November 2020

The pan-European magazine for the professional cleaning sector

NOVEMBER 2020

HAND HYGIENE

BUSINESS

SPECIAL REPORT

How attitudes have changed

Biodiversity in urban areas

High-pressure cleaners

Page 21

Page 32

Page 45

Survey on building usage during and after Covid-19 lockdowns, plus industry challenges Page 41

CONTENTS

November 2020 | Vol.28, No.5

BUSINESS

SPECIAL REPORTS

32 Time to protect nature is now

21 Covid-19 and hand washing

Hartley Milner investigates the business response to our biodiversity crisis.

03 News

What are our attitudes to hand washing in the wake of the pandemic?

35 Good golly, nice trolley!

How are trolleys evolving in a world where cleaners are now more visible?

10 EFCI news

41 Navigating the challenges ECJ takes a look at a survey into building usage during and after lockdown.

12 European reports

45 What’s new in high-pressure?

Ann Laffeaty asks about latest developments in high-pressure cleaning.

54 Product review

50 The new sweeping norm How did Covid-19 affect the sweepers market, and how is it now?

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 2020

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NEWS & EVENTS

Latest News & Events from ECJ

‘Drug-resistant bacteria persists in hospitals even after deep cleaning’

ECJ has published a special supplement focusing on the issues surrounding sustainability.

Key issues discussed include the Extinction Rebellion effect, the flip side of sustainability, single use plastics, and the role of robotics and technology.

Read it at the ECJ website (www. europeancleaningjournal.com) or download via the app.

EVENTS Deep cleaning fails to prevent the spread of certain antibioticresistant bacteria in hospitals according to University of Cambridge researchers.

Enterococcus faecium is commonly found in the intestines of humans where it usually causes no problems.

However, it can lead to potentially life-threatening infections in immunocompromised patients. And antibiotic-resistant strains of enterococcus faecium have increasingly been found in hospital settings over the past 30 years.

Genome sequencing Scientists used genome sequencing at Cambridge’s Addenbrooke’s Hospital to reveal the extent to which drug-resistant gastrointestinal bacteria can spread.

Swabs were taken from the hospital environment where 48 per cent of surfaces tested positive for vancomycinresistant E. faecium. The affected areas included 36 per

cent of medical devices, 76 per cent of non-touch areas such as air vents, 41 per cent of bed spaces and 68 per cent of communal bathrooms.

The hospital then deepcleaned the ward over a three-day period while the patients were moved elsewhere.

However, when the team swabbed the ward again before the patients returned they found that nine per cent of samples still tested positive for the bacteria. And within three days of the patients returning around half the sampled sites tested positive again.

“We found high levels of hospital-adapted E. faecium despite the use of cleaning products and procedures that have proven effective against the bug,” said Dr Theodore Gouliouris from the University of Cambridge Department of Medicine. “We were surprised to find how short-lasting the effect of deep cleaning was.

It highlights how challenging it can be to tackle outbreaks in hospitals.”

Le nettoyage en profondeur ne parvient pas à stopper la propagation de bactéries résistantes aux antibiotiques en milieu hospitalier, affirment des chercheurs à l’université de Cambridge.

January 7-10 2021

September 28-30 2021

Global Clean Expo

Middle East Cleaning Tech Week

Istanbul, Turkey globalcleanexpo.com

Dubai, UAE www.mectw.com

March 16-18 2021

October 19-21 2021

The Cleaning Show

ISSA Cleaning & Hygiene Expo

London, UK cleaningshow.co.uk

Syndney, Australia www.issa.com

March 20-22 2021

November 4 2021

Clean Expo Greece

European Cleaning & Hygiene Awards

Athens, Greece cleanexpo.eu

Brussels, Belgium www.echawards.com

March 20-April 1 2021

November 15-18 2021

Europropre

ISSA North America

Paris, France www.europropre.com

Las Vegas, USA www.issa.com

April 19-21 2021

May 10-13 2022

Interclean China

Interclean Amsterdam

Beijing, China www.intercleanchina.com

Amsterdam, Netherlands www.intercleanshow.com

September7-9 2021

ISSA Pulire Verona, Italy www.pulire-it.com September 21-24 2021

CMS Berlin, Germany www.cms-berlin.de

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

Durch eine Grundreinigung wird die Ausbreitung bestimmter antibiotikaresistenter Bakterien in Krankenhäusern nicht verhindert, teilen Forscher der Universität Cambridge mit.

A quanto affermano i ricercatori dell’Università di Cambridge, la pulizia a fondo negli ospedali non previene la diffusione di certi batteri resistenti agli antibiotici.

November 2020 | ECJ | 3

NEWS

Two polls reveal need for education about hand drying

Less than half of us recognise the importance of drying our hands after washing them, according to a survey.

And 15 per cent of people would dry their hands on their clothes if no hand drying facilities were available.

Tissue company Cascades PRO polled more than 1,000 US citizens in July to discover how Covid-19 has changed their hand hygiene perceptions. A total of 73 per cent of respondents said they were now washing their hands more frequently due to

Une enquête donne à penser que la moitié du public ne comprend pas toute l’importance de se sécher les mains après les avoir lavées.

4 | November 2020 | ECJ

the pandemic, with 84 per cent believing hand washing to be extremely important after using a public washroom. However, only 48 per cent of respondents thought it was important to dry their hands afterwards.

Meanwhile, results from a second study by air dryer manufacturer Dyson revealed that 42 per cent of people feel more concerned about visiting a public washroom than they did a year ago.

And a quarter of respondents claimed they would let their hands dry naturally in a washroom where no working hand dryer or paper towels were supplied, with 15 per cent saying they would use their own clothes

Aus einer Umfrage geht hervor, dass weniger als der Hälfte der Bevölkerung bewusst ist, wie wichtig das Trocknen der Hände nach dem Waschen ist.

to dry their hands on instead.

“These results highlight the need for further education on hand hygiene,” said Dyson senior microbiologist and scientist Dr Salome Giao. “We know damp hands can transfer up to 1,000 times more bacteria than dry hands - and wiping the hands on clothes can jeopardise the hand washing process because they can add bacteria to washed hands if they are not clean.”

A total of 58 per cent of respondents said a touch-free unit would put their mind at rest when using a hand dryer, while 47 per cent said filters used to clean the air would reassure them.

Un sondaggio indica che meno della metà di noi riconosce l’importanza di asciugare le mani dopo essersele lavate.

NEWS

European Cleaning & Hygiene Awards 2021 - save the date!

1 Following the postponement of this year’s European Cleaning & Hygiene Awards because of the Covid-19 pandemic, European Cleaning Journal (ECJ), founder and host, has announced the date for next year’s event. The 2021 ceremony will take place at Le Plaza Hotel in Brussels on November 4.

This will be the fifth

event in Brussels.

“Many of our sponsors and supporters have been working on the frontline, delivering vital services to keep our communities clean and safe.

“We would like to thank our sponsors, media partners and entrants for their support to date

and look forward to celebrating the industry’s outstanding efforts when the event returns in November 2021.”

The 2021 European Cleaning & Hygiene Awards will be open for entries early in 2021. Stay up-to-date with news at the ECJ website and on social media. www.echawards.com

annual event celebrating the cleaning and hygiene sector across Europe.

ECJ editor Michelle Marshall said: “As many of our colleagues across the cleaning and hygiene sector continue to face challenging times, as they adapt to new ways of living and working, we made the difficult decision to cancel this year’s

Prévus en novembre à Bruxelles, les Prix européens de propreté et d’hygiène ont été reportés à 2021 en raison de la pandémie du covid-19.

Die European Cleaning & Hygiene Awards, die im November in Brüssel stattfinden sollten, wurden aufgrund der Covid-19-Pandemie auf 2021 verschoben.

L’evento European Cleaning & Hygiene Awards, che si sarebbe dovuto tenere a novembre a Bruxelles, è stato posticipato al 2021 a causa della pandemia di Covid-19.

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November 2020 | ECJ | 5

NEWS

Lionsbot wins Amsterdam Innovation Award 2020

The overall winner of the Amsterdam Innovation Award 2020 is Lionsbot, for the Leobot range of robotic cleaning

machines. The awards ceremony was held during Interclean Amsterdam Online, which took place in November.

Le gagnant général du Prix de l’Innovation d’Amsterdam 2020 est la société Lionsbot, pour sa gamme Leobot de machines de nettoyage robotiques.

6 | November 2020 | ECJ

LeoBot by LionsBot, a family of floor cleaning robots, is capable of performing a range of tasks. This socialised robot is able to build a relationship with human cleaners through continuous interaction with the environment. This means Leobot elevates the cleaner’s status and motivation, helping them take pride in their job. The robot brings cleaning out into the public domain in a fun and positive way. Leobot was chosen as winner out of the category winners in four categories: • Machines: LeoBot by LionsBot • Equipment, Detergents & Washroom: VacuTronic

by Hermes • E-cleaning: ToolSense IOT &

Der Gesamtsieger des Amsterdam Innovation Award 2020 ist Lionsbot, der für die Produktreihe Leobot mit robotischen Reinigungsmaschinen ausgezeichnet wurde.

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Chairman of the jury Michelle Marshall, ECJ editor, explained: “Choosing a winner from such a worthy group of category winners was a truly difficult task for the jury. We decided it should be LionsBot as we all felt this was the technology with the potential to have the greatest impact on the cleaning sector.”

The Visitor’s Choice prize is voted for by Interclean Amsterdam visitors. With 55 per cent of the votes, Tork Virtual Reality Clean Hands Training by Essity won that award.

La Lionsbot, è la vincitrice assoluta del premio Amsterdam Innovation Award 2020 per la sua gamma di macchine per le pulizie robotiche Leobot.

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NEWS

Hospital floors bacteria hotspot

Children poisoned by sanitiser

The floors of a hospital room can become contaminated with antibiotic-resistant bacteria within hours of a patient’s admission, according to a study.

And there is clear evidence to suggest that such organisms may be transferred to the patients despite efforts to prevent this, claims the author.

Researchers at the Cleveland VA Medical Centre in the US closely tracked contamination levels in rooms occupied by 17 newly-admitted patients. Each of the rooms were thoroughly cleaned and sanitised and patients were screened for MRSA plus other healthcareassociated bacteria before the environments were tested.

Researchers then observed patients’ interactions with healthcare staff and portable equipment, collecting cultures from their socks, beds and other high-touch surfaces as well as the floor.

Within 24 hours, surfaces in

The number of children treated in Spain for accidental poisonings after ingesting hand sanitising gels has soared during the pandemic, according to the Spanish government.

A total of 874 cases of intoxication from hand sanitiser have been reported so far this year compared with just 90 during the whole of 2019 according to the country’s National Toxicological and Forensic Sciences Institute.

nearly half the rooms had tested positive for MRSA. And within four days of admission, MRSA, C. difficile and vancomycinresistant enterococci (VRE) pathogens were identified in 58 per cent of the patient rooms.

Contamination often started on the floors but ultimately moved to the patients’ socks, bedding and nearby surfaces.

“If bacteria stayed on the floors this wouldn’t matter, but we’re seeing clear evidence that these organisms are being transferred to patients despite our current control efforts,” said senior author of the study Curtis Donskey. “Hand hygiene is critical but we need to develop practical approaches to reduce underappreciated sources of pathogens to protect patients.”

In a related study, the authors reported similar findings of frequent detection of SARSCoV-2 nucleic acid on floors and on shoes of staff on a Covid-19 ward.

• Les planchers d’une salle d’hopîtal peuvent se contaminer de bactéries résistantes aux antibiotiques dans les heures qui suivent l’admission d’un patient, indique une étude.

• En Espagne, on a enregistré une forte augmentation des cas d’empoisonnement accidentel d’enfants ayant avalé du gel désinfectant pendant la pandémie.

Adult supervision Two-thirds of the cases involved children, many of them under the age of two.

Most of the youngsters actually swallowed the hand sanitiser although some became intoxicated after getting the product in their eyes or inhaling it.

Justice minister Juan Carlos Campo called the figures “alarming” and urged parents to keep hand sanitisers away from

• Aus einer Studie geht hervor, dass die Böden von Krankenhauszimmern innerhalb weniger Stunden nach der Aufnahme eines Patienten mit antibiotikaresistenten Bakterien kontaminiert sein können.

• In Spanien hat die Anzahl Kinder, die nach dem Schlucken von Handdesinfektionsgels wegen versehentlicher Vergiftungen behandelt wurden, durch die Pandemie stark zugenommen.

children, adding that youngsters should always be supervised by an adult when sanitising their hands.

Spain is not the only country to see a rise in incidents involving alcohol gels as worldwide sales of the products soar.

Figures “alarming” A total of 505 incidents were reported to Belgium’s poison control centre between March and July - more than five times the number as the previous year. Again, many of the cases involved children.

And in Australia’s New South Wales more than 1,000 calls about alcohol-based hand sanitiser poisonings were made to the NSW Poisons Information Centre between February and July this year. This is around two-and-a-half times the figure during the same period in 2019 according to senior specialist in poisons information at the centre Genevieve Adamo.

• Uno studio rivela che i pavimenti di un ospedale possono venire contaminati da batteri resistenti agli antibiotici dopo solo poche ore dal ricovero di un paziente.

• In Spagna, il numero di bambini curati per avvelenamento accidentale causato dall’ingerimento di gel per disinfettare le mani è aumentato a dismisura durante la pandemia.

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EFCI NEWS Skills and training for a forward-looking cleaning sector The already rapid shift towards a climate-neutral and digital transformation in the European economy is being accelerated by the Covid-19 pandemic.

So upskilling and re-skilling are urgent priorities to ensure workers and companies are well equipped for the challenges ahead. European industry organisation EFCI tells us about its work in this area.

As the already rapid shift towards a climate neutral and digital transformation in the European economy is being accelerated by the Covid-19 pandemic, upskilling and re-skilling are urgent priorities to ensure that workers and companies are adequately equipped for the challenges ahead. There is a wide consensus among many European and international organisations such as the ILO, OECD, Eurofound, EU-OSHA on the need to encourage digitalisation, tackle the digital gap in our societies and adapt workers’ skills to future challenges in order to increase the crisis immunity of all countries, companies and workers. (1) The technological and environmental transformations together, with the new hygiene requirements and cleaning protocols to contain the spread of Covid-19, are some of the main drivers of the need for a shift in the skill sets of the cleaning industry’s workforce. In this regard, the EFCI is at work to support cleaning companies to be up to the challenge of equipping cleaning associations and companies with the necessary tools to ensure that our key workers acquire the skills as well as newly required expertise to meet these challenges and reach

their full potential.

New skills model The European institutions have successfully recognised the urgency to rethink the European workforce’s skill set and have integrated at the hearth of the recovery pathway a new skills model that will help meet the Covid-19 challenges and deliver on the green and digital ambitions. The latest Skills Agenda, issued by the Commission in July, provides 12 action points for the upskilling and reskilling of workers within the next five years.

First among the 12 action points is the Pact for Skills. The joint initiative aims to mobilise representatives of industrial ecosystems in all sectors of the economy, regional and national authorities, social partners and education and training providers to equip employees with the necessary digital as well as basic skills (literacy, numeracy).

Further, focusing on Vocational Education and Training (VET) the Skills Agenda proposes a number of actions to support more proactive retraining that anticipates changing needs during employment including new ways of delivering, certifying and financing mid-career learning with support from universities and professional institutes.

The importance of VET for a skilled profession The ongoing digital transformation of industrial cleaning, including the development of digital tools (software, sensors and robots, internet of things) as well as the sector progressive integration into the circular economy, are changing the way cleaning companies operate and sell their services. To be up to the challenge, continued education

Déjà rapide, l’évolution des industries européennes vers des méthodes de production numériques et climatiquement neutres a été accélérée par la pandémie du Covid-19. Pour cette raison, la requalification et le perfectionnement s’imposent prioritairement pour équiper les entreprises et les travailleurs face aux défis qui s’annoncent. L’EFCI, l’organisation européenne du secteur, nous explique son activité dans ce domaine.

10 | November 2020 | ECJ

and training in green, digital, language and other basic skills is of the utmost relevance for the industrial cleaning sector.

This is even more the case given the composition of the sector’s workforce, having 30 per cent of cleaning operatives with a migrant background which most of the time results in linguistic barriers- and a substantial number of nondigital natives.

EFCI’s work for a futureproof skill set “Supporting and recognising vocational education and training in the sector” has been one of EFCI’s main priorities since the beginning of the current legislative term.

In October 2019, the EFCI adopted – together with UNI Europa – a joint statement on the impact of digitalisation in the cleaning sector. The social partners acknowledge that a successfully-lead digital transition might become an opportunity to enhance professionalism and innovation in the industry, to the benefit of all its stakeholders.

To respond to this need, the EFCI launched in February of this year a project on digitalisation and green skills, entitled “SKClean - Digitalisation in the

Der bereits rapide Übergang zu einem klimaneutralen und digitalen Wandel in der europäischen Wirtschaft wird durch die Covid-19-Pandemie beschleunigt.

Daher stellen Weiterbilden und Umschulen dringende Prioritäten dar, um sicherzustellen, dass Mitarbeiter und Unternehmen auf die bevorstehenden Herausforderungen gut vorbereitet sind. Der europäische Industrieverband EFCI informiert uns über seine Arbeit in diesem Bereich.

Cleaning Sector: supporting the skills transition for cleaning operatives”. The project is supported and co-funded by the European Commission. Its main purpose is to map the industry’s different training systems across Europe and to develop a roadmap to guide cleaning companies through a successful digital transition while fostering greater social inclusion. It also aims to provide those employed in the industry with additional instruments to raise policy makers, buyers and other stakeholders’ awareness on the expertise and training that quality professional cleaning services require.

More than ever, the European cleaning sector must be ready to meet the challenges and seize the opportunities this transformational moment offers for the recognition of the professionalism and expertise that quality cleaning services require. Ensuring the adequate training and continued skill development of our workforce will certainly enable the sector to continue developing its potential and reach this objective.

(1) https://www.europarl. europa.eu/RegData/etudes/ BRIE/2019/638431/IPOL_ BRI(2019)638431_EN.pdf

Lo spostamento già veloce verso un clima neutro e la trasformazione digitale nell’economia europea si sta accelerando a causa della pandemia di Covid-19.

Di conseguenza il miglioramento e la riqualificazione professionale sono priorità urgenti per assicurarsi che i lavoratori e le imprese siano ben attrezzati per le sfide che li aspettano. L’organizzazione europea professionale EFCI ci parla della sua funzione in questo settore.

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The value of an employee’s introduction to their new employer should not be underestimated, writes Lynn Webster in the UK. The value of a new employee’s introduction to their employer should not be underestimated.

Many studies have been provided over the years considering the impact on the individual of an effective induction and the consequences of a negative experience. When we consider the relative costs of replacing staff who have resigned following a poor start, the resources spent to deliver their induction well are well spent.

Cleaning organisations do generally acknowledge the benefits of induction but it can become a casualty of insufficient application, especially when there are other external pressures - a busy manager preoccupied by operational needs or a process which is not fit for purpose. Delivering an induction can be interpreted in a number of ways and will vary from business to business but essentially the aim is to support the employee in adjusting to their new work environment.

When it comes to cleaning operatives this is of paramount importance - even more so as the employment pool decreases.

As referenced in the British Cleaning Council (BCC) report on the cleaning industry of March 2020 (NB, pre-pandemic impact) many thousands of job roles will be created but with a chronic shortage of individuals prepared to take them.

Look at the various models for the cleaning industry and for the operative in particular. There is a key marker in the achievement of ISSA Cleaning Industry Management Standard (CIMS) where there is a mandatory requirement for all employees to participate in a site-specific orientation programme with La valeur des mesures d’intégration d’un nouvel employé au sein de l’entreprise qui vient de le recruter ne doit jamais être sous-estimée, écrit Lynn Webster, notre correspondant au Royaume-Uni.

12 | November 2020 | ECJ

evidence of written documentation of content and completion.

There is a clear definition in the British Institute of Cleaning Science (BICSc) License to Practice scheme to support various modules during induction as a building block towards further training and a career in cleaning.

Similar topics are covered in the on-line process provided through UhUb where the easy access for individuals remotely has been made more apparent in recent times with far fewer face-to-face opportunities.

Many cleaning service organisations also deliver their own bespoke induction in a clear, professional and sometimes award-winning manner. Such actions have operated in silos without a joined up recognised standard for the industry.

The British Services Association (BSA) cleaning committee is aiming to provide a cleaning industry recognised baseline induction standard at cleaning operative level. The intention is to create a collaborative framework for any organisation employing cleaning operatives to sign up to. This will have defined modules identified where content could also be ratified from other training schemes. This will not be a prescriptive ‘how to’ but a guide to demonstrate best practice. It is intended to be self-regulating however how this will be policed is still unclear.

Retaining valuable employees still remains the key focus and however this is interpreted the value of our operatives must be at the forefront of any action. A warm welcome and the feeling of belonging to the team will be fundamental to building motivation and enthusiasm.

Den Wert der Einführung eines neuen Mitarbeiters beim neuen Arbeitgeber sollte niemals unterschätzt werden, schreibt die britische ECJ-Korrespondentin Lynn Webster.

La corrispondente del Regno Unito Lynn Webster scrive a proposito del valore dell’introduzione di un nuovo dipendente al suo nuovo datore di lavoro che non dovrebbe mai essere sottovalutata.

LATEST: SWEDEN Coming up: A Licence to Clean ECJ’S Lotte Printz reports on a new digital training programme for the Swedish cleaning industry.

Cleaning isn’t just cleaning! It has become increasingly recognised that cleaners too must receive education and training to ensure they are competent in their roles.

Still, in Sweden two experienced ladies in each of their fields have seen a need within the cleaning industry for more people to master the skill of cleaning professionally. And to learn how to do so in a flexible manner, at the cleaners’ own pace, and without cleaning companies having to offer introductory courses every time they take on a new employee.

‘Städkörkortet’ – a driving licence to clean, in translation – that becomes commercially available this month is a basic training programme for cleaners using podcasts and films, which means cleaning companies in Sweden can soon welcome any new employees with an e-mail linking to a training programme and that cleaners can simply listen, watch and even test themselves in knowledge and skills needed for the job – whenever it suits them.

“That you can start developing your skills straight away without getting an overload of information, makes you feel safe as a newly recruited cleaner. Being new to the job should feel positive and learning must be fun so the individual cleaner feels motivated and gets a sense of their own development,” the two creators, Christina Holmefalk from Vamos Viajes and Anita Nordlund from Wacano explain.

Christina Holmefalk has worked within the industry for 35 years while Anita Nordlund specialises in digital educational solutions like podcasts, a platform that offers flexibility in learning and does not require screens.

However, short films that visualise contents and processes complement the podcasts that cover various themes in six parts.

Rapportant de Suède, Lotte Printz rend compte d’un nouveau programme de formation numérique à l’intention de nettoyeurs professionnels.

From ordinary cleaning procedures and planning to work ethics, knowledge of chemicals and materials, ergonomics and other health issues in order to function well in a workplace.

“Sustainability and stamina are focal points in ‘Städkörkortet’, referring to our surrounding environment and the physical strength and the mental health of you as a cleaner alike. This, we believe, also improves customer satisfaction,” Christina Holmefalk and Anita Nordlund point out.

Needless to say, many cleaners in today’s industry come from various language backgrounds.

In order to cater for the needs of those cleaners whose Swedish may be poor, the two women have joined forces with a third, Lotta Simonsen from Swedish4u.

From her knowledge of and expertise in teaching Swedish for various professions, a digital language course has been created specifically for and included in the training programme. This enables users to practise words and phrases related to the cleaning profession (including names of various pieces of furniture!), thus being able to answer the questions after each subject correctly and gain their ‘licence to clean’.

‘Städkörkortet’ has been underway for more than a year, ie. before the coronavirus pandemic hit the world hard and taught us all about social distancing, remote learning and online meetings.

And in the current coronavirus second wave and generally in the new reality we have ‘woken up to’, Christina Holmefalk and her partners can’t deny their digital training programme has been developed at a convenient time.

“Digital education is definitely in demand - one very large customer has already decided to use ‘Städkörkortet’ as the training for its 250-300 employees.”

In ihren Nachrichten aus Schweden berichtet Lotte Printz über ein neues digitales Schulungsprogramm für professionelle Reinigungskräfte.

Dalla Svezia, la corrispondente Lotte Printz ci informa su un nuovo programma di training digitale per gli addetti alle pulizie professionali.

November 2020 | ECJ |13

LATEST: NETHERLANDS

LATEST: FRANCE

Regular, effective cleaning key

Cleaning - no longer invisible

In the current pandemic, fear can lead to bad advice when it comes to hygiene, writes VSR’s John Griep.

The pandemic has highlighted the role of cleaners more than ever, writes Christian Bouzols in France.

Cleaning and disinfection are not the same. Disinfection is about killing or inactivating microorganisms, thus reducing the number of microorganisms to an acceptable level. Cleaning is about removing dirt and the microorganisms it contains.

Disinfection is what we do after cleaning, in the food industry, care homes and hospitals and in cleanrooms. Cleaning alone is what we do in all other environments, such as offices and schools.

But we now live in coronavirus times. Hygiene is everybody’s concern. The group of people considered vulnerable has grown; one in five people in the Netherlands is considered to be at risk. So people are focusing on disinfection.

In these times in particular, there are two pitfalls in disinfection: 1. Disinfection is being done for emotional reasons, and 2. Disinfection is being carried out incorrectly.

1. Emotion is not a good reason for disinfection. Disinfection should be done on rational grounds, in risk situations such as a confirmed infection, suspected infection, in cases concerning blood or other bodily fluids, and in food safety.

2. The rule remains: clean first, then disinfect. Cleaning with a disinfectant agent is not disinfection. Careless mistakes can occur when staff lack (sufficient) training. For example, missing corners or edges, or failing to respect the required contact time. Errors that are invisible to the naked eye and which create a false sense of security.

Furthermore, you can ask yourself why you should disinfect contact surfaces at all. It is Un travail de nettoyage régulier et efficace, associé au lavage des mains et à l’éloignement social, constitue le meilleur moyen de minimiser le risque de contracter le Covid-19.

Rapportant des PaysBas, John Griep traite de cette question pour ECJ.

true that almost all microorganisms and viruses are killed or deactivated after applying the correct means of disinfection.

However, this only lasts until the next person touches the surface.

This means simply decent cleaning is still more effective and prevents a false sense of security. Proper cleaning with a normal detergent (or microfibre cloth without detergent) removes pretty much all micro-organisms, including virus particles together with the dirt.

Time does the rest.

After all, virus particles, such as Covid-19, are unable to multiply on a surface - unlike microorganisms, which are bacteria. They need a host (a person or animal). Furthermore, a surface that we keep dry at room temperature after cleaning is a hostile environment.

In short, in just about all protocols for general spaces, ‘intensive cleaning of surfaces’ is sufficient. This also applies in times of coronavirus.

In contrast to disinfection, cleaning in combination with personal discipline actually demonstrates a lower risk of infection. Through hand hygiene and social distancing.

Also, carefully washing your hands produces better results than smothering them with disinfection gels.

The answer to the coronavirus-safety question is therefore: decent cleaning and personal discipline (hand hygiene and social distancing). For some people, the fact there is no magic solution, such as disinfection, can be a worry, while for others it is rather reassuring: After all, the matter is largely in your own hands!

Regelmäßige, effektive Reinigung in Verbindung mit Handhygiene und Befolgen der Abstandsregeln sind die besten Wege, um das Risiko einer Erkrankung mit dem Coronavirus auf ein Minimum zu reduzieren. John Griep berichtet für das ECJ aus den Niederlanden.

14 | November 2020 | ECJ

Una pulizia efficace e costante abbinata all’igiene delle mani e alla distanza sociale sono i metodi migliori per minimizzare il rischio di contrarre il Coronavirus.

Dai Paesi Bassi ce ne parla il corrispondente di ECJ John Griep.

The cleaning of company premises and public spaces has never seemed so important as today, according to Pascal Gahery, general manager of cleaning company Espace 72. This is because of the renewed expectations of clients who, since the pandemic, need their premises to be completely safe. This means in effect that the term “housekeeping” can be equated with that of “hygiene”.

Not so long ago cleaners were hardly to be seen. They arrived at the crack of dawn or at sunset, working in deserted buildings. But all this has changed and the return of the virus in France has suddenly shed a new light on the vital role of these contingents of invisible workers. “Housekeeping” no longer seems like a secondary activity because it has taken on the enlarged and vital dimension of a crucial tool for the maintenance of public health. This has led to a remarkable change of attitude towards cleaners.

Pascal Gahery says the pandemic has at least had one positive aspect - a better appreciation for the work of cleaners and for the cleaners themselves.

Expectations have changed considerably. “Previously, we were considered as providers of a convenience service. We just had to make sure premises were left nice and clean. But since the first Covid-19 wave, we’ve become the guardians of impeccable hygiene in all the premises we clean, so the people who work there can feel completely safe. We’ve had to adapt our protocols accordingly.”

This change of strategy involved staff re-training so the workers of Espace 72 could Le nettoyage de lieux de travail et de lieux publics n’ayant jamais revêtu autant d’importande qu’aujourd’hui, le profil des agents de nettoyage en a été relevé sensiblement. Christian Bouzols nous décrit cette évolution.

learn how to work both safely and efficiently. The company had to research products and practices in order to ensure the protection of its cleaners, who are given masks, overalls and goggles. Gahery explains: “Our clients’ perception has changed.

As their requirements have increased, we’ve become seen as professional people, able to implement adapted responses.

These clients have come to understand housekeeping isn’t so simple and it requires distinct competencies. With our expertise, we show them who we are.”

The increased consideration surrounding cleaning operatives has impacted them directly. A first requirement was to reassure them about the safety of their respective tasks - requiring training in some areas.

Like other cleaning contractors, Espace 72 was hit hard when home working began to empty company premises of their employees. The company’s business fell by 70 per cent.

“From an average of 7,450 man-hours of cleaning per month, our volume of work fell to 2,200 man-hours,” explains Gahery. In this new context, he’s put a bonus system in place.

“It’s important to recognise the efforts made by our people.

Putting on a protective suit, taking it off - all this takes time. For each assignment, the cleaner gets the equivalent of an hour’s overtime.”

Employees have themselves noticed a change. One of them, Alexandra, points out: “Beyond the changes in procedures, Covid-19 has changed the way people see us. One senses a feeling of gratitude we never noticed before.”

Das Reinigen von Arbeitsplätzen und öffentlichen Bereichen ist so wichtig wie nie zuvor, wodurch das Profil von Reinigungskräften enorm gestiegen ist. Christian Bouzols berichtet aus Frankreich.

La pulizia dei luoghi di lavoto e degli spazi pubblici non è mai stata così importante come adesso, di conseguenza il profilo del personale addetto alle pulizie è aumentato in modo significativo.

Dalla Francia ce ne parla il corrispondente Christian Bouzols.

LATEST: GERMANY

LATEST: ITALY

New projects, positive momentum

Focus on catering during Covid

As 2020 draws to a close, the German cleaning industry is taking stock, reports Katja Scholz.

The cleaning sector in Italy has produced a handbook on hygiene in catering. Anna Garbagna tells us more.

In April the contract cleaning association BIV commissioned Forsa, an independent German market and opinion research institute, to do a survey regarding the popularity of the contract cleaning trade. The results showed people’s appreciation of contract cleaning has increased significantly since the spring.

In April, so in the middle of the first wave of coronavirus, 96 per cent regarded contact cleaning work either as very important (67 per cent) or important (29 per cent). Of these, the younger respondents in particular saw the sector as very important – 78 per cent of the 18- to 29-year-olds gave it top ranking.

“During the coronavirus crisis, every fourth person holds the contract cleaning business in higher regard than before.

Admittedly, and this we also view very positively, 71 per cent of respondents considered the profession to be important even before the crisis”, says Christopher Lück, BIV director of policy and communications. And some people have even changed their attitude to hygiene in their private lives: 57 per cent of respondents reported paying more attention now.

A campaign #Support the BIV is currently underway. This began in the middle of spring and arose as a direct consequence of Covid-19. The aim is to highlight the challenges faced by the trade with the largest number of employees in Germany, symbolising the systemic importance of the sector. “We are rolling out the campaign via video messages on social media. At the same time, we are initiating continuous press and PR campaigns,

The pandemic continues to be a major challenge and the most affected sectors are now facing a further very difficult test. Among them is catering which, in order to survive, had to adjust to new rules on space management and securing the premises, a task that today more than ever is accomplished through hygiene. Correct daily cleaning of premises is vital. So industry association Afidamp and Fipe-Confcommercio (Italian Federation of Public Establishments) have produced a handbook to support contractors in the important task of sanitising premises. Available as a printed version and as short videos viewable using a QR code, the handbook contains precise guidelines on how to guarantee cleanliness and safety for customers and employees.

Among the most important guidelines, there is advice on hand sanitising procedures, guidance on the correct use of chemicals and any mechanical support tools and on the washing of cloths that have been used for cleaning. There is advice on delivery, storage and opening of external packaging and also specific recommendations on cleaning objects most exposed to the public such as tables, chairs, menus,etc.

Public buildings must conform to accurate sanitising operations to be performed daily and as correctly as possible and not only in a case of a health emergency like the one in which we are living now. This is why the association is focusing its attention on this particular aspect of the life of the community.

The handbook for sanitisation of dining rooms and kitchens

Comme Katja Scholz le rapporte dans son compte rendu de l’Allemagne, cette année a été très éprouvante pour le secteur de la propreté de ce pays, mais l’association sectorielle BIV a les yeux désormais bien tournés vers l’avenir.

with exclusive coverage in the national media. This includes a nationwide, awareness-raising light projection on the Berlin Reichstag, Cologne cathedral and the Siegestor in Munich. The campaign will run at least until the end of this year.”

A third project for BIV at the moment is schools cleaning.

Hygiene shortcomings in schools are not new but have assumed greater importance. This is why it turned to federal education minister Anja Karliczek with the suggestion that a so-called “Hygiene Summit” should be held at national level. The aim was to encourage a constructive discussion of targeted proposals for improvement and to make recommendations for action.

“Poor hygiene has long been recognised and criticised by all sides but nevertheless still remains a virulent problem.

“Underlying it all is the fundamental wish of those responsible to cut the cost of cleaning. Those who order less and reduce cleaning plans to a barely justifiable minimum will receive a lower level of service. Coronavirus gives us the perfect tipping point to highlight this issue at the highest political level with a view to raising school hygiene to a position of greater prominence,” explains Thomas Dietrich, chairman of BIV. And how is the BIV positioned at the end of this challenging year? “People’s awareness of hygiene and cleanliness has been intensified. Their appreciation and understanding of our work has been significantly increased. Let us adopt a positive attitude to face the coming year together, “ concluded Christopher Lück.

Katja Scholz berichtet aus Deutschland, dass das laufende Jahr die Reinigungsbranche vor eine außerordentliche Herausforderung gestellt hat, der Industrieverband BIV hat seinen Blick jedoch fest auf die Zukunft gerichtet.

16 | November 2020 | ECJ

Dalla Germania, la corrispondente Katja Scholz ci informa che, sebbene quest’anno sia stato estremamente impegnativo per il settore del cleaning, l’associazione di categoria BIV ha ora lo sguardo fermamente puntato sul futuro.

Devant la poursuite de la pandémie, une organisation industrielle italienne a produit un manuel à l’intention d’entreprises de propreté travaillant dans le secteur de la restauration. Anna Garbagna fait rapport.

is added to the second edition of Guida Pratica Pulizia nella Ristorazione (practical guide to cleaning in catering), which was also launched recently and created with the contribution of APCI – Associazione Professionale Cuochi Italiani, OTALL (professional association of Italian chefs); Ordine dei Tecnologi Alimentari Lombardia e Liguria (order of food technologists Lombardy and Liguria); and FCSI Italia – Foodservice Consultant Society International.

Comprehensive This practical guide is even more comprehensive and detailed, and a further testimony to the commitment which brings Afidamp and FIPE together to support public establishments carrying out their activities in total safety.

This project comes after the merger to create the new Afidamp, a more compact structure representing the professional cleaning sector, from the already existing AFIDAMP, AfidampCOM and AfidampFED. The project was born from a desire to align with the market evolution and the ongoing institutional, social and economic transformations. The objectives included the enhancement and more effective representation of a sector that has demonstrated its importance at international level. There is also the need for single associations to merge into a wider and organic structure acting as a better vehicle for the values and interests of members. The merger will result in the formation of a single governing council composed of the two components of Afidamp: the manufacturers and the distributors.

Während die Pandemie weiter grassiert, hat ein Industrieverband in Italien zur Unterstützung von Vertragsreinigungsunternehmen, die in der Gastronomie tätig sind, ein Handbuch zusammengestellt.

Ein Bericht von Anna Garbagna.

Mentre la pandemia continua, un’organizzazione del settore del cleaning in Italia ha compilato una guida pratica per supportare gli appaltarori di servizi di pulizia nel settore della ristorazione. Ce ne parla la corrispondente Anna Garbagna.

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This new C-Shuttle range stands for the circular revamping of cleaning methods. Reduce, reuse, refurbish and recycle are not empty concepts: with the new line we are putting them into practice. Reduce: the weight and the amount of material are limited by using double-walled hollow shells and a solid The probiotic products of Greenspeed consist of benign aluminium structure.

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LEDalso MA combat existing odours and prevent The bacteria CYC TE E newR ones building up. Once these products have been used, they reenter the environment where they actively

aspect is its modular character. In addition to the standard versions, the cleaning trolley can be customtailored to a specific task or application such as healthcare, offices and public buildings, schools, ... In addition to being practical, this also prolongs the life of the cleaning trolley because it can be used in a contribute to water maintain a natural flexible manner.

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HAND HYGIENE

Covid-19 and hand washing Posters, leaflets, stickers, government messages – everywhere we look there are reminders of the need to practise good hand hygiene to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

But how are we responding?

Tork manufacturer Essity has conducted a survey into people’s attitudes to hand hygiene in the wake of the pandemic - and the results are fascinating.

The hand hygiene message is being constantly rammed home in the wake of Covid-19. The advice could not be clearer.

We should be washing our hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds at a time. We should be drying them thoroughly afterwards. And we should be practising hand washing more frequently – particularly after using the washroom, before and after handling food, after blowing our noses, before tending to the needs of the sick, etc.

We could probably recite these guidelines in our sleep. But are we following them?

The public response has actually been generally positive according to a study

by Tork manufacturer Essity. The poll of more than 10,000 people in 15 countries has revealed that around three-quarters of us are now washing our hands more frequently as a result of Covid-19.

The average number of hand washes we perform each day has reached 10 compared with eight before the global pandemic began. Women are more likely to wash their hands than men with females now washing their hands 12 times day compared with nine for the average man.

Use soap According to experts, it is particularly important to use soap when hand washing because this helps to break down the fatty shell around the virus - its weakest link. The soap lather needs to penetrate all the folds and wrinkles of the hands, pulling the virus apart and making it soluble in water. The deactivated virus is then rinsed away down the sink along with any dirt to which it might have been adhering.

Scientists believe that it takes at least 20 seconds for this process to work – hence the advice to wash our hands for that length of time. And this advice is being heeded by 62 per cent of us, according to the Essity survey.

The study also showed that more than 80 per cent of people are adopting the correct hand washing technique of wet-

ting their hands, using enough soap to cover both hands and then rinsing them in running water afterwards. However, only 55 per cent claimed to dry their hands on a clean cloth or single-use towel afterwards, while just 24 per cent said they used a towel to turn off the tap after washing.

Why wash?

The motivations behind people’s enhanced hand hygiene protocols were particularly revealing. A total of 77 per cent of respondents claimed their chief reason for washing the hands was to protect themselves from virus transmission – and not to protect others. This was particularly true in Russia where 92 per cent of people said they washed their hands to protect themselves compared with only six per cent who did so to protect other people. In the UK, the figures were little better at 77 per cent and eight per cent respectively.

But Mexico was at the other end of the spectrum with 65 per cent claiming to wash their hands to protect themselves while 34 per cent did so for other people’s benefit.

This instinct to protect oneself first was reflected in people’s hand washing behaviours. For example, 48 per cent of respondents said they would routinely wash their hands after using a shared device such as a phone or tablet, whereas only 25 per cent would cleanse their hands before doing so.

Similarly, 58 per cent said they washed their hands after travelling on public transport, though only 27 per cent did so beforehand. And while 78 per cent of people performed a hand wash after arriving home from a public space, only 38 per cent did the same before visiting one.

This mindset could be an issue, according to Essity global brand innovation manager Carolyn Berland. “Despite a high level of solidarity with frontline workers during this pandemic, our survey results indicate that we could be doing more when it comes to washing our hands for Continued page 22

November 2020 | ECJ | 21

HAND HYGIENE Covid-19 and hand washing (continued)

others,” she said.

The Essity survey, carried out in July 2020, formed part of a regular biennial study by the company focusing on topics such as sustainability, public hygiene, incontinence, menstruation and health stigmas. This year Essity decided to take a “deep dive” into the coronavirus pandemic and include people’s reactions to hygiene and health issues around Covid-19.

One interesting finding was the way in which people have changed their everyday habits in a bid to prevent virus transmission.

No shaking hands For example, around six out of 10 people said they no longer shook hands with others as a result of Covid-19. But of those who still did so, 55 per cent said they would wash their hands afterwards. And people in the 18-25 age group were more likely to shake hands, hug and kiss their peers than those of other ages.

The study also showed that people had become more fearful of everyday actions such as travelling on public transport or using a public washroom. These two activities emerged as the highest areas of Partout sont affichés ou distribués des posters, dépliants, vignettes, messages officiels pour rappeler la population sur la nécessité d’une bonne pratique de l’hygiène des mains en vue d’enrayer la propagation du Covid-19. Mais qu’en est-il des réponses ? Quelle est l’attitude du public à l’égard du lavage des mains dans le contexte de la pandémie ?

22 | November 2020 | ECJ

concern with 56 per cent of respondents fearing they might contract Covid-19 on aeroplanes, trains or buses and 53 per cent expressing a similar fear about public toilets. Only 23 per cent felt at significant risk when either going to work or school, however.

One thing was clear – people expect higher standards of public hygiene as a result of Covid-19. A total of 72 per cent of respondents had higher expectations of hygiene standards in hospitals while 60 and 57 per cent said the same of restaurants and public washrooms respectively.

The importance of keeping pubic washrooms well stocked with hand washing supplies became evident in the study results. When asked about the issues that might prevent people from washing their hands more often during the pandemic, the most often-cited response was a lack of hand hygiene facilities or products. A total of 15 per cent said this was the case while 11 per cent said hand dryness was an issue.

And despite all those hand hygiene messages in the form of posters, advertisements, social media and government Poster, Handzettel, Aufkleber, öffentliche Mitteilungen – wohin wir auch sehen, werden wir an die Notwendigkeit guter Handhygiene erinnert, um die Ausbreitung von Covid-19 zu verhindern.

Aber wie reagieren wir darauf? Welche Einstellung haben die Menschen im Gefolge der Pandemie zur Handhygiene?

guidelines, it appears that people are trusting their own instincts when it comes to hand washing - and are fairly confident that they are doing the right thing.

Doing the right thing Eight out of 10 people questioned in the Essity study believed they washed their hands a sufficient number of times per day to be safe. And while 72 per cent said they looked to experts and scientists for their hand hygiene recommendations, the same percentage said they trusted their own gut instincts to get things right.

All in all the trend is a positive one. But the study shows how important it is to refrain from being complacent – and to question our motivations when washing our hands.

Good communication is crucial in terms of changing the public’s mindset, according to Essity vice president marketing Alberto Cajiga, “We would like to inspire everyone from business owners to employees and from students to parents - to wash their hands not only to protect themselves, but also to help others to feel secure and stay healthy,” he said.

Poster, opuscoli, adesivi, messaggi del Governo, ovunque guardiamo ci sono avvisi sulla necessità di praticare una buona igiene delle mani per prevenire la diffusione del COVID-19. Ma noi come rispondiamo?

Qual è l’atteggiamento delle persone verso l’igiene delle mani in seguito alla pandemia?

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PRODUCTS: HAND HYGIENE

• Greenspeed propose le Flo Hand Wash, un savon écologique à pH neutre pour le lavage des mains.

• Ophardt a développé son système de suivi de l’hygiène OHMS pour améliorer la conformité en matière d’hygiène des mains.

• Purehold propose une gamme de dispositifs antimicrobiens et enclipsables pour poignées de porte.

• Bei Flo Hand Wash handelt es sich um die ökologische Handseife mit neutralem pH-Wert von Greenspeed.

• Ophardt hat das Hygiene Monitoring System (OHMS) entwickelt, um die Einhaltung der Handhygiene zu verbessern.

• Purehold bietet eine Produktreihe mit antimikrobielle ClipTürgrifflösungen

Ecological soap Flo Hand Wash is an ecological pH-neutral hand soap developed

by Greenspeed. With its mild action it is suitable for frequent use, it is lightly perfumed and leaves the hands with a fresh pleasant scent.

The formula is free from chlorine compounds and petroleum-based surfactants - all surfactants originate from vegetable sources. All ingredients of non-mineral origin are fully biodegradable.

Flo Hand Wash is available in a 500 ml package with pump, the package can be refilled from the

• Flo Hand Wash è il sapone per mani ecologico e a pH neutro prodotto dalla Greenspeed.

• La Ophardt ha sviluppato il sistema di monitoraggio Hygiene Monitoring System (OHMS) per migliorare l’osservanza delle regole sull’igiene delle mani.

• La Purehold offre una gamma di soluzioni antimicrobiche da agganciare alle maniglie delle porte.

five-litre carton. All packaging is made from recycled material and is fully recyclable.

Even Greenspeed’s factory is fully ecological, being constructed of sustainable building materials and using renewable energy sources. www.greenspeed.eu

Compliance tool Ophardt says its Hygiene Monitoring System (OHMS) is a powerful tool in healthcare institutions for increasing hand hygiene compliance. The Ophardt Washroom Monitoring System (OWMS) meanwhile, is designed to create efficiencies and improve the user experience in managing washroom facilities.

Data collected by OWMS can be used to enable the facility management team to organise cleaning teams in a smarter way, and only deploy them when necessary. All dispensers report their needs in real time via WiFi,

with built-in sensors detecting when a dispenser reaches a critical fill level. www.ophardt.com

Hygiene handle

Purehold specialises in clip-on antimicrobial door handle solutions for push, pull and lever doors. Featuring silver ion technology they are suitable for use in hospitals, schools, GP surgeries, care homes, offices etc. www.purehold.co.uk

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24 | November 2020 | ECJ

PRODUCTS: HAND HYGIENE

Simple design

All four modules are housed in a robust steel cabinet and each module can be replaced or upgraded in less than three minutes, with all parts being recyclable back at the factory. www.nosoapcompany.com

Dispenses wipes The NoSoapCompany says its intelligent hand sanitation unit HYiGO was inspired by three simple design principles from the iconic brand LEGO. Those principles are: ‘only the best is good enough’; ‘continuously adapting and optimising’; and ‘doing less’.

The result is one design with four separate modules all working in unison - tap assembly with sensor and nozzle; e-box containing printed circuit board, pump and Sigfox comms; antenna package; and battery pack.

Addgards says its line of antibacterial wipes dispensers not only provide a cleansing solution for the hands, but also disinfection for surfaces and equipment.

The unit can be supplied as a standalone station with an inner bin for easy wipe disposal, or if space is at a premium the mini dispenser comes with a wall bracket - alternatively it can be placed on a desk. www.addgards.com

* L’HYiGO, l’unité intelligente de désinfection des mains de NoSoapCompany, adopte les principes simples de conception du LEGO. • Addgards propose une gamme de distributeurs de lingettes antibactériennes et désinfectantes.

• Mediclinics propose la gamme Eco-Fast de sèche-mains à air chaud ainsi qu’un poste combiné à lavage/ séchage des mains.

Fast dry Warm air hand dryer specialist Mediclinics has developed a number of new models recently, as part of its Eco-Fast range.

These include Dual Flow Plus Brushless, Dualflow Plus, Machflow Plus Brushless, Machflow Plus and Speedflow Plus - along with the All-in-One wash and dry station.

All incorporate HEPA filter and Ion Hygienic technology this cleans and purifies the air through the emission of negative ions (anions), eliminating most germs and airborne particles. www.mediclinics.com

• Die intelligente Handdesinfektionseinheit HYiGO von NoSoapCompany folgt den einfachen Designprinzipien von LEGO. • Addgards bietet eine Produktreihe mit Spendern für antibakterielle und Desinfektionswischtücher.

• Das Angebot von Mediclinics umfasst die Produktfamilie Eco-Fast mit Warmluft-Händetrockner sowie einer Multifunktionsstation zum Waschen und Trocknen.

• L’unità intelligente per l’igienizzazione delle mani HYiGO della NoSoapCompany segue i semplice principi di design del LEGO. • La Addgards propone una gamma di dispenser di salviettine antibatteriche e disinfettanti.

• La Mediclincis propone la linea di asciugamani ad aria calda Eco-Fast e inoltre una stazione di lavaggio e asciugatura tutto in uno.

November 2020 | ECJ | 25

PRODUCTS: HAND HYGIENE

• Un élément essentiel du kit Tork de « Retour aux affaires » est le rappel à se laver les mains régulièrement pendant 20 secondes.

• BioHygiene a lancé une mousse désinfectante des mains exempte d’alcool et de composés quaternaires d’ammonium.

• Northwood Hygiene Products propose panneaux à consignes d’hygiène des mains à afficher à travers les établissements.

• L’European Tissue Symposium (ETS) fait valoir tous les avantages des produits en papier tissu pour l’hygiène des mains.

• Les meubles de porte antimicrobiens à ions d’argent Steri-Core de P-Wave visent à réduire la propagation de bactéries.

• Die Erinnerung, die Hände regelmäßig 20 Sekunden lang zu waschen, ist eine Hauptsäule des Back to Business Toolkits von Tork.

• Neu von BioHygiene ist ein schäumendes Händedesinfektionsmittel, das weder Alkohol noch quartäre Ammoniumverbindungen enthält.

• Northwood Hygiene Products bietet eine HandhygieneWaschanleitung, die überall in Räumlichkeiten ausgehängt werden kann.

• Laut European Tissue Symposium (ETS) bieten Hygienepapiererzeugnisse wichtige Vorteile für die Handhygiene.

• Die antimikrobiellen Türmöbel der Steri-CoreSilberionentechnologie von P-Wave tragen dazu bei, die Ausbreitung von Bakterien zu verringern.

• I promemoria per lavarsi le mani periodicamente per 20 secondi sono un elemento fondamentale del Back to Business Toolkit creato dalla Tork.

• La novità della BioHygiene è un disinfettante per le mani in schiuma che non contiene alcool nè quat.

• La Northwood Hygiene Products propone una scheda-guida informativa per l’igiene delle mani da esporre in tutti i locali.

• A detta del European Tissue Symposium (ETS), i prodotti in carta offrono importanti benefici per l’igiene delle mani.

• Si dice che la tecnologia antimocrobica agli ioni d’argento per le maniglie delle porte SteriCore della P-Wave aiuti a ridurre la diffusione dei batteri.

26 | November 2020 | ECJ

Hygiene toolkit Reminders to wash the hands with soap at regular intervals for 20 seconds at a time are a key pillar of the new Tork Back to Business Toolkit. The kit forms part of Essity’s “Secure the new hygiene standard” offering, a one-stop resource hub for businesses seeking to enhance their hand hygiene protocols under the “new normal”.

The toolkit is a downloadable element of a new website.

Besides hand washing prompts it also features posters, a washroom checklist, hand hygiene facts and reminders to use a hand towel when opening washroom doors to avoid the risk of cross-contamination.

Tork specialises in hand washing and drying systems designed to speed up throughput in away-from-home washrooms and ensure a constant supply of soap and paper.

The Back to Business Toolkit can be downloaded at www. tork.co.uk/safeatwork

No alcohol Biotech specialist BioHygiene has developed an accredited foam hand sanitiser that contains no alcohol or quats. The company says the formula kills 99.999 per cent of common germs, is highly effective against viruses and bacteria, clings to hands easily due to the foam and offers residual protection.

Developed using beauty industry technology, it is also designed to leave the hands feeling soft and hydrated -

prolonged use of alcohol-based products can lead to dry and cracked skin.

Derived from natural and sustainable technology, the lactic acid-based sanitiser is 100 per cent biodegradable and completely safe for the user. www.biohygiene.co.uk

New guide North Shore is the premium proprietary system of washroom dispensers and consumables from Northwood Hygiene Products. The latest addition to the portfolio is a hand hygiene washboard guide for display in washrooms and throughout premises, including at sanitising stations.

The board features easyto-understand symbols and provides a constant reminder of good hygiene practice, as well as helping the stations to stand out and encouraging their use.

The dispensing range includes no-touch units and facilitates single-sheet presentation.

Dispensers are easy to wipe clean and paper products come individually wrapped. www.northwood.co.uk

Vital for HORECA According to European Tissue Symposium (ETS) tissue paper products offer important hygiene benefits for the HORECA sector. From wipes, kitchen roll and napkins that are used in kitchens and food preparation areas, to hand towels and toilet tissue in washrooms.

It says a number of laboratory and real-life studies have demonstrated the important hygiene advantages of paper towels in drying hands effectively and minimising the spread of infection.

In hospitals, where the highest standards of hygiene are non-

negotiable, single-use towels are recommended for drying hands following hand washing says ETS. europeantissue.com

The next edition of ECJ is February/March 2021 - stay up-to-date with news at the website

Door furniture

P-Wave’s Steri-Core antimicrobial silver ion technology door furniture is designed to help reduce the spread of bacteria and viruses.

Tested and proven effective against MRSA, E-Coli, Salmonella and Norovirus, the products feature a high concentration of antimicrobial which is blended with the polymer during the manufacturing process and forms part of the molecular structure of the product.

This, says the company, ensures the silver Ion technology is active all the way through to the core of the handles. Which means even if they become scratched or damaged, Steri-Core handles will continue to kill pathogens for the life of the product, and each handle has a 10 year manufacturer guarantee.

To withstand heavy usage, the handles are one-piece injectionmoulded from strong polymer material with rounded edges and no joints or joins, 100 per cent recyclable and scratch and water resistant. The material will not rust, and the handles are fire rated and UV- and fade-resistant. www.p-wave.co.uk

HAND HYGIENE. NO COMPROMISE. CREATING SAFER, HEALTHIER ENVIRONMENTS FOR EVERY FACILITY.

HYGIENE FIRST. PARTNERS ALWAYS. rubbermaid.eu

PRODUCTS: HAND HYGIENE

• Le sèche-mains Xlerator Eco à air chaud proposé par Excel Dryer est à fonctionnement sans contact.

• La gamme Satino, proposée par WEPA, réunit des produits pour toilettes collectives comprenant savons, mousses, et distributeurs de papier hygiénique et serviettes.

• JVD a développé une gamme de produits pour toilettes collectives à l’intention des enfants, soit un sèchemains, un distributeur de savon et un poster éducatif.

• Der Warmluft-Händetrockner Xlerator Eco von Excel Dryer bieten einen berührungslosen Betrieb.

• Bei Satino von WEPA handelt es sich um eine Produktfamilie mit Waschraumlösungen einschließlich Seife, Schaum, Toilettenpapier und Handtuchspender.

• JVD hat eine Produktreihe mit Waschraumprodukten für Kinder entwickelt, darunter ein Händetrockner, ein Seifenspender und ein lehrreiches Poster.

• L’asciugamani ad aria calda Xlerator Eco prodotto dalla Excel Dryerè dotato di tecnologia senza impulsi manuali.

• Satino della WEPA è una linea di soluzioni per sale da toilette che include sapone, schiuma, carta igienica e dispenser di asciugamani • La JVD ha sviluppato una gamma di prodotti per sale da toilette per i bambini. In questa gamma c’è un asciugamani, un dispenser di sapone e un poster educativo.

28 | November 2020 | ECJ

Touch-free The XLERATOReco warm air hand dryer from Excel Dryer features touch-free operation. There is also an optional HEPA filtration system, along with antimicrobial wall guards designed to fit underneath the unit.

Also designed to be sustainable and environmental conscious, XLERATOReco is energy efficient and uses ‘no heat’ technology. It recently received Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs). exceldryer.com

Total solution

For children New from JVD is a line of products designed to encourage children to wash and dry their hands properly. Cheerful wild animals and a step-by-step guide make hand washing fun and this instils good habits for adult life.

The Satino range from WEPA Professional encompasses paper towels, toilet rolls, kitchen and cleaning rolls, air fresheners, soaps, disposal systems and washroom accessories.

Latest additions include four soap/foam dispensers, with manual or touch-free units available. There are nine paper towel dispensers to suit washrooms of varying sizes, along with paper towels in w- z- and v-fold formats. www.satino-by-wepa.com

The Kids range includes a hand dryer, soap dispenser, behindthe-tap elephant sign and an educational poster to remind children about the four steps of hand washing - all in an entertaining way. www.jvd.fr

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PRODUCTS: HAND HYGIENE

• Americol a apporté des améliorations à ses ensembles de pompe pour appareils professionnels de nettoyage des mains.

• La station de lavage Peninsula de Hokwang forme une unité intégrale pour l’hygiène des mains.

• Le distributeur LumeCel AutoFoam pour hygiène des mains de la société RCP utilise de l’énergie verte et se dispense donc de batteries.

• Americol hat die Pumpen seiner Pumpenverpackungen für professionelle Handreiniger verbessert.

• Bei Peninsula Washing Station handelt es sich um eine automatische MultifunktionsHandhygieneeinheit von Hokwang.

• Der Handhygienespender LumeCel AutoFoam von RCP arbeitet mit Ökostrom, braucht also keine Batterien.

• La Americol ha potenziato le pompe sulle sue confezioni a pompa per i detergenti professionali per le mani.

• Peninsula Washing Station della Hokwang è una unità tutto-in-uno automatica per l’igiene delle mani.

• Il dispenser LumeCel AutoFoam Hand Hygiene Dispenser prodotto dalla RCP utilizza energia verde e quindi non necessita di batterie.

30 | November 2020 | ECJ

Pump-pack Americol has optimised its range of professional hand cleaners by developing improved pumps on the pump-pack packaging.

The robust, lightweight pumps provide highly accurate and constant dosing for optimal cleaning of the most heavily soiled hands, the company says.

Operating costs are claimed to be significantly reduced with the new pump because it empties the packaging completely. Each unit is supplied with a mounted pump for maximum ease of use and hygiene, and to prevent contamination. Capacity is 3.8 litres. www.americol.nl

Washing station

Don’t touch As washroom users increasingly want to see touch-free dispensers in public areas, RCP has developed the LumeCel AutoFoam Hand Hygiene Dispenser.

This, it says, not only meets the hygiene concerns of end users but also facility managers’ sustainability requirements.

Hokwang’s Peninsula Washing Station is an automatic hand washing unit for commercial washrooms. Comprising a soap dispenser, water tap and hand dryer - all in the same brushed stainless steel spout design - it is designed to create a simple and elegant look.

Suitable for use in new or retrofit commercial spaces in airports, shopping malls, offices etc, the one-stop station can be customised according to requirements. www.hokwang.com

This is because the LumeCel green energy system eliminates the need for alkaline batteries.

So the dispenser works straight out of the box, making it simple to install and maintain. www.rubbermaidcommercial. com

BUSINESS: BIODIVERSITY

The time to protect nature is now

Nature is under stress as never before.

Wildlife species are being pushed to the brink of extinction and humankind is on notice that the accelerating decline in biodiversity threatens our survival too. Hartley Milner looks at how the businesses community is responding to this stark message.

Along London’s Thames Embankment, a battery of camera lenses swings upwards as a missile streaks out of the sky like a lightning bolt and strikes its flying target with lethal precision.

The missile is a feathered one, the fastest animal on the planet… a peregrine falcon. And the feral pigeon hangs limply in the aerial assassin’s powerful grip as it is carried off to a ledge high on a towering office block where three hungry, halfgrown chicks are awaiting their next meal.

As the feathery fallout from the attack drifts away on the breeze, the photographers review their images, some with triumphant yelps and fist pumps, others with less enthusiasm. But all on the guided birdwatching tour are soon engaging in excited chatter at having witnessed one of the great dramas in nature, and right here in the heart of the

32 | November 2020 | ECJ

world’s third busiest city.

“Well, that’s one less pesky pigeon that’ll be pooping on the heads of unsuspecting tourists in future,” a bright spark in the group ventures.

Few people wrapped up in the bustle of city life were aware such dramatic encounters were daily being played out over their heads…until 2013 when a pair of peregrine falcons swooped into the media spotlight.

Peregrines had been absent from inner-London until the 1990s and one of the first breeding successes was at Battersea’s decommissioned power station. However, the site was earmarked for a mixed-use development, putting the birds’ future there in doubt. The falcons are legally protected in the UK, but the economic cost of delaying construction during the breeding season would have been astronomical.

New residence The Battersea Power Station Development Company came up with a compromise…to provide a nest location in a quieter corner of the site. A tower like those used to support large cranes was erected with a nest box designed to appeal to the peregrines installed at the

top, at exactly the same height as their old eyrie at the base of one of the four landmark chimneys.

The temporary relocation cost more than €112,000, but the birds took a liking to their new residence, despite the noisy construction works going on below, and have bred there ever since, fledging 18 chicks. The power station refurbishment will include a new, permanent nest site for the peregrines elsewhere on the building.

Today, 40 pairs of the feisty falcons stalk the skies over central London where they are as at home among the lofty buildings as the craggy heights of their more natural habitat. Other iconic breeding sites include Charing Cross Hospital, Tate Modern, the neoteric ‘Cheesegrater’ office building and the Houses of Parliament. Most locations have installed peregrine-friendly nest boxes, many with cameras providing a real-time peek into the birds’ family lives.

The Battersea peregrines have long shared their habitat with breeding pairs of another rare bird, the black redstart.

More than 1,000 square metres of roofs are being created with droughttolerant sedum plants and mosses at the development’s Circus West Village, providing foraging areas for the redstarts

BUSINESS: BIODIVERSITY

and other birds. Nest boxes will be sited in outdoor areas, along with bug hotels for solitary bees and ladybirds to overwinter.

Rooftops and living walls planted for wildlife are sprouting up in cities across the UK. Inner-London alone has more than 1.5 million square metres of green roofs with a density of 0.17 square metres per inhabitant, which is a far greater than in many other green cities, such as Copenhagen, Toronto and Singapore. One of the capital’s largest gravity-defying green walls is at The Rubens at the Palace hotel overlooking Buckingham Palace. The hotel’s entire façade has been transformed with 16 tons of soil and 10,000 plants to provide accommodation for its bird, butterfly and bee guests.

The new wild Urban jungles across the planet are becoming nature’s new wild, and frequently with the help of business. In Singapore, a water company is providing wildlife habitats along drainage canals and now families of normally shy otters are frequently seen playing in the city’s parks. Similar work with the support of corporations has seen the return of beavers to the Bronx River in downtown New York. An eight-storey vertical meadow has been incorporated into the walls of an office block in Manhattan for endangered monarch butterflies.

Human activities have wiped out more than two-thirds of the world’s wildlife in little over four decades, a new study by the World Wildlife Fund has found. The Living Planet Report assessed population declines in 4,392 species of mammals, birds, fish, reptiles and amphibians between 1970 and 2016. Today, ecosystem destruction now threatens some one million species with extinction in the coming decades.

“The report underlines how humanity’s increasing destruction of nature is having catastrophic impacts, not only on wildlife populations but also on human health and all aspects of our lives,” said WWF director general Marco Lambertini. “We can’t ignore the evidence…these serious declines in wildlife species populations are an indicator that nature is unravelling and that our planet is flashing red warning

La nature est exposée à des sollicitations comme elle ne l’a jamais été. Des espèces de vie sauvage ont été poussées au bord de l’extinction et l’humanité est avertie des menaces qui planent sur son existence même en raison du déclin de la biodiversité. Hartley Milner se penche sur la réaction des milieux d’affaires devant ce rude message.

signs of systems failure.

“From the fish in our oceans and rivers to bees that play a crucial role in our agricultural production, the decline of wildlife affects directly nutrition, food security and the livelihoods of billions of people. In the midst of a global pandemic, it is now more important than ever to take unprecedented and coordinated global action to halt and start to reverse the loss of biodiversity and wildlife populations across the globe by the end of the decade, and protect our future health and livelihoods. Our own survival increasingly depends on it.”

Global corporations need to go further than plant habitats for wildlife at their sites…they must put the value of biodiversity at the heart of their decisionmaking. The Natural Capital Coalition and Cambridge Conservation Initiative recognise that business actions have been hampered by a lack of “consistent tools and frameworks” and, in collaboration with others, recently launched guidance to put businesses on the right track.

Jonny Hughes, ceo at partnering organisation the UN Environment Programme World Conservation Monitoring Centre, said: “The next 10 years is the only window we have for tackling the global crisis facing nature. Every part of society will need to be involved in reversing biodiversity loss, but particularly the private sector. This biodiversity guidance will be crucial to helping businesses and financial institutions urgently measure and understand their impacts and dependencies on nature and become nature-positive.”

Compelling business case The guidance sets out a compelling business case for the protection of, and investment in, biodiversity by placing an economic value on ‘natural capital’ – the world’s stocks of natural assets, including all living things. Companies are shown how to assess, measure and mitigate the impacts of their activities on the natural world. The advice applies across all sectors and is scalable, so can benefit not just large, big budget businesses.

The business benefits of valuing natural capital include long-term viability of

Die Natur ist so stark belastet wie noch nie. Tierarten sind vom Aussterben bedroht, und die Menschheit wurde darüber in Kenntnis setzen, dass der beschleunigte Rückgang der Artenvielfalt auch unser Überleben bedroht. Hartley Milner betrachtet, wie die Geschäftswelt auf diese nüchterne Nachricht reagiert.

business models, cost savings, increased operational efficiency, greater market share, access to new markets, products and services, predictable and stable supply chains and enhanced relationships with stakeholders and customers.

Included in the guidance are case studies of businesses already making a difference. ASN Bank in the Netherlands acknowledges that its operations might be contributing to the loss of biodiversity.

Its goal is to reverse this impact to where “all investments and loans result in a net positive effect on biodiversity in 2030”. Using natural capital thinking, the bank developed ambitious, long-term targets associated with a three-pillar sustainability framework: climate change, biodiversity and human rights. ASN sees important links between these three pillars. For example, it recognises that investing in biodiversity can help mitigate climate change and impacts on the human rights of communities dependent on healthy ecosystems.

Not widely acclaimed for leaving a light footprint on the planet, the cosmetics industry is starting to clean up its act.

Family-run Neal’s Yard Remedies, an organic health and beauty retailer in Dorset, England, is giving a lead by regularly campaigning on key biodiversity issues. Its eco-headquarters are set in acres of gardens, fields and meadows where herbs are grown for many of its products. Concerned about falling bee populations, in 2012 the company released a swarm of tweets, combined with shop campaigns, urging customers to petition for a ban on neonicotinoid pesticides blamed for the decline. In 2018, the European Union banned their use on outdoor crops, although the chemicals are still used elsewhere around the world.

Neil’s Yard Remedies donates three per cent of sales from its Bee Lovely products to bee-friendly causes, showing that promoting biodiversity can produce dividends for both businesses and wildlife.

The private sector as a whole has an opportunity to lead on conserving nature… it simply makes good business sense.

For the biodiversity guidance, go to: naturalcapitalcoalition.org/biodiversity

La natura è sotto stress come non è mai successo prima. Le specie di fauna selvatica sono spinte al limite dell’estinzione e il genere umano è consapevole che accelerando la distruzione della biodiversità si minaccia anche la nostra sopravvivenza. Hartley Milner prende in esame come la comunità delle imprese sta rispondendo a questo forte messaggio.

November 2020 | ECJ | 33

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TROLLEYS

Good golly, nice trolley!

How has the advent of COVID-19 changed the face of the trolley industry? Ann Laffeaty asks manufacturers how their products are evolving in a world in which cleaners and their equipment have become a reassuring sight rather than an intrusive presence.

Cleaners used to be expected to go about their work as unobtrusively as possible before the global pandemic. Many were contracted to clean either late at night or in the early hours of the morning to avoid clashing with other building occupants.

And where daytime cleaning was unavoidable they would glide furtively through corridors, doing their best to remain inconspicuous.

This was made all the more difficult by the fact that most would be wielding a cumbersome trolley on which their equipment needed to be stored. Trolley manufacturers responded by coming up with products that were designed to take up little space while also blending effortlessly into the background.

But the global pandemic has changed this situation, according to Greenspeed’s marketing manager Floor Loos. “Cleaning had to be achieved unobtrusively before the Covid-19 crisis, but today’s companies want to broadcast the fact their buildings are clean,” she said. “As a result, people have become more aware of the presence of cleaners who are receiving more attention and respect as a result.”

The sight of a trolley signals to the public that their surroundings are being hygienically cleaned, she says. “Today’s trolleys no longer need to look inconspicuous – they can take centre stage,” said Loos. “And this means customers are more likely to choose an attractive-looking trolley than they might have done before the pandemic.”

She says aesthetics have always played a key role in Greenspeed products, howev-

er. “Our customers tend to prefer the look of a customised trolley that fits in with the environment,” she says. The company’s CShuttle trolleys are said to feature elegant black panels that can be overprinted with any design or logo.

IPC’s manual equipment solutions manager Adriano Mariano agrees the presence of a cleaner has become a reassuring sight since the advent of Covid-19.

“Cleaning is extremely important in any public business, but it is has become even more crucial in the current pandemic,” he said. “The sight of a cleaner now conveys a feeling of safety and care, both for workers and building users.”

The enhanced profile of cleaning is opening up new perspectives for the industry, he says. “There’s no need for today’s trolleys to go unnoticed – they can be used to attract favourable attention instead,” he said. IPC’s Brix Cover Bag model is said to turn a trolley into a communication tool for promoting brands, business partners, products and services.

“The Brix Cover Bag not only fulfils an advertisement function, it can also be used for conveying reassuring messages to building users and to report any inefficiencies,” he said.

However, whether a trolley is noticeable or unobtrusive is not the main issue during a pandemic, he adds. “What is really essential is the functionality of the trolley and its ability to ensure high standards of hygiene and operator safety,” said Mariano.

A well-organised trolley carrying professional tools conveys a reassuring message whether its design is aesthetically-pleasing or not, according to TTS Cleaning’s export sales manager Alessandro Costantini. “A trolley with a neat and professional appearance allows people to see that cleaning and disinfection are being executed at the highest level,” he said.

“The Covid-19 emergency is changing people’s mindsets and as a result they are becoming accustomed to looking for signs that their environment is clean.”

TTS trolleys have fully-enclosed doors and walls that can be used to display pictures, logos or motifs. They can also be used to communicate with customers in other ways, says Costantini. “Our trolleys are a highly visible vehicle for displaying eye-catching customisations and positive messages – something for which customers frequently ask,” he said. TTS trolleys also offer a range of accessories designed to accommodate hand sanitisers and disposable gloves.

Communicate messages Filmop’s trolleys can also be used as a communication tool according to export area manager Paolo Scapinello. “Cleaning has become of paramount importance in terms of safeguarding everyone’s health,” he said. “Trolleys can therefore be used to impart specific messages to the public to involve them in cleaning operations.”

Today more than ever, the market is demanding trolleys that are equal to the task of enhanced cleaning, says Scapinello. “But customers are also seeking customisable designs because a noticeable trolley can become an excellent tool to communicate the reassuring presence of the cleaning service as well as publicising the business,” he adds The walls and door of Filmop’s Alpha trolleys can be fully customised, he says.

“They can be treated like a white wall on which any reassuring message or request to report cleaning issues may be written.”

An aesthetically-pleasing design has long been a key focus for Kärcher, says the company’s manual tools product manager Beyza Gügercin. “Besides being important in terms of company branding, an attractive design is also good for both customers and end-users,” she said. “Cleaners need to interact with their own trolley several times a day and we like to provide them with an aesthetically-pleasing tool that improves their working conditions.”

According to Gügercin, the visual evidence of cleaning has become synonymous with safety. “People want to see Continued page 36

November 2020 | ECJ | 35

TROLLEYS Good golly, nice trolley! (continued) that someone is cleaning the school where their kids are studying or the hotel where they’re intending to sleep,” she said. “At Kärcher we are adapting our offer to meet the new demands of the market.”

The company is currently considering using trolleys as a vehicle for conveying messages to the public. “We are also looking at developing systems that efficiently guide the operator about their tasks,” she said.

Crisp Clean general manager Paul Frost has noticed two distinct trolley trends over recent years. “On the one hand there has been a trend toward less obtrusive trolleys that blend into their environment, while on the other there has been a move towards products that stand out and provide branding or other forms of information,” he said. “Both trends have resulted in products that look less like a traditional clearing trolley.”

Many existing trolleys are already well suited to providing public information, he says. “For example, maps can be printed on the sides of trolleys in airports while cheerful images can be used to brighten up the hospital environment,” he said. “We at Crisp Clean have been providing this capability for years and I can only see this practice being extended further - particularly if the public becomes more aware of cleaning practices and demand higher levels of cleanliness over the long term.”

According to Frost, the chief way in which a trolley’s appearance can be improved is by keeping it tidy. “This could be

achieved by providing space for all items to be carried, for example, or by enclosing the main storage areas or even the whole trolley,” he said. “However, enclosing a trolley can have its drawbacks because it could compromise the efficiency of the unit’s primary function. Hiding cleaning products out of view may create a more aesthetically pleasing result, but it is also less convenient for the cleaner.”

Le fait que les agents de nettoyage exercent désormais un effet rassurant et ne constituent plus une présence quelque peu intrusive devrait encourager les fabricants à faire passer des messages, embellir leurs produits ou faire reluire les lieux de travail traités. Étudiant l’esthétique du chariot de nettoyage, nous invitons des fabricants à s’expliquer sur les caractéristiques attrayantes et la signalétique dont ils dotent leurs produits dans l’intérêt de leur client, et leur propre intérêt.

Da Reinigungskräfte für Kunden nun, statt eine störende Gegenwart darzustellen, zu einem beruhigenden Anblick geworden sind, können die Hersteller von Reinigungswagen ihre Produkte zur Verbreitung von Nachrichten, der Markenverbesserung oder der Aufwertung des Arbeitsplatzes einsetzen. Wir befassen uns mit der Ästhetik von Reinigungswagen und fragen Hersteller von Reinigungswagen, wie sie attraktive Merkmale und Beschilderung an den Reinigungswagen zum Vorteil der Kunden – und ihrem eigenen – einsetzen.

36 | November 2020 | ECJ

Keep it clean It is particularly important for a trolley to be kept clean at all times, says Frost.

“Surfaces that are easy to wipe clean are a good feature because a dirty trolley will project a poor image,” he said.

Crisp Clean has seen a marked change in purchasing patterns over recent months, he adds. “There has been a new emphasis on high levels of hygiene and an increase in demand for trolleys that can be easily cleaned and sterilised, or wheeled into an autoclave or steam cleaned,” he said.

“Standard trolleys do not stand up well to this type of treatment.”

According to Frost, such trolleys need to be made from stainless steel and incorporate no holes in the tubing where steam or fluids could enter. “They also need to have castors that are rust free and that will withstand the raised temperatures of an autoclave,” he said.

So it is clear that an aesthetically-pleasing trolley will reassure the public, provide an impression of efficiency and draw the eye towards important hygiene messages.

But how important is the look of a trolley

in the great scheme of things?

Aesthetics should always be weighed against the chief function of a trolley and the environment in which it will be used, says Frost. “There’s no point in having a wonderfully attractive trolley if there is no room to store it,” he points out. “Those trolleys that are more aestheticallypleasing will tend to be larger and will not easily fold down or collapse. As a result, purchasers should make their trolleybuying decision based on the availability of storage space.”

He adds that when cleaning larger buildings, the trolley is likely to be stored a long way away from where it will be used.

“In this type of situation, ergonomics and manoeuvrability will play a much more important role than aesthetics,” he said.

IPC’s Adriano Mariano believes that a pleasing appearance is particularly important in environments such as shopping centres, airports, stations and hotels where the trolley will be on constant show to the public. “However we are also convinced that today more than ever, users are looking for functionality, ease of use, safety and ergonomics to allow cleaners to maintain the correct posture while avoiding the need to take unnecessary risks during their daily cleaning activities,” he said.

Filmop’s Paolo Scapinello also believes a balance should be struck between the aesthetics of a trolley and other factors such as ergonomics, compactness, modularity and hygiene. “Our trolleys have been designed to facilitate cleaning and reduce effort while improving the operator’s wellbeing and productivity,” he said. “As of now we have not been asked by customers to use our trolleys to convey public messages or report cleaning issues - but we are ready to do that at any time.”

Kärcher’s Beyza Gügercin agrees that trolley design is all a question of balance.

“Factors such as ergonomics and a hygienic construction are both key considerations when choosing a trolley,” she said.

“However, if you can incorporate these features while also making the product look attractive, it will elevate the trolley to a whole new level.”

Ora che gli addetti alle pulizie sono diventati una visione rassicurante per i clienti piuttosto che una presenza invadente, i produttori di carrelli possono usare i loro prodotti trasmettere messaggi, valorizzare il loro marchio o rendere più gradevole il luogo di lavoro. Prendiamo in considerazione l’importanza dell’estetica dei carrelli e chiediamo ai produttori come stanno utilizzando le caratteristiche interessanti e le indicazioni sui loro carrelli per trarre vantaggi per loro e per i clienti.

PRODUCTS: TROLLEYS

Storage space

offer security - the upper domed area has a secure sliding lid, while the lower storage has lockable doors. www.rubbermaid.eu

Carbon neutral

Boasting over seven cubic feet of storage space over a footprint width of just under 56 cm is the RCP High Security Cleaning Cart.

Improving storage ratio allows for greater efficiency, as trolleys can complete their cleaning circuit without refilling. There is also space assigned for storage of cleaning tools.

A system of platform grooves secure the WaveBrake or microfibre charging buckets.

This space can also provide extra storage - a bin and caddie allow for collecting waste, linen or laundry.

Built-in locking mechanisms

Magic is the line of multipurpose trolleys from TTS that are made from polypropylene - which makes them resistant, long lasting and completely recyclable at end-of-life.

Several of the components are manufactured using high percentages of recycled polypropylene, certified PSV - Plastic

Second Life by the Institute for the Promotion of Recycling Plastics (IPPR). TTS uses exclusively premium-recycled polypropylene. Polypropylene is a low impact material that generates fewer CO2 emissions than aluminium, stainless steel and chromed iron, halving them further if it is recycled. www.ttsystem.com

Enclosed

Equipe is an enclosed trolley system from Vermop boasting premium design and smart configuration concept. Available in many sizes, from small to large, to suit every cleaning task and space. www.vermop.com

• Les chariots de nettoyage High Security de RCP se signalent par leur forte contenance et compacité.

• TTS affirme que ses chariots de nettoyage Magic sont entièrement recyclables parce qu’ils sont fabriqués en polypropylène.

• Vermop souligne la conception et la configuration intelligentes de ses chariots de nettoyage Equipe.

• Der Reinigungswagen High Security von RCP bietet einen Stauraum mit großer Kapazität bei kompaktem Design.

• Laut TTS sind die Magic Reinigungswagen vollständig wiederverwertbar, da sie aus Polypropylen hergestellt sind.

• Laut Angaben von Vermop bieten die rundum verkleideten Reinigungswagen Equipe PremiumDesign und intelligente Konfiguration.

• Il carrello di pulizia High Security della RCP vanta un vano contenitore ad alta capienza e un design compatto.

• La TTS afferma che i suoi carrelli di pulizia Magic sono completamente riciclabili in quanto sono prodotti in polipropilene.

• La Vermop afferma che i suoi carrelli di pulizia chiusi Equipe vantano design di alta qualità e configurazione intelligente.

November 2020 | ECJ | 37

PRODUCTS: TROLLEYS

• Filmop a lancé une nouvelle gamme de chariots de nettoyage motorisés destinés à faciliter et accélérer le travail des opérateurs.

• Greenspeed propose une nouvelle gamme de chariots de nettoyage C-Shuttle, caractérisée par une modularité et une durabilité améliorées par rapport aux versions précédentes • Le Wetrok KeyCar est un chariot de nettoyage conçu dans un souci de sécurité et de sûreté grâce à son agencement verrouillable.

• Neu von Filmop ist eine Produktfamilie mit motorisierten Reinigungswagen, um das Wohlbefinden der Bediener zu unterstützen und die Reinigung zu beschleunigen.

• Greenspeed bietet eine neue Produktfamilie seiner Reinigungswagen C-Shuttle, die modularer und nachhaltiger sind als zuvor.

• Beim Wetrok KeyCar handelt es sich um einen Reinigungswagen,der unter Berücksichtigung von Sicherheit und Schutz abschließbar konzipiert wurde.

• La novità della Filmop è una linea di carrelli motorizzati per migliorare il benessere dell’operatore e velocizzare le pulizie.

• La Greenspeed ha aggiunto una nuova linea di carrelli di pulizia C-Shuttle, più modulari e sostenibili dei precedenti.

• Wetrok KeyCar è un carrello di pulizia progettato tenendo presente la salute e la sicurezza delle persone grazie al suo design con serratura.

38 | November 2020 | ECJ

Motorised New from Filmop is a line of motorised trolleys, designed to make life easier for the operator and speed up cleaning activities.

Drive trolleys can carry up to 150 kg in weight and climb up gradients of up to eight per cent.

The practical and intuitive console makes them easy to operate and the rechargeable lithium battery gives up to eight hours of use. And the battery power can also be used to recharge tablets and mobile phones.

All models have a parking brake that allows a loaded trolley to be stopped even when

driving uphill, and there’s an emergency STOP system plus different acceleration for forward and reverse motion. www.filmop.com

Modular

of the trolley.

The C-Shuttle’s door panels can be personalised with a customer’s own design or logo and the trolley is 100 per cent recyclable and made from 90 per cent recycled materials. www.greenspeed.eu

Key-lockable The C-Shuttle cleaning trolley can be tailored to suit any application in healthcare, commercial environments, public buildings or schools according to manufacturer Greenspeed.

The modular trolley is said to be sustainable, comfortable and flexible and can be used with a choice of mop systems. These are: a top-down system with pre-impregnated mops; a twobucket system with a vertical press; and mop heads that are impregnated within the drawers

Claimed to combine a high degree of safety with a quality design is the Wetrok KeyCar. The trolley can be locked with a single key to prevent unauthorised individuals from coming into contact with cleaning chemicals. Available in small, medium and large sizes, the KeyCar is described as having a flexible and customisable exterior design.

Models in every size may be configured to the customer’s specifications and clients can choose from 20 themes or have their own logo/message. www.wetrok.com

Professional cleaning for everyone

HOOKING

TOUCH FREE

RELEASING

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MAXIMUM HYGIENE EA

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TTS

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Uni Junior ensures a high level of hygiene thanks to the touch-free unhooking system that allows the flat mop to be easily removed without hand contact. Avoiding any direct contact with dirt ensures maximum control of cross-contamination.

MAXIMUM PERFORMANCE Uni Junior allows effectively collecting dirt and more than 95% of bacteria, easily cleaning corners, stairs and skirting boards. The system has no limits and can be used to clean horizontal and vertical surfaces alike, ensuring high performance in both cases.

MAXIMUM ERGONOMICS Uni Junior ensures considerable time and effort savings: the frame remains partially open to ensure quick set-up while the flat mop is attached to the frame in an instant. Moreover, wringing is easy thanks to the quick release of the fibres and does not require excessive strain on the back.

www.ttsystem.com TTS Cleaning S.R.L. (Soc. a Socio Unico) - Tel.: +39 049 9300710 - Fax: +39 049 9300720 - E-mail: info@ttsystem.com

POST-LOCKDOWN

Navigating the challenges PHS, which delivers a range of facilities services, recently carried out a survey into the impact of Covid-19 on building usage. It found that the cleaning sector faces the significant challenge of having to maintain impeccable hygiene levels to keep buildings clean, and inspire confidence in users. Darren Hawkins, its head of FM, tells us more.

A good cleaning protocol is a staple in the running of any building. From the perspective of building users, it’s simply something to be expected, usually behind the scenes and, until now, often taken for granted.

However, the coronavirus pandemic has disrupted the entire cleaning industry.

Everyone is now looking at cleaning in unscrupulous detail and the spotlight is well and truly on cleaning professionals like never before. Hygiene has become the number one priority for every building top down; from the building owners and managers right down to the building users.

And with the risk that Covid-19 poses and the part that cleaning has to play in reducing transmission, understandably so.

But what’s also changed considerably is the way we’re using our buildings. At phs, we have a unique insight into the impact of the coronavirus on organisations due to types of services we deliver. We have used our own data based on 120,000 customers across all sectors and throughout the UK, alongside data from around 300,000 service visits to premises each month to create the phs Index, a barometer for the impact of Covid-19 on building usage.

We discovered that, during lockdown, a total of 43 per cent premises shut down; a significant proportion of buildings across the UK. By September, a total of 95 per

cent of premises were open which is positive news but this still means that nearly one in 20 were still shut down. Unsurprisingly, accommodation and food services was the worst-affected sector with 73 per cent shutdown at the peak of closures; eight per cent were still closed by September. As another sector which brings people together the arts, entertainment and recreation sector was also hit hard with 62 per cent of premises closed at the peak; 11 per cent were still closed in September, more than double the national average.

And demonstrating the movement towards home working and impact upon businesses, 38 per cent of financial, insurance, administration and support service premises were closed at the peak with 11 per cent remaining closed in September.

With widespread school closures, the phs Index also reveals 43 per cent of education sites shut down at the peak but by the start of the academic year, 99 per cent had reopened their doors.

Building occupancy down However, open and closure rates alone don’t tell the full story; the phs Index has also found that fewer people are using these buildings. The white paper reports that over the course of four months, the amount of washroom waste generated within buildings was 49 per cent lower year on year. As washroom waste is a good proxy for building occupancy, this indicates that building usage almost halved across this period. Even when most buildings had reopened, they were still much quieter with the phs Index suggesting occupancy is down 17 per cent compared to pre-Covid and indicating building usage is far from normal with people not fully returning.

And now of course we have a new set of restrictions to curb a second wave of the coronavirus including limits on social interactions, curfews on pubs and restaurants, a renewed appeal to work from home, local lockdowns and a new three-tier system in England. All of these will contribute to a further drop in building

usage and potentially herald the risk of repeated closures.

As we battle to overcome the challenge in front of us, the cleaning industry faces the biggest hurdle; the absolute necessity of maintaining impeccable hygiene levels to keep buildings clean and safe for all users. And this applies across all sectors whether it’s keeping children in school, entertaining diners, welcoming shoppers, enabling staff back into workplaces or continuing to allow people to access essential services as safely as possible.

People will only return to buildings not just when they are Covid-safe – but when they are also perceived to be Covid-safe.

As part of the phs Index, we commissioned independent research to ask consumers how they felt about entering local organisations whether this be their workplace, local shop or restaurant, healthcare provider or another venue they’d usually visit. Astonishingly, more than a quarter (26 per cent) were not confident about the hygiene measures within these premises; 17 per cent saying they were “not very confident” and a further seven per cent saying they were “not at all confident”.

In today’s pandemic, robust hygiene is something we should all rely upon in keeping us and the people around us safe.

More than a third (35 per cent) of consumers went on to admit they were not confident in social distancing practices within these premises; 26 per cent saying they were “not very confident” and an additional nine per cent saying they were “not at all confident”. That’s nearly one in 10 people who say they have no confidence in being able to socially distance in these local premises which is another categorically essential element in limiting the spread of the coronavirus. What’s not clear is how many of these consumers lack confidence because of poor experiences or due to their perception of the risk. However, both scenarios will contribute to discouraging people from returning to premises.

Continued page 42

November 2020 | ECJ | 41

POST-LOCKDOWN Navigating the challenges (continued)

Organisations have a responsibility to protect building users from harm; including taking reasonable steps to protect them from Covid-19. Hygiene is crucial in limiting the transmission of the coronavirus and it is essential that more resource is ploughed into the sector to support it.

While they may already be established, regular cleaning protocols need to be increased and reviewed frequently to ensure they are aligned to building usage; disinfecting all surfaces with particular focus to surfaces which are frequently touched or in high footfall areas.

Clear surfaces for easy cleaning Consider clearing out unnecessary clutter and keeping surfaces clear to make cleaning easier; this could include anything from empty-desk policies to new regimes for compacting and managing waste.

Regular cleaning throughout the day with scheduled deep cleans and sanitisation will reduce the risk of transmission and surface swab testing can identify potential outbreaks quickly meaning you can act decisively and limit the spread. Equip users with the tools they need to promote hygiene such as providing cleaning products and wipes for items which are frequently touched such as phones, buttons, handles

PHS, une société de services d’installation, a réalisé une enquête concernant l’impact de la pandémie sur l’utilisation de bâtiments. Il en ressort que le secteur de la propreté est confronté à de multiples défis consistant à garantir des niveaux d’hygiène impeccable, à assurer la propreté de bâtiments et à inspirer confiance parmi leurs utilisateurs.

42 | November 2020 | ECJ

and within washrooms.

And while loose bottles of hand sanitisers placed on tables outside premises are convenient, they are the minimum users should expect. Exchanging these for permanent sanitising units at entrances, doors, high footfall areas, kitchens and washrooms will promote usage – and reminders and prompts will encourage regular hand washing. Your entrance is the first thing people see as they approach your building; sleek, professional sanitising welcome stations demonstrate how seriously you’re taking hygiene and you’ll also be appealing to users to take it seriously too.

There are also measures you can take to reduce the need for cleaning as well as promoting social distancing. Limit the movement of people where it’s not necessary, close off areas that aren’t needed, reduce excess equipment and prop nonfire doors open so people don’t have to touch handles. And when it comes to social distancing, think beyond simply using tape which can be easily broken and can look scruffy. Alternatively, consider changing the layout and integrating new features which promote distancing which can include displays, planters or even portable living wall dividers. Of course, don’t forget

PHS, die eine Reihe von Facility-ManagementDiensten bereitstellt, hat eine Umfrage zur Auswirkung von Covid-19 auf die Gebäudenutzung durchgeführt. Dabei zeigte sich, dass die Reinigungsbranche mit der beträchtlichen Herausforderung konfrontiert ist, Gebäude sauber und hygienisch einwandfrei zu halten, um damit das Vertrauen der Benutzer aufzubauen.

you’re likely to need to re-do fire risk assessments if you do change your layout to stay compliant with regulations.

Inspire confidence All of this contributes to making your building more hygienic, safe and looking far more welcoming than the temporary measures being utilised by so many. And let’s face it, we’re in this for the long haul so these elements are going to be part of business as usual for the foreseeable future. What’s more, communicate your cleaning efforts and hygiene protocols to building users so you can promote indisputable confidence in your organisation. It is one thing for people to be unable to visit premises due to restrictions and entirely another to fail to attract people back based on a lack of confidence in hygiene and social distancing. We all need to be getting this right and, where we are, reassuring visitors that we’re doing so. This will be the only way we can get through this winter; navigating through the challenges of Covid-19 while welcoming people back into buildings safely and confidently.

For more information and the full phs Index white paper report, visit the phs Index pages of the phs website: https:// www.phs.co.uk/phsindex

La PHS, che fornisce una gamma di servizi alle strutture, ha fatto un sondaggio sull’impatto del Covid-19 sull’utilizzo degli edifici. Il sondaggio evidenzia come il settore del cleaning debba affrontare la sfida importante di mantenere dei livelli di igiene impeccabili per mantenere gli edifici puliti e infondere fiducia negli utenti.

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HIGH-PRESSURE CLEANERS

What’s new in high-pressure?

Digital displays, remote monitoring, an increased use of battery-powered machines, engines powered by compressed natural gas – these are just a few of the latest innovations in the high-pressure cleaning market.

Ann Laffeaty asks manufacturers how the industry is evolving and discusses the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on this sector.

High-pressure cleaning is generally considered to be a fairly low-tech option for removing dirt and grime from surfaces. An intense jet of hot or cold water – often employed without the addition of any chemicals – is hardly the most sophisticated of cleaning methods.

However, when used in conjunction with up-to-date equipment and the latest accessories, high-pressure cleaning can become a highly effective solution that can completely transform the appearance of building façades, driveways and other outdoor areas. And it is a cleaning method that ticks many boxes for today’s customers, according to Kärcher product manager Benjamin Weiss.

“High-pressure cleaning is a highly versatile solution that can swiftly adapt to social trends,” he said. “For example, the sustainability agenda has led to this cleaning method becoming increasingly popular because it can be used for cleaning solar and photovoltaic panels and for removing weeds from outside areas without the use of chemicals.”

It is the very simplicity of high-pressure cleaning that holds the attraction for some customers, according to Weiss. “In cases where it is used in just a small part of the business, customers tend to choose a straightforward, robust and price-attractive machine,” he said.

“However, other client groups are demanding more sophisticated products that incorporate elements such as automatic hose reels and electronics that offer machine protection. And they are placing a greater focus on ergonomics and comfort.” Kärcher’s EASY!Force trigger gun is an ergonomic solution designed to make high-pressure cleaning easier for the operator, according to Weiss.

The split between customers seeking sophisticated solutions and those who prefer to opt for simple ones is becoming increasingly marked, he adds. “We need to tailor our solutions to suit each customer group,” he said.

The trend towards daytime cleaning along with the current demand for higher standards of hygiene due to Covid-19 are both factors impacting on the high-pressure cleaning sector, he says.

“The increase in daytime cleaning has led to an increased sensitivity to noise and a requirement to make machines that perform as quietly as possible,” he said.

“As a result, the use of combustion motors is becoming more difficult and there is a growing potential for replacing them with battery-powered machines.”

Demand for higher standards of hygiene was becoming evident in several countries even before the Covid-19 pandemic, according to Weiss. “This is now more important worldwide and we predict that the ability to disinfect surfaces will become a future requirement in certain target groups.”

Not standing still Weiss claims Kärcher’s HD 4/11 C Bp model to be the first professional batterydriven high-pressure cleaner on the market. The company also offers the HD-MXA which now has an integrated automatic hose reel for cold water use.

While the high-pressure cleaning industry is not currently evolving at any great speed, it is certainly not standing still according to Dibo’s communications manager Kat Coppieters. “And for Dibo this evolution can mainly be seen within our

hot water high-pressure trailer market,” she said.

Two new high-pressure trailers being launched by Dibo this month (November) will help to meet demand for sustainable cleaning solutions, she claims. The first is fitted with an electric motor and the second runs on compressed natural gas.

“Electric cleaning is the challenge for the future and we are working with a stateof-the-art battery management system for efficient charging, discharging and recharging for a longer battery life,” said Coppieters. “And a high-pressure trailer running on CNG is the most environmentally-friendly and lowest-cost trailer there is compared with other fuel engines.”

According to Coppieters, CNG engines emit considerably less particulate matter and nitrogen oxides than diesel engines while also reducing CO2 emissions and producing 50 per cent less noise. “And because of the cleaner combustion of CNG there is also less maintenance involved,” she adds.

Other Dibo innovations include a track and trace system that enables the operator to monitor the machine’s status via a computer or smartphone, and a digital display that provides ongoing information on parameters such as pressure, temperature, fuel level and water level.

The industry is changing in line with customer requirements, according to Coppieters. “The professional user is attaching increasing importance to user-friendliness, high quality and a long service life,” she says. “Customers also want sustainable solutions that can be used anywhere within cities and towns and are increasingly looking for environmentally-friendly cleaning methods.

“And they want innovative solutions that make full use of latest technologies.”

Unlike Coppieters, IPC’s senior product manager for high-pressure washers Antonio Bigaran believes the sector is developing rapidly. “Customers are looking for more flexibility in terms of performance Continued page 46

November 2020 | ECJ | 45

HIGH-PRESSURE CLEANERS What’s new in high-pressure? (continued) steam stage it is even possible to clean at temperatures of up to 155°C,” he said.

“And when cleaning with high-pressure equipment, disinfection cleaners may be applied with the cup foam lance to interrupt infection chains and remove dirt residues.”

Dibo is not anticipating any significant growth in the high-pressure cleaning sector at present. “Governments are only focusing on combating Covid-19 and they don’t have the budget available for new investment,” said Kat Coppieters. “Premises cleaning is often postponed in the event of a crisis in any case. And around 10 per cent of our customers have now switched to chemical cleaning solutions.”

However, she adds that when used correctly, steam cleaning can combat viruses such as Covid-19. “We can supply machines that have a steam function, but this is an expertise that must be carried out by specialists in the correct manner,” she said. and machine features,” he says. “Some machines are capable of handling very high pressures and flow rates while others can provide low flow rates and lower pressures where required.

“These types of machine are particularly suitable for specific applications in sectors such as food and mechanics where large volumes of water are not required and where high pressures could alter the calibrations of instruments.”

Like Kärcher’s Benjamin Weiss he feels the market is moving in two ways at the same time. “Thanks to new technology there are now increasing numbers of sophisticated electronic devices available that can customise and optimise the interface with the operator, providing useful information that can help them with their work,” he said.

Reliable tool “However, while the development of technical features and electronic devices is always important, we must never forget that the machine should be a reliable tool that is easy to use.” For this reason, IPC’s range includes basic models as well as more complex machines featuring detectors and indicators that make cleaning a fully-monitored experience.

According to Bigaran, the sustainability

Quels sont les innovations les plus récentes sur le marché du nettoyage haute pression - indicateurs électroniques de niveau de réservoir d’eau, injection automatique et intégrée de produits chimiques, échangeurs thermiques de type nouveau, systèmes de nettoyage semi-automatiques ?

46 | November 2020 | ECJ

agenda has had a significant impact on the high-pressure cleaning industry. “The market has become very sensitive to the energy issue and is looking at new energy solutions for heating water,” he said.

IPC’s Green Jet 7510 M multifunctional machine is designed for washing areas where hot water at a stable temperature of 100°C is required along with the mechanical action of water at high pressure. Other machines in the IPC range are the PW-H100 HTM, which is designed to maintain a constant water temperature of 100°C, and the WD- E and PW-E100 hot water machines with electric boilers.

Covid-19 has dominated the news for much of the year and has dramatically raised the profile of cleaning. But how has it impacted on the high-pressure cleaning sector?

The market has been performing well during the crisis, according to Kärcher’s Benjamin Weiss. “There is an increased awareness of cleaning around the world and we think the pandemic will speed up this process,” he said. “Demand for highpressure cleaning equipment remains high compared with other sectors due to its versatility.”

He adds that a hot water high-pressure cleaner can achieve a measurable reduction in the numbers of germs. “Using the

Elektronische Füllstandsanzeiger für Wassertanks, integrierte automatische Chemikalienzufuhr, innovative Wärmeaustauschsysteme, halbautomatische Reinigungssysteme – was sind die neuesten Innovationen im Hochdruckreinigungsmarkt?

Buoyant market IPC’s Antonio Bigaran feels that the effectiveness of high-pressure cleaning systems against viruses such as Covid-19 is a sensitive issue. “Pathogenic microorganisms such as viruses and bacteria need to be removed using complex and articulated techniques,” he explains. “But cleaning is the first, fundamental and necessary step towards their removal – and high-pressure washers are a powerful mechanical instrument that can carry out this first step, making cleaning activities effortless and effective.”

Bigaran believes the market to be buoyant, adding that the Covid-19 pandemic has led to an increased demand for highpressure washers.

“This is because in some cases the action of chemical products is not enough and a mechanical action is required to remove dirt from surfaces,” he said. “As a result, high-pressure washers have become even more crucial in certain specific areas and for some applications and environments.

“And we believe that high-pressure machines will become a key tool in daily cleaning practices in the future - even in those areas where they have not generally been employed so far.”

Indicatori elettronici del livello dei serbatoi dell’acqua, alimentatori di prodotti chimici integrati e automatici, sistemi di scambio di calore innovativi, sistemi di pulizia semi automatici, quali sono le più recenti innovazioni nel settore delle macchine di pulizia ad alta pressione?

PRODUCTS: HIGH-PRESSURE CLEANING

• R+M Suttner propose l’injecteur ST-160.3 en acier inox pour débits d’eau importants et doses de moussage élevées.

• L’appareil de nettoyage de surface Aqua, de Mosmatic, s’utilise à l’intérieur ou à l’extérieur et comporte un dispositif de succion.

• Tecnovap propose un nettoyeur à haute pression, le Hydrobox, qui peut fonctionner à l’eau chaude ou à l’eau froide.

• Das Angebot von R+M Suttner umfasst den vollständig aus Edelstahl hergestellten Injektor ST-160.3 für große Wassermengen und hohe Schaumdosierungen.

• Der Oberflächenreiniger Aqua von Mosmatic ist sowohl für den Innenals auch den Außenbereich geeignet und verfügt über eine integrierte Absaugvorrichtung.

• Der Hochdruckreiniger Hydrobox von Tecnovap kann sowohl mit heißem als auch mit kaltem Wasser eingesetzt werden.

• La R+M Suttner propone l’iniettore in acciaio inossidabile ST-160.3 per elevate quantità di acqua ed elevate dosi di schiuma.

• La macchina per il lavaggio delle superfici Aqua, prodotta dalla Mosmatic, può essere utilizzata sia negli interni che negli esterni ed è dotata di un dispositivo integrato di aspirazione.

• La Hydrobox della Tecnovap è una idropulitrice ad alta pressione che può essere utilizzata sia con acqua calda che con acqua fredda.

48 | November 2020 | ECJ

High dosages The ST-160.3 is a stainless steel injector from R+M Suttner designed for use with large quantities of water and high chemical dosages. There are three pairs of injectors and nozzle in one housing which can be configured independently. This enables numerous metering and foam applications.

Since each pair of nozzles has its own chemical inlet, different chemicals can also be mixed in different ratios.

In the low pressure range flow rates of up to 20 litres per minute can be achieved, while at high pressure this increases to more than 100 litres per minute.

Foam quality can be adjusted

via the built-in air injector nozzles in the foam heads. www.rm-suttner.com

Indoors or out

The surface cleaner Aqua from Mosmatic is suitable for large and small surfaces indoors and outdoors. Thanks to its integrated suction device no industrial vacuum cleaner is needed and waste water is discharged via a standard hose.

Aqua cleans completely without chemicals - it only needs water which dissolves surface dirt with high pressure.

This means waste water can be treated and reused.

Capable of working at up to 120°C, Aqua is made of stain-

less steel and has an articulated swivel joint manufactured for high speeds. www.mosmatic.com

Hot or cold Tecnovap’s Hydrobox highpressure cleaner can be used with both cold and hot water.

Powered by electricity and reaching pressure up to 150 bar, this unit is said to be water- and cost-effective.

Designed to be compact and manoeuvrable, the body and boiler are made from stainless steel for durability, with other features including direct water connection, analogue pressure gauge and electronic control panel where the temperature can be set from 20 to 90°C. Hydrobox has been specifically developed for use in environments where water and harmful vapours are not permitted making it suitable for indoor use. www.tecnovap.it

PRODUCTS: HIGH-PRESSURE

New market

For the cleaning of façades and solar power installations, Kärcher has developed a complete system consisting of compatible high-pressure cleaner accessories. This comprises rotating roller heads and brushes, multipurpose telescopic lances and adapter sets, plus an ergonomic carrying system.

Accessories are multifunctional and can also be connected to a hose for clean-water applications or to a vacuum cleaner for vacuuming up loose dirt.

For wet cleaning the range includes a rotating roller brush head which, when connected to a high-pressure cleaner or telescopic lance, removes stubborn dirt from surfaces. Various brushes can also be fitted without the need for tools.

For façade cleaning, a splash guard helps to direct the water back to the wall in a controlled manner. And for solar power installations a Vario joint can be used to facilitate control on the sloping surface. www.karcher.com

biliser Control (ETSC) technology ensures high temperature stability, both in high and low pressure modes. This makes for optimum cleaning results, lower fuel consumption and reduced emissions.

For safeguarding the components of the machine and the operator, there is Multifunction Safety Control (MSC) - this offers protection against any circuit issues while the diagnostics system reduces maintenance costs and ensures safety. www.ipcworldwide.com

Cleans tanks The URACA tank cleaning head TWK - for cleaning of containers and tanks of all types - achieves water pressure up to 1,600 bar/23,200 psi.

The water jet cuts through the deposits with a defined sequence of motion. It can be used in all ex-zones (except in mining).

No chemical is required so disposal of the cleaning water is limited to the separation of the cleaned-off products.

The positioning devices and reel systems, which are adapted to the tank geometry, enable tank-specific cleaning. www.uraca.com

Really hot The high-pressure cleaner range from IPC now includes the PWH100 HTM, with outlet water temperature of 100°C. Electronic Temperature Sta• Kärcher a lancé une gamme d’accessoires pour le nettoyage haute pression de façades et de panneaux solaires.

• Le dernier nettoyeur haute pression d’IPC, le PW-H100 HTM, peut débiter de l’eau à 100°C. • La tête de nettoyage de réservoir TWK, de la société URACA, produit des pressions allant à 1 600 bar/23 200 psi.

• Kärcher hat eine Produktreihe mit Zubehör für Hochdruckreiniger vorgestellt, die die Reinigung von Fassaden und Solaranlagen erleichtern.

• Der neue Hochdruckreiniger PW-H100 HTM von IPC erreicht 100 °C Wassertemperatur.

• Der Tankwaschkopf TWK von URACA bietet Betriebsüberdrücke bis zu 1.600 bar.

• La Kärcher ha lanciato una gamma di accessori per le idropulitrici ad alta pressione per la pulizia delle facciate e delle installazioni di pannelli solari.

• La nuova idropulitrice ad alta pressione PWH100 HTM della IPC raggiunge la temperatura di 100° per l’acqua in uscita.

• La testa per il lavaggio dei serbatoi TWK della URACA vanta una pressione fino a 1.600 bar/23.200 psi.

November 2020 | ECJ | 49

SWEEPERS

The new sweeping norm Empty streets and deserted city centres were a common sight in early 2020 – and this inevitably led to a reduction in the amount of debris left strewn around public places. But the profile of cleaning has sky-rocketed in line with the number of Covid-19 cases worldwide. So, how have these conflicting occurrences affected the sweepers market, asks Ann Laffeaty?

The value of cleaning is being understood and appreciated today in ways we have never seen before. This year’s global pandemic has alerted us all to the importance of keeping our publicly-used spaces clean, hygienic and uncluttered.

The profile of cleaning in general has been raised as we unite in the international battle against Covid-19. And evidence of this may be seen everywhere: restaurant staff are billeted to continually sanitise pub and restaurant tables while facility cleaners - who once went about their business as unobtrusively as possible - are suddenly proud of what they do and are even being hailed as heroes.

The people whose job it is to operate sweepers fulfil a slightly different role to that of the general cleaning army. The removal of unsightly debris from large open spaces such as car parks, warehouses, streets and city centres is arguably less critical during a global pandemic than the task of sanitising frequently-touched surfaces in indoor environments such as shops, bars and restaurants. But other people’s litter could well be contaminated with the virus – and that means it needs to be cleared away from public spaces on an ongoing basis to help keep the general population safe.

However, the first part of 2020 saw cities all over the world being completely

50 | November 2020 | ECJ

locked down. Restaurants, bars, non-essential shops and cafes were all closed for business which meant our streets were practically deserted. And the decree that we should all stay at home meant that the scope for dropping litter in public spaces fell dramatically.

So with cities worldwide under lockdown, how much of a call has there been for sweepers – and how has the industry fared as a result?

The coronavirus crisis has had a significant impact on the professional sweeper market according to Kärcher’s sweepers product manager Florian Böhm. “There is a great deal of uncertainty about the course the crisis will take in future and as a result of this, the overall market for sweepers has declined significantly worldwide compared to the previous year,” he said.

“We believe our competitors are facing similar challenges because investments are either being reduced or held back. In recent months there has been a slight improvement compared with April and May but the general uncertainty is being reflected in a passive investment attitude on the part of customers from across all segments.”

Conversely he adds that demand for cleaning systems in general has increased over recent months. “However, the emphasis of this demand is currently more focused on the disinfection of interior surfaces than on the cleaning of outdoor areas,” he said.

Increase in demand In fact, demand for sweepers has decreased in all target groups, says Böhm, though he admits that some sectors have been less badly hit than others. “Those less-affected areas include the transport, retail, construction and hospitality sectors,” he said.

According to Böhm, the large-scale lockdowns imposed earlier in the year are likely to have led to a reduced need for cleaning in public spaces.

“Entire production plants were closed

down during this period and some environments did not need to be swept for months,” he points out. “These areas included, for example, the frontages of football stadiums and exhibition halls where large events would normally have been held.”

But he adds that the market was only severely affected for a relatively short time. “Even during the peak of the crisis people were still meeting up outdoors and leaving behind rubbish that needed to be cleared away,” he said.

Scope unchanged The scope of sweepers has remained fundamentally unchanged during the Covid-19 pandemic, says Böhm, “Since the reopening of restaurants and retail outlets in many central European cities, the foot traffic in pedestrian zones has been steadily increasing again and is now resulting in similar levels of refuse to those we saw before the crisis began,” he said.

“But this has not yet had a knock-on effect on the demand for municipal machinery where the reluctance of local authorities to invest is still outweighing the need for new equipment.”

Kärcher offers a range of professional sweepers that incorporate features such as hydraulic container lifts, multifunctional displays, adjustable side-brush speeds and an automatic Tact filter cleaning system for dust-free operation.

According to Böhm, the chief role of sweepers during the pandemic has been to keep public spaces free of contaminated waste. “However, the removal of viruses without leaving any residue is only possible to a limited extent,” he says.

“We therefore see some new potential for carrying disinfectant with the machine and applying it to contact surfaces with the aid of a spray lance in areas such as playgrounds, for example.”

But he adds that surface disinfection is currently mainly being linked to interior cleaning as far as the public discussion is concerned. “It is the inside of buildings

SWEEPERS working harder than ever to achieve this and are performing critical work every day,” he said.

New from Tennant is the S16 compact ride-on sweeper which is described as being both versatile and fume-free. The battery-powered model has been designed to maximise efficiency and enhance performance in both indoor and outdoor environments and is said to be easy to operate and maintain.

But he adds that the advent of Covid-19 had changed most cleaning practices and prompted a rise in demand for new cleaning solutions in general. “As a result, cleaning is evolving to meet the higher hygiene standards that are required today,” he said.

Despite worldwide closures of bars and restaurants in the early months of Covid-19, Sehmke says there has been no significant change in the type of rubbish

being left behind in streets, which typically includes items such as takeaway containers, food wrappers, cigarette butts and drinks cans.

“The main difference has concerned the quantity of the debris being discarded and in the reduction in the number of cleaning rounds required as a result,” he said.

However, sweepers have still been needed in facilities such as manufacturing plants, lorry parks, transport hubs and healthcare establishments, he adds.

“There has also been a higher demand for scrubber dryers and disinfection equipment over the past few months, probably due to the evolving situation regarding the pandemic,” said Sehmke.

He considers floor cleaning in general to be a highly important task. “The physical removal of soil, debris and organic substances from surfaces is the first step in any disinfection process,” he says.

“The job of the sweeper and then the scrubber dryer is to carry out this process between disinfection cycles and when people are present.”

He adds that all environments need to be kept safe and clean whether they are hospitals, grocery stores, manufacturing facilities or restaurants. “Cleaning professionals around the world are

Comment les fabricants de balayeuses ont-ils fait face à la pandémie ? La disparition des foules du centre-ville et le dépeuplement de nombreux établissements ont-ils fait chuter la demande pour leurs produits ? Ou bien faut-il penser que le renforcement des protocoles de propreté a entraîné une augmentation de la demande en machines de nettoyage ? ECJ recherche les réponses.

Wie ist es der Kehrmaschinenbranche während der Coronaviruskrise ergangen? Haben die verlassenen Stadtzentren und leer stehenden Einrichtungen zu einem dramatischen Rückgang beim Bedarf an Kehrmaschinen geführt? Oder haben die gegenwärtig geltenden verbesserten Reinigungsprotokolle zu einer höheren Nachfrage nach Reinigungsmaschinen im Allgemeinen geführt? Das ECJ erfährt Näheres.

Come se l’è cavata il settore delle spazzatrici durante la crisi del Coronavirus? I centri deserti delle città e le strutture vuote hanno causato una drastica riduzione della necessità delle spazzatrici? Oppure i protocolli di pulizia rafforzati di oggi hanno aumentato in generale la domanda per l’utilizzo di macchine per le pulizie?

ECJ indaga.

where there is a significantly higher risk of transmission,” he points out.

Health protection plays a major role in all Kärcher’s new product developments, says Böhm. “For example, we pay close attention to topics such as exhaust air filtration by means of efficient filter systems along with dust-binding and ergonomics.”

Tennant has also noticed a marked impact on the sweepers sector during 2020 as a result of the pandemic. “Sales have been globally impacted across all categories,” said EMEA industrial product manager Stefan Sehmke. “This has been the inevitable result of companies, factories, shopping centres, sports facilities and exhibition centres being closed due to the pandemic and of large events such as national and international exhibitions being cancelled.”

New solutions

Optimistic for the future While the strict lockdowns earlier in the year led to the slowing down of business in most European countries, Sehmke has high hopes for the next few years. “We are confident about the future and we expect business to rebound in the coming months and into 2021,” he says.

Kärcher’s Florian Böhm shows a similar level of optimism. “Although the movement of people and goods may have declined in many areas during lockdowns - whether in industry, logistics or transport - this did not make the role of sweeping fundamentally superfluous,” he said. “In fact in the medium term we feel that the sweepers segment will probably benefit from the universally enhanced perception of cleaning that we’re seeing today.”

November 2020 | ECJ | 51

PRODUCTS: SWEEPERS

• La dernière balayeuse et Stolzenberg’s est la TwinSweep900 accompagnée à batterie.

• RCM a lancé la balayeuse embarquée Atom.3 et l’autolabeuse Icon.

• Hako affirme que son carter Dust Stop pour brosses dures, à montage sur machines de nettoyage, peut faire tomber l’émission de poussières fines de 90 pour cent.

• Das neueste Kehrmaschinenmodell von Stolzenberg ist die handgeführte, akkubetriebene TwinSweep900.

• Bei den neuesten Modellen von RCM handelt es sich um die AufsitzKehrmaschine Atom.3 und die Scheuersaugmaschine Icon.

• Laut Hako kann die Dust Stop Ummantelung für Seitenbesen an Reinigungsmaschinen die Feinstaubentwicklung um bis zu 90 % reduzieren.

• Il più recente modello di spazzatrice della Stolzenberg è la TwinSweep900 alimentata a batteria e con operatore a terra.

• I modelli più recenti della RCM sono la spazzatrice con operatore a bordo Atom.3 e la lavasciuga pavimenti Icon.

• La Hako afferma che Dust Stop, la sua copertura montata sulle spazzole a disco delle macchine per pavimenti riesce a ridurre la polvere sottile del 90 per cento.

52 | November 2020 | ECJ

Walk-behind The latest sweeper model from Stolzenberg is the TwinSweep900 battery-operated walk-behind. This 75-litre model has a 90 cm working width and features patented twin-roller-centre brushes and two side brooms that fold out.

Which makes it easy to sweep out corners and underneath the edges of racking system, the company says.

Oversized wheels at the front make for comfortable and easy manoeuvrability while the combined strength of the sweeper, dust extraction and filtration ensure TwinSweep900 leaves no dust, metal parts or larger size

debris behind.

Designed for warehouses, factories and car parks, Stolzenberg says this is a suitable solution for situations where a ride-on may be too big or costly. www.stolzenberg.de

Longer shifts RCM has launched a new sweeper model, the ATOM.3 sweeper. ATOM.3 is a ride-on model boasting optimum ergonomics that allow the operator to work longer shifts comfortably. Maintenance is said to be simple, with brushes adjustable and replaceable without tools.

The machine has better visibility thanks to the rear load, plus the Energy Saver system increases the range. The electric motors that drive brushes and suction fans stop after 15 seconds of machine inactivity Large drawer capacity and filtering surface allow long shifts. www.rcm.it

Brush jacket

Dust Stop is a new jacket for disc brushes on Hako vacuum sweepers designed to reduce the generation of fine dust by up to 90 per cent. This easyto-install addition prevents dust from rising to enable dustfree sweeping.

All sweepers equipped with disc brushes can be retrofitted easily with Dust Stop. It works dry - no use of water is required which means no streaky floors.

And there is no risk of marking or damaging the floor when using the jacket.

As well as having a positive effect on the machine operator, the jacket also reduces the brush’s operating noise level. www.hako.com

PRODUCTS: SWEEPERS

Entry level Recently launched by Kärcher is the KM 105/180 R Bp Classic entry level sweeper. Thanks to a battery and electric motor this model is emissions-free and can also be operated in enclosed halls and warehouses.

With a fully charged battery the KM 105/180 R Bp Classic can run for up to two-and-ahalf hours, with maximum area performance of 6,300 square metres per hour. Its narrow design means it can work in corridors and narrow areas, with a 780 mm roller brush. Working width can be increased with the addition of further brushes.

Also new is the top model in the range, KM 170/600 R D Classic which boasts area performance of up to 23,800 square metres per hour. Working width of this diesel-driven machine is 1,700 mm. The four wheels are driven hydraulically, allowing fast operational drives at up to 14 km per hour. Bin capacity is up to 600 litres. www.karcher.com

Battery ride-on The S16 is Tennant’s newest battery-powered ride-on sweeper. Suitable for a range of indoor and outdoor applications, this model features MaxPro technology that guarantees consistent brush power regardless of surface and debris changes.

The 1-Step start button simplifies operation. The operator pushes the green button to start cleaning using all of the most recent machine settings which are automatically remembered

• Les balayeuses les plus récentes de Kärcher sont les KM 105/180 R Bp Classic et KM 170/600 RD Classic.

• Tennant a introduit la S16, une balayeuse embarquée à batterie.

and engaged. The Eco-Mode helps to extend run time, lower energy consumption and reduce noise for anytime cleaning.

Other features include the FiberShield lint screen that captures fibres for maximum efficiency, and non-marking skirts prevent damage when sweeping with machines configured for carpeted surfaces. Meanwhile the VarioHeight handle on the low dump model provides more ergonomic operation and increased safety.

A version of the machine with dual side sweeping brushes is available for an extended sweeping path. There is also a dry vacuum wand for cleaning off-aisle and in tight spaces. www.tennantco.eu

• Bei KM 105/180 R Bp Classic und KM 170/600 RD Classic handelt es sich um die neuesten Kehrmaschinenmodelle von Kärcher.

• Neu von Tennant ist die batteriebetriebene AufsitzKehrmaschine S16.

• I più nuovi modelli di spazzatrici della Kärcher sono la KM 105/180 R Bp Cleassic e la KM 170/600 RD Classic.

• Il nuovo articolo della Tennant è la spazzatrice con operatore a bordo e alimentata a batteria S16.

November 2020 | ECJ | 53

PRODUCT REVIEW

• Les désinfectants d’air et de surface SteraSpace de la société Airdri émettent un flux de plasma désinfectant 24h/24.

• L’acide L(+)-lactique de Jungbunzlauer– un ingrédient de désinfectants et savons pour les mains - est dérivé de matières premières renouvelables.

• Die SteraSpace Air & Surface Sanitisers von Airdri geben rund um die Uhr einen Fluss von desinfizierendem Plasma ab.

• Jungbunzlauer L(+)Milchsäure – ein Inhaltsstoff in Desinfektionsmitteln und Handseifen – wird auf der Grundlage erneuerbarer Rohstoffe hergestellt.

• I disinfettanti per aria e superfici SteraSpace Air & Surface Sanitisers della Airdri emettono un flusso di plasma disinfettante 24 ore su 24.

• Jungbunzlauer L(+)-acido lattico – un ingrediente nei disinfettanti e nei saponi per le mani, è derivato da materie prime rinnovabili.

54 | November 2020 | ECJ

Air and surface Airdri says its new line of SteraSpace Air & Surface Sanitisers offers round-the-clock infection and odour control by sanitising surrounding air and exposed surfaces.

The units combine Photo Catalytic Disinfection (PCD), Germicidal Irradiation and Dual Waveband UV technologies to produce a plasma of targeted ozone, superoxide ions and hydroxyl radicals that effectively eliminate bacteria, viruses, mould fungi and odours.

Four models are available to suit various environments from washrooms and offices to medical practices and care homes.

Featuring compact design and a

choice of colours, they are said to be discreet while servicing floor areas up to 80 square metres. Maintenance is minimal and energy consumption low. www.airdri.com

Activity proved

The virucidal activity of L(+)lactic acid from Jungbunzlauer against enveloped viruses has been investigated under the European standard test method EN 14476. During those tests it was found to have virucidal

The next edition of ECJ will be Feb/ March 2021. In the meantime, stay up-todate with news at the ECJ website activity against all enveloped viruses, including coronavirus.

Jungbunzlauer L(+)-lactic acid is a natural and sustainable ingredient in the formulation of surface disinfectants and antimicrobial hand soaps. It is derived from renewable raw materials via fermentation and is readily biodegradable. www.jungbunzlauer.com

PRODUCT REVIEW

Back in business In order to help businesses get back on their feet and restore confidence that they are keeping premises safe Kimberly-Clark Professional has introduced the 360˚ Hygiene & Protection programme.

This aims to identify the need areas, through assessing a building’s level of preparedness and identifying germ hotspots.

Hotspots are objects such as door handles, sink fixtures, lift buttons, tables and stair rails that are touched by many throughout the day and need frequent cleaning and disinfection to help break the chain in

germ transmission.

The next step is implementing cleaning and disinfecting protocols and introducing the correct hand hygiene and surface wiping solutions. Kimberly-Clark Professional then promotes hygienic workplace practices by providing communication tools to help create awareness. home.kcprofessional.com

• Le Programme Hygiène et Protection 360˚ de Kimberly-Clark a pour but d’aider les entreprises à déployer des programmes corrects de nettoyage et d’hygiène.

• La gamme professionnelle de purificateurs d’air DepurAir vient d’être lancée par Lindhaus.

Purer air DepurAir is the new range of professional air purifiers developed by Lindhaus. A PM 2.5 laser micro-dust analyser allows automatic management of the most suitable air speed to purify the environment in the shortest possible time. The machine can also be operated manually by setting one of the four speeds.

The air to be purified passes through a reflective flow tube with three UV-C LED lamps where 99.99 per cent germicidal action takes place.

The air, already devoid of live microorganisms, also passes through a HEPA filter H13 impregnated with a germicidal substance and guaranteeing a filtration efficiency of 99.97 per cent at 0.3µm.

Built in stainless steel, the unit uses little energy and is quiet in operation. This makes it suitable for all indoor environments such as hotels, restaurants, hospitals etc. There is also a batterypowered version. www.lindhaus.it

• Das 360˚ Hygiene & ProtectionProgramm von KimberlyClark Professional wurde konzipiert, um Unternehmen bei der Implementierung der richtigen Reinigungs- und Hygienevorschriften zu unterstützen.

• Neu von Lindhaus ist die Produktreihe DepurAir mit gewerbsmäßigen Luftreinigern.

• Il programma 360˚ Hygiene & Protection della Kimberly-Clark Professional è concepito per aiutare le imprese a implementare i protocolli di corretta igiene e pulizia.

• La novità della Lindhaus è la gamma di purificatori per ambienti professionali DepurAir.

November 2020 | ECJ | 55

PRODUCT REVIEW

• Affix Labs propose, sous la désignation Clean N Coat, des produits de nettoyage de surface à effet protecteur maximum de 7 jours.

• BioHygiene, un spécialiste de la biotechnologie, a lancé un désinfectant polyvalent.

• INPACS a développé le tunnel de désinfection de chariots et paniers de supermaché Stream Pro Eco. • Proposé par Irisys, le SafeCount effectue le comptage automatique de personnes entrant et sortant de toilettes collectives.

• D’après BV Consulting, Covguard Shycocan est un dispositif qui représente une percée dans la prévention du coronavirus dans des espaces confinés.

• Laut Angaben von Affix Labs können die antimikrobiellen Oberflächenreinigungsprodukte Clean N Coat Oberflächen bis zu sieben Tage lang schützen.

• Der Biotech-Spezialist BioHygiene hat ein AllzweckDesinfektionsmittel vorgestellt.

• Bei Stream Pro Eco handelt es sich um den Desinfektionstunnel für Einkaufswagen und -körbe, der von INPACS entwickelt wurde.

• SafeCount von Irisys verwendet Personenzählsensoren, um automatisch Menschen zu zählen, wenn sie einen Waschraum betreten und verlassen.

• Laut Angaben von BV Consulting stellt Covguard Shycocan einen Durchbruch bei der Vorbeugung gegen das Coronavirus in geschlossenen Räumen dar.

• La Affix Labs afferma che i suoi prodotti antimicrobici per la pulizia delle superfici Clean N Coat sono in grado di proteggere le superfici fino a sette giorni.

• La BioHygiene, specializzata in biotecnologia, ha lanciato un disinfettante multiuso.

• Stream Pro Eco è il tunnel di disinfezione dei carrelli e cestini per la spesa sviluppato dalla INPACS. • SafeCount della Irisys utilizza dei sensori per il conteggio automatico delle persone che entrano ed escono dalle sale da toilette.

• A detta della BV Consulting, Covguard Shycocan è uno strumento innovativo per la prevenzione del coronavirus negli spazi chiusi.

56 | November 2020 | ECJ

Surface coating Clean N Coat is a new surface cleaning product launched by Affix Labs that also leaves an almost invisible, ultra-thin, antimicrobial coating which it says protects surfaces for up to seven days. In tests, it claims, the coating lasted for over 300 touches.

Clean N Coat contains Si-Quat, a durable anti-viral coating developed by Affix this year.

says BioHygiene, and a dilution rate of 100:1 makes it cost-effective in terms of use, packaging and transport.

The active ingredients in the sanitiser work together in a number of ways, including damaging the microbial outer membrane, causing leakage of cell contents, attacking proteins and preventing energy production by the cell.

Available in five-litre drums and 750 ml trigger bottles. www.biohygiene.co.uk

Disinfect trolleys

Supported by the European Union’s EIT RawMaterials body and tested in level three laboratories including at the University of Lisbon in Portugal, Si-Quat has been proven to be effective against 99.99 per cent of viruses and bacteria.

Sprayed onto a surface like most common surface cleaners, Clean N Coat degreases and cleans but then dries to leave a thin, clear and durable layer of an environmentally conscious disinfectant that binds to the surface, killing within minutes viruses and bacteria that touch it. It can be applied to hard surfaces such as table tops and counters, and to softer materials like furniture and wood. www.clean-n-coat.com

All-purpose Biotech specialist BioHygiene has developed an all-purpose sanitiser which has been approved under the requisite standards for use against enveloped viruses. Containing naturally derived mild surfactants and a fermentation extract, the sanitiser’s ecoconscious focus is designed to provide an environmentally responsible and sustainable cleaner and disinfectant.

User safety is a key feature,

Stream Pro Eco is a new disinfection tunnel for shopping trolleys and baskets at supermarkets, shops, airports, train stations and other public places. Developed by INPACS, it disinfects in just three seconds and while the trolley or basket is being treated the customer can also disinfect their hands.

Portable and suitable for all shopping trolleys and baskets, Stream Pro Eco boasts an easy tank refill and no additional costs for staff. www.inpacs.com

is fully autonomous in that it requires no additional software or internet connection. And the data gathered can be used to optimise cleaning schedules. www.irisys.net

Enclosed spaces According to BV Consulting its new device Covguard SHYCOCAN is designed to defend against coronavirus within enclosed spaces. It works by releasing safe, negatively charged electrons which neutralise the spike (S) proteins on the virus, so that they cannot attach to human cells.

Powered by Scalene Hypercharge Corona Cannon (SHYCOCAN), the electron cloud is said to ‘disarm’ and disable air and surface transmission.

The unit is designed to be wallmounted in corridors and rooms in any facility - its hyper-charged cannon fires trillions of electrons per second, reaching an area of 1,000 square feet and covering every corner, nook and surface.

Easy to install and manage, it

Safe distance SafeCount from Irisys uses accurate people counting sensors to automatically count people as they enter and exit the washroom. When the preprogrammed occupancy limit is met, connected display signage updates in real-time to alert and notify other building users that the washroom is at capacity.

This prevents overcrowding and maintains social distancing.

The sensors use an anonymous sensing technology that does not rely on cameras and does not capture any personally identifiable information.

Installation is simple and fast, and once installed the system

is plugged into a regular power socket, straight out of the box.

The indicator light at the front of the product shows it is working and releasing the hypercharged electrons.

Covguard SHYCOCAN does not produce harmful ozone gas, or any chemical or harmful compounds, and it does not kill bacteria, fungi or any ecofriendly microorganisms in the atmosphere. It is designed for 24/7 continuous use for optimum protection. contact@bvconsultingltd.com

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