,420 in 2020 but included a number of opportunistic firms which started up during the pandemic offering cleaning services.

The BCC and members have warned previously that consumers need to be wary of

purchasing cleaning products and services from the rogue traders which sprang up during the pandemic to profit from public alarm about Covid-19.

The report also identifies a number of challenges facing the industry, including a record number of job vacancies.

And with 27 per cent of the workforce aged over 55 years, more needs to be done to attract younger staff.

Free, digital copies of the report are available. Email: compsec@ britishcleaningcouncil.org

Look out for news and photos from the European Cleaning & Hygiene Awards ceremony in Brussels in the next edition of ECJ - June/July. Register for your copy now.

Das British Cleaning Council (BCC) hat seinen Forschungsbericht 2022 vorgelegt. Daraus geht hervor, dass die Reinigungs-, Hygiene- und Abfallsektoren 2019 € 70,56 Milliarden zur britischen Wirtschaft beigetragen haben.

Il British Cleaning Council (BCC) ha pubblicato il suo rapporto di ricerca 2022 che mostra che il settore del cleaning, igiene e gestione dei rifiuti ha contribuito nel 2019 con €70.56 miliardi all’economia del Regno Unito.

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EFCI NEWS

SK Clean - EFCI’s report on the outcome of two years’ work Two reports at the service of the industry

Isabel Yglesias at EFCI reports on the outcomes of the project SK-Clean: Digitalisation in the Cleaning Sector, Supporting the Skills Transition for Cleaning Agents.

At the beginning of April the EFCI presented at the Viennese Building Cleaning Academy (the Bundesinnung der chemischen Gewerbe und der Denkmal-, Fassaden- und Gebäudereiniger, EFCI’s Austrian Member), the outcomes of the project SK-Clean: Digitalisation in the Cleaning Sector, Supporting the Skills Transition for Cleaning Agents) which it had been working on since February 2021.

Despite the complicated timing of the project, which was launched at almost the same time as the start of the Covid-19 pandemic (and therefore involved constant adaptations in timing and meetings due to the impossibility to organise in-person gatherings), the project team succeeded in identifying the main changes digitalisation will bring for the sector, as well as mapping the main characteristics of training in the sector across 15 European jurisdictions. The project reunited, over almost two years, experts in training from various EFCI members around the topics of training and digitalisation.

One of their meetings at the beginning of January, for example, included a virtual tour of the Maison des Métiers de la Propreté, the academy of Institut National de l’Hygiène et du Nettoyage Industriel (INHNI) in Bruz, Rennes.

The work developed by the SK-Clean team and the experts has resulted in two reports that have been published by the EFCI: one that portrays how training is provided and recognised in our sector across Europe (Training Systems in the European Industrial Cleaning Sector: an Overview), and one that tackles specifically the impact of digitalisation and the challenges ahead to enable a successful digital transition for the sector (The Impact of Digitalisation on Training and Skills in the European Industrial Cleaning Sector). These outcomes shall constitute a relevant working tool for social partners, training institutions, companies and other stakeholders in the sector, in order to advance through a swift digital transition.

The reports, drafted on the basis of questionnaires and interviews, identify a few good practices which may have a positive impact on the provision of vocational and educational training in the European cleaning sector in the future. The first report underlines the relevance of tools such as ‘qualifications biography to document skills acquisition, the establishment of training centres by industry associations or the provision of E-learning modules which are collected in an electronic qualifications database, as well as the establishment of a skills development plan.

The conclusion of the mapping exercise is that in general, training in our sector is established through ‘dual systems’, which combine theoretical learning at a vocational school with practical work experience in companies (apprenticeships). The best practices and description of how training is conducted in different jurisdictions include specific aspects that can be taken

Isabel Yglesias, membre de l’EFCI, rend compte des résultats du projet SK-Clean : Numérisation dans le secteur de la propreté, soutien de la transition des compétences pour les agents de nettoyage.

12 | April/May 2022 | ECJ

over by other jurisdictions. The experts also concluded on the relevance of establishing quality control or references to ensure high standards in training.

The report entitled The Impact of Digitalisation on Training and Skills in the European Industrial Cleaning Sector explains the sector is facing ever changing requirements and demands by clients and the digital transformation is impacting the entire industry, with an increasing drive towards a sustainable, green and circular economy. The results of the survey clearly show the industrial cleaning sector is aware of and fully recognises the importance and significance of vocational education and training, as well as its own responsibility for it, but efforts and challenges lay ahead in order to ensure the preparedness of our workforce to fully embrace the digital transition.

Working to support the recognition of training as a quality value for the sector Juan Díez de los Ríos, EFCI’s president, said during the opening of the conference in Vienna: “Skills and vocational education and training are at the centre of European social policies, and they are also key for the recognition and

Isabel Yglesias (EFCI) berichtet über das Ergebnis des Projekts SK-Clean: Digitalisierung in der Reinigungsbranche, Unterstützung des Kompetenzwechsels bei Reinigungsmitteln.

advancement of our sector.

While we strive to highlight the well-deserved recognition that our sector has received during Covid-19, the pandemic has underlined how training and skilling of cleaning agents is central to the provision of quality cleaning services and high social standards. The consequences of an increased recognition of training in the sector show across its value chain: the steady growth of the sector over the last 30 years is, without doubt, closely linked to its professionalisation, for which training is central.”

The EFCI will continue to work, together with its members and social partners, to integrate our sector into European discussions and policy developments on skills and vocational education and training, one of the current priorities of European policymakers. Furthermore, this project is now to be completed with a follow-up project on skills and training for the greening of cleaning services and the circular economy, which will also receive the financial support of the European Commission.

In this way, the EFCI wants to actively support the green and digital transitions for the sector, enormous challenges that will bring further recognition and relevance to our industry.

Dalla EFCI, Isabel Yglesias ci aggiorna sui risultati del progetto SK-Clean: Digitalisation in the Cleaning Sector, Supporting the Skills Transition for Cleaning Agents (digitalizzazione nel settore del cleaning, supporto per la transizione).

AISE NEWS

Sustaining society with professional cleaning solutions

AISE has been the voice of the European detergents and maintenance products industry for 70 years, representing manufacturers and suppliers of cleaning and maintenance, hygiene and disinfection products for homecare and public spaces. This industry consists of a strong network of 29 national associations across Europe representing over 900 companies from SMEs to multinationals, with an estimated market value of over €41 billion.

A key contributor to public health, hygiene and wellbeing The professional cleaning sector of the industry is responsible for manufacturing and delivering the cleaning and maintenance products and accompanying services that ensure the cleanliness of public spaces like offices and airports; the safety of the food chain from farms to factories; the hygiene of the healthcare sector in hospitals and medical practices; and clean laundry, linen and uniforms in hospitality sector.

37,000

patients die each year due to hospital acquired infections in Europe

ea rop

Among the many lessons learned from the pandemic is the critical role of hygiene to help prevent the spread of infectious diseases. “There

The industry is characterised not only by its products but by their use in specific processes and applications that are tailormade for the users. As such, it is more complex than the household cleaning products sector. Manufacturers including many SMEs, deliver niche products for a range of industrial and institutional uses that are part of a complete delivery system including specialised packaging, dosing and control equipment.

Eu ce: Sour

Responsive in an unprecedented crisis

Diverse and tailormade solutions

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L’AISE est l’organisation faîtière représentant l’industrie européenne des détergents et produits d’entretien. Son responsable pour la propreté et l’hygiène professionnelles, Aisling O’Kane, nous parle de son activité.

14 | April/May 2022 | ECJ

More than

25%

of hospital acquired infections are preventable through

intensive hygiene

ean rop e: Eu Sourc

o ef ntr Ce

Prioritising product performance and safety Product safety is an absolute priority and stringent controls and regulations apply to the sector to help to ensure the safety of workers and of the environment (water, soil, etc).

Companies in this sector have a vital responsibility to provide accurate, up-to-date safe use information to their customers so they are informed about the precautions required in handling and sorting products.

This is done through a variety of legal tools such as safety data sheets, customer training, and voluntary tools such as AISE’s safe use of mixtures information (SUMI) tools, as well as visual pictograms on labels and in training documentation to optimise correct and efficient application. Pictograms are particularly important in multilingual markets.

AISE ist die Dachorganisation, die die europäische Wasch- und Pflegemittelbranche repräsentiert.

Aisling O’Kane, Leiterin für den Bereich Reinigung und Hygiene, erzählt uns mehr über die Arbeit der Organisation.

420,000

people

die from food poisoning each year in the world ➤ Preventable through better

hygiene standards

ean rop e: Eu Sourc

rD ise ase Con trol

This service is as important as the product itself and can also include environmental safety information, advice on cleaning techniques and training tools for the cleaning personnel.

Detergent companies work closely with their customers to develop and document their hygiene routines and procedures, helping them also to conform to applicable regulations. The diversity of customers obliges this industry to be creative and flexible in terms of distribution and sales models and the vast majority of sales are done by tender.

rD ise ase Con trol

AISE is the umbrella organisation representing the European detergents and maintenance products industry.

Its professional cleaning and hygiene sector manager Aisling O’Kane tells us more about its work.

is today a much broader understanding of the importance of hygiene for our health. To a large extent, the benefits of our industry are largely taken for granted until public health is in jeopardy,” says Susanne Zänker, AISE director general.

Due to its portfolio of products and services , AISE was rapidly recognised as an essential sector in the fight against Covid-19, and our companies took a leadership role in providing crisis-relevant products such as hand disinfectants, surface disinfectants, and other products essential for preventing the spread of infection. The AISE network moved rapidly as the pandemic took hold to ensure the ongoing supply of vital products for cleaning and disinfection across all markets that enabled business to work safely and protect the health of their customers and employees.

o ef ntr Ce

Driving sustainable use The sector has an important sustainability profile companies prioritise sustainable cleaning solutions through controlled design, concentrated forms and delivery efficiency.

Investments in innovation and research mean manufacturers today specialise in formulations and ingredients that require lower quantities of water, lower temperatures, lower dosage and shorter washing cycles for the same high performance cleaning results. For example, concentrated forms of detergent that are diluted to be used require less packaging, less weight to transport, thus leading to a lower greenhouse gas emissions.

As a critical contributor to public health and hygiene, the work of AISE’s professional cleaning sector enables society to function each and every day, so that the public spaces in which people work, eat, socialise and travel through are both clean and safe. As such, the cleaning and maintenance products industry will contribute to increasing public resilience for the future.

• To learn more about the work of AISE, join us on the stage at Interclean Amsterdam on Thursday May 12, or go to www.aise.eu/ professionalcleaning

For everything you need to know about Interclean Amsterdam, go to page 49 for the start of our preview

La AISE è una organizzazione ombrello che rappresenta il settore europeo di prodotti di manutenzione e detergenti. Il suo manager del settore igiene e pulizie professionali Aisling O’Kane ci informa in maniera approfondita sul loro lavoro.

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NEWS EXTRA

Domestic abuse - employers can influence constructive change Fiona Bowman in the UK is an ambassador of EIDA, an independent corporate domestic abuse consultant and managing director of Facilities Management Consultancy Dysart 57. Here she writes for ECJ about the issues surrounding domestic abuse, its implications for employers and how they can help.

year through absenteeism, medical costs, staff turnover and even recruitment costs when people leave rather than disclosing the situation they are facing.

Often, people don’t talk about domestic abuse. It is considered a taboo subject, that is often placed firmly in the “too difficult to talk about tray” by business leaders. Sometimes businesses are reluctant to put policies and procedures in place because they feel that it’s not something that should be dealt with in the workplace.

The truth of abuse today

Fiona Bowman

It is widely reported that one in four women and one in six men in workplaces in the UK will be affected by domestic abuse at some point in their lives. And whilst accounting for the experience of a significant proportion of victims, it might not always be through the traditionally identified forms of physical violence.

There are many different kinds of abuse including emotional or psychological abuse. Here, a perpetrator may repeatedly put someone down, play mind games, make the targeted individual feel they are to blame for everything or even making them think they’re crazy, commonly known as gaslighting. Abuse can also include controlling or coercive behaviour; stalking; economic abuse; violent or threatening behaviour; physical or sexual abuse; and so-called ‘honour’-based abuse and forced marriages.

The cost of domestic abuse to business in the UK is estimated at £60 billion (€72 billion) per

The unfortunate truth is that it’s happening everywhere, hidden in plain sight. We have to accept that it’s everyone’s business and every day you will have victims - both male and female - coming to work, using the safety of the workplace as a haven and wanting to be treated with respect. Especially if home is where they are abused and violated.

For example, can you imagine how staff who are in abusive relationships felt when the Government told everyone they had to work at home during the pandemic? Terror? Fear? Dread?

When the workplace is a haven, being “locked down” with your abuser whilst “working from home” is a horrendous prospect.

Unfortunately, it was reported during the 2020 lockdown that calls to London’s Metropolitan Police increased by 60 per cent during this time but often it was calls from third parties, rather than the survivors themselves.

The combined effect of survivors having fewer opportunities to report the abuse and neighbours having more might explain this change, alongside a heightened public awareness and a willingness to act.

In April 2020, the Home Affairs Committee said there

Fiona Bowman est ambassadrice de l’Initiative des employeurs contre la violence domestique au Royaume-Uni. Ici, elle écrit pour la CJE sur les problèmes liés à la violence domestique et ses implications pour les employeurs.

16 | April/May 2022 | ECJ

was “evidence that cases are escalating more quickly to become complex and serious, with higher levels of physical violence and coercive control”.

Karen Ingala-Smith, who runs the Counting Dead Women project, estimated that during the first three weeks of the first lockdown, there had been 16 domestic abuse killings of women and children in the UK, which represents the highest rate for at least 11 years.

With more dispersed workforces, cleaning companies need to think about how to get the message to employees that they will be supported and given help to access appropriate services depending on their circumstances. The charity UK Says No More has introduced a system for people to seek support at supermarkets and pharmacies. These “safe spaces” will continue to be accessible long after the pandemic has eased.

Opening the conversation Furthermore, by opening up the conversation in the workplace, the industry can encourage people to feel safe and have those difficult conversations. It can be as simple as putting relevant information on a company’s

Fiona Bowman ist Botschafterin der Employers Initiative on Domestic Abuse in Großbritannien. Hier schreibt sie für den EuGH über Themen rund um häusliche Gewalt und deren Auswirkungen für Arbeitgeber.

intranet or running awareness sessions and webinars. This will let people know that as a caring organisation, you are alert to the possibility that some of your staff, both male and female, may be affected by domestic abuse.

EIDA, the Employers Initiative on Domestic Abuse in the UK empowers businesses to take action for their employees. As a leading business network, which is free to join, it brings the expertise, experience and best practice of its members and partners together to provide practical guidance to any employer wanting to act. As an independent voice on behalf of businesses, they influence constructive change, working with Government, charities and opinion formers to stop domestic abuse.

• Fiona Bowman has an inspirational story - of how her employers assisted her in leaving a violent and abusive relationship and how with their support she managed to start a new life. Her experience is a powerful message for employees who are currently suffering in silence - that there is a life after abuse. With some simple steps, for example, by joining EIDA, businesses everywhere can change futures and save the lives of their employees. www.eida.org.uk

Fiona Bowman è ambasciatrice della Employers Initiative on Domestic Abuse nel Regno Unito. Qui scrive per la Corte di giustizia sulle questioni che circondano l’abuso domestico e le sue implicazioni per i datori di lavoro.

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LATEST: NETHERLANDS

Cleaning staff unwilling to learn?

Do cleaning staff have a resistance to learning new things? VSR’s John Griep is ECJ’s Dutch reporter.

Thirty-nine per cent of cleaning staff say they are not particularly willing to learn new things.

At least, this is one of the results from a sector analysis published by the Dutch Council for Industrial Relations in the Cleaning and Glass Cleaning Sector (RAS) in mid 2021. As far as VSR is concerned, we do not recognise this as their usual attitude.

The sector analysis describes a number of characteristics that relate to employment. One of these is the sustainable employability of employees. Within this theme, ‘being competent’ is of great importance. Here, the Labour Relations Board identifies the following bottlenecks: low literacy, low education, low digital skills, little belief in one’s own abilities, inadequate access to training and therefore: little willingness to learn new things.

We discussed these outcomes in our People & Market Committee in the autumn of 2021. The committee suspects employees are willing to learn new things but experience barriers, such as travel distance to the training site, language deficiency, fear of failure, fear of the exam. We also realise these are only our assumptions. We are speaking for our employees.

I give Charlotte Michels of CareB4 a call. She has about 20 years of experience in educating and training employees and trainers, particularly in healthcare. “From a healthcare perspective - and this may also be true for other sectors - I could explain the low willingness to learn new things as a result of the workload among this group of cleaning staff. Their role has been eroded. They often work extraordinarily hard but then fail to finish and hear negative comments about their work.

When this is the case, you don’t Il ressort d’une récente enquête que les agents de nettoyage résistent de manière inhérente à apprendre quoique ce soit de nouveau. John Griep en parle dans son rapport des Pays-Bas.

18 | April/May 2022 | ECJ

tend to think about learning new things. You are just surviving.

“At the same time, I find when I address groups, the vast majority of people are grateful for the knowledge they are gaining.

Most are enthusiastic, especially if it relates to something they can use in their daily work. They regain work motivation as a result. Employees might not look forward to training in advance, or think it’s an extra burden, but once they start they find it a positive experience.”

But Charlotte has another possible explanation for cleaning staff’s resistance to learning new things. It’s something that worries me, and is a sentiment the market should be aware of. She explains that employees often have negative preconceptions as soon as they are asked to attend training.

They have previously found that this type of meeting often means that they have to do even more in less time. So, there is a lack of trust.

In short: there are plenty of reasons why cleaning staff may experience barriers to learning new things. But what’s the real deal? VSR wants to gain more insights. To begin with, therefore, we are seeking contact with teachers through a survey in the near future. They see and speak to the target audience every day and undoubtedly have a better idea of what concerns them. Our goal is ultimately to work with the people involved - teachers and employees - to remove any existing barriers and to increase the opportunities for cleaning employees in the job market and in their lives.

• The Association for Cleaning Research (VSR) is an independent platform, and knowledge and research institute for professional cleaning in the Netherlands.

Aus einer neuen Umfrage geht hervor, dass Reinigungskräfte dem Erlernen neuer Dinge widerwillig gegenüber stehen. John Griep berichtet aus den Niederlanden.

Un sondaggio recente suggerisce che il personale di pulizia oppone resistenza a imparare cose nuove.

Dall’Olanda ci aggiorna il corrispondente John Griep

LATEST: DENMARK

Sector subject to more inspections Special supervisory efforts carried out in Denmark during 2021 continue in 2022, reports Lotte Printz.

“A healthy working environment is the Alpha and Omega of our labour market,” the Danish Minister for Employment said at the end of 2020 when the Danish government earmarked an extra €13 million to make sure Denmark meets national working environment targets by 2030.

Funds of around €53.78 million to improve working environments were already allocated in 2019.

Reducing work-related accidents and exposure to hazardous substances at the workplace, maintaining a safe and healthy ergonomic working environment and a healthy psycho-social working environment were the four goals agreed by all social partners in the Danish labour market model - employers and workers organised in associations and unions.

Now these funds and agreements start to show in the cleaning sector. From February 2021 to the end of the year, the Danish Working Environment Authority (WEA) carried out almost 800 so-called announced inspection visits in this industry, with a special focus on ergonomics. After the inspections eight cleaning sector enterprises were sanctioned with improvement notices, ie, they were required to solve the problems detected immediately. Six others were either required to draw up action plans to solve any detected problems or sanctioned otherwise.

Heavy lifting and carrying were the main issues addressed and sanctioned. However, several companies also needed guidelines in working positions and movements so they do not cause undue strain or repetitive strain on the same parts of the employees’ bodies.

Inspections like these also come Au Danemark, le secteur de la propreté a été l’objet d’inspections de la part de l’Autorité danoise pour la protection de l’environnement (WEA), explique Lotte Printz.

with a general guide advising the companies visited on how to prevent problems and ergonomic strains from lifting or carrying heavy tools, waste or furniture or from bending or twisting for instance.

Most ergonomic problems can be prevented with good planning, proper instruction and by using aids, the WEA guidelines suggest. And WEA recommends that employees, among other things, switch between tasks and that aids such as shafts adjusted to fit the height of the individual employee are being used. As well as floor washing machines, of course. But it is also highly recommended that companies do follow-ups making sure instructions and techniques are being followed. All of which, of course, is to avoid physical burnout or fatigue among cleaning sector employees.

2022 focus on chemicals After last year’s supervisory efforts, WEA was of the firm impression that there’s great prevention potential in the cleaning sector in general, so inspections focusing on ergonomics are being continued in 2022.

In a 2018 health and working environment survey, employees raised concerns about exposure to organic dust and chemicals, long-term effects of, primarily skin conditions caused by wet or damp hands and the use of latex gloves. Concerns were supported by data on occupational diseases or conditions reported. As a result of these concerns and data, the 2022 supervisory efforts in the cleaning sector will also pay special attention to chemicals.

As a rule, inspections performed

by WEA also look at whether the companies live up to the general working environment rules.

Die dänische Reinigungsbranche unterliegt Inspektionen durch die Dänische Arbeitsumfeldbehörde (Arbejdstilsynet), erläutert Lotte Printz.

In Danimarca, il settore delle pulizie professionali è stato soggetto di ispezione da parte delle autorità ambientali Danish Working Environment Authority (WEA), come riferisce la corrispondente Lotte Printz.

April/May 2022 | ECJ |19

LATEST: GERMANY

Radio talk show for cleaning sector.

A German radio station has its own talk show for the contract cleaning business, reports Katja Scholz.

From apprentices to master craftsmen, from carpenters to contract cleaners, from Hamburg to Zurich – Radio Handwerker (radio for skilled tradespeople) has been a daily source of relevant information along with music and discussion on topical issues in Germany and in other German-speaking countries for four years. There are around 10 people involved in the content and production of this online radio station – its founder is Marco Candido.

From early morning till noon each day, the producers focus on topics and content for the whole of the skilled trades sector, while afternoon airtime is mainly devoted to specific themes of interest to individual trades, for example REINgehört, the radio show for cleaning and hygiene aimed at the contract cleaning business. The first broadcast was in January this year – since then it has aired every Wednesday from 14.00 to 15.00.

“We address a wide range of different topics which are relevant to both employees and decision-makers in the contract cleaning business,” says Maximilian Herrmannsdörfer who presents the programme, usually with the help of one or two guest interviewees. “Each week we invite a number of interesting guests, from the employee reporting on his daily work, through representatives of the trade associations, to the company manager. We recently broadcast an interview with the director of the company responsible for cleaning the glass façade of the Elbe Philharmonic Concert Hall in Hamburg.

This gave us some interesting insights into the practical experience of people whose day-today job involves working on glass facades at great heights.”

Rapportant d’Allemagne, Katja Scholz évoque une station de radio pour métiers qualifiés et comportant sa propre émission-débat pour le secteur de la propreté.

20 | April/May 2022 | ECJ

The talk sessions are punctuated by a mix of music, along with a short news report, all within the one-hour programme.

For those who are unable to listen to the live broadcast, REINgehört is repeated on Saturdays from 11.00 to 12.00.

Listeners also have the opportunity to download the podcast.

The weekly broadcasting schedule includes productions for the general trade target audience as well as other programmes aimed at specific skilled trades, such as the timber, construction or metalwork sectors. There are also regular news and current affairs reports – and topics such as employee recruitment in the skilled trades sector are just as important as a balanced mix of popular music.

“We play hits ranging from the 1980s, 1990s and 2000s to all the latest pop songs,” explains Jan Peter Kruse, head of Radio Handwerker and a member of the management team at Holzmann Medien, which has a majority shareholding in the station. “Then late afternoon is ‘jukebox’ time – when anyone can request a piece of music.”

And how can you tune in to “Radio Handwerker”? There are many different ways through the website, the app, or via online services such as radioplayer.de which can also be linked to a smart watch or smart TV. “We get much favourable feedback from our listeners, for example when an item is particularly informative or helpful. And there are also interested listeners who offer to be interviewed on one of our programmes – the daily work of our skilled tradesmen and women can provide so many fascinating insights,” concluded Herrmannsdörfer.

Aus Deutschland berichtet Katja Scholz über einen Radiosender für Handwerker, der eine eigenständige Talkshow für Vertragsreinigungsunternehmen bietet.

Dalla Germania, la corrispondente Katja Scholz ci parla di una stazione radio per i mestieri specializzati, con i propri talk show per le imprese di pulizie professionali in appalto.

LATEST: UK

The value of passing on experience The value of mentoring others should never be underestimated, says UK reporter Lynn Webster.

At a recent networking event I attended with some eminent and influential cleaning industry colleagues, we realised that between what was only a fairly small group we actually have hundreds of years of valuable experience between us. This was a gathering that also welcomed some relatively junior team members and what could be described as ‘raw’ recruits to the wider world of the cleaning and FM industries.

As they observed us it was apparent they were relishing the stories, experiences and expertise we were sharing. How to capture this for the future generations of cleaning experts was therefore something to reflect on.

When investigated further we find there are opportunities for mentoring others but do we each recognise how much we are able to give? Some suggested they would love to be engaged in such plans but didn’t have the time, or couldn’t make time; others expressed concerned they perhaps didn’t have the ability to help. Hopefully from the initial discussions further developments will evolve.

Perhaps for some this is seen with a degree of reticence as it may appear we are potentially sharing our business intellectual property or giving away the secrets of the trade to our competition. A colleague recently described how they had reached out to a little-known contact in the USA to discuss best practice and some strategic ideas as they felt there was never the opportunity for them to have such dialogue with UK colleagues.

Again there is the perceived fear of sharing key knowledge with a possible competitor. And the On ne doit jamais sous-estimer la valeur du mentorat, activité que des professionnels de la propreté ont entreprise avec beaucoup de profit personnel, affirme Lynn Webster, notre reporter pour le Royaume-Uni.

result - a thoroughly enjoyable experience for both of them.

Another industry associate currently supporting a colleague through a course of professional study has experienced a personal sense of achievement for themselves as they see their ‘student’ gaining confidence and greater understanding through their sessions together.

The value of mentoring others should not be undervalued.

Encouraging others to maximise their own potential, develop their skills and improve performance is two-way and can be as much benefit for the mentor as the mentee. It can certainly sharpen your own leadership, decisionmaking and critical thinking skills.

Mentorship programmes can provide a range of options from developing new skills; providing an independent perspective and identifying opportunities both in current roles and for setting future career goals.

Returning to our normal working environment, being out of the workplace for a period of time whilst working from home, maybe looking to raise our visibility in a current role or source new opportunities - we may all welcome a strong mentor in our support network with individual issues to overcome and to take us forward.

As we all recognise, it is our people who provide the greatest contribution to our business success. Is it not our duty to identify the next generation of new talent? To recognise those individuals who are making a significant impact, those junior managers demonstrating their potential. And for us to mentor them whether it be formally or otherwise so they are able to shine as the stars of the future.

Es sollte niemals unterschätzt werden, welchen Wert die Betreuung anderer darstellt, und erfahrenes Reinigungspersonal, die sich daran beteiligen, finden es eine sehr lohnende Aufgabe, sagt die britische ECJKorrespondentin Lynn Webster.

Il valore di fare da mentore agli altri non dovrebbe mai essere sottovalutato, e i professionisti del cleaning con tanta esperienza che sono coinvolti lo trovano estremamente gratificante, come ci informa la corrispondente del Regno Unito Lynn Webster.

April/May 2022 | ECJ |21

LATEST: ITALY

Don’t lose the focus on cleanliness A new wave of Covid cases in schools has led to increased focus on cleanliness in public spaces – writes Anna Garbagna in Italy.

The new increase of infections recorded in Italy during the month of March, as well as alarming the national health service in fear of a fourth wave of Covid, has once again brought to the fore the ongoing problem in terms of prevention of the spread of the virus: the sanitisation of public environments.

This aspect has proven to be really important in all the environments where many people are together, especially in view of the much hoped-for “new normality”. While this is really important in workplaces, in places of entertainment and in sport areas, it is undeniable it is also vital where there are groups of young people and so, more specifically, in schools.

The surge of infections due to Covid is showing how it is vital to always keep a high awareness in terms of safety, hygiene and sanitisation of environments. This can only be achieved by involving the professionals of the cleaning sector, a sector that in Italy is vital as well as a reflection of high quality.

For this reason, a delegation of ANIP Confindustria (the national association of cleaning companies and integrated services), led by the president Lorenzo Mattioli, had a meeting with the Ministry of Education through the head of department for planning of Miur, Jacopo Greco, on the topic of the sanitisation of schools.

“As an association of companies”, Mattioli explained, “we have highlighted the need to ensure professional sanitisation in Italian schools, to guarantee perfect performance to protect everybody’s health and safety.

Une nouvelle vague de Covid dans les établissements scolaires a contribué à remettre l’accent sur la propreté des environnements publics, écrit notre correspondante en Italie Anna Garbagna.

22 | April/May 2022 | ECJ

It is also good to emphasise this aspect, because the school environment is one of the most sensitive to the topic and we want staff, students and families to feel at ease from a health and hygiene point of view during the wind-down of anti-Covid measures. We thank Minister Bianchi for opening the meeting, we remain available to the school world to offer our support and our know-how to allow schools to operate face to face and in safety until the state of emergency ceases.”

Easing of measures This cry of alarm, exactly on the eve of the end of the previously mentioned “state of emergency” and the slowing down of measures against the virus, is timely and important, also due to the fact that in the upcoming budget, the infrastructure investments toward this objective seem to have disappeared.

“Over two billion square metres of public surfaces/areas need sanitisation”, continued the president of ANIP-Confindustria, “and there are no plans or incentives in view from the State.

We believe that it is a mistake to believe that it is possible to do without sanitisation, as is happening in schools now where we witness no less, the ongoing employment of auxiliary staff that does not guarantee any safety in professional terms for the cleaning and the safety of school environments - as we have been reporting for a while.

And in fact it is schools which are the places where the virus is mostly spreading.”

Cleaning professionals could render these environments safe.

Eine neue Welle von Covid-Fällen in Schulen hat dazu geführt, dass der Schwerpunkt auf Sauberkeit in öffentlichen Umgebungen verstärkt wurde, schreibt die Italien-Korrespondentin Anna Garbagna.

La corrispondente italiana Anna Garbagna ci informa che una nuova ondata di casi di Covid nelle scuole ha portato a prestare maggiore attenzione alla pulizia delle strutture pubbliche.

LATEST: FRANCE

Safe products, healthy bodies Christian Bouzols in France tells us about a cleaning company that’s been prioritising safety for its staff.

Launching a cleaning company using only green products back in 2009 was far from a safe bet.

Omar Akaski had to use all his skills of persuasion to convince his first clients that bleach type products were not useful for sanitising tasks and as efficient solutions. He also had to convince his own workers. “More experienced workers, those with some experience in the cleaning sector, are always the most sceptical,” explains Aurélie Mayeur, his wife and co-director of Verseau Nettoyage. “But it didn’t take long for us to get positive feedback from our own people regarding the efficiency of these products, whose first virtue was to be unaggressive in terms of smell and burns.”

Avoiding chemical exposure Making sure clients are offered a save environment begins with not exposing cleaners to chemicals.

There were only a few green cleaning products on the market when Verseau Nettoyage was launched. Today, Omar Akasbi and his wife cautiously contemplate the large number of labels and the huge choice of products. They see it as vital to train their workers on the proper use of products and to observe user instructions.

“It’s important to train our staff on the products, to make sure they know how to read the labels and don’t use them too intensively,” explains Aurélie Mayers. Before starting his own business. Omar Akasbi had worked as a cleaner himself and taken interim responsibilities in the field of industrial cleaning.

He knows well how hard these jobs can be and is now making very sure the right products and equipment, which need to be both appropriate and comfortable, are used by his workers.

Rapportant de France, Christian Bouzols raconte les démarches d’une entreprise de propreté pour assurer le bon état de santé de ses travailleurs.

Making life easier Last January, his whole team took a two-day training course entitled “Ménage-toi” (Take care of yourself) organised by an outside provider in Brittany. “It seemed important to us that we should all re-learn those movements and positions of the body that will keep us in good shape,” says Aurélie Mayer. “This ties in with our approach”.

During those two days, each worker was given the opportunity to present his or her particular task (such as office cleaning, window cleaning, technical work with machines), to place him or herself in the relevant situations and talk about his or her aches and pains. This meant all the participants could adapt their body postures and movements in ways likely to physically ease their work.

“An interesting aspect of this training was that it didn’t only concern work situations, but also situations from daily life, such as the need for mothers to carry their children, to heave shopping bags… It’s the combined effects of the various physical positions taken during work and personal life that creates all those aches and pains.” Thus a kind of choreography was put into place, involving a proper sequence of muscle movements which each participant could practice at work and at home.

“We’re in a line of business where there’s a high labour turnover, where workers aren’t properly appreciated, and where one is just not supposed to open up and complain,” observed Aurélie Mayers. Her company’s field results prove her point. In 2020 it registered just one work absence for musculoskeletal problems, and in 2021 there were none whatsoever to report.

Christian Bouzols berichtet aus Frankreich über ein Reinigungsunternehmen, das im Rahmen der Geschäftsführung die Mitarbeitersicherheit priorisiert hat.

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Dalla Francia, il corrispondente Christian Bouzols ci parla di una impresa di pulizie che ha dato la priorità alla sicurezza del personale nell’esercizio della sua attività.

April/May 2022 | ECJ |23

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CHEMICAL SOLUTIONS

Minimising risk THE WORKPLACE IS A SAFER place today than it has ever been before. Or so we like to think. Safety came fairly low down the list of priorities in 18th and 19th century factories where accidents were all too common. Losing a finger or even a hand in the workings of unguarded machinery was an everyday occurrence in textile plants, for example. And lung diseases were prevalent in the cotton spinning sheds where dust and fibres were allowed to accumulate in damp conditions.

Meanwhile, the loud roar of machinery in many plants and factories made deafness an occupational hazard. Looking back we feel pity and horror at the fact that working people would unknowingly put themselves at risk in this way. But new dangers are coming to light all the time.

Lead-based paint was popular until the 20th century due to its hard-wearing properties, but exposure to lead can lead to high blood pressure, kidney damage and long-term harm. However its use in the workplace was not regulated until the 1980s. Similarly, asbestos – now known to be the cause of the serious long-term lung condition known as asbestosis – was widely used in the construction industry until the same decade.

The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Regulations 2002 require employers to reduce the risk of staff exposure by monitoring the use of chemicals and carrying out risk assessments. Many chemical companies have now changed their formulations to make their products safer to use as a result of this legislation.

Effect on lung function But despite this highly positive move, a 2018 a study carried out by Norway’s Bergen University revealed that regular exposure to everyday cleaning products had a significant effect on the user’s lung function. Tests carried out on cleaners who had regularly used spray products over the previous 20 years revealed lung functions equivalent to those of a 20-cigarettes-a-day smoker.

The study of 6,000 people revealed that

certain chemicals in cleaning products irritated the mucous membranes lining the airways of the lungs, leading to longterm damage. Then a study last year, also from the University of Bergen, suggested children whose mothers work with cleaning products have a high risk of developing asthma - even years before conception.

According to the European Agency for Safety and Health at Work (EU-OHSA), millions of Europe’s cleaners come into close contact with potent chemicals every day as well as other substances such as dust, soot and mould which can be harmful to the health.

Many cleaning agents also include fragrances that can trigger allergies, claims the agency, and dangerous chemical reactions can occur when products are mixed.

And the EU-OHSA staged a Europe-wide campaign from 2018 to 2019 aimed at highlighting the risks to cleaners.

Action by cleaning companies But what are cleaning companies themselves doing to minimise the risks?

Marketing and purchasing manager of Insider Facility Services Thor Nielsen says his company is well aware of the challenges posed by chemistry.

“We only use eco-labelled products for our daily fixed cleaning assignments, and we don’t use spray products that expose the user to the risk of breathing in fumes,” he said. “In fact I have created a handbook detailing the chemistry, materials and other equipment that should be used as standard and all our managers have access to this.”

However, he adds the company sometimes uses products that fall outside its own safety parameters. “For example, we have periodic assignments where the customer may specify the use of a particular product or there may be situations in which we need to use an agent that is a little more powerful,” he said. “When this occurs we ensure the cleaner wears a mouthpiece - with or without a filter - as a minimum safeguard depending on the exposure time and the chemistry used.”

Some chemical cleaning products pose a potential risk to staff – particularly when inhaled. ECJ finds out what employers and associations are doing to protect staff members and minimise the risk to cleaners’ lungs.

Insider Facility Services’ basic training incorporates the use of chemicals, he says. “It is also part of the curriculum in our internal academy,” adds Nielsen.

Atalian Servest is also very focused about safety according to quality, health, safety and environment manager John Crombie. “Awareness and education are both key to ensuring that everyone acts responsibly,” he said. “Our approach is to eradicate or mitigate the risk as much as is reasonably practicable to safeguard our employees and the wider industry.

“People are at the core of our business and we’re committed to providing the correct information, instruction, training and supervision to help our cleaners deliver a first-class service.”

The company’s chemical dosing system is said to be safe and accurate while minimising the risk of waste and leaks. “We also adhere to the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations with all the chemicals we use,” says Crombie.

“This means we identify the hazardous components of substances and look at how they’re handled and dispensed, and we assess their potential entry-routes to the body plus the effect they could have on our employees.”

He says the company is committed to finding new methods of product selection, storage and dispensing that ensure a low risk of exposure to harmful chemicals. But like Nielsen he says there is sometimes a requirement for more powerful products.

“There are occasions when more Continued page 28

April/May 2022 | ECJ | 27

CHEMICAL SOLUTIONS Minimising risk (continued) possible,” he said.

“We also undertake risk assessments and carry these out in fine detail, incorporating a methodology for safe usage for each chemical. And we have set procedures for potential incidents while all employees are acquainted with the relevant procedures and instructions.

Greater awareness

hazardous substances are necessary and in these cases we will suggest the use of personal protective equipment and/or respiratory protective equipment,” he said.

“Employees are instructed on the potential hazards and any work carried out with such chemicals is closely supervised. And depending on the degree of risk, a face-fit testing may be carried out.” A face-fit test provides an added layer of safety by ensuring that the wearer’s safety mask is a good fit.

All cleaning environments should be well-ventilated where possible, he said.

“However, preventing chemicals from getting into the air to begin with is also important,” adds Crombie. “In a wellventilated area the chemicals may have a lower impact on our employees, but they could still be harmful to the surrounding ecosystem. This is why dosing and diluting systems that minimise chemical escape is crucial.”

The number of people occupying an area also needs to be taken into consideration, he says. “In areas with a high footfall, good ventilation isn’t enough. So we ensure we clean high-traffic areas either early in the morning or late in the evening when fewer people will be passing through.”

Staff training on the safe use of products begins on day one, he says. “All our cleaners have British Institute of Cleaning Science (BICSc) training that covers chemical competence, safe assembly and care of equipment, plus the correct storage of equipment and materials,” he said. “We also stress the importance of employees keeping their chemicals with them at all times so that vulnerable people and

children are unable to come into contact with them.”

The European Agency for Safety and Health at Work has come up with a list of recommendations relating to cleaners’ exposure to hazardous substances.

This includes advising cleaning companies to record all products being used and to conduct risk assessments to ascertain the type, intensity, length and frequency of potential exposure to each product.

Certains produits chimiques de nettoyage pourraient présenter des risques pour leurs utilisateurs, notamment en les inhalant. ECJ examine les mesures prises par les employeurs et associations concernées pour protéger leurs personnels et minimiser les dommages possibles aux poumons des agents de nettoyage.

Einige chemische Reinigungsprodukte stellen eine potenzielle Gefährdung für Mitarbeiter dar – insbesondere, wenn sie eingeatmet werden. Das ECJ erfährt, welche Maßnahmen Mitarbeiter und Verbände ergreifen, um Mitarbeiter zu schützen und um das Risiko von Lungenschäden durch den Umgang mit Reinigungsmitteln zu minimieren.

28 | April/May 2022 | ECJ

Take precautions Where dangerous substances cannot be substituted, employers should ensure they are used and diluted according to the manufacturer’s instructions and not mixed with other products, states the agency. And it highlights the importance of adequate ventilation and personal protective equipment along with training in safe working practices, adding that employers should draw up a skin protection plan and monitor the health of those workers using potent cleaning products.

So how far are companies adhering to this advice?

Insider Facility Services’ Thor Nielsen says: “We have datasheets of all the chemistry we use in our material on our app, as well as of many more products in case our teams should periodically use something out of the ordinary. And we perform a job safety analysis before embarking on any specific cleaning assignment.”

Atalian Servest’s John Crombie says his company is fully committed to the EUOHSA’s process. “We list all substances used, check MSDS sheets and replace harsher products with safer ones where

“The European Agency for Safety and Health at Work provides a useful basic framework, but we believe in going above and beyond that to provide an enhanced level of safety for our employees and any other people who could be affected.”

EFCI, the organisation representing cleaning companies across Europe, is committed to ensuring the health and safety of cleaners at work according to its director general Isabel Yglesias.

“We are convinced that our joint efforts with detergent producers are ensuring healthier working conditions along with increased innovation,” she said. “Meanwhile, a greater awareness of the issue has led to the development of training tools that ensure cleaners follow the right instructions when dealing with potentially dangerous products.”

The EFCI works closely with European trade union body UNI Europa on health and safety issues and collaborates on the Social Dialogue. “The health and safety of cleaners is one of the top priorities of the Social Dialogue,” said Yglesias. “All cleaning product manufacturers have a responsibility to provide products that are safe for their intended use. And they also need to communicate methods of safe use to those who use their products and to professionals who are transporting, handling and using them in workplaces.”

She adds the use of chemical substances is already regulated in Europe under REACH, while the traceability of cleaning products is compulsory for cleaning companies.

“As far as safety training on mixing products is concerned, associations and companies usually provide this to their workers,” she said. “Training is one of the key differentiators for quality-based cleaning companies, and the EFCI is developing projects to support training and vocational training for the sector. “ Alcuni detergenti chimici pongono un potenziale rischio per il personale, particolarmente quando questi prodotti vengono inalati. ECJ scopre quali misure vengono prese dai datori di lavoro e dalle associazioni per proteggere il personale e minimizzare i rischi per i polmoni degli addetti alle pulizie.

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CHEMICAL SOLUTIONS

A chemical reaction The need for sustainable solutions has become a key driver in cleaning. But at the same time, Covid-19 has heightened demand for sanitised, germfree public spaces. So how are these contrasting requirements impacting on the chemicals sector, asks Ann Laffeaty?

TWO KEY TOPICS have dominated the cleaning industry in recent years: the need for sustainable systems and the urgent requirement for Covid-beating solutions.

The global pandemic has inevitably raised interest in products that are effective against germs and viruses. But at the same time, companies are increasingly striving to reduce their environmental impact.

How have these two trends affected the chemicals sector? Has the market for chemicals grown, and can a product successfully combine germ-busting power with a low environmental footprint?

Demand for Hagleitner’s chemical products began to increase in January 2020 when reports of Covid-19 first started to emerge, according to the company’s chemist and disinfection specialist Kerstin Heine.

“Pocket hand sanitisers were particularly popular at this time since these could easily be distributed to visitors at fairs and events,” she said. “Then between February and April 2020, demand for touchless hand sanitiser dispensers exploded.

And this caused the market for active substances such as ethanol and isopropanol to go through the roof, with demand for surface sanitisers also growing as a consequence.”

However, the repeated lockdowns have led to market fluctuations, she says.

“Nevertheless, demand for disinfectants

30 | April/May 2022 | ECJ

still remains at a higher level than it did before the coronavirus outbreak began,” says Heine.

The reason for this is simple in her view.

“Disinfectants are meant to be used preventatively in order to avoid the transmission of germs,” she says.

“Once an infection spreads it will inevitably lead to substantial costs along with human suffering.”

According to Heine, customers have increasingly been asking Hagleitner about the efficacy of its disinfectants against Covid-19. “However, in order to combat coronaviruses a disinfectant does not actually need to be strong: it simply has to pass the EN 14476 test which confirms its effectiveness against non-enveloped viruses such as MERS-CoV, SARS-CoV-1 and HIV.” she says.

Virus-killing While interest in virus-killing products has been on the rise, demand for ecofriendly products has grown too - particularly in the public procurement sector, she says. But she adds that the term “sustainable disinfectant” is something of a misnomer.

“Detergents can be eco-friendly, but disinfectants can’t,” said Heine. “One cannot legitimately describe a disinfectant as environmentally friendly because it needs to have a biocidal effect, and bacteria are living organisms and part of our biological environment.”

However there are several factors that can improve a disinfectant’s sustainability, she adds. “For example, it is increasingly common for active substances such as aldehydes and chlorine-containing compounds to be substituted with alternatives that have a more favourable environmental health profile,” she said. “A disinfectant will also be more sustainable if it is highly concentrated and cannot be dosed incorrectly - either because it is dosed automatically or if it comes pre-portioned in a water-soluble, plastic-free foil.

“And ideally, disinfectants will either decompose into water and oxygen on their

way to the water purification plant or evaporate owing to their high alcohol content.”

She says it is perfectly possible for a detergent to be both sustainable and highly effective. ”A detergent will be considered sustainable if it is highly concentrated and mixed automatically with the appropriate amount of water via a dosing system on site,” she said. “This avoids the need for water to be transported in trucks and reduces carbon emissions.

“And other factors that need to be considered include the way in which the raw materials are generated, the biodegradability of the product and the relationship between the packaging and the contents.”

Hagleitner offers disinfectants for use on hands and surfaces. These are said to be highly concentrated, contain active substances and decompose into water and oxygen after use.

Infection control awareness is currently at an all-time high according to Jangro’s ceo Joanne Gillard. “At the start of the Covid-19 outbreak, demand rocketed and supplies struggled to keep up,” she said.

“Two years on and the supply chain is back on an even keel. But the high demand still remains - and driving this demand is the fact that end-users’ expectations of cleanliness and hygiene are now higher than ever.”

Infection prevention Chemicals that combat harmful bacteria and germs play a critical role in infection prevention strategies, she says.

“Many Covid-19 restrictions are now lifting but the virus is still here, which means there are many more spaces in use by the public – and these need to be kept clean and safe,” said Gillard. “So there is a requirement for the repeated sanitising of desks in classrooms and other high touchpoint surfaces in leisure and retail facilities.”

Preventing the spread of the virus has been a high priority among businesses Continued page 32

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CHEMICAL SOLUTIONS A chemical reaction (continued) as the world became more hygiene-conscious,” he said.

“But when you actually look at the hierarchy of pathogens, SARS-CoV-2 is pretty low down the list which makes it relatively easy to kill. In fact, soap and water will do the trick so there is no need to opt for harsh chemicals in the fight against Covid-19.”

Counterproductive

wishing to protect their staff and the wider public, she says. “As a result there has definitely been a growing interest in disinfectants and sanitisers that are scientifically proven to be effective against Covid-19.”

However, she believes an increasing demand for sustainable solutions has developed in tandem with the push for enhanced hygiene. And she adds that sustainability does not begin and end with the product itself. “Businesses need to adopt more environmentally-friendly processes and systems in terms of packaging, transportation, wellbeing and ethics as well as a corporate approach to emissions, waste, and water,” she said.

New from Jangro is the ntrl range of eco-friendly natural cleaning products made from plant-based formulas.

These are said to be 100 per cent biodegradable, contain no petrochemicals and are housed in packaging that is both recycled and recyclable.

Increased demand Like other companies, Kärcher noted a significant increase in demand for disinfectants and cleaning agents at the start of the pandemic, says detergent product manager Jens Groth. “Over the course of 2021 the situation returned to normal and demand settled at a slightly higher level than prior to the Covid crisis,” he said.

“Hygiene concepts that are typically found in healthcare are now being adopted in all kinds of public spaces. Facility services has become all about infection prevention and new hygiene protocols Deux grands thèmes sont actuellement en tête des préoccupations du secteur de la propreté : les mesures antimicrobiennes et la durabilité. D’un côté, l’on s’intéresse toujours plus aux produits efficaces contre la Covid-19. D’un autre côté, l’on cherche à minimiser les impacts environnementaux. En quoi ces deux tendances ont-elles affecté le marché des produits chimiques?

32 | April/May 2022 | ECJ

are being established in many industries including hospitality, education and public transport. And these standards can only be met by means of more frequent cleaning combined with the disinfection of hightouch surfaces.”

He claims the issue of sustainability was forced to take a back seat when the pandemic began. “Before that the topic had been gaining in importance,” he said. “But in 2020, customers wanted to be sure that they were safely eliminating coronaviruses from their environment and there was a high demand for solutions that were effective against Covid-19. But today’s customers are increasingly looking for sustainable solutions as well.”

He says disinfectants are critical to the environment by default because they are designed to kill organisms. “We recommend their use where hygiene is required, but we also suggest customers should continue to focus on sustainable cleaning practices that minimise the use of water and energy while also improving productivity and process safety,” he said, Described as environmentally friendly, Kärcher’s eco!perform line of cleaning agents can be used for various tasks including surface and sanitary cleaning, glass polishing and floor cleaning.

Dennis Rawlins also noted a rapid rise in sales of cleaning chemicals when Covid-19 first hit according to managing director James White. “Many people believed that only the harshest, alcohol-based chemicals had the power to beat the virus, and this meant demand significantly increased Gegenwärtige wird die Reinigungsbranche von zwei wichtigen Themen dominiert: der Bedarf an Lösungen zur Beseitigung von Krankheitserregern und die Bewegung hin zu nachhaltigen Systemen.

Einerseits gibt es ein gesteigertes Interesse an starken Produkten, die gegen Covid-19 wirksam sind. Andererseits versuchen Unternehmen in zunehmendem Maße ihre Auswirkungen auf die Umwelt zu reduzieren. Wie haben diese beiden Trends den Markt für Chemikalien beeinflusst?

According to White, an over-reliance on disinfectants can be counterproductive in any case. “Disinfectants become increasingly ineffective over time and there is a real danger that they could increase bacterial resistance,” he said. “And although disinfectants may kill most bacteria, they don’t remove them. Dead microbes are then left behind on the surface where they act as a food source for the next wave of bugs along with any surviving germs.”

Denis Rawlins’ GermErase is said to be effective against SARS-CoV-2 plus a broad range of other pathogens in less than 30 seconds. It is available as a multi-surface cleaning spray, a hand spray and in hand wipe form.

As the world returns to a post-Covid normality there has been a resurgence in pre-pandemic commitments to sustainability, according to White.

“Increasing numbers of business owners are demanding that their partners support their sustainable commitments by using products and processes that are kind to the environment,” he said.

“They understand that traditional practices are unsustainable.

“However, there doesn’t need to be a trade-off between efficacy and sustainability – there are products on the market that can achieve both.”

Hagleitner’s Heine concurs.

“Sustainability is by no means a new theme, but it is growing in importance as the world unites to tackle climate change,” she said. “As we continue to live with the threat of Covid, businesses are seeking products that are not only environmentally friendly but are also highly effective and competitively-priced. It’s a fine balancing act but with industry innovation, it is definitely achievable.”

Ci sono due argomenti principali che dominano il settore delle pulizie professionali al momento: la necessità di soluzioni per l’eliminazione dei batteri e il passaggio a sistemi più sostenibili. Da una parte, l’interesse è aumentato verso i prodotti forti che sono più efficaci contro il Covid-19 ma dall’altra le imprese stanno sempre di più impegnandosi per ridurre il loro impatto ambientale. Come hanno influito queste due tendenze sul mercato dei prodotti chimici?

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PRODUCTS: CHEMICAL SOLUTIONS

• Le Lacto Des de Greenspeed est un spray désinfectant à base entièrement végétale.

• Le produit Oxivir de Diversey accroît le rendement viricide grâce à l’AHP (Péroxyde d’hydrogène accéléré).

• Cleenol, un spécialiste des agents de nettoyage, a rebaptisé sa gamme Evolution1000 sous la dénomination Easidose.

• Lacto Des ist ein vollständig auf Pflanzenbasis hergestelltes Desinfektionsspray von Greenspeed.

• Oxivir von Diversey bietet viruzide Wirksamkeit dank AHP (Accelerated Hydrogen Peroxide – Akzeleriertes Wasserstoffperoxid).

• Cleenol, der Spezialist für Reinigungsmittel, ändert den Namen der Produktreihe Evolution1000 in Easidose.

• Lacto Des della Greenspeed è un disinfettante spray prodotto al 100 per cento a base vegetale.

• Il prodotto Oxivir della Diversey offre efficacia virucida utilizzando AHP (Perossido di idrogeno accelerato) • La Cleenol, specializzata in prodotti per le pulizie, ha annunciato il rebranding della sua gamma Evolution1000 in Easidose.

34 | April/May 2022 | ECJ

Plant based Lacto Des is a 100 per cent plant-based, non-irritating disinfection spray. Developed

by Greenspeed, its key ingredient is lactic acid whereas most disinfection sprays use alcohol, chlorine or quaternary ammonium compounds it says.

Being 100 per cent biodegradable and free of hazard symbols Lacto Des is safe to use, nonirritating, and suitable for all acid and water-resistant surfaces including those that come into contact with food. It kills 99.9 per cent of bacteria within five

minutes and has been awarded the ECOCERT certificate. www.greenspeed.eu

Chemicals rebrand

Safely effective Diversey says its Oxivir products offer virucidal efficacy as well as being safe for the planet.

The active ingredient, Accelerated Hydrogen Peroxide (AHP), breaks down into simple water and oxygen after tackling a broad spectrum of viruses and bacteria. AHP is a synergistic blend of commonly used, safe ingredients that when combined with low levels of hydrogen peroxide produce potency as a germicide and performance as a cleaner.

The products are free from Alkylphenol Ethoxylates (APEs), Nonylphenol Ethoxylates (NPEs) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). They come in various formats suitable for cleaning and disinfecting any surface. www.diversey.com

Cleenol’s Evolution 1000 range of cleaning chemicals is being rebranded as Easidose. This is in line with its ‘easy to dose’ characteristics, the company says.

Each bottle of Easidose has a specially designed measuring cup built directly into the bottle.

Also embedded in the bottle is a feed tube which connects from the bottom of the bottle to the measuring cup above.

The new Easidose range comprises multi-surface cleaners and degreasers, floor cleaners, antibacterial bath and washroom cleaners, air fresheners, window and stainless steel cleaners and toilet cleaners. cleenol.com

4.0

CARBON FOOTPRINT SYSTEMATIC APPROACH

BUSINESS: TELECOMS

Are you ready for the big switch?

Are you ready to lose your legacy telephone system? As the switch-off deadline fast approaches, Hartley Milner explains why businesses dare not lag behind with their preparations for the most radical transformation to the way telecom services are delivered in generations.

BY 2025 THE VAST MAJORITY of European countries are expected to have completed the upgrade of their phone network from analogue to digital connectivity. Even so, a poll in one EU state found that 40 per cent of companies were either unaware of the rollout or had made no effort to prepare for it.

Telecom providers are encouraging customers to review their data transmission systems early to avoid disruption during the changeover … and to ensure they are well placed to exploit the full range of benefits going digital will bring.

SMEs, which make up 99 per cent of businesses across the EU, stand to

42 |April/May 2022 | ECJ

gain the most in terms of savings on their telecom services, at a time when their operating costs in other areas are spiralling. Most companies can expect to save an average of 68 per cent on phone costs due to significantly lower call and line rental charges, including when calling abroad.

“This really is one of those rare winwin and win again opportunities for small businesses … a greatly more efficient telecoms network, big cost savings and at a price that will not break the bank,” said Jagienka Reeves, consultant to the European Telecoms Advisory Panel. “The switch to all-digital is about much more than replacing a dated phone system. We are seeing a technology revolution, which is making communications so much better for everyone. In future, phone and internet services that were before provided on separate networks will be delivered on a single network via the internet.

“Going over to IP (internet protocol) means any number of employees will be able to make or take calls at the same

time, on any device, from wherever they are and all on the same phone number … there’s no need for multiple phone lines.

You’ll link your business applications and systems with video chat and other forms of collaboration, so you’re closer to customers and colleagues. With everything in the cloud, you’ll also be able to access services like voicemail from any internetconnected device and from any location which - with the trend to more of us working from home - will be a huge plus.

More reliable “Businesses will enjoy near 100 per cent reliability as well as faster broadband, and if a fault or technical issue does arise it will be remedied automatically, so there should be no downtime or need to call in an engineer. Factor in the lower costs that IP can bring and the change makes sense, so my advice to businesses is go digital as soon as you can. Early adopters will be able to grow faster and gain a competitive edge. Businesses that delay making the transition will be unable to provide the same levels of customer service as their

BUSINESS: TELECOMS

more proactive competitors.”

Fine, except that “near 100 per cent reliability” and “should be no downtime” are not likely to hack it with the business community, as any disruption to phone services can be extremely costly in terms of lost custom. However, telecoms provider BT said: “Digital phone lines can actually be more resilient. For instance, our digital services run across multiple data centres so if one goes down, no problem.

Traffic switches seamlessly to another and your service carries on regardless.” Other major providers say they too have backup technologies in place.

So what structural changes are taking place? For more than a century, the majority of calls around Europe have been made across public switched telephone networks (PSTN). Now the old copper wire infrastructure is being retired across the region in favour of a Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) network, enabling phone calls via ultra-fast, full-fibre broadband connections.

Digital devices VoIP works over all digital devices that run on an operating system and have an internet connection, such as desktop computers, laptops, tablets and smartphones. You just need a speaker, microphone or headset. You can also download software like Skype (Skype-toSkype calls with WiFi are free). Two-way conversations can take place either over the internet or an IP-enabled local area network (LAN). To ensure good voice quality, you will need sufficient bandwidth with both, at least 100 kbps. Because IP supports landline phones as well as broadband, landline calls will require special adapters that plug into either a wall socket or a router.

Changing to a digital phone line means all devices connected to your existing phone line, such as fax machines, will only work via a router and your service provider may need to provide you with a new one.

Some routers may allow you to plug your existing analogue phone handset into the back of them rather than a wall socket. If not you may be provided with, or have to buy, new or additional equipment. When you switch, your service provider should On peut s’attendre que d’ici à 2025, la plupart des pays d’Europe auront mis à niveau leurs réseaux téléphoniques en passant de la connectivité analogique à la connectivité numérique. Cependant un sondage dans un pays de l’UE a montré que 40 pour cent des entreprises soit ignoraient la future introduction du nouveau système, soit n’avaient rien fait pour s’y préparer. Notre correspondant d’affaires, en rend compte pour ECJ.

give you more information on what you need to do.

If you have other devices or services connected to your existing phone line, such as a smoke or security alarm, you will need to check whether they are supported by the new technology. You should contact the provider of the device or service, or by going onto the manufacturer’s website.

Now would be a good time to take an inventory of equipment in your office and of the products and services you provide to clients and customers to check that they will work when lines migrate from analogue to digital.

If they have not done so already, your landline provider will get in touch when the time is approaching for you to switch.

They might call the new service Digital Voice, IP Voice or a branded version such as Sky Voice, depending on where you are in Europe. BT has already moved hundreds of thousands of customers to its Digital Voice service. Providers are currently focusing on offering digital phone services to customers when they switch broadband providers or upgrade to fullfibre broadband.

You may be offered cheaper or free access to add-on features you may have previously had to pay for, such as caller display, voicemail, call divert and recording, international call barring, anonymous call blocking and essential call analytics. While you should be able to use your existing phone number from any location, in some cases it may need to change. The digital rollout also signals the demise of the integrated services digital network (ISDN), which has governed internet connectivity since the early 1990s.

The shift away from PSTN and ISDN is being driven in part by consumer demand for an ever-wider choice of faster, more reliable and greener digital communication channels. With the popularity of mobiles and VoIP, more of us are using services such as Skype, FaceTime, Zoom, Portal, WhatsApp and Microsoft Teams.

Businesses are increasingly turning to these as well because they offer greater sophistication, scalability and cost savings.

At the same time, the telecoms industry is looking to reduce the huge costs of operating and maintaining the PSTN Es wird erwartet, dass die Mehrheit der europäischen Länder bis 2025 die Umstellung ihrer Telefonnetzwerke von analoge auf digitale Konnektivität abgeschlossen haben. Jedoch ergab eine Umfrage in einem EU-Mitgliedsstaat, dass 40 Prozent der Unternehmen entweder nicht über diese Erweiterung informiert waren oder sich nicht darauf vorbereitet hatten. Business-Reporter Hartley Milner schreibt für das ECJ.

network, which in turn has an impact on the price paid by the end-user.

European countries have been migrating to IP at a different pace. For example, PSTN phase-out dates were set by the following: Hungary 2017; Switzerland 2018/19; Germany 2019/2020; Greece 2019; France 2023. Progress in some countries has been held up partly due to the Covid pandemic. Others, including Estonia and the Netherlands, are already there and have switched off their PSTN networks, and France and Germany are in the process of winding theirs down.

Most of the continent is expected to have switched by late 2025.

After falling behind in recent years, the UK is now following much the same timetable as the rest of Europe.

Openreach, which is responsible for building and maintaining Britain’s telephone infrastructure, has stepped up its phase-out of the national legacy landline network and most small businesses have gone over to VoIP. However, more than 2.5 million are still tied to analogue.

Review equipment now James Lilley, director of ALL-IP at Openreach, said: “Ahead of the switch from analogue to digital phone lines, it’s crucial businesses understand their current systems and the implications of the shift. This upgrade will provide the nation with faster, more reliable services and will allow devices to become more connected, providing UK industry with a framework from which it can develop innovative emerging technologies. Taking simple steps now will make the process of upgrading much smoother.”

Openreach stresses businesses should carry out a complete review of all equipment that currently relies on their phone lines and the phone lines of their customers, and specifically to: • Make a list of all devices plugged into the master socket and any extensions on their premises • Contact their phone or broadband service provider and supplier of hardware devices to check how these will work following the upgrade to digital.

Ci si aspetta che entro il 2025 la maggioranza delle nazioni europee abbia completato l’aggiornamento della loro rete telefonica da analogica a digitale. Ma un sondaggio in uno degli stati dell’UE ha rivelato che il 40 per cento delle imprese era all’oscuro dell’implementazione oppure non hanno fatto il minimo sforzo per prepararsi al cambio. Il reporter di business Hartley Milner scrive per ECJ.

April/May 2022 | ECJ | 43

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CASE STUDY

Under the microscope WITH GREAT ENTHUSIASM the world watched athletes from around the world gather in Tokyo last summer to compete in the world’s first post-pandemic massive sports event, the Summer Games. Seeing the athletes compete one would almost forget about the pandemic – maybe this is one of the reasons why so many people supported the Games happening, despite the pandemic.

Of course, there was resistance against holding the Games in Tokyo, at some point 80 per cent of the Japanese people opposed them. During this Olympic Games hygiene, and cleaning, were more important than ever. In a way, it meant more recognition for the industry but it also made the operation all the more challenging, ECJ correspondent Bobbie van der List found out in an interview with a representative of the Japanese organising committee responsible for the cleaning during Tokyo 2020.

Lack of public support Weeks before the start of the Games worrisome reports emerged about the lack of volunteers, many feared the coronavirus and so withdrew their offer to help. The organising committee faced similar challenges – finding enough staff to clean at the numerous venues was one of the biggest challenges said the representative, who prefers to remain anonymous. As the number of infections was going up in Japan’s capital Tokyo, people were becoming increasingly concerned with catching the virus, possibly a variant. Especially the unvaccinated cleaners feared the possibility of catching the virus.

The representative says that on top of that, the stricter measures and cleaning rules made it harder to organise the cleaning operation. “Because of a new specific Covid-19-related rulebook the number of procedures to follow and tasks to perform increased. For example, cleaners had to continuously sanitise places with a high degree of physical contact, demanding far more manpower than originally planned for.”

Before the start of the Games, Tokyo 2020 set common cleanliness standards at each venue. A representative of the organising committee: “Countermeasures against Covid-19, (such as the sanitation of high contact areas) were introduced on top of regular cleaning duties, and Tokyo 2020 sought to create common cleanliness standards for all cleaning companies involved. Tokyo 2020 also made efforts to ensure all cleaning staff were informed on countermeasures to prevent infection, and guidelines were also outlined in the 2020 Playbook for Workforce.”

In fact, said the representative, the organiser delegated the duty of selecting cleaning company to so-called cleaning unions who would then hold strict screenings for companies to be allowed to work at the venues. One of the more challenging aspects of overseeing the quality of their work is the majestic scale of the Games. Therefore, they opted for a decentralised approach, whereby the organiser would try to select cleaning companies that were already working at the venues, and therefore had the right knowledge of their specific venue.”

These cleaning companies were familiar with their venues and were capable of carrying out cleaning operations specific to the characteristic of each site,” said the representative. “Throughout the Tokyo 2020 Games we could secure a certain standard for cleanliness and organisation while making the best use of each cleaning company’s strength. The experience was overall positive for those who participated, with the Tokyo 2020 Games being the first large sports event held on such a scale for the companies involved.”

Tech innovation Aside from the human aspect, of course the Games were an ideal platform for cleaning innovations to be showcased. The most notable newcomer was Panasonic’s robot vacuum cleaner. “While aspiring to realise a society where human-friendly robots can help support a safe, comfortable lifestyle, the company strives to bring

ECJ correspondent in Japan Bobbie van der List reports from Tokyo on the enormous cleaning operation involved in the Olympic Games there last year. Among concerns around Covid-19, cleanliness standards were under the microscope, however there were concerns about how cleaning operatives were being treated.

to life Tokyo 2020’s vision of holding the most innovative Games in history and bringing positive reform to the world,” Panasonic wrote on its website.

Its robot vacuum cleaner, intended for future research and development, was used for cleaning floors of the main press centre’s (MPC’s) common area. Equipped with cameras and LiDAR, the robots automatically recognise their surroundings such as people, walls and obstacles with high accuracy, and safely clean the floors from corner to corner without the need to prepare the area beforehand. “They helped alleviate the burden of the cleaning staff during Tokyo 2020,” said a representative.

Additionally, Panasonic’s nanoe X technology used in the dust box inhibits bacteria, creating a clean and comfortable environment for people in the MPC. Thus, the Olympics turned out to be a great platform to introduce and experiment with new technologies. This already began years before the start of the Games. For instance, the innovative robots introduced at Haneda three years ago were in light of innovations that had to be finished before the start of the Olympics.

In the aftermath of the Games, anonymous cleaners criticised the process in an interview with a Japanese newspaper. One Continued page 46

April/May 2022 | ECJ | 45

CASE STUDY Under the microscope (continued) source said that there was a lack of empathy for the concerns cleaners had regarding the virus. The anonymous cleaner was quoted saying that “I’ve always loved the Games so much since I was a child. But I was treated like a slave, and I have nothing but sorrow now.”

Constant fear In the same article the anonymous source explains how they worked as a part-time cleaner at one of the venues, mainly responsible for cleaning up food and drinks. “But I was in constant fear of becoming infected with the coronavirus.”

The person criticised the lack of measures – for instance, cleaners were never told to disinfect handrails and other areas with alcohol before the Games began. When it Notre correspondant au Japon Bobbie van der List explique l’ampleur des opérations de nettoyage qu’ont nécessité les récents Jeux Olympiques de Tokyo.

Devant les préoccupations dues à la Covid-19, on a été ultra exigeant sur les normes de propreté, mais ont s’est également soucié du traitement réservé aux agents de propreté.

46 | April/May 2022 | ECJ

comes to cleaning the toilets, the source goes on to explain, they were told to stick their rubber-gloved hands into the toilet bowls and scrub them with a towel – not the most hygienic thing to do in times of a pandemic, the source said.

The cleaner qualifies the attitude of the employer and the organising committee towards part-time workers to be “very Bobbie van der List, der ECJ-Korrespondent in Japan, berichtet aus Tokio über die enorme Reinigungsoperation bei den vor Kurzem dort stattgefundenen Olympischen Spielen. Aufgrund der Bedenken im Zusammenhang mit Covid-19 wurden die Reinigungsstandards genau unter die Lupe genommen. Gleichzeitig gab es jedoch auch Bedenken im Hinblick auf die Behandlung des Reinigungspersonals.

cold”. They were working eight hours a day and only had one 60-minute break per day. “When I felt like my knees would give out if I kept going, I went to sit in a dark bathroom for just one minute to rest. I was taking a rest from the heavy work and yet there was always someone on hand to tell us not to profit from being at the Olympics and watching the athletes.”

Da Tokyo, il corrispondente di ECJ in Giappone Bobbie van der List ci informa sulle enormi operazioni di pulizia necessarie durante le recenti olimpiadi. Con le preoccupazioni per il Covid-19, gli standard di pulizia erano sotto scrutinio, tuttavia c’erano anche delle preoccupazioni su come venivano trattati gli addetti alla pulizie.

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BACK TO THE OFFICE

Seeking new solutions As staff around the world return to offices, there is increased awareness about the relationship between the performance of a building and retention of staff. New technologies and IoT solutions can help to address many of the challenges – explain Simon Redgate of microshare.io and Nicolai Baumberger at Soobr.

WELCOMING STAFF BACK to the office will require a new appreciation for wellness and data-driven responsiveness. Done correctly, this should see operational costs fall. Those who own, operate or lease office space have just been treated to a two-year tutorial on the fragility of conventional wisdom. Now, the changes wrought by Covid-19 are upon us.

• Corporate cultures once averse to remote or hybrid work have had to rethink their opposition • Carefully developed strategies to hold long-term leases on central city property are being revisited • Workplaces must adjust to the differing concerns and tastes between colleagues who came of age during the 20th century and a younger, more activist 21st century workforce.

From the ceo to the head of HR to chief sustainability officers, the pandemic has created a new awareness in the C-Suite about the relationship between the performance of a building, the wellness and productivity of its occupants, and the ability of the company to attract and retain key staff.

All of this will cost money at precisely À mesure que les employés de bureau reprennent leur travail sur place, on est devenu plus conscient de la relation qui existe entre performance d’un immeuble et rétention du personnel. Les nouvelles technologies et les solutions liées à l’Internet des objets aideront à relever de nombreux défis, expliquent Simon Redgate, de microshare.io et Nicolai Baumberg, de la société Soobr.

48 | April/May 2022 | ECJ

the moment when many companies are reeling from a loss of revenue due to Covid-19.

Even companies that embrace a hybrid work model may find cost savings elusive.

The maths simply don’t add up. Many are locked into long-term leases or service contracts. There are new demands for improved ventilation, lower density and more visible cleaning. And the tight labour market has put new power in the hands of workers to reshape the office experience.

Your pre-pandemic budget is simply not going to cut it.

New technologies and IoT solutions can address many of these issues while also saving money. Here are just some of them: • Room and desk occupancy monitoring to track density, traffic patterns and usage of desks, rooms and common areas • Predictive cleaning solutions driven by data to ensure sanitised, well-supplied washrooms, labs and other spaces • Feedback stations bring responsiveness and transparency, allowing issues to be reported before they get out of hand • Air quality, environment and temperature monitoring solutions identify problems with airflow, humidity, CO2 build-up and uneven HVAC performance.

Seventy three per cent of workers do not think their offices are safe, according to a March 2021 survey by Wakefield Research. Even as over 90 per cent say they miss their office environment, employees are highly concerned with air quality, density and the cleanliness of shared devices and workspaces.

Covid-19 has also increased pressure on cleaning teams and facilities managers.

Ensuring buildings and offices are clean and safe for staff and visitors will be a Während rund um die Welt Mitarbeiter in die Büros zurückkehren, herrscht ein gesteigertes Bewusstsein über die Beziehung zwischen der Leistung eines Gebäudes und der Mitarbeiterbindung. Neue Technologien und IoT-Lösungen können dabei helfen, viele der Herausforderungen anzugehen – Simon Redgate von microshare.io und Nicolai Baumberger von Soobr liefern die Erklärung.

major focus in the post-pandemic world.

A lack of data and insight on how your facilities are being used will prove costly because home-office has become an integral part in the working environment.

To maintain safe and healthy workplaces companies need to adapt cleaning to the new dynamic circumstances. So cleaning in the right place at the right time is more important than ever before and rigid cleaning schedules are no longer practical.

Demand-oriented planning and execution of cleaning based on data and artificial intelligence come in to sight and bring more transparency and efficiency.

Using existing service level agreement and building data as well as IoT data, the actual cleaning demand can be determined. And the fluctuation of the actual cleaning effort is considered with dynamic cleaning frequencies. So demand-orientated cleaning prevents over-fulfilment and enables cost savings. The combined data results in dynamic route planning, which is visualised on the building plan and displayed to the cleaning staff on a mobile device.

This brings a new way to get more control about the service provision, react to building occupancy and create transparency.

The pandemic has taught us all that the things we take for granted are more fragile than we thought. Density, proximity, indoor space: none of these things loomed as risks before Covid-19 emerged.

Today we know better. Understanding the dynamics of the facilities you are responsible for has never been more important. New solutions provide visibility into the operations of critical systems, the environmental performance of your interior spaces and the wellness of the people within.

Mentre gli impiegati in tutto il mondo ritornano nei loro uffici, c’è una maggiore consapevolezza sul rapporto fra le prestazioni di un edificio e la permanenza in servizio del personale. Nuove tecnologie e soluzioni Internet delle Cose possono aiutare ad affrontare molte delle sfide, come spiegano Simon Redgate della microshare.io e Nicolai Baumberger della Soobr.

INTERCLEAN AMSTERDAM

The place to be INTERCLEAN AMSTERDAM - Europe’s largest exhibition for the professional cleaning sector - is about to open its doors again for the first time in four years.

The long-awaited show takes place from May 10-13 after hosting an online version in 2020 due to the pandemic. The last live event was in 2018. More than 600 exhibitors will be presenting their innovations - with plenty of opportunity to network and a comprehensive programme of events.

Innovation Lab & Innovation Awards The Innovation Lab will focus on everything relating to innovation. This activity platform will feature products, solutions, technologies, a line-up of speakers and the most notable innovations at the show. This will include the finalists and the winners of the Amsterdam Innovation Award - with the winners being announced during a ceremony on the opening day, May 10. The Innovation Lab Stage will offer free educational sessions, including the daily Interclean Inside talk show on sustainability, digitalisation and efficiency, and innovation.

Healthcare Cleaning Lab The Healthcare Cleaning Lab is where you will find cleaning products and practices specifically for the healthcare industry. Live demonstrations will be held in a hospital setting to showcase specialised cleaning methods, guidelines, hand hygiene and much more.

Demonstrations will be presented by a professional from SVS, an educational institute for the facility and cleaning industry.

There is also the Healthcare Cleaning Lab Theatre where daily presentations will be given on a wide range of cleaning and infection prevention topics. Key themes will be discussed in three debates during which experts will exchange views on the merits and benefits of technologies and solutions such as non-wovens, UVC and air quality.

Healthcare Cleaning Forum If your main interest is healthcare, be sure to check out the Healthcare Cleaning Forum, which is being organised alongside the exhibition.

Interclean’s Healthcare Cleaning Forum is taking place for the second time at RAI Amsterdam on May 12. The one-day programme has been put together in close cooperation with Clean Hospitals. The focus is on cleaning and hygiene as part of infection prevention in hospitals and longterm care institutions.

Delegates can look forward to interesting keynote speeches and breakout sessions relating to themes such as the impact of Covid-19, cleaning and disinfection, (international) guidelines, sustainability, the importance of evidencebased interventions and new technology.

The fee to attend the Healthcare Cleaning Forum is €75, including lunch and entry to Interclean Amsterdam. Visit www. intercleanshow.com/healthcare-cleaningforum for more information.

Hackathon

Europe’s largest exhibition for the professional cleaning sector - Interclean Amsterdam - takes place from May 10-13 in the Netherlands. The last edition took place in 2018 and its return following the pandemic is keenly anticipated by the industry.

In this comprehensive guide to the event, ECJ looks at what visitors can look forward to at this year’s exhibition. We take a look at the finalists for the Amsterdam Innovation Awards, there’s a map of the show, an exhibitor list and a preview of the new products being launched.

ECJ is official media partner of the Interclean Amsterdam exhibition.

While digitalisation is set to transform the industry, its rapid growth has highlighted a key issue, namely the digital skills gap in the professional cleaning industry. To draw attention to this theme 10 teams with five members each from all over the world will be attending Interclean to demonstrate their problem-solving skills on May 11.

The challenge for teams revolves around the development of an application concept for cleaning personnel, based on a real daily issue. As a visitor you will be able to walk around the workstations, talk to the teams, follow their progress and share your thoughts on their concepts.

Robot Arena Robotic evolution in the cleaning industry is continuing thanks to the ever-increasing use of automated and autonomous cleaning machines within Continued page 50

April/May 2022 | ECJ | 49

INTERCLEAN AMSTERDAM Driving future success (continued) the industry. The latest trend is cobots, with robots and humans working together to get the job done in the most efficient way possible. Visitors can experience the benefits of using robots and cobots to create a more efficient cleaning strategy in the Robot Arena.

Zero Waste Dome Cleaners play a crucial role in (zero) waste management. Maximum recycling requires pure ‘raw material’ flows. Since cleaners are active company-wide, they are able to view waste separation in a perfectly analytical way and can contribute to optimisation and expansion by supervising sustainable solutions, data management and logistics.

A variety of solutions will be presented for separating, collecting, grinding, pressing and composting materials,

L’avant-première de ECJ sur l’Interclean Amsterdam, qui se tiendra du 10 au 13 mai, commence ici. Nous jetons un coup d’œil sur les produits et manifestations incontournables et offrons un panorama des entreprises lauréates des Prix de l’Innovation et des principaux lancements de produits.

April/May 2022 | ECJ | 50

as well as examples of circularity and closing the loop by repurposing ‘waste’.

Daily presentations by experts in the field of waste separation, environmental equipment and sustainability in the supply chain will give insights into current and future trends.

The programme in the Zero Waste Dome has been developed in collaboration with the Zero Waste Foundation.

Facility Inspiration Event The Facility Inspiration Event (FIE) is intended to provide guidance to and

update facility managers with regard to current challenges which are relevant for the development of cleaning and facility strategies and procurement. The event is intended to help managers find the right solutions for specific challenges and is inspired by relevant innovations.

The FIE offers one-hour inspirational sessions followed by themed innovation tours and a Connect & Exchange lunch.

For more information about all these events, and for details on visiting Interclean Amsterdam visit the website: www.intercleanshow.com

ECJ will report from the show with an email newsletter every day. Visit europeancleaningjournal.com to register for your copy

Die Vorschau des ECJ auf die Interclean Amsterdam, die vom 10. bis 13. Mai stattfindet, beginnt hier. Wir werfen einen Blick auf die wichtigsten Merkmale und Veranstaltungen, liefern einen Überblick über die Finalisten des Innovation Awards und die wichtigsten Produktneuvorstellungen auf der Messe.

Inizia qui l’anteprima di ECJ dell’evento Interclean Amsterdam che si terrà dal 10 al 13 maggio. Diamo uno sguardo alle caratteristiche e agli eventi da non perdere, facciamo un riepilogo dei finalisti dei premi Innovation Award e dei prodotti chiave che verranno lanciati durante l’evento.

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INTERCLEAN AMSTERDAM

Amsterdam Innovation Awards - the finalists The 2022 Amsterdam Innovation Awards will be presented on the first day of Interclean Amsterdam. In each of the four categories there will be a winner, with one of them then being named the overall winner of the Amsterdam Innovation Award. ECJ takes a look at the products that have reached the final stages.

recycling of plastic packaging in the cleaning industry says Spectro. Special dosage caps take care of the correct use of the super concentrated cleaning agents. Logistical impact is reduced due to clever design of the bottles to fit smaller boxes. With a patented design it is unique in the world.

Sustainability and Environment Essity for Tork Biobased Heavy-Duty Cleaning Cloth The Tork Biobased HeavyDuty Cleaning Cloth from Essity is made from 99 per cent plant-based, sustainablysourced fibres. It helps to lower the consumption of fossil based materials. And the product packaging is made from 100 per cent recycled fibres and at least 30 per cent recycled plastics.

Spectro for the Ecodos Dosage Bottle The Ecodos Dosage Bottle is made of 100 per cent recycled plastic from Spectro’s Recycle Factory, the world’s first closed 54 | April/May 2022 | ECJ

Grupo Maya for EVERSEA Multipurpose Cloth The EVERSEA Multipurpose Cloth is composed of 70 per cent recycled cotton 30 per cent SEAQUAL yarn produced by processing PET from plastic bottles collected from coasts,beaches,seas & rivers. Grupo Maya can certify and guarantee its EVERSEA products are made of Upcycled Marine Plastic. Designed for use on any type of surface.

Retains dust particles.

Smart Technologies & Digitalisation Vileda Professional for Swep EviSense A new solution bringing digitalisation to the manual task of mopping. EviSense addresses key market insights by providing guidance and support to cleaning operators and the ability to evidence work done to clients and management. Easy to install, no training required. Data hosted safe and secure in the VP iQonnect cloud.

View all of this year’s nominated products at the InnovationLAB. Gaussian Robotics for Gaussian Scrubber 50 Pro Gaussian Scrubber 50 Pro is a versatile cleaning robot integrating scrubbing, damp- and dust mopping.

It can autonomously charge and refill water supported by the workstation. The 5 depth cameras grant the robot 360° visibility to work in very complex scenarios. Driven by its deep learning capacity, it has a “spot cleaning’ mode where it “patrols” an area and cleans autonomously when contamination is detected.

INTERCLEAN AMSTERDAM

drain and refill, running time over six hours, AI designed routes, increase the profitability of cleaning with autonomous machines.

LionsBot International for R3 Scrub LionsBot introduces a new category of cleaning robots the cleaner’s personal robot assistant. A robot that everyone can use everywhere. The R3 Scrub is an affordable necessity for each cleaner to clean small to medium spaces while they focus on customer service and disinfection says LionsBot. The R3 Scrub is an autoscrubbing robot designed to be super easy to use and leaves floors dry and cleans quietly.

Workforce and Ergonomics RCM for Nexbot Nexbot is an autonomous scrubber dryer made to clean efficiently large spaces It reduces significantly the environmental impact of cleaning, in terms of reduction of water (90 litres per six hours of cleaning) detergent and waste. Its performance, pushed by high speed, nonstop clean to

Arcora International for Pu-Pad Light The 100 per cent environmentally friendly pad with water drop perforation is the perfect pad for the maintenance cleaning with all types of scrubber dryer machines. It achieves an area performance up to 80,000 square metres and can be used on all water-resistant elastic coverings and hard floors. With the composition of polyester, polyether and a polyurethane fixation, the pad is very robust and durable.

Kärcher for the BVL 5/1 Backpack Vacuum The BVL 5/1 Bp from Kärcher is the world´s first batteryoperated ergonomic backpack vacuum cleaner made of innovative and ultralight EPP material, which is extra robust and meets the highest Professional requirements when it comes to ergonomics and stability. The BVL 5/1 Bp convinces with an ergonomic frame from Deuter and its unrestricted, cordless use and its excellent mobility and flexibility.

Health and Hygiene Consensus Group for EnozoPRO EnozoPRO offers a risk reducing alternative to all daily chemicals, deodorisers and sanitisers. The spray bottle contains revolutionary and patented technology, an electrolytic cell that turns tap water into Aqueous Ozone (AO) – nature’s most powerful sanitiser. With a push on the trigger, safe A.O. is created on-demand which is non-toxic, sustainable, eco-friendly and contains no fragrances or dyes.

Continued page 56

April/May 2022 | ECJ | 55

INTERCLEAN AMSTERDAM Amsterdam Innovation Awards - the finalists (continued)

consumption of detergent necessary for the needs of the building site.

AR-CO Chimica for Aladin GT5 Aladin is the only system that allows you to obtain a certain cost of cleaning, says AR-CO. Its Aladin systems are automatic detergent dispensers with controlled dispensing, with the aid of a software that previously allows the estimate of the Les gagnants par catégorie et le gagnant général du Prix de l’innovation Interclean Amsterdam seront annoncés au premier jour du salon, le 10 mai. ECJ se penche ici de plus près sur tous les finalistes.

56 | April/May 2022 | ECJ

means no waste, no mess.

Environmentally friendly: waste reduction up to 40 per cent and also CO2 Emissions. 70 per cent less space in transport maximum autonomy. 300 per cent more paper, reduced labour. Individual pack and handle means the pack can also be used as a portable dispenser.

Alani Higiene for Coreless Centre Pull Paper Towel One sheet at a time.

Consumption control: up to 35 per cent. Coreless Die Gewinner in den einzelnen Kategorien und der Gesamtgewinner der Interclean Amsterdam Innovation Awards werden am ersten Ausstellungstag, dem 10. Mai, bekanntgegeben. Das ECJ nimmt hier die Finalisten unter die Lupe.

I vincitori di categoria e i vincitori assoluti di Interclean Amsterdam Innovation Award verranno annunciati il primo giorno dell’evento, il 10 maggio. In questo numero, ECJ fa una panoramica di tutti i finalisti.

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- Designing for occupational health and safety.

- Integrated services management under the “new normal”.

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INTERCLEAN AMSTERDAM

Exhibitor A-Z Company 2Pure Products 4B DISTRIB 4CleanPro srl 99 Technologies 99point9 Hygiene

Stand no 12.300 05.333 03.116 05.634 11.404

A A&B Laboratorios 03.408 A.C.E.M. 07.205 ABI B.V. 02.108 Abrasive Techs 07.123 Accutrade 07.422 Achton A/S 12.303 ACS Industries 02.412 Addax Motors 03.412 Adiatek 02.113 Adlatus Robotics 07.426 Afidamp 03.506 Ajsia 02.119 Alani Higiene 12.805 Alberti Intl 05.242 Alfredo Llimona 02.308 AL-KO 03.104 All Care 10.102 Allclean 02.112 Allegrini 07.104 Alwin Mfg 12.300B Amano Pioneer Eclipse 01.209 Ambielectric 12.108 Ambinature 12.816 Amer 03.109 Americo 02.315 Americol 12.700 Ametek Italia 05.505 Amtra Sp 07.416 Anadolu 07.406 annapapi 07.201 Annovi Reverberi 05.243 Antesto 02.124 Aqdot 12.114 Ar-Co Chimica 01.533 Arcora 01.334 Aridom Sanex 12.412 Artred 05.114 ASAP Int’l 12.513 ASEM 07.425 ASFEL 03.502 Ataker Dosing 01.146 Atma 11.106 Ausavil 07.309 Automate 01.333 Autonomous Disinfection Technologies 07.420 AVET 07.223

Company

Stand no

B B & F Industries B+N Referencia Badertscher Battery Supplies Baudoin Bayersan BE Power Equip Bertolini I Bewima Biemmedue BioHygiene Bionetix Int’l Birchmeier Boma Nederland Bonastre System Bos Cleaning Bournas Medicals Brain Corp Bram Int’l BRD Papir Brightwell Disps Brilliant Group BICSc Brosserie Thomas

05.454 02.114 03.101 05.409 02.102 07.308 05.249 05.351 05.403 01.131 12.511 02.405 05.149 B2 01.134 03.107 11.200 07.108 01.233 11.413 01.239 07.522 03.504 05.326

C CCAG Crotti 03.309 Caddy Clean 03.220 Calvatis 07.215 Cappah Int’l 05.310 Carbi 12.415 Care4iT 05.612 Carpet Cleaner 03.115 Cartiere Carrara 10.303 Cartindustria 12.601 Centralcarta 10.304 Changzhou Clever 05.614 ChemiTek 05.419 Chicopee 01.505 Christeyns 01.441 CID Lines 07.517 Citrox Biosciences 12.519 CK Global 07.525 Clar Systems 10.308 Clean Connect Elicium Clean India Journal 06.209 Clean Part 03.103 Clean Solutions 07.514 Cleanaccess 05.107 CleanAir Spaces 12.217 Cleanfix 01.405 Cleaning Block 02.109 Cleaning Community 01.138 Cleaning Component 05.441 Cleanitud 11.214 CleanMotion 12.102

Company Cleantools (S) Cleartex Kft. Cleenol Group Clenli Direct CM2W CMS Berlin Comac Comet Cominter Concept Mfg Consensus Group Coor & Kleever Corazzi Fibre Courtois Coynco CTS Chemistry Cuatrogasa

Stand no 01.331 07.400 05.230 07.518 03.102 05.143 01.421A 01.503 11.306 05.303 05.632 01.621 05.445 05.511 05.330 07.515 11.201

D Daego Co 07.203 Dagu 07.313 Daina 11.217 Danduct Clean 03.204 Danpoort Int’l 07.502 DayCo Metal 10.508 De Witte 05.411 Decitex 05.308 Decor 11.107 De-Engineer 12.810 DeepBlue 07.220 Deiss, Emil 11.205 Delex Teknik 05.429 Delfin 05.206 Delt papir 12.703 Dema Europe 01.309 Denox 12.315 Depureco 05.121 Detectamet 07.506 Dettol Pro 12.307 DHYS Int’l Group 11.303 DiBO 01.325 Dino Group 11.303 Disarp 03.214 Dispensing Dynamics 03.406 Distriflac 05.415 Dityspray 07.100 DNS Global 07.227 dokumop 03.222 Domel 07.214 Dosico 11.309 Dosiper 05.213 Dr. Gansow Gmatic 05.413 Dr. Rauwald 03.310 Dreumex 11.101 Dulevo Int’l 02.207 Dunkermotoren 05.505 Duplex Int’l 01.219

Company Du-Puy

Stand no 07.217

E Eco Removal 07.428 Ecobat Battery 01.221 Ecocert 07.510 Ecochem 03.203 Ecoline 12.505 Ehrle 03.306 Eko-Higiena 12.615 Electrostar 02.402 Elsea 01.115 Elson Hava 11.503 emco Bautechnik 02.115 Emiltec 05.345 Emirates Steel Wool 07.305 E-Pack 05.509 Epoca 03.119 Ermop 07.526 Errebi Paper 12.120 EscaTEQ 02.418 Essel Seluloz 12.713 Essel Tissue 12.713 Eternity Techs 03.205 ETS 03.501 Eudorex 05.510 European Cleaning Journal - ECJ 01.100 Eurosan 11.303 Eurosyst 11.303 Euroquimica 01.428 Eurosteam 03.319 Everything 12.807 Excel Dryer 11.401 Excentr 07.122 Exclusiva 11.303 Extra Lux 11.303

F Faber Tile & Stone 07.407 Facility Data Standard 05.638 Falcon Brush 07.210 Falpi 01.407 Fa-Ma Jersey 05.133 Faner Aroma 12.100 Fanset Elektrikli 05.205 FeedbackNow 05.113 Fellowes 12.319 Fibratesco 01.231 Fibril Tuketim 10.400 Fig Products 11.203 Filmop Int’l 01.211 Fimap 01.421B Flash 02.211 Flesz 11.508 Floorpul Int’l 02.213 Floorwash 05.341 Continued next page

April/May 2022 | ECJ | 59

INTERCLEAN AMSTERDAM Exhibitor A-Z (continued) Company Stand no FloorZilla 03.108B Flora Plastik 11.208 Flora Wilh. Förster 03.313 F-Matic 12.116 Fooom 12.406 Fragrance Delivery 12.104 Fresh Products 11.314

G Gaussian Robotics 07.112 Genesis Biosciences 02.400 Genwec Washroom 10.209 Germo 01.142 GEH 11.304 Ghibli & Wirbel 01.507 Gisowatt 05.328 Gloria 05.255 GOJO Industries 12.209 Golden Filter 02.307 Gotec 02.417 Green Hygiene PP.CO.01 Greenspeed 01.106 Groupe Kolmi Hopen 11.111 Grupa Inco 12.817 Grupo Maya 05.329 GSA - Edicom 06.202 Gtech 01.623 GVS 11.303

H Hagletner 05.223 haid-tec 07.103 Hako 01.101 Haltian 05.628 Hangzhou Rongjiang 07.420B Hanke Tissue 12.313 Happy Scoot 05.458 Hassan Tekstil 07.202 Haug Bürsten 05.129 Hawk Leuco 05.257 Hayat Kimya 12.305 Hefter Cleantech 01.437 HeiQ Materials 12.411 Helome 07.414 Herwe 12.706 Heva 07.118 Hewitex 01.216 Hyper Grinder 07.419 Hilados Biete 01.217 Hillbrush 02.106 Hitam 05.224 HomeHelpy.

07.513 Hoover Prof 03.303 Hovicon Int’l 12.512 HTS Bio Labs 05.222 Hunter 05.301 Hygan 05.305 Hygenia 12.605 Hygiene 4 You 12.504 Hygiene Fresh 12.708 Hygiene Vision 12.802

Company Hyprom

Stand no 12.603

I I.c.a. Tissue 11.207 i.Gluesystems 11.414 IBIX 05.361 ICE Cobotics 01.435 Idrobase Group 05.354 Idromatic 05.352 Idropavese 05.347 IGEAX 05.430 Ihlas Ev Aletleri 03.209 Ihsan Cotton Prods 05.401 IK Sprayers 05.214 Ikochimiki 07.315 Imaltec Group 05.345 IMET 12.809 Infogrid 05.630 Impeco 12.720 Induquim 05.103 Industrie Celtex 10.207 Ing. O. Fiorentini 02.117 Injecta 05.327 Innovation Lab 05.527 Innovise 05.520 InnuScience 02.110 INPACS 02.101 Interclean Group 12.624 Interclean Stage Elicium Intercon Korea 07.213 Interped Partner 11.411B Interpump Group 01.105 Inventus Power 05.113B Ionic Systems 01.321 ISSA 06.206 ISSA Pulire Network 06.206 IT2C 05.508 Italimpia 02.313 i-team Global 02.317

J Janibell JDS Products Jetmat Jetwave JM-Metzger Jofel - San Jamar El Castor Johannes Kiehl Josef Kränzle JVD

12.608 11.209 03.414 05.246 11.411 10.109 01.207 01.439 11.307

K K & K Recycling Kärcher Kemika Kennedy Hygiene Kenter Kerstar Ketek Kimberly-Clark

07.105 01.135 07.424 10.103 B22 05.122 02.208 10.301

Company Kleen Purgatis Klindex KlinMak Knight UK Kothar/Axis Kroll KTS RFID Kunzle & Tasin Kwazar Corp

Stand no 01.229 05.115 02.114 01.122 05.353 11.105 07.523B 07.317 07.125

L Laboratorios Vinfer 01.428 Lamix 12.707 Lavor 02.203 LC Paper 1881 10.401 Legend Brands 02.305 Lehmann 01.235 Liber 07.102 LifeClean Int’l 12.521 Limpiezas Inform 06.207 Lindhaus 03.304 Lionsbot Int’l 02.311 Lissowski 05.617 Lombarda H 11.415 LOSDI 10.409 Lucart Group 12.301

M MID Software 05.524 M+A Matting 02.406 MAC 5 05.449 MAC Int’l 05.348 Maddocks 02.120 Maer Idropulitrici 05.253 Makita Europe 07.110 Manipulados Lisma 10.203 Manka Creations 12.824 Mantinez Conesa 11.311 MAP-TEN 01.218 Mar Plast 11.103 Marselos Bros 11.407 Master Climate 05.608 MasterProfi 07.312 Maxima 01.215 Mazzoni 05.350 Meclean 01.535 Mecline 05.251 Medentech 12.320 Metalnova 12.105 Mediclinics 10.407 MedTekk 12.622 Megaport EOOD 12.124 meiko Textil 05.215 Menikini 01.311 Merida 11.216 Merlett 07.200 Mesto Sprayers 02.126 MG Group 07.523 Micro System 07.226 Microlife .

02.416 Midwest Rubber 02.301

Company Stand no MIF Filter Sys 05.114B Militex 01.341 Mobiserv 05.618 Moerman 03.105 Mogul Nonwovens 10.500 Mopatex 05.231 Morclean 01.124 Morris & Co 03.404 Mosmatic 03.218 MotorScrubber 01.509 MP hygiene 10.107 Mr.Friendly 12.413 MTM Hydro 05.153 Mutexil 11.402 Muvtons Castors 07.410

N Nanorade Art 07.115 Nateosante 12.618 NCCA SA 03.505 Nemkar 03.211 Netpak Elek 10.501 Nettuno 11.409 New Pig 10.309 Newcel Paper 11.518 Newmop 11.410 Nexaro 07.328 Nicolini & C. 01.432 Ningbo Changqi 12.815 Nitida Cleaning 05.331 NOB166 03.111 Nocore 05.515 Nofer 12.314 Norafin Inds 07.520 Northwood 11.403 Notrax 02.303 Novaerus 12.419 Novaltec Group 07.306 Nozomi Marketing 12.118 NumaticInt’l 01.123 Nuova Brescia Acc 03.206

O Oleak OMM Onemop Int’l Ophardt Hygiene Optiqo Sweden Orapi Orasil Orbot Orma Air Control Oskar Pahlke Otto Oehme Oxy’Pharm

11.315 01.335 02.118 10.300 05.519 11.113 03.312B 02.403 11.300 05.417 02.107 07.116

P P+L Systems PA Paardekooper Packing 90

11.507 05.141 12.500 12.808 Continued page 62

60 | April/May 2022 | ECJ

INTERCLEAN AMSTERDAM Exhibitor A-Z (continued) Company Pakufol Paperdi Paul Voormann Peter Greven Pireka PLAAlbert Plafor Planet Poli Machines Polifilm Polikur Polipak Pollet Polti Pongal Power Wash PPH Polmar Pramol-Chemie Proandre Probbax Prodifa Profijet Proficlean Progiclean Promopastor ProServices SK PRP Solutions PSG Germany PTC Pulitecno Purex Global Purleve

Stand no 11.110 11.109 11.512 12.609 11.303 03.208 12.125 12.211 05.203 12.800 12.607 12.814 01.222 05.504 01.322 05.436 12.515 05.420 12.101 12.203 05.435 05.147 11.303 05.517 03.312 05.518 05.513 10.100 05.155 05.256 03.209B 11.302

Q QTS Italy Quimicas QWIKR Prof

10.305 11.408 05.434

R R&T R + M / Suttner R&W Batterijen Racletta Ramex rationell reinigen Ravel Raypath Int’l RCM Reflexx Reinigungs Markt Rekola Resaco Robert Scott Robot Arena Roial Roots Multiclean Rosemor Int’l Rothopro Rotomag Motors Rowin Plastics Rubberex

01.121 03.201 07.512 07.210 05.359 01.643 05.243 07.530 01.333 11.312 01.144 01.434 12.318 01.501 05.525 11.102 03.301 01.223 12.113 02.104 01.140 11.104

62 | April/May 2022 | ECJ

Company Rubbermaid Rubino Chem Rulopak Hygiene

Stand no 12.201 03.219 11.313

S SC Pumps 05.454 SED 07.412 SPE 01.117 Saehan Puriwell 07.107 Saier Dosiertechnik 07.301 Salverde 07.508 Sanicus 12.222 Sanifica 12.821 Sanimaid 07.121 Sanitec-Italchimica 01.539 Santa Gemma 10.106 Santoemma 05.111 Sanz Group 03.316 Saraya Europe 12.403 SC Johnson Prof 12.617 Scent Pur Mfg 12.613 SCI-Services 12.503 Seko 01.315 Selden Research 12.119 Sibilia 05.332 Sico 05.237 Silgan Disp 12.801 Simmm Eng 05.448 Sipeko 12.711 SJE Corp 01.128 Skyvell 11.516 Smarth 12.723 SMBURE 07.204 SN Rossignol 12.507 Socius Network 11.303 Sofidel 10.201 SoftBank Robotics 05.630 SoftWash Systems 07.314 Softysoft 05.523 Solo Innovaciones 12.811 Solo Kleinmotoren 05.131 Solupak Soap2O 03.315 Solution Glöckner 01.316 Solvay 11.509 Sontara 02.415 Soobr 05.519A Spacevac Int’l 07.206 Spectro 02.210 Sphere Prof 12.705 Spinaclean 03.307 Spival 01.637 Sprimsol 03.311 Spring Air 12.115 Sprintus 01.443 Squad Robotics 05.643 SRI France 05.343 Steam Italy 05.135 Stearinos 11.405 Stein & Co 01.603 Steinmann Zurich 02.122 Stella Pack 07.511

Company Stand no Sterigam 12.106 Steripower 11.316 Sterisafe 12.417 Stichting 05.529 STI 05.204 STIL Casa 12.309 Stolzenberg 03.200 Streamline Europe 07.310 Sucitesa 01.127 Superabrasive 07.221 Supermax Healthcare 12.714 SuperSUB 01.126 Sutter Prof 01.230 SVS 12.518 Swordson 11.108 Synclean 03.112 SYR 01.119 systeco Vertriebs 07.128

T Taishan Jie Da 12.715 Taiwan Spunlace 02.411 TAK Textiles 05.507 Tallyos France 05.512 Tapess 11.303 Taqt 05.522 TCE Group 07.219 Tecno.mec 05.349 Tecnovap 03.117 Teinnova 05.233 Tektem Makina 03.106 Telkar 12.803 Tenax Int’l 05.332 Tennant 07.311 Tenzi 03.213 Tersano Int’l 03.202 Texia Seamless 03.114 TG hyLIFT 05.609 The Aroma Trace 12.311 The Cleaning Assoc of South Africa 03.503 The Future in Cleaning 05.626 The Hygiene Co 11.519 The Malish Corp 02.401 The Navigator Co 10.205 Thomil Prof 01.210 Tina Trolleys 05.440 TMB 01.307 TomCat 02.309 Tomorrow’s Cleaning 01.132 ToolSense 05.637 Tork/Essity 10.101 Tornador/Rotador 05.453 TPA Impex 05.145 TPC Bohman.

07.106 Tre Colli 01.305 Trevipapel 10.403 triooo Technology 01.327 Trojan Battery 01.220 Trotec 05.508B

Company TSM TTS Cleaning TVH TVX Cleaning TWT

Stand no 03.110 01.431 01.541 01.110 01.133

U US Power Solution 02.413 U.S. Pumice Co 02.407 Uctem-Plas 03.113 Udor 05.252 Unelko Corp 07.117 Unger Germany 01.205 Unicorn Hygienics 12.117 Unidoz Dosing 03.108 United Robots 05.640 Univac 05.432

V V. Brøndum 03.100 Vacuflex 05.452 VAMA 10.105 VDM 01.339 Vectair Systems 12.205 Veltia 12.314 Vepa Bins 12.111 Vermop Salmon 01.437 Vialli/Oguzhan 11.100 Victor Floorcare 01.641 Victory Innovations 02.214 Vijusa 05.207 Viking Paper 12.408 Vileda Professional 05.307 Vink Agencies 01.121 Virgola 01.621 Vycel 12.718

W WAAK 03.308 Washroom Wizard 03.305 Waterkracht 01.113 We Italia 11.303 Wecoline 01.111 Weifang Tricol 07.318 Welcron 07.212 Welmax Paper 11.514 WEPA Professional 10.405 Werner & Mertz 05.311 Wessel-Werk 07.303 Wetac Motive 03.410 Wiese 11.305 Wizard 12.514 Wm System 03.317

Y Yöntem Kagit 12.713 Youngsan Handels 12.222

Z Zeca 05.244 Zero Waste Dome 05.529 This exhibitor list has been supplied by the organisers of Interclean Amsterdam. ECJ takes no responsibility for errors or omissions

INTER ACTION

Clean. Green. Connected.

Let’s interact again!

Meet us and our innovations at Interclean 2022, booth 05.307

Discover the details at: vileda-professional.co.uk/interclean

10 to 13 May 2022

INTERCLEAN AMSTERDAM

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Related products April/May 2022 | ECJ | 65

WORLDS FASTEST FLOOR CLEANING MACHINE We believe we have invented the worlds fastest floor cleaning machine for small and medium sized areas. A design so radically different it has to be seen to be believed.

Our latest innovation DRYFT is designed with limitless potential, it cleans and dries central floors, edges, corners and all hard to reach areas with speed and precision, all packaged in a lightweight, compact and easy to use device.

Book your viewing in our exclusive VIP room on stand 01.509 at Interclean in Amsterdam, 10-13 May. Register here: www.motorscrubberclean.com/dryft-interclean

INTERCLEAN AMSTERDAM

Essity Stand 10.101

Essity will be highlighting a range of products claimed to combine hygiene with sustainability.

Tork Heavy-Duty Cleaning Cloth 99% Biobased is designed for wiping up oil, grease and water spills.

Manufactured using 99 per cent bio-based ingredients, it comes in packaging made from 100 per cent recycled fibres and at least 30 per cent recycled plastics.

Also on show will be the Tork Skincare range of soaps and hand sanitisers, plus the Tork PeakServe Continuous Hand Towel Dispenser. This high-capacity system holds up to 2,100 towels

and delivers them in a continuous action to eliminate the risk of jams.

The company will also be demonstrating Tork Vision Cleaning, a digital solution that uses people-counters and connected dispensers to provide real-time data on cleaning requirements.

Tork PaperCircle will also be showcased. Customers signing up to the service have their used washroom towels taken away to local recycling centres where they are made into other tissue products. This, says Essity, can enable businesses to reduce the environmental footprint of their paper hand towels by 40 per cent..

And two healthcare training modules - Tork Clean Hands Training and Tork Interactive Clean

Hospital Training – will also be demonstrated. Tork Interactive Clean Hospital Training incorporates tips and tricks for safe healthcare cleaning and includes a ‘train-the-trainer’ module, while Tork Clean Hands Training invites healthcare staff into a digital world where they are confronted with a series of realistic hand hygiene scenarios. www.tork.co.uk

EZshine

EZshine will be demonstrating a range of systems using ToughFlex Polycrystal Technology.

Highlights of the company’s stand will include a diamond polishing solution designed for orbital floor systems, plus an antibacterial floor pad which is claimed to effectively remove bacteria from the floor using water only. www.ezshinepad.com

• S’appuyant ses des plus récents lancements de produits, Essity, le fabricant de produits Tork, montre comment l’hygiène et la durabilité peuvent faire bon ménage.

• EZshine a développé un système à tampon antibactérien de polissage des sols ne nettoyant qu’à l’eau.

• Mit den neuesten Produktvorstellungen zeigt Tork Hersteller Essity, dass Hygiene mit Nachhaltigkeit Hand in Hand gehen kann.

• EZshine hat ein antibakterielles Bodenpolierkissensystem entwickelt, das zur Reinigung nur Wasser erfordert.

• Con il lancio dei suoi nuovi prodotti, la Essity, produttrice della linea Tork, dimostra come l’igiene e la sostenibilità possono andare di pari passo.

• La EZshine ha sviluppato un sistema di dischi antibatterici per lucidare i pavimenti che utilizzano solo acqua.

We are gamechangers & awardwinners in Hygiene, Health, Hospitality and Happiness

Join us @ Booth 05.632

www.consensusgroup.org

April/May 2022 | ECJ | 67

INTERCLEAN AMSTERDAM

• Sous la désignation Integral 2GO HsM, Hagleitner propose un nouveau système de dosage de concentrés de nettoyage.

• Le nouveau système de balayage humide Globo est de caractère vraiment universel et traite n’importe quelle surface, affirme son fabricant, Filmop.

• La dernière solution Ophardt pour l’hygiène des mains est offerte par la série « intelligente » SanTRAL Plus.

• Battery Supplies introduit une nouvelle gamme de batteries ainsi que de nouveaux chargeurs imperméables.

• Bei integral 2GO HsM handelt es sich um das neue digitale Dosiersystem für Reinigungskonzentrate von Hagleitner.

• Laut Hersteller Filmop handelt es sich bei Globo um ein neues Moppsystem, das wahrhaft universell einsetzbar ist – geeignet für alle Oberflächen.

• Die neueste Spenderlösung für die Handhygiene von Ophardt ist die intelligente Baureihe SanTRAL Plus.

• Battery Supplies stellt eine neue Produktreihe mit Batterien sowie einige wasserdichte Ladegeräte vor.

• Integral 2GO HsM è il nuovo sistema digitalizzato di dosaggio dei detergenti concentrati prodotto dalla Hagleitner.

• La Filmop afferma che il suo prodotto Globo è il nuovo sistema di mop veramente universale e adatto per tutte le superfici.

• La più nuova soluzioni di dispenser per l’igiene delle mani della Ophardt è la serie “smart” SanTRAL Plus.

• La Battery Supplies ha lanciato una nuova gamma di batterie e anche dei caricabatterie impermeabili.

70 | April/May 2022 | ECJ

Hagleitner Stand 05.223

Device settings can be controlled via an app which also allows the data to be analysed via an online portal. www.hagleitner.com

Ophardt Hygiene Stand 10.300

Filmop Stand 01.211 Hagleitner will be exhibiting its integral 2GO HsM digitalised dosing system for highly concentrated disinfectants and detergents.

The device transmits real-time data on fill levels along with service needs. This is collected via an online platform to allow cleaners to create detailed statistics for resource-planning. integral 2GO HsM is designed to dose consistently at steady levels. This precise dosing capability provides cleaners with insight into exactly how much detergent is produced by each cartridge while also reducing cleaning costs. Detergents are mixed automatically on site which reduces storage and transport volumes by up to 80 per cent, according to Hagleitner. This is also said to cut CO2 emissions and plastic waste.

An RFID chip in the cartridge prevents the risk of product mixups, while a specially-designed valve ensures the system is safe for employees. This valve prevents the concentrated detergent from leaking out before the cartridge has been snapped into place, even when the screw cap has been removed.

Seven detergents are compatible with the system: a sanitary cleaner, a disinfecting sanitary cleaner, surface disinfectant, an all-purpose cleaner, a kitchen cleaner, stone and tile cleaner and a universal floor cleaner.

Claimed to save time and effort compared with traditional mopping systems are Filmop’s new Globo microfibre mops.

These are said to be intuitive, easy to use, efficient and particularly effective at removing germs and bacteria.

The Globo system comprises a foldable mop holder and a range of mops with micro flaps.

Ultra-thin filaments integrated into the mops penetrate the floor’s microporosity, capturing the dirt and only releasing it during washing.

No hand contact is required on the part of the operator when attaching and releasing the mops, and the system eliminates the need for adopting any uncomfortable positions during cleaning. These features help to prevent cross-contamination, fatigue and occupational disorders, according to Filmop.

The company says Globo is the first universal professional washing system capable of being used in the same way as traditional mopping systems with strap-tapes, pockets and pockets-flaps. It is designed to adapt to the operator’s own preferences, optimising cleaning without requiring cleaners to change their habits.

This helps to ease the task of cleaning while protecting the operator’s health and achieving high standards, according to Filmop. www.filmop.com

New from Ophardt Hygiene is the SanTRAL Plus line of connected hygiene dispensers.

These transmit fill levels and usage data to web-based software via the cloud. This information can then be used to monitor consumption and optimise refill cycles.

SanTRAL Plus dispensers come in six finishes including PCR plastic and recycled stainless steel. And the pumps, bottles and external components of the dispensers are all recyclable.

Ophardt units can be customised with colours, graphics and logos to suit the customer. www.ophardt.com

Battery Supplies Stand 05.409 A new range of LiFePO4 waterproof 24V, 36V and 48V batteries has been launched by Battery Supplies.

The company is also exhibiting its Crown Battery US deep-cycle batteries plus open lead acid tubular battery blocks and cells.

Other highlights will include a line of maintenance-free gel deep-cycle batteries plus new battery accessories and affordable waterproof HF chargers.

Battery Supplies says its lead carbon deep-cycle batteries are particularly suitable for use in cleaning machines because they offer double the battery life of gel deep-cycle products; require shorter charging times, and can be charged mid-cycle. batterysupplies.be

INTERCLEAN AMSTERDAM

Seko Stand 01.315

a smartphone.

Also on display will be a selection of Seko’s intelligent warewash dosing systems including WareDose 35, which is designed for large-scale automatic dishwashing in commercial kitchens. www.seko.com

Concept Mfg Stand 05.303 Chemical dosing manufacturer Seko will be showcasing its cleaning and hygiene solutions.

These will include the company’s Wash Series IoT laundry pump systems, designed to improve chemical dosing management for on-premise and commercial laundry operators.

Incorporating solenoid and peristaltic pump-driven models, the Wash Series offers immediate access to live and historical data on demand. It also gives operatives the power to instantly adjust programmes and remotely identify maintenance requirements via

Concept Manufacturing will be exhibiting a floor pad capable of withstanding 50 laundry cycles.

Described as ultra-lightweight, the M’Mop 20 pad can be used for cleaning floors, walls and ceilings. It is suitable for use on all floor types and will leave surfaces clean and streak-free.

The mop is claimed to work efficiently with clear water and is

said to remove 99.99 per cent of microorganisms from surfaces.

A complete range of microfibre products and tools will also be on display. www.concept-microfibre.com

Kimberly-Clark Stand 10.301 ‘Building a Brighter Tomorrow. Together’ is the theme of Kimberly-Clark Professional’s stand. The company will be showcasing its range of washroom and wiping products under the Kleenex, Scott and WypAll brands. Kimberly-Clark will also be providing business insights on workplace health, hygiene and wellbeing. www.kcprofessional.com

• Seko présente sa gamme de systèmes de dosage, dilution et distribution.

• La W’Mop proposée par Concept Manufacturing est une tête de balayage humide d’usage bref résistant à 50 cycles de lavage ou plus.

• Kimberly-Clark Professional aligne ses marques pour toilettes collectives et essuyage, y compris Kleenex, Scott ad WypAll.

• Seko präsentiert seine Produktfamilie mit Dosier-, Verdünnungs- und Spendersystemen für Chemikalien.

• Beim W’Mop von Concept Manufacturing handelt es sich um einen Moppkopf für kurzzeitigen Einsatz, der für 50 Waschzyklen ausgelegt ist.

• Kimberly-Clark Professional präsentiert seine Waschraum- und Wischtuchmarken, einschließlich Kleenex, Scott und WypAll. • La Seko mostra la sua linea di sistemi di dosaggio, diluizione ed erogazione di prodotti chimici.

• Il mop W’Mop della Concept Manufacturing è un mop a uso limitato progettato per durare 50 cicli di lavaggio.

• La Kimberly-Clark Professional espone le sue marche di prodotti per i bagni e panni per le pulizie fra cui Kleenex, Scott e WypAll.

Protect Your Floors Prevention Costs Less Than Repair Use Pioneer Eclipse floor care systems to protect, enhance and help preserve the condition and appearance of many floor types. This versatile line of impregnators, top shields, sealers, coatings and environmentally preferred products offers a customized solution for any application. Combined with a proven maintenance program, Pioneer Eclipse floor care systems will enhance durability for high traffic conditions, stain protection and establish the desired floor appearance while offering consistent procedures and cost.

+1.336.372.8080 www.PioneerEclipse.com

April/May 2022 | ECJ | 71

INTERCLEAN AMSTERDAM

Grass Tech

ride-on floor scrubbers and scrubber dryers. www.supersubpad.com

Stand 01.126 Designed to replace traditional brushes are SuperSUB floor cleaning pads for use on structured and smooth surfaces such as ceramic, stone, marble and structured epoxy floors.

Made by Grass Tech Solutions, they offer optimum cleaning performance on joints, anti-slip floors and safety floors.

The fact SuperSUB pads are

Dityspray Stand 07.100 attached beneath the machine’s pad driver saves the operator time, since there is no need to detach the pad driver itself. The pads come in a range of shapes and sizes and can be used with rotating, oscillating or orbital

Described as a sustainable alternative to aerosols and sprayers is Dityspray.

The system consists of a transparent box – the Ditybox into which is inserted a Ditybag.

This can be used to accommodate a wide range of cleaners,

degreasers, descalers and disinfectants in either liquid or oilbased form.

The product is dispensed using compressed air which removes the need for propellants while also eliminating any associated safety issues.

The Ditybox can be used more than 5,000 times. www.dityspray.com

Nettuno Stand 11.409 Nettuno will be introducing its new Clinear line of soap and paper dispensers.

The range includes foam and liquid soap dispensers in manual and automatic versions; automatic and folded paper towels units; dispensers for interfold and midi jumbo toilet paper systems, and toilet seat sanitisers. www.nettuno.net • Grass Tech Solutions fait la démonstration du concept SuperSUB de tampons de nettoyage des sols, proposés comme alternative aux brosses. * La Dityspray constitue une alternative durable à la pulvérisation d’aérosols et de produits chimiques.

• Nettuno a mis au point des pochettes entièrement recyclables destinées à contenir ses liquides et savons mousse.

• Grass Tech Solutions führt das neue Bodenpadkonzept SuperSUB vor, das als Alternative zu Bürsten bezeichnet wird.

• Dityspray ist eine nachhaltige Alternative zu Aerosolen und Sprühgeräten für Chemikalien.

• Nettuno hat vollständig recycelbare Beutel für seine Flüssig- und Schaumseifen entwickelt.

• La Grass Tech Solutions dimostra il concetto di dischi per pavimenti SuperSUB considerato un’alternativa alle spazzole.

• Dityspray, prodotto dalla Inospray, è una alternativa sostenibile agli aerosol e agli spray chimici.

• La Nettuno ha sviluppato delle sacche totalmente riciclabili per contenere i suoi prodotti liquidi e i saponi in schiuma.

72 | April/May 2022 | ECJ

INTERCLEAN AMSTERDAM

Reflexx Stand 11.312 New additions to the Reflexx line of gloves will be on display.

These will include Reflexx N81 disposable black nitrile gloves suitable for food contact use, plus two new products in the Feather line.

Also on show will be the Reflexx 70 range; the hypoallergenic N71 line and the Reflexx Food glove.

Reflexx disposable and reusable gloves are designed to withstand the chemical agents found in cleaning detergents. www.reflexx.com

V. Brøndum Stand 03.100 Making its debut on the V. Brøndum stand will be the new Ronda Mini Vac H class vacuum cleaner.

This compact 230V model is said to be particularly suitable for clean-ups following minor

installation tasks. The fact it is highly portable means it can easily transported from floor to floor, according to the company.

Also on show will be the Ronda 1800H Power and Ronda 2600H vacuums. V. Brøndum claims to facilitate the task of cleaning at height with the aid of lightweight carbon fibre tubing in its machines. This is said to reduce the need for lifts or scaffolding while enabling everything from ventilation pipes to roof gutters to be cleaned

quickly and efficiently.

The Ronda range has recently been expanded to include a series of air scrubbers incorporating H-class filters.

These can be used either as negative pressure units for renovation tasks or as air scrubbers in dusty areas.

Also on show will be a range of heavy-duty vacuum cleaners for fine and hazardous dust, plus a series of wet/dry vacuum cleaners. www.broendum.com

THE NEXT BIG THING WILL BE PRETTY SMALL.

• Reflexx expose sa large gamme de gants de protection, y compris des gants jetables N81 en nitrile noir.

• V Brøndum propose le nouvel aspirateur Ronda Mini Vac pour le traitement de petits espaces.

DON’T MISS THE REVOLUTION. • Reflexx zeigt sein weites Sortiment an Schutzhandschuhen, einschließlich des Einweghandschuhs N81 aus schwarzem Nitril.

• Der Ronda Mini Vac ist das neue Modell von V Brøndum, das für kleine Flächen konzipiert wurde.

Subscribe to the Nexaro newsletter now for a free INTERCLEAN ticket – and experience the future of automated floor cleaning! nexaro.com

• La Reflexx espone la sua vasta gamma di guanti protettivi e fra questi il guanto monouso in nitrile nero N81.

• Ronda Mini Vac è il nuovo modello della V Brøndum progettato per essere utilizzato in aree di piccole dimensioni.

April/May 2022 | ECJ | 73

Forum ISSA PULIRE invites you to a journey through the past, present and future of the services sector

L

essons learnt from the past, lessons won through experience. This is what we should all keep in mind when thinking of the cleaning industry and the role it played in the past two years.

Since the outbreak of COVID -19 we witnessed a spike in cleaning service and cleaning products demand. The cleaning industry was put in the spotlight and, now that the emergency is coming to an end, we should concentrate our efforts on keeping the lights on the sector.

That is exactly the objective of the Forum ISSA PULIRE, the two-days International Congress for the entire professional cleaning and integrated services sector organised by ISSA PULIRE Network.

For the sixth edition of the event, the organiser has planned a journey through the past, present and future of the services industry that are represented by the three selected themes: z The value of memory and the building of a civil conscience. z Designing for occupational health and safety. z Integrated services management under the “new normal”.

To avoid the mistakes made in the past we must take actions in the present by designing for occupational health and safety. Occupational health and safety (OHS) and wellbeing are a natural consequence of careful planning that takes account of the workplace as a space, the actions and movements of workers in that space, and the skills that the work demands. Hence, OHS necessarily encompasses teaching activities and professional training.

The future, therefore, will be defined by what we plan in the present and that will ultimately shape what we call “the new normal”.

The pandemic has highlighted the need for an in-depth and wide-ranging analysis of what we might call our ‘new priorities.’ It is in this context that all service providers in the chain of production need to acknowledge the changes that have taken place, for we need to redraw the boundaries of our activities, reorganize operations to meet new needs, and re-assign and re-designate job titles, skills and responsibilities.

Forum ISSA PULIRE invites the whole cleaning industry to an open conversation to design the new normal.

Milano, Italy, 18-19 October 2022.

Memory is like a huge storehouse in which we keep records of experiences that we can consult whenever we need to deal with present and future life challenges.

That’s why we should keep alive the memory of the recent past that has proven the world how, both in the public and in the private sector, cleaning and sanitation services contributed to the containment of infection and thus also to the widespread availability of healthy environments.

Advertisement feature

www.forum.issapulire.com

INTERCLEAN AMSTERDAM

Vectair Systems

ers the entire manufacturing process from plastic injection to brush production. www.brosseriethomas.com

Stand 12.205 Science made Simple will be the theme of the Vectair Systems stand. The company will showcase its aircare and washroom solutions including the V-Air Solid Evolution, part of the V-Air Solid family.

This carbon-neutral fragrance refill incorporates no batteries, liquids or harmful propellants and the scent is dissipated using natural airflow.

Vermop guarantee a long life.

The DiBO JMB-MG features a Kubota water-cooled motor that runs on Compressed Natural Gas. The motor has a heat recovery system that partly preheats the cleaning water, and all motor parameters are monitored by the DiBO control unit.

Both high-pressure cleaners are said to have a smart appearance and come equipped with the new generation DiBO GreenBoiler which works on CNG. This is designed to reduce fuel costs while also achieving higher efficiency levels and lowering CO2 emissions. www.dibo.com

Brosserie Thomas V-Air Solid Evolution is part of the company’s Professional Passive range which requires no aerosols or batteries. Fragrances include Apple Orchard, Citrus Mango and Linen Breeze.

Also on show will be the P-Screen and Wee-Screen urinal screens. Both feature a bubble design and are said to provide a fresh fragrance while also helping to prevent blockages.

Visitors to the stand will be able to touch and test Vectair’s range of Sensamist scent diffusers, designed to create a fragrant atmosphere in large spaces. Sensamist systems use advanced atomiser technology to create a fine fragranced mist which is then diffused into the environment. www.vectairsystems.com

DiBO Stand 01.325 DiBO will be introducing two new trailer-mounted high-pressure cleaners for intensive use.

The DiBO JMB-ME is a powerful machine with a water-cooled electric motor running on a 25 kWh Li-ion battery. Noise levels have been reduced to less than 75dB while the model’s battery management system is said to

Stand 05.326

Brosserie Thomas will be demonstrating its Brosshygien range of brushware which is lightweight and easy to handle.

Brosshygien brushes have a non-porous polypropylene frame plus tightly-packed PBT bristles for optimum chemical resistance. These bristles are held in place with stainless staple wire.

Designed to be tough, durable, rust-proof and rot-proof, the brushes are now available in black to contrast with the lighter shades in the company’s colourcoded range.

Brosserie Thomas makes brushes for the catering, healthcare, chemical and cleaning industries and cov-

Stand 01.437 Vermop will be showing its mops, cleaning trolleys, textiles, liquids and software solutions.

Products include the new Green-Magic mop which is made from recycled fibres. Also on show will be floor cleaning machines under the Hefter Cleantech brand.

Vermop scrubber dryers will also be on show alongside the new Jetvac SD generation dry vacuum cleaner range. This comprises the Jetvac SD 7 entry-level model which has a seven-litre capacity, high suction power and low noise levels; and the Jetvac SD 12. This model can be digitally integrated, offers a 12-litre capacity and can be used with a HEPA 13 filter.

Another highlight will be Vermop’s Eggstacy software.

This enables vacuum cleaners, scrubber dryers and other tools to be networked. www.vermop.com

Rothopro Stand 12.113 Rothopro specialises in ecological and sustainable waste management solutions.

The company aims to reduce its environmental impact by using its own photovoltaic installations as a power source; reducing water consumption through closed cooling systems and by using heat recovery as a heating source.

Rothopro also creates durable products, employs recyclable materials and uses no PVC or BPA in its products or packaging. www.rotho.com

• Vectair Systems présentera ses solutions d’aircare et de sanitaires.

• Les nouvelles remorques de nettoyage haute pression DiBO sont conçues pour un usage intensif.

• Les brosses hygièniques de Brosserie Thomas sont fabriquées en polypropylène non poreux qui n’absorbe ni eau, ni détergents.

• Spécialiste des outils et textiles de nettoyage, Vermop expose aux côtés du fabricant d’autolaveuses Hefter Cleantech, qu’elle a acquis en 2020.

• La société Rotho, spécialiste des solutions pour la gestion des déchets, expose sa gamme de poubelles.

• Vectair Systems wird seine Luftpflege- und Waschraumlösungen präsentieren.

• Die zwei neuen anhängermontierten Hochdruckreiniger von DiBO wurden für intensive Einsatzzwecke konzipiert.

• Hygienebürsten von Brosserie Thomas werden aus nichtporösem Polypropylen hergestellt, das kein Wasser oder Waschmittel absorbiert.

• Vermop, Spezialist für Reinigungswerkzeuge und -textilien, stellt auf einem Stand zusammen mit Hefter Cleantech, Hersteller von Scheuersaugmaschinen, aus, der von Vermop 2020 erworben wurde.

• Mit seiner Produktreihe mit Mülleimern ist Rotho auf Abfallentsorgung spezialisiert.

• Vectair Systems presenterà le sue soluzioni per la cura dell’aria e per il bagno.

• I due nuovi carrelli di pulizia ad alta pressione della DiBO sono progettati per uso intensivo.

• Le spazzole igieniche della Brosserie Thomas sono prodotte con polipropilene non poroso che non assorbe nè acqua nè detergenti.

• La Vermop, specializzata in utensili per le pulizie e prodotti tessili, espone insieme alla produttrice di lavasciuga pavimenti Hefter Cleantech, da essa acquisita nel 2020.

• La Rotho, con la sua gamma di pattumiere, è specializzata nella gestione dei rifiuti.

April/May 2022 | ECJ | 75

The new association in South Africa, aims to be the official custodian of the cleaning industry.

Cleaning as we knew it, has changed completely. The emphasis will now be on cleaning for health as the new normal. And the professional cleaning sector will be at the forefront in compacting decease and pandemics that spreads with the speed and scale of Covid 19.

This changing landscape has therefore, necessitated the need for a fresh approach to the way a cleaning industry association should meet and address current and future challenges, as the health of this country depends on an industry body’s competencies.

Considering my experiences in the cleaning industry, the impact of the pandemic on the workplace created the need for an innovative, visionary, progressive and continuously evolving industry association to shape the future of the professional cleaning

government, corporate South Africa and labour organisations.

• The focus of CASA also aims to bring standardisation to the business cleaning sector, by integrating into the circular economy, especially focusing on sustainability.

Real membership benefits will, for instance, include representation at government level, advocating the benefits of outsourcing/professional cleaning practices, and providing suppliers to the industry with a platform to address their various issues. Chairpersons of every portfolio committee will constitute the National Executive Committee (NEC). The elected chairperson and his/her committee of subject experts will address members’ issues of common interest.

Our guiding principles will be based on: • The Decent Work policy; • The National Development Plan 2030, and • CASA Clean-Connect (CASA commits to assist South Africa to find meaningful solutions to the unemployment problems).

As a new association, we want to be recognised as more than just a cleaning association, CASA means a home for all, where cleaning is an opportunity.

The time for the cleaning industry to shine brighter than before is imminent and I cherish this opportunity to work together with industry colleagues as we face the challenges ahead, to bring about change and to develop and prepare the industry for excellence in a new era.

Join the Cleaning Association of South Africa (CASA) to be part of shaping the future in the cleaning sector.

industry in South Africa. In order to address the above adequately, the Cleaning Association of South Africa (CASA) was established and launched on 1 December 2021 as a non-profit organisation.

• CASA will collaborate with global cleaning associations, media publications and various other stakeholders to form official alliances and partnerships.

• CASA will engage with

Education and training of member companies, as the employer and its employees, has become vitally important, and CASA intends to promote and facilitate skills development through the Professional Body for Environmental Health of South Africa (PBEHSA) and the Services Sector Education and Training Authority (SSETA) as well as through qualified training providers.

For more information, visit our website: www.casa-za.com or contact us on +27 21 930 0011. Email: admin@casa-za.com or secretariat@casa-za.com

INTERCLEAN AMSTERDAM

Kennedy Hygiene

industries including manufacturing, retail, commercial kitchens, institutions, hospitals, care homes, hotels and restaurants. www.pramol.com

Stand 10.103 Kennedy Hygiene will be demonstrating the Savona Max soap dispenser designed for use in high-traffic environments.

This has an 800 ml cartridge and a built-in reserve tank of 200 ml, said to be one of the largest reserve capacities on the market.

Described as being user-friendly, the Savona Max is designed to avoid waste and ensure a continuous supply of soap for the end user. kennedy-hygiene.com

Pramol-Chemie Stand 05.420 New from Pramol-Chemie is Turbolino, a fast-acting stripping agent for removing emulsions.

Escateq Stand 02.418 The product is said to dissolve old wax and plastic coatings quickly and thoroughly while also removing other types of soiling. It is a concentrated product claimed to be particularly suitable for use on linoleum floors as well as on PVC, epoxy resin, rubber, Colovinyl and xylolite surfaces.

Also new is EpoxyEx, designed for removing light or heavy epoxy resin films from ceramic and porcelain. It can also be used for cleaning and degreasing heavily-soiled porcelain stoneware and ceramic floors.

Pramol-Chemie offers detergents, strippers, cleaning products, descalers and maintenance products for a range of

It takes just five minutes to clean an escalator using Escateq cleaning systems and tools, the company says.

Escateq will be demonstrating its new escalator handrail cleaning tools and escalator treadcleaning system plus its all-new Vac-TEQ escalator restorative cleaning solution. escateq.com

• Kennedy Hygiene présente son distributeur de savon Savona Max dont elle souligne la contenance de réserve exceptionnelle.

• Pramol Chemie introduit le décapant rapide pour planchers Turbolino et le nettoyant de résine époxyde EpoxyEx. • EscaTEQ propose de nouveaux outils de nettoyage pour mains courantes et marches d’escalators.

• Laut Kennedy Hygiene verfügt der Seifenspender Savona Max über eine der größten Reservekapazitäten auf dem Markt.

• Neu von Pramol Chemie sind der rasch wirkende Grundreiniger Turbolino und der Epoxidharzentferner EpoxyEx. • Neu von EscaTEQ sind Reinigungswerkzeuge für Rolltreppenhandläufe und Reinigungslösungen für Rolltreppenstufen.

• La Kennedy Hygiene afferma che il suo dispenser di sapone Savona Max ha una delle maggiori capacità di riserva sul mercato.

• Le novità della Pramol Chemie sono la levigatrice per pavimenti ad azione rapida Turbolino e EpoxyEx per la rimozione di resine epossidiche.

• I nuovi prodotti della EscaTEQ sono degli attrezzi per pulire i corrimano delle scale mobili e delle soluzioni di pulizia per i gradini delle scale mobili.

April/May 2022 | ECJ | 77

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STAND 05.430

INTERCLEAN AMSTERDAM

TTS Cleaning Stand 01.431 A touch-free mop-release system will be among the highlights of the TTS Cleaning stand.

Pockety is said to provide safety and ergonomic benefits because it removes the need for operators to touch the mop frame to release the used mops. This prevents them from coming into contact with any dirt, viruses or bacteria from the mop head.

And the fact they have no need to stoop to pick up the mops reduces the risk of back injuries due to poor posture or repetitive stressful movements.

Pockety is designed to improve operational efficiency, save time and reduce costs while also facilitating laundry management. The used mops are collected in a net bag in a bucket to speed up emptying while improving hygiene.

Pockety can be used with either pre-soaking or ondemand soaking systems and can be applied to all TTS trolleys.

A Lampo version frees up trolley space for extra cleaning tools. And when combined with the Ray tank handle and disposable mop system, Pockety becomes an ultra-compact solution for quick response and emergency sanitising. www.ttsystem.com

Clean Part Stand 03.103 Clean Part offers accessories for all types of industrial cleaning machines. It says it has more than 8,000 parts in stock products including brushes, pad holders, floor pads, squeegees,

filters, hoses and vacuum motors. Squeegees are manufactured in-house and can be made from various materials including natural rubber and oil-resistant nitrile rubber.

The company also makes Americo floor pads, said to be biodegradable to 92.5 per cent within 616 days. The pads are manufactured from 100 per cent recycled polyester fibre from used PET bottles.

Also from Clean Part are KGS Flexis floor pads made using new Ferrzon + technology. Designed for the mechanical cleaning of floors, Flexis pads are said to be thicker and stronger than other floor pads while their open-weave construction facilitates cleaning without the use of chemicals. cleanpart.se

Vileda Stand 05.307

per cent recycled materials.

Also new is EviSense, a digital sensor unit that can be clipped on to the Swep handle. EviSense connects every mop in the room and supports cleaners by advising them when to change mops and indicating which rooms have been cleaned. All guidance and information can be accessed via a mobile phone. www.vileda-professional.com

IGEAX Stand 05.430 The one-piece plastic brush handle from IGEAX is designed to be strong, lightweight, ergonomic and non-slip. Also on show will be a modular handle holder which is hygienic and suitable for environments of any size.

IGEAX provides brushes and brooms for a range of industry sectors. The company will be presenting products for the food sector at Interclean including the Hygiene and Detectable lines.

Also on show will be the Universal Thread which fits all handles from 21 mm to 25 mm in diameter. This extends compatibility with all major worldwide thread types. www.igeax.com

Toolflex Vileda will be presenting a new line of microfibre wipes and mops made from up to 100 per cent recycled products.

These are suitable for a wide range of applications and are certified for virus removal. Featuring high surface coverage, the cloths can be used for cleaning or for applying disinfectant.

The company will also show its redeveloped Swep cleaning system which comprises a new range of mops, frames and handles. The system is efficient, ergonomic, and sustainable since it is made from up to 50

• Produit nouveau de TTS, le Pockety est un cadre de tête de balayage humide sans contact assurant la libération rapide et aisée de cette pièce.

• Clean Part propose des accessoires pour des machines de nettoyage de tout type - brosses, porte-tampon, raclettes, etc.

• Comme produits nouveaux, Vileda Professional offre une gamme de lingettes et têtes de balayage humide recyclées, ainsi que le système de nettoyage à capteurs EviSense.

• IGEAX est un spécialiste des brosses et balais hygiéniques.

• Toolflex offre des solutions pour le rangement de bouteilles, flexibles, ramassoires, brosses, seaux, etc.

• Neu von TTS ist Pockety, ein berührungsloser Mopphalter, der eine schnelle und einfache Freigabe des Moppkopfes ermöglicht.

• Clean Part bietet Zubehörteile für alle Arten von Reinigungsmaschinen – Bürsten, Padhalter, Abzieher usw.

• Neu von Vileda Professional ist eine Produktfamilie mit recycelten Microfasertüchern und Mopps sowie das sensorbasierte Reinigungssystem EviSense.

• IGEAX ist auf Hygienebürsten und -besen spezialisiert.

• Toolflex ist auf Aufbewahrungslösungen für Flaschen, Schläuche, Kehrschaufel und Besen, Eimer usw. spezialisiert.

Stand 05.429

Disposable gloves, hoses and spray bottles can all be stored within easy reach when using the Toolflex Accessories system, according to the company.

This system can be mounted on a wall, affixed to the Toolflex One rail or attached to a cleaning trolley via a tube clamp.

Also capable of storing buckets and dustpan-and-brush sets, the system aims to create an ergonomic work environment for cleaners by siting all tools in one place.

Toolflex has recently expanded its portfolio of storage solutions. www.toolflex.com

• Il nuovo prodotto della TTS è Pockety, una struttura touch-free per il mop che permette lo sgancio rapido e semplice del mop stesso.

• La Clean Part propone accessori per tutti i tipi di macchine per la pulizia, spazzole, porta dischi, tergipavimento ecc.

• Le novità della Vileda Professional sono una linea di mop e panni riciclati e il sistema di pulizia basato su sensori EviSense.

• La IGEAX è specializzata in spazzole igieniche e scope.

• La Toolflex è specializzata in soluzioni ripostiglio e stoccaggio per flaconi, tubi, palette e scopini, secchi ecc.

April/May 2022 | ECJ | 81

INTERCLEAN AMSTERDAM

JVD

• Le purificateur d’air Shield Compact proposé par JVD agit contre de nombreux contaminants différents, affirme son fabricant.

• Kärcher a lancé l’aspirateur à dos et sans cordon BVL 5/1.

Stand 11.307 New from JVD is the Shield Compact air purifier for use in meeting rooms, offices and other public environments.

It is aimed at companies wishing to improve the health, wellbeing and productivity of their employees. Capable of treating areas up to 20 square metres in size, Shield Compact operates using the company’s Smart Mineralisation technology which

• Der Luftreiniger Shield Compact von JVD ist laut eigenen Angaben gegen viele verschiedenen Fremdstoffe wirksam.

• Neu von Kärcher ist der kabellose Rucksack-Staubsauger BVL 5/1 Bp.

Kärcher

• Il purificatore d’aria Shield Compact della JVD vanta di essere efficace contro numerosi tipi di agenti contaminanti.

• La novità della Kärcher è l’aspirapolvere dorsale BVL 5/1 Bp.

Stand 01.135 The BVL 5/1 Bp cordless backpack vacuum will be among the new launches on the Kärcher stand.

Said to combine a low weight with high suction power, this model comes equipped with the

H High gloss by cristallisation

See us at an ISSA / Intercle 0 5.42 booth 0 s inquires Distributor’ome welc

PRAMOL-CHEMIE AG Industriestrasse 3 CH-9602 Bazenheid

82 | April/May 2022 | ECJ

combines three processes: ultrafiltration, neutralisation and mineralisation.

Particles are initially captured and filtered using high-performance filtration techniques.

These particles are then neutralised and the molecules that deliver pure air are mineralised.

According to JVD, Shield Compact eliminates 80 per cent of contaminants along with 99.6 per cent of pollutants, 98 per cent of odours and 90 per cent of allergens. It is compact and lightweight for ease of transport and is easy to use in either continuous or boost mode. www.jvd/fr

 +41 (0)71 931 70 30 www.pramol.com

Kärcher Battery Universe 36V for a longer running time.

Also new is the Flexomate cleaning trolley platform. Based on a modular concept this system is described as being processoriented and ergonomic.

Kärcher is expanding its use of lithium-ion batteries to cover five models of walk-behind and rideon scrubber dryers. According to Karcher, lithium-ion batteries increase the machine’s service life by up to four times compared with lead-acid batteries. They provide around 3,800 lifecycles and are said to improve productivity because charging time is significantly reduced and no maintenance is required. www.kaercher.com

INTERCLEAN AMSTERDAM

Sanimaid Stand 07.121

Sanimaid claims to have developed the market’s most hygienic toilet brush. The Sanimaid brush incorporates Microban antimicrobial technology and is designed to speed up and ease the task of cleaning toilet bowls. It has a modern wallmounted design.

The company will also be introducing a new hard water limescale stain remover for use on shower tiles and toilet bowls.

This features abrasive cleaning pads that are easy to use, sus-

tainable and hygienic. The pads are reusable and sufficiently flexible to enable them to clean the entire surface. According to Sanimaid this new product offers advantages over pumice stones and chemicals. www.sanimaid.com

MotorScrubber Stand 01.509 MotorScrubber is promising to revolutionise the cleaning world with its latest innovation, due to be launched at Interclean.

The company describes DRYFT – in development for three years - as the world’s fastest cleaning machine.

Subject to eight global patents, it features a revolutionary cleaning performance and bespoke digital motors, according to MotorScrubber. Demonstrations will take place in a VIP room on the company’s stand.

Also on show will be the Shock system which uses shock-wave

technology and a low-profile head to enable it to clean in hard-to-reach areas. www.motorscrubberclean.com

SED Stand 07.412 Advanced operator panels for cleaning machines are SED’s core business. These are built to display all machine functions such as traction, brush and vacuum operation plus usage data and statistics.

User interface is critical to the success of any equipment, claims SED, particularly in the cleaning industry where many different languages are spoken by end users.

SED operator panels are fully customisable and can incorporate simple graphic displays or advanced touchscreen functions.

Also on show will be a new line of connected all-in-one motor controllers for small machines. www.sedgroup.it

• Aux côtés de ses brosses de nettoyage de sanitaires, Sanimaid lance un détartrant face aux effets de l’eau dure.

• Motorscrubber promet d’introduire, sous l’appellation DRYFT, une innovation révolutionnaire en matière de nettoyage des sols.

• Le spécialiste en électronique SED a développé de nouveaux panneaux de commande et de contrôle pour machines de nettoyage qui affichent toutes les fonctions afférentes.

• Neben der hygienischen Toilettenbürste stellt Sanimaid einen Kalkentferner für hartes Wasser vor.

• Unter der Bezeichnung DRYFT verspricht Motorscrubber das Debüt einer revolutionären Innovation bei der Bodenreinigung.

• Zur Verwendung auf Reinigungsmaschinen hat der Elektronikspezialist SED neue Bedienfelder, die alle Funktionen anzeigen und ansteuern, entwickelt.

• Oltre alle sue spazzole igieniche per wc, la Sanimaid lancia un prodotto per la rimozione delle incrostazioni di calcare causate da acque dure.

• La Motorscrubber ha annunciato il debutto di DRYFT, una innovazione rivoluzionaria per il lavaggio dei pavimenti.

• La SED, specializzata in elettronica, ha sviluppato dei nuovi pannelli operatori per essere usati sulle macchine per le pulizie e che visualizzano e comandano tutte le funzioni.

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April/May 2022 | ECJ | 83

INTERCLEAN AMSTERDAM

• Tennant a lancé deux autolaveuses autonomes, les T380AMR et T16AMR. • Robert Scott présente sa gamme Ecofibre de chiffons fabriqués à partir de matériaux recyclés.

• Tennant stellt zwei neue autonome Scheuersaugmaschinen vor: die T380AMR und T16AMR. • Robert Scott präsentiert das Tüchersortiment Ecofibre, hergestellt aus Recyclingmaterialien.

• La Tennant ha lanciato due nuove lavasciuga pavimenti autonome, i modelli T380AMR e T16AMR. • La Robert Scott espone la sua gamma di panni Ecofibre, prodotti in materiali riciclati.

84 | April/May 2022 | ECJ

Tennant Stand 07.311

technology from Tennant’s partner Brain Corp.

Also on the stand will be the T7AMR robot scrubber dryer plus a range of machines for use on interior and exterior surfaces. tennant.eu

Tennant will be unveiling two new robot scrubber dryers.

The T380AMR is compact and manoeuvrable, suitable for tight spaces. It is designed for use in smaller areas that may have previously posed a challenge for autonomous machines.

Stand 01.501

Also new is the larger T16AMR, said to address common challenges associated with industrial applications. The T16AMR reduces the need for pre-sweeping, offers drive efficiencies and helps to maintain a high standard of cleaning.

All AMR models are powered

by BrainOS advanced robotic

Robert Scott will be presenting a range of sustainable products including the Ecofibre line.

The non-scratch Ecofibre scourer is designed for tough cleaning tasks. It is made from 40 per cent plant fibres including nut shells plus 15 per cent recycled polyester. The Ecofibre cloth is made from 55 per cent

Robert Scott

recycled plastic and is said to offer the same cleaning power as a traditional microfibre.

Robert Scott will also be demonstrating its Toucan Eco disinfectant which can be produced on demand from water, salt and electricity. The product combines active compound hypochlorous acid with a low concentration of sodium hypochlorite which together are said to create a powerful, eco-friendly and safe solution.

The Toucan Eco range incorporates portable eSpray and Worktop units and the larger Active Plus along with application accessories such as recycled spray bottles and the new Toucan Eco Atomiser. www.robert-scott.co.uk

™

Meet us at Interclean Amsterdam to discuss building your reputation.

Contact our MD Ceris on +44 7847 642543 or ceris@cbipr.com

P RO U D S P O N S O R INITIATIVE RAISING THE PROFILE OF THE PROFESSIONAL CLEANING SECTOR

NICHE PR & MARKETING SPECIALISTS

COMMUNICATIONS MANAGEMENT

Cleaning & Hygiene Environmental Facilities Management Equestrian

www.cbipr.com

+44 (0 )330 004 0844

INTERCLEAN AMSTERDAM

• À l’occasion de ce salon, Numatic introduit de nouvelles adjonctions à sa gamme professionnelle NX300 ainsi que de nouveaux chariots de nettoyage Multimatic.

• Soobr réalise des programmes de nettoyage optimisés, de planification axée sur la demande, et d’exécution-contrôle en matière de nettoyage, tous basés sur des données et sur l’IA. • Les aspirateurs-balais de la société Sebo sont tous dotés d’un tuyau d’aspiration intégré pour le nettoyage en tout temps.

• De Witte a introduit le Recycled Soft, un tissu microfibre recyclable qui est lui-même recyclable.

• Numatic stellt Neuzugänge zu seinem NX300 Professional Cleaning Network sowie neue Multimatic Reinigungswagen vor.

• Soobr bietet optimierte, bedarfsorientierte Planung, Ausführung und Steuerung von Reinigungsplänen auf der Grundlage von Daten und KI. • Alle aufrechten Bürstsauger von Sebo sind mit integrierter Schlauchdüse ausgestattet und bieten somit eine umfassende Reinigung.

• De Witte stellt Recycled Soft vor, ein recyceltes Mikrofasertuch, das ebenfalls recycelbar ist.

• La Numatic ha aggiunto dei nuovi prodotti alla sua linea NX300 Professional Cleaning Network e ha lanciato dei nuovi carrelli Multimatic.

• La Soobr propone pianificazione, esecuzione e controllo dei programmi di pulizia ottimizzati e orientati alla domanda basati sui dati e su AI. • Tutti gli aspirapolveri a spazzola verticali della Sebo sono dotati di un tubo di estrazione integrato per una pulizia a tutto tondo.

• La De Witte ha lanciato Recycled Soft, un panno in microfibra riciclata e che è anche riciclabile.

86 | April/May 2022 | ECJ

Numatic Stand 01.123 Numatic will be introducing a new line of cordless models to its NX300 Professional Cleaning Network.

The range includes the 244NX compact floorcare machine, cordless vacuums, backpack vacuums and sanitisation solutions, all powered by lithium technology.

Also on show will be the new Multimatic range of janitorial trolleys made from recycled materials. These are sustainable, versatile and cost-effective.

Numatic will also be demonstrating its NX1K Technology at the event. This is said to reduce maintenance and cut the cost of scrubber dryer ownership while also offering flexibility, extended run-times and faster charging.

Another stand highlight will be the Nu-Assist App which delivers training, troubleshooting and maintenance videos in multiple languages.

And also being launched is Numatic Quick, a new-look cordless vacuum for convenient day-cleaning applications. www.numatic.co.uk

Soobr Stand 05.519A Soobr specialises in digital cleaning systems designed for use in facility management, offices, corporations and public buildings. These are designed to automate the cleaner’s most time-consuming cleaning tasks in a bid to reduce costs, enhance transparency and improve performance.

Using the Soobr system, cleaning rounds are mapped out dynamically with the aid of building information, user data,

sensor data, service agreements and artificial intelligence.

The cleaning round is then visualised on the building plan and displayed to cleaning staff via a portable device. www.soobr.ch

Stein & Co Stand 01.603

Stein and Co will be displaying the Sebo range of upright brush vacuum cleaners. These models can be serviced without the use of tools and feature an integrated suction hose for all-round cleaning. Accessories include an upholstery nozzle and a crevice nozzle.

The Sebo Automatic XP features a rotating brush, automatic height adjustment and a threestep S-Class hospital grade anti-allergy filtration system.

Suitable for use on all floors, the machine has an information display on the power head that monitors automatic functions.

The 300/350/450-Evolution is an upright vacuum cleaner said to be both versatile and reliable.

It comes in working widths of 30 cm, 36 cm and 46 cm.

Designed to clean large areas quickly and effortlessly are the Sebo BS 36 and 46, both models described by the company as dependable and rugged. These have a second motor in the power head which is claimed to make the machine easy to push and service.

And the Sebo Dart features a turning swivel neck which is said to make it extremely manoeuvrable. This model is available in

two working widths and has a modular nozzle system, an electric power head and three-step S-Class filtration. www.sebo.de

De Witte Stand 05.411 De Witte will be introducing its new Recycled Soft microfibre cloths. Made from recycled PET bottles, these multipurpose cloths have ultra-soft fibres and high absorption properties.

Used PET bottles are shredded and spun into polyester microfibres before being woven into cloth. Even the double-stitching edge and washing label of Recycled Soft products are made from recycled materials, and the cloths can be recycled at the end of their lives after several hundred washes and uses.

Also on show will be De Witte’s Olympic range of microfibres, claimed to be thicker than standard microfibre products.

The wavy structure of the Olympic Gold Wave enables it to scoop up dirt and retain water for fast streak-free cleaning.

And the cloth is claimed to produce a high shine, making it particularly suitable for use on glasses and windows.

Designed for automotive applications is Olympic Silver Polish, described as being fluffy, soft and highly efficient. And suitable for general cleaning is the Olympic Bronze Classic.

Visitors will be invited to discover the company’s E-spray battery sprayer and E-foam foamer. These can be activated with one push, said to alleviate the effort of manual pumping.

The E-spray is available in onelitre and eight-litre reservoir options while the E-foam has a 1.8 litre reservoir.

De Witte also offers brushes, handles, disinfection and dispensing systems. www.dewitte.com

INTERCLEAN AMSTERDAM

Greenspeed Stand 01.106

All Greenspeed products are designed to combine innovation and circularity with effectiveness, claims the company. www.greenspeed.eu

Northwood Stand 11.403 Greenspeed will be exhibiting four innovations including a probiotic tablet that can be dissolved to create a ready-touse spray.

This will be displayed alongside the company’s existing Probio range. Probio products leave behind a layer of ’good bacteria’ which deep clean the surface while removing organic contaminants that would otherwise have caused odours, according to Greenspeed. The products are said to be sustainable and have a long-lasting effect.

Also on show will be the C-Shuttle trolley line and the Rebelle range of microfibre cloths.

Taking centre stage on the Northwood stand will be the company’s new Raphael range of washroom systems.

This includes dispensers for toilet tissue, hand towels and soap. The TwinJumbo toilet roll unit holds up to 800 metres of paper and is claimed to be the industry’s first twin jumbo high-capacity proprietary toilet roll dispenser.

Raphael products are designed to help companies save money and reduce waste, even when managing the most demanding of washrooms.

Also on show will be Northwood’s recently-expanded Whisper range of premium pure

Disinfection – Cleaning – Pest control

pulp toilet rolls, facial tissues and air-laid hand towels. Said to combine comfort and luxury with high performance, the range now includes Whisper Green, the company’s first 100 per cent recycled luxury toilet tissue.

Other exhibits will include the Orbit four-roll toilet paper dispenser which has a capacity of up to 5,000 sheets, and the North Shore proprietary washroom dispenser. Which is said to be durable, hygienic, sustainable and easy to maintain. www.northwood.co.uk

• Parmi les produits du stand Greenspeed figurent le chariot de nettoyage C-Shuttle et le tissu microfibre Re-belle. * Les produits du stand Northwood sont axés sur la gamme Raphael de produits en papier et distributeurs pour toilettes collectives.

• Unter den Produkten, die auf dem Stand von Greenspeed zu sehen sind, befinden sich der Reinigungswagen C-Shuttle und das Mikrofasertuch Re-belle.

• Auf dem Stand von Northwood steht die Produktreihe Raphael mit Papierprodukten und Spendern für den Waschraum im Mittelpunkt.

• Sullo stand della Greenspeed verranno esposti anche il carrello C-Shuttle e il panno in microfibra Re-belle.

• Al centro dell’attenzione sullo stand della Northwood c’è la gamma di prodotti in carta e dispenser per sale da toilette Raphael.

ADLATUS SERVICE ROBOTS EFFICIENT AND SAFE CLEANING AUTONOMOUS CLEANING ROBOTS – PRIVACY BY DESIGN

Visit us at the Interclean Hall 05 / Stand 149

www.birchmeier.com

Stand: 07.426

www.adlatus-robotics.com

April/May 2022 | ECJ | 87

Cobot

Our sense off direction is awesome Breaking down barriers of large spaces.

Co-botic 1700

You The operator Me The machine We The perfect team

Co-botic app

Co-botic 65

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

i-team’s

Cobotic family Cobotics are taking the cleaning world by storm. Soon, we will not be able to visualize a cleaning team without the additional cobotic team member. But what are they and which cobotics are we developing within i-team?

What are cobotics?

Cobotics technology makes it possible to automate a range of tasks via interaction between humans and robotics. A cobot is designed to work together with a human (as opposed to a robot who works alone). the cobot can take on heavy-duty, time-consuming, and repetitive cleaning, while maintaining a high and constant standard. This frees the cleaner up for other tasks, such as deep cleaning sanitary spaces, surfaces, and overall touch points.

In short: people can attend to various tasks, while the repetitive work is done by a cobot.

Innovation is key for i-team One of our goals is to innovate. Innovation is key in the ever-changing world we live in. Looking at the complexity of machines, we can come to fundamental new insights. In turn, this results in new products and improvements to our own products as well as the cleaning job. Not just designed for cleaning, but most of all for the cleaner.

Co-botic 65 The Co-botic 65 is an autonomous foor cleaning machine that’ll soon become your favorite colleague. It’s capable of automatically navigating complex, real-world environments, adapting its path to any obstacles that it encounters and safely responding to encounters with people or animals.

The key feature of the Co-botic 65 is its smart design to carry an imop Lite on its back, allowing the operator to exit the vehicle and clean more detailed areas. With two sets of batteries this smooth drive is ready to serve you 24/7. The turning radius of just 2.5m makes the device extremely fexible, offering excellent maneuverability.

Co-botic 1700 The co-bot 1700 can be programmed to vacuum spaces as precise and efficiently as possible. With the i-team professional app, you can divide the room into several zones and view day-to-day information. It’s also possible to create virtual boundaries to set up your device as precisely as possible. The co-bot 1700 can also program itself to perform the most efficient cleaning job.

The Co-botic 65 with i-mop

i-team Global HQ Hoppenkuil 27B 5626 DD Eindhoven Netherlands

hello@i-teamglobal.com +31 (0)40 266 24 00 INQUIRE. INNOVATIE. INSPIRE

CLEAN, PROTECT AND MAINTAIN WITH SCHWAMBORN CHEMISTRY

NEW!

Protect W A solvent-free and odorless impregnating agent – from the WISA product range –

INTERCLEAN AMSTERDAM

• Désormais disponible en tant que produit durable Green Care Professional, le nettoyant polyvalent Tanex de Werner & Mertz.

• Domel se spécialise dans la fabrication de moteurs compacts et légers pour aspirateurs.

• GOJO présente ses produits les plus récents pour l’hygiène des mains, y compris ceux de la gamme Purell, ainsi que ses solutions de service sévère pour le nettoyage des mains.

• Spécialiste en matière de poubelles, Vepa Bins propose de nombreuses solutions pour la collecte séparée de déchets.

• Ab sofort als nachhaltiges Green Care Professional Produkt erhältlich ist der Allzweckreiniger Tanex von Werner & Mertz.

• Domel ist auf kompakte und leichte Staubsaugermotoren spezialisiert.

• GOJO präsentiert seine neuesten Handhygienelösungen – einschließlich der Produktreihe Purell – und seine leistungsstarken Handreinigungslösungen.

• Vepa Bins, der Spezialist für Mülleimer, bietet viele Lösungen für eine getrennte Abfallsammlung.

Werner & Mertz Stand 05.311 Now available as a sustainable Green Care Professional product is the Tanex multipurpose cleaner from Werner & Mertz.

This reformulated solution is said to be highly effective at removing stains and crusty grime from matt, glossy and structured plastic surfaces. Claimed to offer the same performance levels as its predecessor, Tanex can also be used on Plexiglass and acrylic glass screens both indoors and outdoors as well as for removing ink and marker spots from desks.

It is described as being strong, safe, powerful, pleasantlyscented and free of CLP-classified substances, and the spray bottle for the ready-to-use cleaner can be refilled from the company’s five-litre canister. green-care-professional.com

Domel Stand 07.214

WISA Stain Protection System

lightweight. And high levels of automation in manufacture support zero-waste policies.

The company will be showing its latest generation 457 universal wet and dry vacuum cleaner motors, as well as its 714 and 759 electronically commutated motors for battery-powered applications. www.domel.com

GOJO Industries Stand 12.309

GOJO Industries-Europe will be presenting its Purell skin and surface sanitising portfolio. The company’s surface sanitising products require no rinsing, allowing end users to cover more ground when cleaning which reduces labour costs.

Purell Healthy Soap is claimed to be quick to rinse away, saving an average of 22 litres per refill according to GOJO. This offers a sustainability advantage.

The company manufactures sustainable soaps and industrial hand cleaners for a range of markets including healthcare, education, hospitality, offices and industry. www.gojo.com

Vepa Bins Stand 12.111

The New and Improved Chemistry System Primers and impregnates to match the respective substrate The right protection for every requirement – thanks to WISA Simplified cleaning and maintenance

Tel.: +49 (0) 7161 2005 0 info@schwamborn.com www.schwamborn.com More details about Chemistry

...gaining ground with us!

90 | April/May 2022 | ECJ

• Ora disponibile come prodotto sostenibile Green Care Professional è il detergente multiuso Tanex di Werner & Mertz.

• La Domel è specializzata in motori compatti e leggeri per gli aspirapolveri.

• La GOJO espone le sue più recenti soluzioni per l’igiene delle mani, fra queste la gamma Purell, e le soluzioni per la pulizia delle mani in ambienti industriali.

• La Vepa Bins, specializzata in contenitori per rifiuti, offre numerose soluzioni per la raccolta differenziata.

Domel will be exhibiting a range of vacuum cleaner motors on its stand. These are said to be reliable, efficient and quiet in operation. They are environmentally-friendly on account of their high energy-efficiency and the choice of materials used for their manufacture.

Domel motors have a high power-to-weight ratio which makes them compact and

Vepa Bins specialises in waste separation systems. These include the Bonton Original, the Circubin and the BrickBin. Bonton is a modular separation unit made of 100 per cent recycled polypropylene originating partly from construction and demolition waste. The BrickBin is made from recycled materials including bottle caps, recycled artificial grass and coffee residue.

Vepa Bins can be connected together to form a complete waste separation system allowing products such as paper, plastic, organic waste, cups and residual waste to be collected separately at a central location. www.vepabins.nl

HIGH-LEVEL

CLEANING SYSTEM

For safe & efficient cleaning of high level spaces up to 12m, all from the safety of the ground.

SCAN TO

VIEW RANGE

®

Unit 33, Cornwell Business Park, Salthouse Road, Brackmills, Northampton, UK, NN4 7EX +(44) 1604 968700 info@spinaclean www.spinaclean.com

Powerful SkyVac© vacuum systems and lightweight carbon fibre suction poles are ideal for indoor and external cleaning.

INTERCLEAN AMSTERDAM

Rubbermaid Stand 12.201

Interclean visitors will be among the first to try Rubbermaid’s new 500 ml AutoFoam compact touch-free soap and sanitiser dispenser. Part of the company’s ‘touchless washroom’ concept, it incorporates sealed refills and offers a flexible hand hygiene solution for businesses seeking to upgrade from bulk-fill containers or pump packs. It is safe and hygienic while also offering cost-in-use, sustainability and productivity benefits.

Also part of the ‘touchless washroom’ concept is the battery-free LumeCel AutoFoam dispenser, powered by a rechargeable system that captures energy from any indoor or natural light source. The fact that no alkaline batteries are required means LumeCel is a sustainable solution that also saves time changing batteries, according to the company.

or with a mount for increased security and enhanced ease of use. Customers can choose between Jasmine and Apple Blossom or Black Pepper and Ginseng, both of which are said to incorporate quality perfumes, mild surfactants and moisturising agents. And the bold design of the packaging makes the product stand out from the crowd, according to Cleenol.

Designed for daily cleaning is the Edencleen range of products. These include a washroom cleaner, toilet gel cleaner, urinal deodoriser, an all-purpose surface sanitiser, degreaser, washing-up liquid, a no-rinse floor degreaser, a window cleaner, laundry detergent and fabric softener.

All products are colourless and fragrance-free to reflect the company’s values of transparency and straightforwardness. cleenol.com

i-Team Global Stand 02.317

Also featuring on the stand are Rubbermaid’s Workplaces Essentials recycling, waste management and cleaning systems. And the company will promote its Love Recycling programme and offer advice on how businesses can improve their recycling practices in a cost-effective way. www.rubbermaid.eu

Cleenol Stand 05.230 Cleenol will be announcing the launch of two new product lines.

The Ast & Greaves range of luxury hand washes comes in two formats: either free-standing

Claimed to combine the flexibility of a floor mop with the power and speed of an industrial scrubber dryer is the i-mop family from i-team Global.

Drive support has now been added to the i-mop for easier turning and mopping. Also on show will be the Cobotic 1700 vacuum cleaner which can be programmed to clean precisely and efficiently, plus the Cobotic 65 autonomous scrubber dryer.

This can automatically navigate complex environments, adapting to obstacles and responding safely to encounters with people and animals. All PRO

versions of the machine now come with the i-link cloud-based solution for machines, tools and appliances as standard.

Also being showcased is the i-air PRO, designed to improve indoor air quality in spaces of up to 500 square metres.

Described as a plug-and-play gun with an integrated dosing feature is the i-spraywash. This is designed to create an active foam with good adherence properties via an integrated nozzle. And the i-move 2.5b is a battery-operated backpack vacuum cleaner. www.i-teamglobal.com

• Rubbermaid dévoile les dernières adjonctions à sa gamme sans contact pour toilettes collectives, y compris le distributeur de savon et de désinfectant AutoFoam.

• Cleenol a lancé une gamme de lingettes de luxe pour le lavage des mains et une gamme de solutions pour le nettoyage courant.

• i-Team Global présente son aspirateur Cobotic 1700 et son autolaveuse autonome Cobotic 65.

• Vorwerk lance un nouveau cobot sous sa marque Nexaro.

• Les produits tissulaires Eco Natural de Lucart Professional sont certifiés en tant que produits circulaires, durables et écologiquement responsables.

Vorwerk Stand 07.328 Vorwerk Professional will be announcing a world premiere under the Nexaro brand.

The company promises to revolutionise the automated professional floor cleaning market with its new cobot.

Cobots are said to be able to harness a spirit of cooperation between humans and machines, and demonstrations of the new launch will be held to pre-registered visitors in a secret room on the company’s stand. nexaro.com

Lucart Stand 12.301

Lucart will be exhibiting its EcoNatural range of tissue products made from 100 per cent recycled beverage carton components.

The company uses cellulose fibres to produce Fiberpack, the raw material employed to make toilet paper, hand towels, tissues, napkins and wiper rolls for its EcoNatural line.

Polyethylene and aluminium are used to produce Al.Pe, which in turn is used to make paper dispensers and pallets for transporting goods. www.lucartprofessional.com

• Rubbermaid enthüllt die neuesten Ergänzungen seines berührungslosen Waschraumsortiments, einschließlich AutoFoam Seifen- und Händedesinfektionsmittelspender.

• Neu von Cleenol ist eine Produktreihe mit LuxusHandreinigungsmitteln und eine Produktfamilie mit Lösungen für die tägliche Reinigung.

• i-Team Global präsentiert den Staubsauger Cobotic 1700 und die autonome Scheuersaugmaschine Cobotic 65.

• Vorwerk bringt unter seiner Marke Nexaro einen neuen Cobot auf den Markt.

• EcoNatural Tissueprodukte von Lucart Professional tragen Zertifikate für Kreislaufwirtschaftlichkeit, Nachhaltigkeit und Umweltverträglichkeit.

• La Rubbermaid presenta le nuove aggiunte alla sua gamma di prodotti touchless per le sale da toilette e fra queste il dispenser di sapone e disinfettante AutoFoam.

• La novità della Cleenol è una gamma di detergenti per le mani di alta qualità e una linea di soluzioni per le pulizie quotidiane.

• La i-Team Global espone il suo aspirapolvere Cobotic 1700 e la lavasciuga pavimenti autonoma Cobotic 65.

• Vorwerk lancia un nuovo cobot con il suo marchio Nexaro.

• I prodotti in carta EcoNatural della Lucart Professional sono omologati come circolari, sostenibili e rispettosi dell’ambiente.

April/May 2022 | ECJ | 93

INTERCLEAN AMSTERDAM

• Comme produit nouveau, STI propose l’appareil de nettoyage à la vapeur QV7 PRO muni d’un système de filtrage VAP. • Adlatus affirme que son système à balayeuse robotique SR1300 garantit la protection de données d’utilisateur et d’environnement tout en utilisant des fonctionnalités intelligentes.

• La nouveauté de Birchmeier est la soufflante de pulvérisation de produits chimiques AS 1200 • Neu von STI ist der Dampfreiniger QV7 PRO mit VAPFiltersystem.

• Laut Adlatus stellt sein Sweeper Robot System SR1300 den Schutz von Benutzer- und Umweltdaten durch die Verwendung von intelligenten Funktionen sicher.

• Neu von Birchmeier ist das Chemie-Sprühgebläse AS 1200.

• La novità della STI è il modello di pulizia a vapore QV7 PRO dotato di sistema di filtri VAP. • La Adlatus afferma che il suo sistema Sweeper Robot System SR1300 garantisce la protezione degli utenti e i dati ambientali durante l’utilizzo di funzioni smart.

• La novità di Birchmeier è l’aspiratore chimico AS 1200.

STI Stand 05.204 STI will be introducing its QV7 PRO steam generator for professional use. This combi model incorporates a suction function that allows the operator to vacuum and dry the surface after treating it with steam.

The QV7 PRO’s patented VAP Filter System aims to replicate the cleanliness of intake air.

Besides the standard water filter, the machine also has a steam filter that eliminates micro-dust, pollen and mites.

The 1.5-litre boiler provides pressure at seven bar using twin heating elements which together offer a total of 2,400 W. And suction power can be adjusted via the machine’s Infinivac system.

Also on display will be STI’s new conveyor belt cleaning system which uses steam to clean and sanitise conveyor belts while in motion. The

process is said to maximise production efficiency while also reducing cleaning costs. www.stiindustry.eu

Adlatus Stand 07.426

cleaning machines. All smart data collected by the SR1300 is purely machine-related to facilitate preventive maintenance and to avoid robot downtime.

There is no requirement for a continuous internet connection or links to a WLAN network. www.adlatus.eu

Birchmeier Stand 05.145

Making its debut is the Adlatus Sweeper Robot System SR1300. This safeguards user data against security breaches while cleaning autonomously.

The machine is built around a newly-developed robotics platform said to provide safety in navigation, usage and data-handling.

According to Adlatus, data protection should be a key consideration when designing robot

The AS 1200 spray blower from Birchmeier combines the advantage of conventional nozzle spraying technology with a controlled airflow.

The fine droplets and low throughput allow even coverage of surfaces - even from a distance - without soaking them. www.birchmeier.com

Visit us at Interclean Amsterdam Hall 5 Stand 129

F U L L C O L O UR S über 40 Jahre Hygienebürsten

more than 40 years hygienic brushes

für HACCP und LMHV hitzebeständig bis 140°C, säure- und laugenbeständig

HACCP-/LMHV-conform heatresistant til 140°C, resistant to acids and alcalis

Colour coding

Colour coding

Antibakterielle Produkte

anti bac-assortment

Metall- und X-Ray-detektierbare Sortimente

metal and X-ray detectable assortments

ESD Sortiment

ESD assortment

Qualität - Made in Germany

quality - Made in Germany

haug bürsten KG | Föllstraße 6 | D-86343 Königsbrunn Tel. (+49) 0 82 31 / 9 63 00 | Fax (+49) 0 82 31 / 96 30 96 haugbuersten@t-online.de | www.haugbuersten.de

INTERCLEAN AMSTERDAM

Unger Stand 01.205

Unger will be presenting its NLite water-fed pole system.

Made from lightweight and resilient carbon materials, NLite poles are said to have an optimum stability-to-weight ratio.

They are flexible and impossible to twist, and their rigidity reduces operator effort while also saving on cleaning time.

The NLite modular angle system is designed for cleaning hard-to-reach areas such as overhanging facades, conservatories and domes. Changing the brush or adjusting the cleaning

angle can be achieved with one simple operation.

Unger will also be demonstrating its HydroPower RO S range of reverse osmosis filter systems for use on windows and façades. HydroPower machines give out 200 litres of pure water per hour during normal operation and this can be boosted to up to 1,000 litres of water per hour when cleaning extremely dirty surfaces. Once the boost function has been employed, dirt can easily be washed away even from areas that are hard to reach with a brush, according to Unger. www.ungerglobal.com

Hako Stand 01.101 A wide range of cleaning machines - all of which can be digitally networked – will be on display on the Hako stand.

The newly-developed Scrubmaster B75 I is said to provide

autonomous cleaning efficiently and economically.

Also on show will be the flexible Scrubmaster B5 ORB, claimed to be capable of cleaning in hard-to-reach areas that other scrubber dryers are unable to access.

The company will also be demonstrating the Scrubmaster B400 R series, designed to clean up to 14,000 square metres per hour.

Other highlights will include the Citymaster 400 for use outdoors and around buildings, and the all-electric Citymaster 1650 ZE which is claimed to be highly sustainable. www.hako.com

• On verra sur le stand Unger le système nLITE à perche alimentée en eau pour le nettoyage de façades et de vitres.

• L’autolaveuse Scrubmaster B75 I et l’autolaveuse grand rendement Scrubmaster B400 R comptent parmi les nouveaux produits Hako.

• Besucher am Stand von Unger können das Wasserdurchlaufstangensystem nLITE für die Fassaden- und Fensterreinigung sehen.

• Unter den neuen Produkten von Hako befinden sich die autonome Scheuersaugmaschine Scrubmaster B75 I und die Scheuersaugmaschine mit hoher Flächenleistung Scrubmaster B400 R.

• I visitatori dello stand della Unger vedranno esposto il sistema di pali con serbatoio di acqua nLITE per la pulizie delle facciate e delle finestre.

• Fra i nuovi prodotti della Hako ci sono la spazzatrice autonoma Scrubmaster B75 I e la linea di lavasciuga pavimenti ad alta capacità Scrubmaster B400 R.

April/May 2022 | ECJ | 95

INTERCLEAN AMSTERDAM

• Le stand P-Wave expose deux nouveaux diffuseurs d’ambiance signés Fresh Products.

• Whiz est le robot de nettoyage collaboratif réalisé par SoftBank Robotics.

• Les chariots de nettoyage Motion RFC de Rekola sont conçus pour l’intégration de machines de nettoyage des sols à batterie.

• Am Stand von P-Wave gibt es zwei neue Lufterfrischer von Fresh Products.

• Whiz ist der Reinigungsroboter von SoftBank Robotics, der mit Reinigungsteams zusammenarbeitet.

• Die Reinigungswagen Motion RFC von Rekola wurden für eine Integration von akkubetriebenen Bodenmaschinen konzipiert.

• Sullo stand della P-Wave vengono esposti due nuovi profumatori per ambienti della Fresh Products.

• Whiz è il cobot collaborativo di pulizia prodotto dalla SoftBank Robotics.

• I carrelli di pulizia Motion RFC della Rekola sono progettati per integrare le macchine per il lavaggio dei pavimenti alimentate a batteria.

Fresh Products

Softbank Robotics

Stand 11.314

Stand 05.630

Fresh Products will be launching two new air fresheners under its P-Wave banner.

Ourfresh is said to offer 30-day performance with consistent fragrance levels. All refills are liquid-free, 100 per cent recyclable and VOC compliant.

They contain odour-cancelling agent Neutralizer Moc3 and are easy to refill. Ourfresh is activated by light, which means it only runs when the lights are on.

Designed for use in larger spaces is battery-free Ourfresh-e. This powered 30-day air-freshening solution is said to contain three to five times more fragrance than standard plug-in systems. The high-speed fan is designed to improve air quality by drawing in air and cleaning it through the charcoal filter.

And the refills are 100 per cent recyclable. p-wave.co.uk

while decreasing the level of airborne microorganisms indoors. www.softbankrobotics.com

Rekola Stand 01.434

SoftBank Robotics will be demonstrating its fully autonomous cleaning cobot Whiz. This is said to outperform manual vacuum cleaners while working in harmony with cleaning teams.

Whiz can memorise up to 600 cleaning routes and vacuum 1,500 square metres of carpet on a single charge.

It also monitors its own actions and provides reports on its performance.

Also on show will be Gambit, an add-on solution that helps cobots to deliver high standards of cleaning and disinfection

Rekola will be demonstrating its RFC residue-free cleaning concept. This combines daily mechanical cleaning and manual maintenance cleaning into one seamless process. Key to the concept is the new Rekola Motion RFC trolley which is designed to incorporate an i-mop, Numatic, Taski or Hako cleaning machine.

Also on show will be the Rekola Addon accessory range www.rekola.com

Anti-microbial Technology www.sanimaid.com

Ready for R

NEXT N

generation toilet brush?

96 | April/May 2022 | ECJ

■

More sustainable

■

More hygienic

■

Modern design

INTERCLEAN AMSTERDAM

PGP

minutes. The only requirements are a supply of tap water and an electrical outlet into which the bottle needs to be plugged after 10 tank refills.

EnozoPRO is user-friendly and leaves behind no residues while avoiding any risk of chemical spills. It is claimed to eliminate the risk of health issues that could arise from chemical use. www.consensusgroup.org

Stand 12.609 PGP will be showing its skincare and hand disinfection systems Designed for use in mediumsized industrial companies is the Variomat dispensing system which is efficient, robust and virtually maintenance-free, even when in continuous use.

Variomat dispensers are fitted with high-capacity one- or twolitre Vario bottles to avoid the need for frequent refilling. The fact the pump is located inside the bottle means it is automatically replaced whenever the bottle is changed.

Easy to use and requiring minimal maintenance is the Neptune dispensing system aimed at administrative buildings, medium-sized industrial plants and public areas. Neptune dispensers have a smooth, compact shape and a one-litre capacity. They can be used for dispensing creams and lotions as well as gels, liquid and foam.

The pump spout of Neptune dispensers is cleaned automatically after each use via integrated Clean Tip technology.

More than 90 per cent of the ingredients used in PGP products are derived from renewable sources. No microplastics are used and mineral oils are replaced with natural alternatives where possible. And PGP uses plastic recyclates and recycled cardboard in its packaging. www.pgp-hautschutz.de

Mesto Stand 02.126 Mesto will be launching three new sprayers. The 1.5-litre 3132GT sprayer is designed to be carried ergonomically on a hip belt. It has a spiral hose and lightweight shut-off valve to allow the wearer optimum

freedom of movement, while the secure hip-belt attachment aids balance and helps the operator to work safely and comfortably at height.

The new 3132CP and 3132CE pressure sprayers both feature durable tanks, hoses and seals.

These models allow the user to apply acids, alcohols and other solutions safely and conveniently, while a flexible hose combined with a 360° spray facilitates overhead spraying in hard-to-reach areas. www.mesto.de

Consensus Group Stand 05.632

Pollet Stand 01.222 Claimed to remain active on surfaces for at least 14 days after cleaning are Polvita probioticbased detergents from Pollet.

The company offers a range of ecological cleaning solutions based on enzymes and beneficial bacteria.

Enzymes in Polvita detergents break down 92 per cent of organic dirt within three days, claims Pollet. This organic dirt becomes a source of nutrients while the probiotics form a protective microflora. Which remains active on the surface and continues to clean at microscopic levels for at least two weeks it says. en.pollet.eu

Cleanfix

• PGP présente sa gamme la plus récente de produits pour la désinfection des mains et la protection, la propreté et le soin de la peau.

• Mesto, un spécialiste des pulvérisateurs de liquide de nettoyage, lance trois nouveaux modèles.

• Consensus Group propose l’EnozoPRO, une bouteille de pulvérisation transformant l’eau du robinet en ozone aqueux pour le nettoyage exempt de produits chimiques.

• Aux dires de la société Pollet, ses nettoyants probiotiques Polvita ont une activité de 14 jours au moins sur des surfaces.

• L’aspirateur robotique autonome S170 Navi fait ses débuts sur le stand Cleanfix.

• PGP präsentiert sein neuestes Angebot an Produkten für Händedesinfektion, Hautschutz, -reinigung und -pflege.

• Mesto, der Spezialist für tragbare Sprühgeräte für Reinigungsflüssigkeiten stellt drei neue Modelle vor.

• EnozoPRO von Consensus Group ist eine Sprühflasche, die Leitungswasser in wässriges Ozon verwandelt, um chemikalienfrei zu reinigen.

• Pollet teilt mit, dass seine probiotischen Reinigungsmittel Polvita auf Oberflächen für bis zu 14 Tage aktiv bleiben.

• Der autonome Staubsaugerroboter S170 Navi erlebt sein Debüt auf dem Stand von Cleanfix.

Stand 01.405 The Consensus Group will be showing its patented EnozoPRO. Each spray bottle of EnozoPRO contains an electrolytic cell that turns tap water into Aqueous Ozone at the push of a trigger.

Described as being nature’s most powerful sanitizer, AO is non-toxic, sustainable, ecofriendly and fragrance-free, according to the company.

The product is claimed to provide a safer alternative to chemicals, deodorisers and sanitisers while eliminating 99.99 per cent of common bacteria, germs and pathogens in less than five

Cleanfix has expanded its robot portfolio to include a compact vacuum cleaner, the S170 Navi.

Also new is the RA660 Navi M scrubber dryer in two variants: Pure and Connect. The RA660 Navi M Pure has an improved navigation system, a more powerful lithium-ion battery and a seven-inch touch panel while the Connect model can be controlled and managed via the RA660 Mission Control app.

The Navi XL meanwhile, has an improved navigation system and can come equipped with a scheduling function. www.cleanfix.com

• La PGP presenta la sua nuova linea di prodotti per la disinfezione delle mani, protezione della pelle, pulizia e cura.

• La Mesto, specializzata in spray portatili per detergenti liquidi, ha lanciato tre nuovi modelli.

• EnozoPRO della Consensus Group è un flacone spray che trasforma l’acqua del rubinetto in acqua ozonizzata per le pulizie senza prodotti chimici.

• La Pollet afferma che i suoi detergenti probiotici Polvita rimangono attivi sulle superfici per almeno 14 giorni.

• Il robot aspirapolvere autonomo S170 Navi fa il suo debutto sullo stand della Cleanfix.

April/May 2022 | ECJ | 97

FLOOR POLISHING

Polishing preferences HARD FLOORS NEED TO BE kept in tip-top condition in order to increase their lifespan and maintain their lustre. And an attractive floor with a high shine will create a good impression on clients and visitors.

But are longevity, a high shine and attractiveness the purchaser’s chief considerations when implementing a floor polishing system? Or do other factors such as safety, ergonomics, performance and a low price feature higher up their list of priorities?

Most customers want solutions that will improve efficiency, save time and reduce the total cost of cleaning according to Kärcher’s product management floorcare director Christian Mrowka. “They are constantly seeking new machine technologies, chemicals and materials that will optimise their results,” he said. “And productivity becomes more important each year as labour costs increase.”

Keeping floors in a high-gloss condition is a time-consuming job, he says. “It needs to be repeated up to six times a year which means speed and productivity are among the most important considerations for customers when choosing a floor polishing system,” says Mrowka. “Selecting the right process, chemicals, machines and accessories will ensure the floor is polished to a high shine in a shorter amount of time and without being out of use for any longer than necessary.”

Kärcher offers a wide range of polishing machines including 400 rpm, dual speed and ultra-high-speed models plus accessories and chemicals. According to Mrowka factors such as user safety, ergonomics and performance should always be part of the customer’s decision.

Don’t rush the process “If you rush the polishing process you may end up with uneven results or permanent damage to the floor, and this will cause unnecessary extra work and increase costs,” he said. “Some customers tend to put price first, and this means they run the risk of choosing products that offer lower levels of productivity and provide

poorer results.”

Safety is important because every workplace presents its own floor polishing risks, he says. “This could be due to the use and refill of chemicals for example, or it could be down to the need to dispose of dirty water correctly,” he said. “In either case, PPE will be required.”

The latest stripping agents, pads, floor machines and floor finishes can all help to improve productivity, performance, ergonomics and comfort, he says. “Selecting the correct polishing method in terms of machines, accessories and chemicals will ensure good results with high productivity and comfort,” said Mrowka.

Sustainable solutions “Large, heavy machinery should not be necessary in order to achieve the best cleaning results. These can be achieved using light and ergonomic machines that deliver a superior result in less time and with a higher degree of operator comfort.”

He claims customers are also increasingly looking for more sustainable floor polishing solutions. “The process of adding another coat of polish needs to be repeated several times a year on heavy-traffic areas due to wear,” he said. “However, there are certain polishing methods such as daily cleaning with diamond pads that will keep resilient floorings in good condition while avoiding the need for stripping and recoating.

“And the resurfacing of resilient floors makes sense because it considerably reduces costs, cuts energy consumption and lowers a company’s carbon footprint compared with having a new floor.”

Kärcher’s ultra-high-speed BDP 50/1500 C machine is said to achieve up to 30 per cent higher productivity at 1500 rpm compared with conventional high-speed machines, while its dual speed single disc BDS 43/DUO C machine can be used for cleaning, polishing and sanding different types of floors.

Good quality products at the right price are what customers seek when choosing a floor polishing solution, says IPC’s

What are customers looking for when choosing a floor polishing system? Are they mostly concerned with factors such as productivity and price, for example? And what other factors should they take into account such as user safety, ergonomics and performance?

export head Lorenzo Catellani. “The most important driver is the price/quality ratio,” he said. “However, performance and productivity are also important and customers will consider technical features such as motor power and brush rotation speed.”

He says it is essential all polishing systems meet safety and ergonomic requirements. “Single disc machines should be easy to use and feature an ergonomic handle with a comfortable grip – particularly if they are to have intensive use,” said Catellani. “They should also be lightweight with a compact design to prevent operator strain.”

IPC’s SD 1500 HS single disc machine has an ergonomic handle and a working width of 550 mm. The company also offers a range of optional pads.

According to Catellani, sustainability is another big consideration when choosing a floor treatment. “Customers are increasingly demanding chemical detergents that are non-toxic, non-aggressive, environmentally friendly and that cause no harm to the operator’s health,” he said.

Customers are continually on the hunt for easier and faster solutions that will reduce polishing time, cost and operator fatigue according to Filmop’s business development manager Paolo Scapinello, “Performance and productivity are both key factors influencing the purchasing choice,” he said. “Customers ask us for professional systems that will guarantee Continued page 100

April/May 2022 | ECJ | 99

FLOOR POLISHING Polishing preferences (continued) optimum performance while improving overall productivity.

“They are also increasingly aware that bad posture on the part of the operator over an extended period can cause muscular-skeletal issues. It is therefore becoming pivotal to use ergonomic systems that allow correct posture to be maintained and that avoid continuous bending and repetitive stressful movements.”

The quality of the products should be the customer’s first concern when choosing a floor polishing system, according to Prochem’s training and sales executive Stuart Macmillan. “Buyers need to look at the percentage of solids in the floor polish, since the lower the percentage the more susceptible the floor will be to wear and tear,” he said.

“They should also consider the complete package including the quality of the single disc rotary machine and the wet/dry vac they will need for polish removal and for daily/weekly maintenance.

eco-friendly flooring materials that last longer and require less maintenance is on the increase,” says Macmillan.

Prochem offers products and systems for resilient porous, semi-porous and non-porous hard floors including Prostrip, Proshine and Protreat. The company also offers a range of hard floor cleaning solutions including Stone and Tile Clean, Powerclean and Stone Seal.

Most customers today are looking for high quality products that deliver proven results, says Truvox UK national sales manager Simon Constantine.

Que recherchent les clients dans leur choix d’un système de polissage de planchers? Se préoccupentils avant tout de facteurs tels que la productivité et le prix ou privilégient-ils d’autres facteurs, en particulier la sécurité de l’utilisateur, l’ergonomie et la performance ?

100 | April/May 2022 | ECJ

More proactive approach

“They want to work with a company that can provide expert advice and recommend the right products for their needs,” he said.

“The finished result is the customer’s biggest concern because they will want their floor brought back to the level required.

And their next concern will be productivity.”

According to Constantine, customers should ideally think about the level of finish required when choosing a polishing machine. “This can change from site to site,” he said. “Customers should also consider how the floor will be used. For example, will cleaning take place when the public is around? If so, they might want to consider a battery-operated machine rather than a cabled model.”

Another consideration is the time that needs to be allocated to the job since this will have a major bearing on which machine is required, he adds. “And lastly, the costs should be borne in mind because if you are choosing equipment on a budget

According to Constantine there has been a noticeable shift in customer requirements due to the global pandemic: “People are taking a more active approach in ensuring that their floors are cleaned to a higher standard since coming out of lockdown,” he said. “As a result they are putting in place programmes to make sure that all floor cleaning tasks are carried out more frequently. And many companies are investing in new equipment and replacing older machines more frequently so that they will have reliable and well-maintained products in place.”

Filmop’s Paolo Scapinello has also noted a Covid-19 effect. “The sanitary emergency has made it more important than ever for customers to ensure maximum hygiene levels,” he said. “Consequently, they have begun to look for cleaning equipment that can achieve high levels of hygiene while reducing the cross-contamination risk.”

IPC’s Lorenzo Catellani claims the market is at last beginning to recover post-Covid-19. “Facilities such as schools, hotels, museums, restaurants and shopping malls were all either totally or partially closed during the pandemic, and this inevitably had an impact on demand for polishing systems,” he said. “But the market is now growing again.”

And Covid-19 focused pubic attention on wellness, and sustainability as well as on health, according to Kärcher’s Christian Mrowka. “Manufacturers are looking for ways to reduce any negative impacts on the environment, and this also applies to the polishing and flooring industries,” he said. “This has led to customers seeking to renovate their floors rather than replacing them.

“Floor polishing plays an important role here because it makes it possible to maintain a floor without frequent stripping and resealing – and this significantly reduces resource consumption along with the use of aggressive chemicals.”

Worauf achten Kunden bei der Auswahl einer Poliermaschine? Geht es ihnen vor allem um Faktoren wie etwa Produktivität und Preis? Und welche anderen Faktoren sollten sie berücksichtigen, beispielsweise Benutzersicherheit, Ergonomie und Leistung?

Cosa cercano esattamente i clienti quando scelgono un sistema per lucidare i pavimenti? Sono prevalentemente interessati a fattori tipo produttività e prezzo per esempio? E quali altri fattori dovrebbero tenere in considerazione, per esempio sicurezza per l’operatore, ergonomia e rendimento?

Price always a priority “And a good quality entrance matting should be included as an essential part of any floorcare system since this will reduces wear and tear and soiling.”

However, the factors that customers should bear in mind and the ones they do actually consider are two very different things, according to Macmillan. “I would like to think productivity and performance were the dominating factors in the decision-making process, but the reality is that price is always at the forefront,” he said.

Customer requirements depend greatly on the venue in question, he adds. “For instance, the floor in The Louvre is more likely to be well cared for and maintained than a nightclub floor, which means a higher quality polishing system would more likely be used in The Louvre.”

And safety should be a major consideration when choosing any polishing system, adds Macmillan. “In these days of high insurance claims it is important to ensure a non-slip surface, and the quality and performance of the products should be builtin factors,” he said. “The safety of staff and customers should always come first.”

Like other commentators, he believes customers are increasingly looking for sustainable floor polishing solutions. “I also believe demand for more sustainable

it can dramatically affect the results of the job and the client’s overall satisfaction,” said Constantine.

Truvox 400 to 1500 RPM machines come in both cable and cordless versions and are suitable for use in hotels, schools, leisure areas, offices and other public facilities.

PRODUCTS: FLOOR POLISHING

Less water VreactiV is the name of the technology behind FloorZilla floor pads, which boast improved performance with lower water consumption, without chemicals and with better durability.

grains on an elastic surface.

This creates a 3-D mobility that increases cleaning performance due to the high number of grains acting on the floor. And the contact pressure is said to be around 300 per cent higher than that of conventional pads.

The pads come in four versions - green, yellow, red and black. www.schwamborn.com

For safety floors

Developed by Schwamborn for use with its cleaning machines, the pads are made entirely from recycled material and consist of three layers. A fleece that ensures a secure hold on oscillating and rotating single-disc machines, a PUR foam that also acts as a water reservoir and the five VreactiV surfaces.

The innovation, says the company, is in the firm bonding of millions of tiny silicon carbide

The Ocelot 400 is a high speed battery-powered machine developed by Victor that uses oscillation to agitate dirt. It is designed for safety flooring.

Featuring a compact design with a 400 mm cleaning pad, this model is lightweight and manoeuvrable even in small spaces. It can be used with a series of pads with minimal water and is suitable for everything from daily maintenance to heavier periodic scrubbing. www.victorfloorcare.com

Tiny diamonds Twister diamond floor cleaning pads were developed for everyday machine cleaning of any type of floor, without any chemical. These pads from Diversey are impregnated with billions of microscopic diamonds that clean and polish the floor at the same time using water alone.

Because Twister cleans and polishes the floor simultaneously, a sustainable and lasting clean is achieved says Diversey.

So periodic floor maintenance is no longer necessary in many cases.

Floors cleaned with Twister and water are also claimed to provide increased slip resistance, lowering the risk of slip and trip injuries. twisterpad.com

• Schwamborn a lancé les tampons FloorZilla pads, caractérisés par une performance accrue assortie d’une moindre consommation d’eau et de l’absence de produits chimiques.

• L’Ocelot 400 est une machine de nettoyage grande vitesse à batterie qui fait appel à de puissantes oscillations.

• Les tampons diamantés de nettoyage des sols Twister, proposés par Diversey, sont destiné au nettoyage quotidien de planchers sans l’emploi de produits chimiques.

• Schwamborn hat die Pads FloorZilla vorgestellt, die laut eigenen Angaben die Leistung bei niedrigerem Wasserverbrauch und ohne Chemikalien verbessern.

• Die Ocelot 400 ist eine schnelle, akkubetriebene Reinigungsmaschine, die mit leistungsstarker Oszillation arbeitet.

• Die Diamant-Bodenreinigungspads Twister von Diversey wurden zur Reinigung aller Bodentypen ohne Chemikalien entwickelt.

• La Schwamborn ha lanciato i dischi FloorZilla che vantano di migliorare il rendimento con un minore consumo di acqua e senza uso di prodotti chimici.

• Ocelot 400 è una macchina per le pulizie ad alta velocità alimentata a batteria che utilizza tecnologia ad oscillazione ad alta potenza.

• I dischi diamantati per pavimenti Twister prodotti dalla Diversey sono progettati per la pulizia quotidiana di qualsiasi tipo di pavimento senza utilizzo di prodotti chimici.

April/May 2022 | ECJ | 101

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EDUCATION

Train to improve processes Cleaning and disinfection processes have become enhanced significantly during the pandemic and education around that must be targeted in order to improve processes and safety. Rich Prinz of EvaClean - specialist in sustainable disinfection solutions -writes exclusively for ECJ.

PRIOR TO THE PANDEMIC, cleaning went on behind the scenes with little or no call for enhanced disinfection. Today, both have become central to protecting the health and safety of everyone in every industry around the globe.

Cleaning and disinfection processes have been dramatically enhanced and become much more complex than traditional methods. They require an understanding of the biological contaminants that pose health risks, as well as the chemicals, technologies, and protocols necessary to mitigate them. There are also application considerations, safety hazards, and environmental concerns that contribute to the science of enhanced hygiene.

Generally speaking, most cleaning professionals didn’t need this depth of knowledge before. Now, job descriptions that already spanned a range of responsibilities include accountabilities beyond the norm.

This article will address the increased importance of effective environmental cleaning procedures and initiatives for safety and process improvement through targeted education.

Key drivers Historically, infection control wasn’t high on the list of priorities. Now, facilities must be capable of identifying bacteria, viruses, and fungi, while prioritising and developing enhanced infection prevention measures to shield occupants from expo-

104 | April/May 2022 | ECJ

sure. Many microorganisms and contaminants pose hazards to wellbeing, from the common cold and influenza to MRSA and food-borne pathogens, such as E.coli and salmonella.

Currently, the highest biological agent risk group is SARS-CoV-2 (Covid-19) and its associated strains, which are classified as serious or lethal human diseases.

Though Covid is transmitted primarily through exposure to respiratory droplets, it may also occur indirectly through contact with surfaces (fomites) contaminated by respiratory secretions from infected individuals. However, the risks for infectious disease transmission are not only limited to Covid-19 but, include other dangerous pathogens as well.

Even with social distancing, facial covering, and proper hand hygiene practices in place, the risk of contracting infections from contaminated surfaces remains high.

Moreover, if cleaning and disinfection processes are not carried out correctly, they may inadvertently exacerbate risks. Thus, it is vitally important that team members be educated on best practices for more effective cleaning processes to mitigate the spread of contagions.

Enhancement of processes In simplified terms, there are three main phases in routine cleaning processes: General cleaning/sanitising, disinfecting, and rinsing/drying. The first phase involves removing dirt and debris from surfaces in preparation for the disinfection phase, which eliminates bacteria and other microorganisms. NHS guidance for effective cleaning recommends working top to bottom, from the cleanest to the dirtiest areas, or from the back of the room toward the door to minimise further contamination. The final phase varies depending on the disinfectant and dwell times. Some disinfectants do not need to be rinsed after application however, requiring adequate time to dry (contact time) in order to kill target contaminants.

Routine housekeeping, also referred to as standard level cleaning, is no longer

enough and must be enhanced by a more robust phase incorporating infection control practices that emphasise high-touch surfaces. Commonly touched surfaces or objects present one of the highest risks for exposure to contagious viruses, including handles, handrails, furniture, keyboards, bathroom fixtures, and many other places throughout a facility. Enhanced processes may also require increasing the frequency of cleaning schedules to elevate effectiveness.

Mid-level cleaning, or deep cleaning, involves disinfecting the majority of surfaces from ceiling to floor. This includes lights, vents, doors and framing, as well as all patient contact equipment in healthcare settings. The highest level of cleaning is usually reserved for healthcare environments, such as terminal cleans of patient rooms after discharge and operating rooms/surgical suites.

Cleaning levels are determined by risks.

Consequently, conducting regular risk assessments to identify gaps, inefficiencies, and hazards in existing protocols is imperative to improving infection prevention standards. The data obtained from these assessments will help with decisions and plans for preventing viral transmission. However, a successful implementation that results in process and safety improvements is contingent on one key ingredient - perennial training of frontline cleaning staff to raise competency.

Critical cleaning competencies Training is essential to process improvement for existing staff as well as new team members. Turnover among custodial workers always presents challenges to maintaining efforts. Therefore, training on new technologies and enhanced disinfection protocols should be part of workplace induction. Programmes should also be tailored to a facility’s environment, be regularly updated based on risk assessments, and align with current guidelines.

Training modules should address the three main areas that impact cleaning process outcomes: efficiency, efficacy, and safety.

EDUCATION

Raising cleaning competency levels begins with having a strong grasp of a facility’s unique environmental characteristics and demonstrating proficiency in executing specific processes. For example: • Clear understanding of basic cleaning and disinfection concepts • Accurate chemical dilution to correct concentration for intended purposes • Dwell times for disinfecting surfaces and floors • Cleaner and disinfectant solution preparation for dry wipes or microfibre cloths • Proper mop bucket assembly, floor cleaning and disinfection practices • Use of appropriate washroom cleaning procedures • Maintenance and storage of equipment and chemicals.

Cleaning plans and schedules, product labels and safety data sheets should be readily available to staff members. Critical instructions should be reinforced by supplementary materials, such as usage guides, online videos, infection outbreak control guidelines, wall charts, and other on-site signage.

Educating for safety and efficacy Ensuring improvements in process outcomes means having a 360-degree view of potential transmission threats, as well as all associated mitigation risks.

In addition to pathogen risks, staff and occupants must be protected from exposure to cleaning chemical hazards.

Reducing exposure risks involves using less toxic chemicals and educating staff members on safer cleaning and disinfecting processes. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) in the US continue to highlight the need for safer sanitisers and disinfectants and stress the importance of using Safety Data Sheets (SDS) to ensure ingredients will not pose health risks.

When reviewing SDS, look for indicators of safer solutions, including a 0/0/0 HMIS, neutral pH, and the lowest EPA toxicity rating possible.

Targeted education that supports the safer implementation of cleaning and disinfection processes should cover: • Following manufacturer recommendations for safe handling and application

Les procédés de nettoyage et de désinfection ont connu des développements sensibles au cours de la pandémie et il s’agit d’en faire l’objet d’une éducation générale afin d’améliorer les processus et leur sécurité. Rich Prinz, de la société EvaClean, écrit en exclusivité pour ECJ.

• Wearing appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) for each chemical • Use of cleaning tools and equipment for safe chemical application • Chemical stability and longevity in use solution and concentrate.

Nonetheless, for chemistries to be truly safe, they must also deliver efficacy without sacrificing safety. An ideal chemical profile has the highest level 2C Emerging Pathogen Claim and a one to four minute contact time against a wide breadth of bacteria, viruses, and fungi, including C. diff, norovirus, Covid-19, and other pathogens.

Education purposefully designed to develop cleaning expertise, while also increasing safety and efficacy, should also encompass knowledge of the following areas: • Pathogen training • Chemical differentiators, master labels, and efficacies • Best practices for mitigating cross-contamination.

Outside of healthcare, most facilities are not aware that cross-contamination risks exist even though they are a primary contributor to the spread of infections.

Surfaces that appear clean can harbour invisible viral droplets from a sick individual or be contaminated by an infected cleaning cloth. Process improvement is dependent on mitigating the re-contamination cycle.

Specialised training on cleaning techniques such as single-use wiping, single area mopping, and dedicated mop head cleaning can help prevent contaminants from being transferred to other surfaces and areas within a facility.

Decontamination plans may also leverage newer cleaning technologies like touchless electrostatic sprayers, which enable efficient and complete surface disinfection without risk of cross-contamination. If using these technologies to enhance disinfection processes, teams must be trained on all aspects of the equipment to ensure safety and deliver optimum results.

In healthcare environments, best practices for preventing cross-contamination suggest pre-treating patient rooms and care areas with an electrostatic sprayer and a sporicidal disinfectant. For most pathogens, the appropriate dwell time is four minutes in compliance with the Joint Commission standards for hospital accreditation.

At the end of the day, improving processes is about putting safety first, while learning to implement procedures more efficiently and effectively.

Sustainable process improvement Typically, facilities use between seven and 10 different chemicals to accomplish various cleaning tasks, including hightouch surfaces, floors, windows, washrooms, etc - each with a separate set of instructions. This creates significant risks for error at every stage of the process. A recent trend toward chemical standardisation is rapidly gaining ground among the cleaning industry. Narrowing the scope of products by substituting broad-spectrum chemistries that serve many cleaning, sanitising and, disinfecting purposes can dramatically improve processes and reduce failure points. Moreover, replacing hazardous chemicals with safer, more effective solutions alleviates the majority of health concerns.

As a result of standardisation, organisations are experiencing further benefits with higher productivity and significant cost reduction. However, one additional benefit of this approach is that it also facilitates long-term sustainability by reducing chemical consumption and waste. Safer processes naturally align with the use of more sustainable cleaning products that are healthier for the environment as well.

Once expanded education strategies are formalised and become standard practice, they will establish the foundation for sustaining safety and continuous process improvement. Ultimately, these strategies will help protect facilities from the pathogens of today, as well as those that may emerge tomorrow.

The June/July edition of ECJ will feature news on the winners of the European Cleaning & Hygiene Awards. Visit the website at europeancleaningjournal.com for news as winners are announced.

Reinigungs- und Desinfektionsverfahren wurden während der Pandemie erheblich verbessert, und die zugehörige Schulung muss gezielt erfolgen, um die Verfahren und die Sicherheit zu verbessern. Rich Prinz von EvaClean schreibt exklusiv für das ECJ.

Le procedure di pulizia e di disinfezione sono state notevolmente migliorate durante la pandemia ed è ora necessaria una formazione mirata per migliorare le procedure e la sicurezza. Ce ne parla Rich Prinz della EvaClean nel suo articolo esclusivo per ECJ

April/May 2022 | ECJ | 105

SMART TECHNOLOGY

Working hand in hand Cleaners are becoming increasingly used to digital systems in their day-to-day work.

Or are they? Are smart solutions making life easier for staff, or simply adding to their stress? ECJ looks at the evolving relationship between cleaners and technology.

CLEANING HAS ALWAYS BEEN a difficult job. It requires physical strength, thoroughness, hard work and attention to detail. And it can be time-consuming, exhausting and repetitive.

And then along came the cavalry.

High-tech solutions in the form of robots, sensor systems and digital equipment have emerged on the market over recent years with the aim of lightening the cleaner’s load.

But altering one’s working practices overnight can be a struggle. Staff have had to relearn their jobs and interact with complicated new technological solutions. So, how are cleaners reacting to the changes? Are they embracing the technology, or are they treating it with wariness and suspicion?

Some operatives struggle to accept technological changes, admits Churchill Group operations director Raphael Sagula. “It can be easy to assume that just because everyone has a smartphone, they will quickly adapt to new apps and digital solutions,” he said. “But this is not the case. Everyone has a different comfort level with technology and it’s the employer’s role to ensure they receive the right training.”

According to Sagula, cleaners can be reluctant to alter their habitual working practices. “Operatives have a fixed routine and some are concerned that the use of technology will add to their workload,”

106 | April/May 2022 | ECJ

he said. “But it’s simply a question of readjusting their mindset and once the tech has been implemented, they start to embrace it and even enjoy the new level of variety to their days.”

He believes cleaners in general are becoming more comfortable with technology. “We’re seeing this particularly with PRISM, our workplace hygiene programme,” he said. “Some training is required but we’ve put a lot of thought into making it user-friendly.”

Introducing technology to cleaners is not always plain sailing according to LionsBot ceo Dylan Ng Terntzer. “Some employees are overwhelmed by hard-touse features and are uncertain about the cleaning performance and reliability of robots,” he said. “They may also be sceptical about how the machines can help them, particularly when previous generations of robots have not fulfilled their promise.”

He says many cleaners initially assume they will need a high level of technical skill to operate the new equipment. “They are also concerned about the burden of figuring out how to use the technology on top of their already strenuous workload,” he continued.

LionsBot robots are designed with the user in mind, according to Ng Terntzer.

“When robots are easy to use, cleaners quickly warm up to them and realise the immediate productivity gains that can be made,” he said. “Most cleaners are comfortable with them within two weeks.”

The human touch He says human cleaners are still required to operate LionsBot robots, but are able to do more with less. “For example, a single cleaner can operate multiple cleaning robots at once, offloading the repetitive floor cleaning duties and focusing instead on the more detailed tasks that robots are currently unable to fulfil,” he explained.

A common fear among cleaners is that robots will eventually take over their jobs according to Kärcher’s robotics competence centre product manager Thilo

Ehrentreich, “Many also worry that the digital systems designed to record cleaning performance will demonstrate that robots can work more quickly and effectively than they can,” he said. “And the use of digital solutions can have an impact on the cleaner’s independence and a negative effect on their motivation.”

Job security fears He says the value of human cleaners needs to be clearly communicated. “When humans and robots work together they upgrade the profile of the cleaner, making the job more attractive and reducing the total cost of cleaning,” he said. “And while the robot takes over the monotonous task of large-scale floor cleaning, staff members can concentrate on more complicated tasks. Meanwhile, the reputation of cleaners is enhanced by the fact that they’re working with state-of-the-art technology, and this in turn increases their motivation.”

The fact most people have learned how to use a smartphone puts app-based cleaning solutions within reach of almost everyone, he says. But he adds all technology should be intuitive and available in multiple languages. “This will immensely lower the fear factor and inhibition threshold,” he said.

Kärcher robots are said to be user-friendly and intuitive, and incorporate in-app language translations.

Sasse managing director Benny Wunderlic says some of his staff were initially fearful about the introduction of robots.

“However, these fears around job security were quickly replaced by the realisation that robotics are a collaboration between autonomous cleaning and humans,” he said. “These machines facilitate greater productivity and allow our staff to focus on high value tasks such as touchpoint cleaning, disinfection and washroom cleaning – none of which cannot be completed with robotics.”

According to Wunderlic, younger workers are typically more ready to accept digital solutions than senior staff mem-

SMART TECHNOLOGY

bers. “Technology has advanced at rates they would never have expected in their lifetime, and its evolution speeds up every year,” he said. “This can make it difficult for older generations to keep up with the latest technologies, particularly when these have not been a part of their lives from a young age.”

He adds that most staff members quickly learn the benefits of technological advances and soon find them invaluable.

“By providing ongoing training and support we break down the walls between paper and digital solutions and our employees feel increasingly empowered,” he said.

“Few would go back to hours of scrubbing floors or manually recording every detail of the working day via paperwork.”

Sasse uses cobotics and has its own Sasse Service app which keeps cleaners informed about cleaning and washroom needs via a smartphone.

Like other companies, ICE has faced challenges when introducing technology according to marketing manager Ellen Gasson. “These have included fears that operatives will be replaced by machines to concerns about how they will keep up with the technology,” she said. “And there’s been a general lack of readiness for the next step in innovation. However, the last two years have been pivotal.”

Does the tech work?

She believes the key to successful integration is to collaborate with cleaners on site. “In this way the machines become part of the team and are not seen as a threat or a separate function,” she said. “This requires the full involvement of all front-line operators so that they can gauge the real value of the machines.”

ICE’s cobotics equipment is designed to carry out repetitive tasks, leaving operators to focus on hygiene and sanitising activities. “Our models are extremely intelligent and can be fully operated, controlled and managed by the teams on site,” said Gasson.

Cleaners understand the benefits of smart solutions – but only when the technology works, says Principle Cleaning’s

Les robots de nettoyages et autres solutions de haute technologie suscitaient beaucoup de suspicion il n’y pas longtemps car on pensait qu’ils allaient remplacer la main-d’œuvre humaine. Cependant les agents de nettoyage apprennent aujourd’hui à travailler avec des solutions intelligentes, et les accueillent même favorablement dans la mesure où elles leur facilitent la tâche. Cette nouvelle relation entre l’agent de nettoyage et la technologie est-elle venue facilement ? Ou s’est-instaurée avec peine et un stress accru dans certaines situations ?

operations director David Saville. “If the tech is simple to use and offers clear benefits, staff members will quickly become comfortable using it,” he said.

“For example, a simple app for signing off of PPE inspections and risk assessments can be highly beneficial compared with the old system of creating a paper trail. But these benefits are negated if the app doesn’t work or is hard to use.”

Part of daily life Like other commentators, he has found that some cleaners are resistant to using technology. “However, the drive for data is inescapable and tech is becoming increasingly part of our daily lives,” he said. Principle Cleaning offers full training on the use of technology in cleaning.

Essity also encountered an early reluctance to adopt new technology according to communications director Renée Remijnse. “There was an initial perception that working with digital cleaning plans via a tablet would be more time-consuming,” she said. “Some cleaners fear change and are intimidated by having to learn something new. But when they are properly trained they quickly realise that these tools are there to help them, not replace them.”

The company’s Tork Vision Cleaning enables cleaners to check on cleaning needs via a smartphone or tablet. “The technology makes their lives easier because it reduces the need for unnecessary dispenser checks and allows them to get ahead of any complaints,” said Remijnse. “They no longer have to stop what they are doing to replenish supplies in the washroom, and their working day is more balanced as a result.”

Cleaners are generally becoming more comfortable with smart solutions, according to Remijnse. “Everyone these days uses a computer, tablet or smartphone and this makes the user experience familiar to most cleaners.”

So, how will relationship between humans and technological solutions progress? LionsBot’s Ng Terntzer believes it will become closer and more intertwined.

Früher wurden Reinigungsroboter und andere Hightech-Lösungen mit einer Mischung aus Argwohn und der Befürchtung, dass Technologie Menschen ersetzen würde, betrachtet. Aber Reinigungskräfte lernen in Verbindung mit intelligenten Lösungen zu arbeiten und sie sogar bereitwillig anzunehmen, um ihr Leben zu erleichtern. Ist diese neue Beziehung mit Technologie unproblematisch? Oder erschwert Technologie in manchen Situationen das Leben von Reinigungskräften und macht es anstrengender?

“Humans will increasingly carry out the tasks that are best suited to them and leave the more repetitive work to robots,” he said. “This will become the new way of working and personal robot cleaning assistants will become indispensable to every cleaner.”

The Churchill Group’s Raphael Sagula thinks digital solutions will be introduced into more sectors of the cleaning industry.

“Advancements in technology will complement the user role and make it more effective,” he said.

Principle Cleaning’s David Saville also believes the role of technology will grow.

“Whether robots will replace humans altogether is unclear, but the drive towards greater efficiencies will continue,” he said.

“However, I think the human contribution is likely to remain significant.”

Unique partnership The need for higher levels of productivity and lower costs will drive the industry in the future, says ICE’s Ellen Gasson. “Facilities service providers need to achieve more without compromising financial budgets, so investment in automated cleaning will be essential for future cleaning,” she said.

Kärcher’s Thilo Ehrentreich says humans and robots will continue to co-operate.

“The human cleaner sees a room, recognises the need for action, breaks it down into work steps and finds solutions for unforeseen problems – something that machines cannot do,” he said. “The machine therefore complements human labour rather than replacing it, and in future this cooperation will simply become more collaborative.”

And Sasse’s Benny Wunderlic says cleaners need not fear being replaced by robots. “Autonomous cleaning still requires human input for effective judgement and use,” he said. “Problems can be identified by robotics, but human input is required to reach a resolution. So we believe humans and AI will continue to develop together with their strengths and weaknesses finetuned to realise the true potential of this unique and effective partnership.”

I robot di pulizia e altre soluzioni high-tech erano un tempo viste con sospetto per la paura che la tecnologia eliminasse la necessità delle persone fisiche. Ma gli addetti alle pulizie stanno sempre più imparando a lavorare con le soluzioni smart e persino accogliendole per rendere più facile la loro vita. Ma questo nuovo rapporto con la tecnologia è sempre stato tutto rose e fiori? Oppure, in certe situazioni, la tecnologia sta rendendo la vita difficile e più stressante per gli addetti alle pulizie?

April/May 2022 | ECJ | 107

PRODUCTS: SMART TECHNOLOGY

• TASKI AR est l’application mise au point par Diversey pour gérer l’entretien, le service par l’exploitant, et le soutien en ligne de machines de nettoyage.

• Vigilant offre différentes solutions mobiles pour le suivi des temps de travail et de présence.

• Tork Vision Cleaning est la solution numérique, proposée par Essity, pour accroître l’efficacité du nettoyage.

• Bei TASKI AR handelt es sich um die von Diversey entwickelt App, mit der Wartung, Fehlerbehebung und Online-Support von Reinigungsmaschinen verwaltet werden können.

• Vigilant bietet mehrere mobile Lösungen zur Zeit- und Anwesenheitsüberwachung.

• Tork Vision Cleaning ist die digitale Lösung von Essity, die zur Verbesserung der Reinigungseffizienz konzipiert wurde.

• TASKI AR è la app sviluppata dalla Diversey per gestire la manutenzione, il self-service e il supporto on line delle macchine per le pulizie.

• La Vigilant propone delle soluzioni mobili per il monitoraggio dell’orario e delle presenze.

• Tork Vision Cleaning è la soluzione digitale di Essity progettata per migliorare l’efficienza della pulizia.

108 | April/May 2022 | ECJ

Machine app Developed by Diversey for use with its cleaning machines is the TASKI AR app for maintenance, self-service, demonstration and online support. It’s free to download and works with almost every smartphone and tablet.

TASKI AR can demonstrate main functions and elements of machines to enable operators to develop a better understanding of how they work and where they are best used. www.diversey.com

ance control solutions for use with mobile devices. Because all readings are uploaded to the cloud the information can be accessed from any device, anywhere and at any time. vigilant.es

Attendance device

Cleaning Vision

Vigilant specialises in mobile solutions for time and attendance management. Its latest solution is Wireless Easy, a small device that fits in the palm of the hand and registers hours worked in real time. It then sends data to the cloud.

The company has also developed task planning and attend-

Designed to improve cleaning efficiency while making life easier for cleaners is Tork Vision Cleaning from Essity. This digital solution is said to dramatically improve efficiency by cutting the time spent cleaning by up to 20 per cent. This frees up cleaners to address other, more hygienecritical tasks.

Tork Vision Cleaning uses people-counters and connected dispensers to provide real-time data on cleaning requirements.

Staff can check remotely via a computer, tablet or smartphone on which washroom cubicles are particularly busy and which dispensers are running out of essential supplies.

They can then top up the units at their own convenience.

This helps them to streamline their cleaning rounds while also avoiding the risk of run-outs of soap and paper. And the data collected from the software enables cleaners to anticipate when enhanced cleaning or extra checks might be required. www.tork.co.uk/visioncleaning

WORKFORCE

Let’s hear it for cleaners WE ALL DEPEND ON the invisible workforce that toils tirelessly to ensure that our streets and facilities are clean and litter-free. Cleaners are expected to remove everything unpleasant from the public eye – whether it is drug paraphernalia, food packaging, broken bottles, animal faeces or vomit.

But instead of being hailed as heroes, this body of workers is often despised, disregarded – and sometimes even abused and assaulted. Reports of street cleaners being robbed, beaten up, bombarded with eggs and even shot at with air rifles have hit the news over recent years.

However, despite this sorry state of affairs it appears there are plenty of cleaners who receive the appreciation they deserve from their local communities.

Street cleaners in particular perform a particularly important function since our roads and pavements need to be kept clear of debris to prevent accidents, slips and trips. And organic waste in open spaces could represent a hazard to health.

Cleaners have to tackle this task headon, and frequently in difficult circumstances. Street cleaning is often carried out by lone workers in the early hours of the morning or late at night when few people are around. And dangerous neighbourhoods need cleaning just as much as leafy avenues - often even more.

Physically attacked So cleaners repeatedly need to put themselves at risk during their working shift. In the last 12 months alone there have been numerous stories in the press about European street cleaners being physically or verbally attacked when going about their work.

However, the upside of working in full view of the public means cleaners are exposed to positive attitudes as well. And for every dangerous assailant on the streets, there are several other law-abiding citizens who are quietly appreciative of the work that cleaners do.

In October 2017 a street cleaner in

Beckenham, South London became the subject of a positive Facebook post by a community member who wanted to point out his good work.

Other people living nearby quickly recognised the unnamed man from his description and between them posted more than 260 “likes” and 50 comments. These included: “Always stops to say good morning”, “Always has a smile on his face” and: “Lovely guy. Helped look for our two-year old’s missing bunny which was dropped on the high street”.

Cleaners are the life-blood of our industry. ECJ celebrates the amazing work they do and looks at the many ways in which cleaners go above and beyond what is expected of them.

Influx of appreciation

reported finding a brown envelope containing more than £300,000 in used bank notes when cleaning a bus. Instead of pocketing the cash, the honest operative handed it straight over to the Metropolitan Police.

Other examples of cleaners’ honesty and helpfulness are constantly being documented. In May 2018, a cleaner working at South Korea’s Incheon International Airport discovered seven gold bars wrapped in newspaper in a rubbish bin.

A finder’s fee is usually awarded to people who find valuable goods in South Korea under the country’s law. However, this does not apply to employees working on company property so the unnamed cleaner received nothing from his €289,000 haul.

In spring 2019, another airport cleaner went above and beyond the call of duty to help a passenger find an item of jewellery that had great sentimental value.

The passenger at New Zealand’s Invercargill Airport discovered she had lost the €62,500 family heirloom just before her flight departed. After hearing about the incident, cleaner Le-Ann Peterson began a three-day treasure hunt in search of the 3.25-carat diamond ring alongside her other cleaning duties. She eventually found the ring on the floor by the wheelchairs, glittering in the sun. It was returned to its rightful owner who was extremely grateful for Peterson’s diligence and honesty.

This influx of appreciation for a cleaner was by no means an isolated incident. In September 2018, the Mayor of Greenwich near London made a point of personally thanking a hard-working street cleaner who had received glowing praise from his local Plumstead community. Craig Hutton, who had worked in the south-east London suburb for 15 years, responded to the accolade with the words: “The best bit about my job is the fact people are stopping to say ‘Well done!’, which means that they appreciate my work.”

And in June 2019 it emerged that Liverpool street cleaner Thomas McArdle, 61, was awarded the British Empire Medal for cheerfully keeping the city’s roads spotless.

One of the reasons why cleaners deserve this acclaim is because some of the tasks they have to carry out are fairly unsavoury. This became apparent early in 2019 when UK contract cleaning company Cordant revealed some of the items its staff had found on London buses during the course of their work.

The list included sex toys, soiled nappies, positive pregnancy tests, false teeth in a pool of vomit, a fresh animal heart and a pile of human faeces - with a flag in it.

It is incredible that people should deliberately leave behind such items for others to find and dispose of.

However, some objects are presumably discarded accidentally.

One Cordant Cleaning staff member

Continued page 110

April/May 2022 | ECJ | 109

WORKFORCE Let’s hear it for cleaners (continued) Receiving positive feedback about cleaners from members of the public is by no means unusual, says operational HR director at OCS Justine Vaughan. In fact she says her own company receives such feedback on a weekly basis.

“The manager of one of our operatives - Steve Bundy - received many emails commending him for doing a great job,” she said. “As a result he was nominated for one of our ‘OCS Star awards’.

Beyond cleaning “We also received feedback from a couple visiting from New Zealand whose hotel room happened to overlook one of our customers’ buildings. This couple were so impressed with the attitude and dedication of one of our cleaning operatives that they made sure to give feedback before they returned home.”

According to Vaughan it is not uncommon for the company’s airport cleaners to help passengers with directions and provide assistance to elderly and disabled

Les agents de nettoyage sont ce qui fait vivre notre industries et nous dépendons d’eux entièrement.

ECJ salue ici le travail remarquable qu’ils assurent et contemple les multiples moyens par lesquels ils vont au-delà de ce qui est attendu d’eux.

110 | April/May 2022 | ECJ

passengers. “Our operatives provide much more than cleaning - and they enjoy being able to do so,” she said. “And we have a programme called Bright Ideas that provides a way for cleaning operatives to share feedback and suggestions with their managers.”

She says various incidences of cleaners going above and beyond the call of duty have attracted media attention over the years. “However, it’s the numerous daily actions that make a difference,” she said. “These can be anything from going through the rubbish to find someone’s lost dentures to sitting with an elderly person and helping them eat their lunch.”

OCS passes all the positive feedback it receives on to its cleaners. “Where possible we also share it on our Facebook page and feature it in our internal newsletter,” says Vaughan.

Today’s society is becoming more equal and inclusive all the time. And as a result, that invisible divide between the people

Reinigungskräfte sind lebenswichtig für unsere Branche, und wir alle sind auf sie angewiesen. Das ECJ feiert hier die erstaunliche Arbeit, die sie leisten, und betrachtet die vielfältigen Arten, in denen Reinigungskräfte über das von ihnen erwartete Pensum hinausgehen.

who do the dirty work and the rest of us is beginning to break down.

Members of the public are increasingly demonstrating a willingness to take up tools and voluntarily join in with the collective cleaning effort. For example, Japanese sports fans have gained a reputation for bringing rubbish bags along with them to stadiums and clearing up after themselves – and others –after the event has finished.

After the 2019 Rugby World Cup in Japan, members of Canada’s national rugby team hit the headlines when they took part in the Typhoon Hagibis clean-up, sweeping storm-hit streets and shovelling away some of the debris left behind by the devastating cyclone.

Public responsibility And public responsibility for clearing away litter and other rubbish is beginning to catch on in other countries as well.

Tourists in Berlin, for example, have been invited to help clean up the city in exchange for a free guided tour. The Berlin municipal authorities teamed up with a tour company to instigate the scheme which led to the city’s parks being cleared of cigarette butts, corks, picnic detritus and broken glass by teams of tourists who were rewarded with an hour-long city tour for their efforts.

And a UK tour operator invited its customers to take part in a beach clean activity. This involved tourists picking up litter from Europe’s beaches in a bid to give something back to their holiday destination.

And growing concerns about the amount of plastic waste in the environment has prompted a worldwide trend in removing other people’s litter. Plogging – the act of jogging while picking up rubbish - began as an organised activity in Sweden in 2016 and is now gaining global popularity as a form of ethical workout.

The more we share in the cleaning up of our communal spaces and facilities, the more we help to shoulder the cleaner’s load while gaining a greater appreciation of their efforts.

Cleaners are amazing. The work they do is potentially life-saving – and sometimes even life-threatening. So it is about time they received some support from the rest of us, along with some real appreciation for what they do to keep us safe.

Gli addetti alle pulizie sono la linfa vitale della nostra industria, e tutti noi dipendiamo da loro. In questo articolo, ECJ celebra il lavoro incredibile di questi lavoratori e prende in esame i vari modi in cui gli addetti alle pulizie vanno ben oltre ciò che ci si aspetta da loro.

PRODUCT REVIEW

Sterilise air

The units are easily fitted and only require an annual service, says Denis Rawlins. www.rawlins.co.uk

Hand dryers Denis Rawlins has developed its first air sterilisation system, the Rawlins Quantum Air Steriliser.

This uses Quantum Active Field Technology to destroy bacteria, viruses and odours.

A single unit can sterilise up to 900 cubic metres of air, with 15 air changes, every hour.

The Quantum AFT 60 is a surface-mounted commercial air sterilisation system, suitable for laboratory, hospital and food manufacturing environments.

It is also now available for office, retail, transport and education sectors.

And the Quantum AFT 60/90 is a ceiling-mounted unit for use in laboratories, medical facilities, conference facilities and open plan offices that have been fitted with flat, false or suspended ceilings.

New from Initial Washroom Hygiene are the Luna Dry and Luna Mini Dry hand dryers, available in three high gloss UV anti-scratch finishes.

The Luna range offers multiproduct Plug & Play functionality, allowing for quick and easy installation and upgrade. The dryers can be mounted onto walls using the Terra4 docking station, making replacement or upgrade quick and simple.

And these models produce up

to 90 per cent less CO2 than other hand dryers, says Initial, while also being cost effective.

The full-sized Luna Dry features a HEPA Clean Air intelligent filter and ION Pure Antimicrobial front cover protection.

The Luna Mini Dry, meanwhile, is a more compact unit suitable for smaller washroom spaces. www.initial.co.uk/washroomservices

Safe seat

The Washie Toilet Seat is a smart toilet seat with a handsfree sensor that dispenses an alcohol-based cleaning solution to wipe the seat down before and after use.

Designed by Washie Products, the solution has been developed for high-traffic public washrooms in airports, hospitals, offices, etc. www.washieproducts.com

• Le stérilisateur d’air Rawlins Quantum de la société Denis Rawlins est un système de stérilisation atmosphérique détruisant bactéries, virus et mauvaises odeurs.

• Initial Washroom Hygiene affirme l’hygiène supérieure de ses nouveaux sèche-mains Luna Dry et Luna Mini Dry. • Le siège de sanitaire Washie comporte un capteur sans contact débitant une solution de nettoyage pour l’essuyage du siège avant et après usage.

• Der Rawlins Quantum Air Steriliser von Denis Rawlins ist ein Luftsterilisationssystem zur Vernichtung von Bakterien und Viren sowie zur Beseitigung von Gerüchen.

• Initial Washroom Hygiene teilt mit, dass die neuen Händetrockner Luna Dry und Luna Mini Dry hygienischer arbeiten.

• Der Washie Toilettensitz verfügt über einen berührunsgslosen Sensor zur Abgabe einer Reinigungslösung, um den Sitz vor und nach der Benutzung abzuwischen.

• Il prodotto Rawlins Quantum Air Steriliser della Denis Rawlins è un sistema di sterilizzazione dell’aria per la distruzione di batteri, virus e odori.

• La Initial Washroom Hygiene afferma che i suoi nuovi asciugamani ad aria Luna Dry e Luna Mini Dry sono più igienici.

• La seduta wc Washie Toilet Seat è dotata di un sensore hands-free che dispensa una soluzione di pulizia per pulire la seduta prima e dopo ogni uso

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April/May 2022 | ECJ | 111

PRODUCT REVIEW

• Brain Corp a lancé l’aspirateur professionnel autonome KIRA CV 60/1 en collaboration avec Kärcher.

• Amplify Goods est une nouvelle entreprise sociale cherchant à équilibrer carbone, matières plastiques, impact social et fonction tout en proposant des consommables tels que ceux nécessaires au lavage des mains.

• Tork a étendu sa gamme PeakServe à rouleau continu de serviettes papier en y ajoutant une nouvelle recharge et deux nouveaux distributeurs.

• ONE HUNDRED restrooms s’est associée à Kamleon pour développer un urinoir intelligent qui mesure les niveaux d’hydratation.

• Curtis Dyna-Fog a lancé la machine à fumée Dyna-Jet L30 à batterie pour service industriel.

• Brain Corp hat in Verbindung mit Kärcher den professionellen, autonomen Staubsauger KIRA CV 60/1 vorgestellt.

• Amplify Goods ist ein neues Sozialunternehmen, das CO2-Ausstoß, Plastik, gesellschaftliche Auswirkungen und Funktion abwägt, während es Verbrauchsmaterialien wie Handreiniger bereitstellt.

• Tork hat die Produktreihe PeakServe Continuous Hand Towel Roll mit Endlos-Handtuchrollen um eine neue Nachfüllpackung und zwei neue Spender erweitert.

• ONE HUNDRED restrooms will in Zusammenarbeit mit Kamleon ein intelligentes Urinal entwickeln, das Hydrationspegel misst.

• Neu von Curtis Dyna-Fog ist der akkubetriebene industrielle Nebler Dyna-Jet L30.

• La Brain Corp, in collaborazione con la Kärcher, ha lanciato l’aspirapolvere professionale autonomo KIRA CV 60/1.

• La Amplify Goods è una nuova impresa sociale che bilancia emissioni, plastica, impatto sociale e funzioni mentre fornisce prodotti di consumo come per esempio il sapone per le mani • La Tork ha ampliato la sua gamma PeakServe Continuous Hand Towel Roll con l’aggiunta di una nuova ricarica e due nuovi dispenser.

• La ONE HUNDRED restrooms ha stretto una collaborazione con la Kamleon per sviluppare un urinatoio smart che misura i livelli di idratazione.

• Il nuovo prodotto della Curtis Dyna-Fog è l’erogatore di nebbia industriale alimentato a batteria Dyna-Jet L30.

112 | April/May 2022 | ECJ

Robot vacuum Artificial intelligence specialist Brain Corp has partnered with Kärcher to develop the professional autonomous vacuum cleaner KIRA CV 60/1.

Powered by Brain’s proprietary operating system, BrainOS, KIRA CV 60/1 has been developed to vacuum buildings such as hotels, schools, airports, conference centres, offices etc. Features include lithium-ion battery; advanced cameras and sensors that constantly scan and adapt to the environment; cloudconnected AI software that continually improves navigational performance; reporting tools providing key insight into operational performance metrics; and HEPA-rated vacuum bag.

Kärcher is confident workers without any technical background will be able to manage the machine easily and achieve optimum performance thanks to its intuitive interface and teaching methodologies: Teach & Repeat and Area Fill. www.karcher.com

plastic from the oceans than we use; removing carbon from the environment equivalent to the footprint for our team and the products; planting trees for each order; and supporting the mental health and wellbeing of quiet changemakers involved in reaching Net Zero through our amplifications.”

The business is launching a range of essentials that includes soap, cleaning products and other supplies. The first product will be a cost effective, unfragranced and eco-friendly hand wash available in sturdy fivelitre stackable containers and 200-litre drums, both circularenabled, with more products on the way soon. www.amplifygoods.org

New towels Tork has expanded its Tork PeakServe Continuous Hand Towel Roll family by adding a high-performance refill along with two new dispensers.

The new Advanced Hand Towel refill delivers softness and enhanced performance while also being 20 per cent more absorbent than regular Tork PeakServe towels. The new towels are suitable for use with the Mini dispenser which holds up to 1,230 towels.

Hydration gauge

Public washroom pioneer ONE HUNDRED restrooms has entered a partnership with the Spanish tech start-up Kamleon to make people aware of the importance of drinking enough water, by means of a hydration tracker.

The ‘smart’ urinal measures hydration non-invasively via the urine, analysing various parameters. The user sees the result on a screen installed above the urinal after a few seconds.

The goal of the new service is to raise public awareness of the importance of adequate water intake to improve wellbeing and health and prevent potential illnesses related to lack of hydration.

Both the smart urine analysis and the hydration station are free services ONE HUNDRED restrooms offers as part of the paid toilet visit. Other services available for visitors are a health check - which measures, among other things, blood pressure, heart rate, BMI and oxygen saturation in the blood - a shower room, non-touch technology, a baby care room and interactive mirrors with well-being tips. onehundredrestrooms.com

Positive impact

Low volume

Amplify Goods is a new social enterprise in the UK founded by two women with a vision to balance carbon, plastic, social impact and function while providing the everyday consumables private and public sector buyers source for their washrooms and other facilities.

Pasha Michaelsen and Camilla Marcus-Dew have aligned their business to UN Sustainable Development Goals 3, 12 and 13. Marcus-Dew explained: “Our commitments include: enabling circular supply chains; collecting and recycling two times more

Curtis Dyna-Fog, a division of spraying and fogging equipment specialist B&G Equipment, has launched the Dyna-Jet L30 large-scale battery-powered ultra low volume (UVL) fogger for pest control and hygiene.

The battery can run for 90 minutes on a single charge and sanitises up to 2,000 cubic metres per hour, with a plume reach of 15 metres. It is compatible with water, solvent and oil-based formulations.

The L30 can also be truck mounted to distribute formulation over a wider area. www.foggersdirect.com

In addition, Tork PeakServe Recessed comes in two sizes and can increase the capacity of recessed cabinets by up to 40 per cent. It is compatible with many cabinet types and allows managers to enhance existing units without the need for any extensive renovation work. www.tork.co.uk

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