October 2026

The pan-European magazine for the professional cleaning sector

OCTOBER 2026

AIR FRESHENING

SUSTAINABILITY

BUSINESS

Read all about the European Cleaning & Hygiene Awards winners announced in Palma recently.

Benefits in many applications

Cleaning and WELL standards

Can EU laws keep up with rogue AI?

Page 22

Page 26

Page 33

Starts page 11

CONTENTS

October 2026 | Vol.34, No.5

BUSINESS

SPECIAL REPORTS

33 Keeping pace with rogue AI

11 European Cleaning & Hygiene Awards - the winners

Hartley Milner asks whether the new EU Artificial Intelligence Act has legs.

Reporting from Palma de Mallorca where the trophies were presented.

03 News

14 European reports 22 Creating an air lift

20 News extra: recruitment

Besides masking odours, air fresheners can be used to elevate a space.

26 Cleaning for wellbeing 40 New product review

WELL certification and the changing role of cleaning in healthy buildings.

35 Worst-case scenario What are the worst hard floor disasters and how can they be tackled?

38 Sweep dreams What are the key attributes of the perfect sweeper? 2023

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

Circulation Marie Payne

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News & events

Latest News & Events from ECJ

Ergonomic measures can help older cleaning workers to remain in work Organisational changes, ergonomic equipment and adequate recovery time can help reduce musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) among older cleaning workers, according to a systematic review published in Frontiers in Public Health - a Swiss-based, open-access academic journal specialising in public health research. The review examined 11 international studies of hospital cleaning staff aged 50 and over, identifying physical demands and workplace conditions associated with musculoskeletal health. Its findings also have implications for cleaning operations in offices, commercial buildings and other facilities. MSD prevalence among the workers studied ranged from 49.1 to 68.96 per cent, depending on the period covered by the measurements. The lower back, upper back, shoulders and knees were the most frequently affected areas, reflecting the physical demands of cleaning tasks.

Limited recovery These include sustained bending during floor cleaning, shoulder loading when operating machinery, pushing and pulling trolleys, handling waste and prolonged standing. The review also identified insufficient rest, occupational stress and limited recovery between shifts as contributing factors. Age alone did not consistently predict MSD risk. Some studies found higher risks among older workers, while others suggested that professional experience could have a protective effect. The authors also highlighted the ‘healthy worker effect’, whereby workers experiencing more severe physical difficulties may leave employment, potentially understating the burden of MSDs among those who remain. The review emphasises the relationship between workers’ physical capacity and the way their jobs are organised. Factors associated with increased risk included limited control over work pace and task sequencing,

repetitive work, inadequate ergonomic training and poor communication between management and frontline staff. Conversely, task rotation, structured training, effective communication and sufficient recovery time were identified as measures associated with better musculoskeletal health outcomes. Equipment design also has a role. Adjustable handles on mops, brooms and other tools can help reduce awkward postures, while ergonomically designed waste containers can minimise lifting and twisting. Mechanical aids can also reduce the physical demands of transporting heavy equipment.

Training and support The review highlights ergonomic training and supervisory support as additional protective factors. Training should address the body mechanics involved in specific cleaning tasks, while supervisors need to understand the physical demands placed on staff and be able to adjust workloads and task allocation where necessary. For cleaning contractors and building managers, the findings point to several areas for action. Physically demanding tasks can be distributed more evenly through task rotation, while shift patterns can incorporate adequate recovery periods. Investment in suitable equipment, regular training and communication between supervisors and cleaning teams can also help identify and address risks.

Matching demands The findings are relevant as cleaning employers respond to an ageing workforce. Rather than treating age as an individual limitation, the review highlights the importance of matching work demands to workers’ capacities through appropriate equipment, job design and management practices. Although the research focused on hospital cleaning staff, many of the physical

demands identified are common across professional cleaning environments. The authors’ findings underline the importance of considering

working conditions alongside individual factors when developing measures to prevent MSDs and support workers throughout their careers.

EVENTS November 5-7

May 11-13 2027

Clean Eurasia

ISSA Pulire

Istanbul, Turkey www.cleaneurasiaexpo.com

Milan, Italy www.issapulire.com

November 16-19

June 8-10 2027

ISSA North America

CMS Asia

Las Vegas, USA www.issa.com

Singapore www.cmsasia.com

March 9-11 2027

September 21-24 2027

Clean-Tech Expo

CMS Berlin

Warsaw, Poland cleantechexpo.pl

Berlin, Germany www.cms-berlin.de

March 16-18 2027

October 26-28 2027

The Cleaning Show

Hygienalia

London, UK cleaningshow.co.uk/london

Madrid, Spain www.hygienalia.com

March 16-18 2027

April 4-7 2028

Europropre

Interclean Amsterdam

Paris, France www.europropre.com

Amsterdam, Netherlands www.intercleanshow.com

March 30-April 2 2027

September 12-14 2028

China Clean Expo

Clean Pro Expo

Shanghai, China www.chinacleanexpo.com

Friedrichshafen, Germany www.cleanpro-expo.com

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

October 2026 | ECJ | 3

News

The industry says ‘thank you’

Cleaning businesses, employers and building managers across the world spent the day acknowledging their cleaning staff on October 14, as Thank Your Cleaner Day celebrated the invaluable contribution of professional cleaners. The annual campaign highlights the essential role cleaning professionals play in maintaining hygiene and creating safe, welcoming environments across workplaces, healthcare facilities, schools and public buildings. Thank Your Cleaner Day was established in New Zealand in 2015 by the Building Service Contractors of New Zealand (BSCNZ), with support from Kärcher. It has since grown into an international initiative, celebrated in more than 40 countries. The campaign encourages organisations and individuals to show appreciation for cleaning

staff, whose work frequently takes place outside normal operating hours or away from public view. Recognition can be as simple as a personal thank you, a message of appreciation or an opportunity for cleaning teams to hear directly that their contribution is valued. For professional cleaning contractors, the day also provides an opportunity to reflect on how staff recognition fits into wider efforts to support the workforce through training, career development, fair treatment and employee wellbeing. With recruitment and retention important issues for the sector, Thank Your Cleaner Day serves as a reminder that recognising the people who deliver cleaning services is an important part of building a valued and sustainable workforce.

BICSc announces award winners The British Institute of Cleaning Science (BICSc) announced the winners of its 2026 awards during a gala dinner in Northamptonshire recently. The awards recognise individuals and teams for their achievements and contribution to the professional cleaning and hygiene sector. “We were delighted to celebrate with all our worthy winners at this year’s BICSc Awards, which again proved phenomenally popular,” group managing director Neil SpencerCook said. “We were thrilled to receive so many entries, which were of the highest calibre and demonstrate the level of exceptional experience and outstanding achievements by so many working within the professional cleaning and hygiene sector.”

Shining a spotlight Spencer-Cook added the awards provided an opportunity to recognise the contribution of people working across the industry. “The Institute takes immense pride in shining a spotlight on those incredible individuals who collectively continue to raise standards across the industry in the UK and worldwide,” he said. A special recognition award was presented to BICSc commercial director Denise Hanson, who is due to retire at the end of the year, in recognition of her more than three decades of service to the Institute. Paying tribute, Spencer-Cook said she had

supported learners, assessors, members, volunteers, staff and council, while also helping to shape decisions, influence standards and support BICSc through periods of change. The award recognised what he described as “more than three decades of dedication, commitment, leadership, humour and service”. Fellow BICSc colleagues James Atkins and Teresa Sacco also received recognition as recipients of The David Bellamy Award for their 10 years’ service with the Institute. Here is the list of winners: • The David Bellamy Award James Atkins and Teresa Sacco • The Chairman’s Award - Jay Adderley • The Eric Hill Award - Soo Bartholomew • The BICSc International Award - ACCIONA • Innovation Award - Total Clean • Environmental (ESG) Award Intelligent Workplace Solutions • Corporate Member of the Year - CleanManager • Accredited Training Member of the Year - HMP Peterborough • Assessor of the Year - Byron Andagoya Manosalvas, King’s College London • Accredited Trainer of the Year - Muhammad Rizwan, Whitespot Facilities Management Services • Cleaning Operative of the Year - Olagoke Olusomoka, Clarion Housing • Outstanding Candidate of the Year - Antonia Pheysey, Mitie • Lifetime Achievement Award - Hernando Palacios, King’s College London

Clean Hospitals Day puts focus on empowering hygiene teams Clean Hospitals Day took place in October, raising international awareness of the role of healthcare environmental hygiene in patient safety. This year’s theme, Empowerment, highlighted the importance of equipping healthcare environmental hygiene teams with the knowledge, resources and support needed to maintain safer environments for patients,

4 | October 2026 | ECJ

staff and visitors. The annual initiative established in 2020 by the organisation Clean Hospitals - promotes improved hygiene practices and greater recognition of the professionals responsible for cleaning and disinfection in healthcare facilities. Its scope extends beyond surface cleaning to include hand hygiene, air and water quality, medical device reprocessing, laundry and

waste management. Clean Hospitals, the international network behind the initiative, brings together healthcare organisations, researchers, industry and other stakeholders to share knowledge and encourage evidence-based approaches to environmental hygiene. The campaign aims to strengthen the visibility of environmental hygiene as an

essential part of healthcare, helping to r educe healthcare-associated infections and the spread of antimicrobial resistance. The promotional toolkit included posters in multiple languages, social media materials and other resources for healthcare facilities. For information and other useful resources contact cleanhospitals.com

New German show debuts

Clean Pro Expo, a new cleaning exhibition in Friedrichshafen for professionals from the region of southern Germany and neighbouring markets, was held for the first time in September. The debut event attracted 4,200 visitors and 187 exhibitors. The event offered visitors hands-on experience of the latest technologies - among them autonomous machines and drones. There was also a three-day seminar programme focusing on subjects including

digitalisation, automation, sustainability and the challenges relating to staffing and recruiting skilled workers. “The premiere of this event demonstrated that Clean Pro Expo works as an industry meeting place and a platform for professional exchange,” said Messe Friedrichshafen ceo Klaus Wellmann. The next Clean Pro Expo will take place from September 12-14 2028. www.cleanpro-expo.com

Sybron partners with Lime UK cleaning and hygiene supplier Sybron has formed a partnership with B Corp-certified Lime Sustainable Supplies (LSS), a data-driven supply chain business, to combine operational support with sustainability services for the hospitality sector. Sybron’s hospitality customers will have access to LSS’ sustainability modelling, including life cycle assessments, carbon footprint measurement and data-driven business reporting. LSS customers will benefit from Sybron’s operational infrastructure, including its new headquarters and warehousing facility at The Icon in Harlow and its northern depot in Stafford. The companies say the partnership will bring together their respective

capabilities in sustainability, supply chain management and customer support.

Game changer “This JV is a game changer for us,” said Sybron sales and marketing director George Mason. “We are proud of our sustainability achievements however this collaboration takes us to the next level. It allows us to facilitate our customers’ ESG decision-making, giving them the tools from a multi awardwinning sustainability specialist to make informed choices.” LSS managing director and group head of ESG Matt Burtinshaw added: “This is a perfect commercial symbiosis, extending both companies’ reach and offering high level sustainability solutions, as well as service and support.”

Special report on sweepers starts page 38

October 2026 | ECJ | 5

News

New children’s book puts cleaning profession in the spotlight What happens when a raccoon is called to a kindergarten to take on an important cleaning mission? This is the starting point for a new Nordic children’s book about Alex the raccoon, created through Nordic Cleaning Cooperation (NOCC), a collaboration between cleaning and service sector organisations in Denmark, Finland, Norway

and Sweden. The cooperation focuses on strengthening the visibility and status of the cleaning profession, exchanging knowledge and experience, and promoting professional development across the Nordic countries. Its members are Dansk Rengøringsteknisk Forening (DRF) in Denmark, Puhtausala ry in Finland, Norsk Forening

for Service og Renhold (NFSR) in Norway and Städbranschen Sverige in Sweden. The story follows Alex and his work in a kindergarten. Through humour, imagination and educational elements, the book introduces children to cleaning as a natural and essential part of everyday life. Alex is not simply the cleaner in the story. He is the hero. The book also features an interactive cover using heatsensitive thermochromic varnish. When the window area on the cover is warmed by a child’s hand, the hidden image underneath becomes visible, creating the impression that the window has been cleaned.

Cleaners’ Day link The launch is closely connected to Cleaners’ Day, which is celebrated in the Nordic countries on the first Monday of December. Across the four countries, the book will be used as part of activities designed to increase awareness of professional cleaning and the people working within it.

Wider potential reach NOCC would also like to understand whether there is interest in the book outside the Nordic region. Organisations, associations or other relevant partners that may be interested in having the book translated into another language, and potentially purchasing copies in that language, are invited to register their interest. Email: matthias.lindholm@ stadbranschensverige.se to find out more.

The 2027 European Cleaning & Hygiene Awards will open for entry in January 2027. If you’d like to be kept updated, email: michelle@ europeancleaning journal.com

6 | October 2026 | ECJ

Pharmacies warning during cold and flu season

UK acquisition

Frequently-touched surfaces in pharmacies are likely to be a hotbed of germs during the cold and flu season, say scientists. They say that the door handles, sign-in screens and payment terminals in chemist shops could be harbouring a range of pathogens including faecal bacteria, Covid and the common cold virus. And they advise people to use hand sanitiser after touching these surfaces and then wash their hands on arrival home as an extra layer of protection.

In the UK, soft FM provider SBFM has made its first acquisition - commercial cleaning company ecosense, after it went into administration. The deal secures the ecosense contracts across the UK, along with all 1,200 jobs. Existing ecosense client contracts have transferred to SBFM and services continue. Founded in 2010 and headquartered in London, ecosense had grown into a nationwide cleaning provider with a strong portfolio of private and public sector customers. The acquisition brings SBFM a complementary technology offering and further strengthens its presence across both sectors. SBFM founder Colin Shute said: “ecosense is a business with real technological strength and it shares our commitment to innovation, colleague welfare and progression pathways.”

Spread of germs “A majority of people picking up prescriptions are likely to be sick, or will have been near someone who is sick,” said gastroenterologist at Integrated Gastroenterology Consultants Supriya Rao. “Germs on their hands can end up on the screen, linger and then travel to the next

person’s fingers.” Microbiologist Jason Tetro says the majority of people are still treating the pharmacy as a shop rather than as a healthcare facility. “Even if your quick pharmacy run only takes minutes, that’s enough time for you to get virus-carrying germs on your hands because the minute you touch something, there’s going to be transfer. Using hand sanitiser while on the go is a great way to help

protect yourself.” Pharmacy customers should wet their hands completely with sanitiser and then rub it in for 15 seconds, said Tetro. But he adds that washing the hands after touching any potentiallycontaminated surface is the best defence because some pathogens are resistant to sanitiser. “Washing your hands when you get home can add an extra layer,” he said.

October 2026 | ECJ | 7

News: digitalisation

EFCI and UNI Europa in joint commitments on digitalisation

EFCI and UNI Europa - the social partners representing the professional cleaning sector at EU level - have made a number of joint commitments related to digitalisation in the industry.

Strengthening social dialogue and collective bargaining at national level EFCI and UNI Europa reaffirm that a strong foundation of national social dialogue and collective bargaining is essential for managing digital transformation effectively. The social partners commit to reinforcing national-level structures that enable workers and employers to jointly address technological change, anticipate its effects, and negotiate fair solutions. EFCI and UNI Europa will encourage their affiliates to exchange best practices, develop joint training modules for social partners and use European support instruments to build capacity for effective dialogue in all Member States.

Establish a European Observatory on Digitalisation and Working Conditions As part of its social dialogue committee, EFCI and UNI Europa will jointly establish a European Observatory on Digitalisation and Working Conditions in the Cleaning and Facility

8 | October 2026 | ECJ

Services Sector. This structure will monitor technological developments, assess their impact on employment, working conditions, health and safety, and identify good practices from national and company-level initiatives. The Observatory will provide reports (every 24 months) and recommendations to support evidence-based social dialogue at both European and national levels.

Develop a sectoral code of conduct on responsible AI and data use The social partners will jointly develop a Code of Conduct on Responsible AI and Data Use, setting clear principles for transparency, accountability and human oversight. This code will ensure that AI tools and data-driven technologies are used to support human work rather than replace it, protect privacy, and prevent profiling or discrimination. It will also promote information and consultation with workers’ representatives in line with national and European legislation before introducing new systems that process or monitor worker data.

Guarantee the right to training and digital inclusion for all workers Recognising the dual dimension of training as both

a right and a responsibility, EFCI and UNI Europa will work together to ensure that all workers regardless of employment status, gender or digital skill level have access to quality training. This includes both in-person and digital learning opportunities. The social partners will advocate that EU and national funding instruments, particularly for SMEs, support upskilling and reskilling in line with technological changes. Training linked to new technologies, such as cobotics, IoT and mobile applications, must always be provided prior to implementation. With a future project, EFCI and UNI Europa will work together to ensure that training on digitalisation can be certified and validated.

Ensure humancentred technology and prior consultation The social partners reaffirm that human decision-making should remain at the centre of digital transformation. As a matter of good practice, organisations should seek to foster open dialogue and appropriate consultation with trade unions, works councils and employee representatives - including white-collar staff - when considering the introduction of new technologies or significant changes to work systems, taking into account relevant national and European legislative frameworks. Early engagement can help build trust, facilitate successful change management and support positive outcomes for both employers and workers.

Promote socially responsible public procurement and shared responsibility for digital costs EFCI and UNI Europa will jointly advocate for socially responsible public procurement that includes provisions on digitalisation. Contracts with private and public clients must reflect the real costs of introducing and maintaining digital tools, including mobile devices for workers. EFCI and UNI Europa will educate the

customers and clients that the cost of digital technologies must be accounted for in tenders and contracts. Through EU-level advocacy, the social partners will promote procurement models that reward collective bargaining, fair employment practices, investment into training and innovation that improves job quality.

Advance daytime cleaning through digital innovation EFCI and UNI Europa recognise that digitalisation can play a key role in expanding daytime cleaning, which improves work-life balance, reduces energy use and enhances the visibility and value of cleaning work. The social partners will promote the use of smart building systems, IoT technologies and real-time scheduling tools to facilitate the shift toward daytime operations, ensuring that these innovations are used to support stable employment, decent working hours and better integration of cleaning within clients’ facilities. Daytime cleaning should be promoted as a modern, sustainable and socially responsible practice that combines technological innovation with improved job quality and recognition for cleaning professionals. Mark Bergfeld, UNI Europa director property services commented: “These joint commitments on behalf of the EU social partners pave the way for a more equitable and fair use of digital technologies - whether humanoid robots, cobots or Artificial Intelligence. “We look forward to continuing our cooperation with EFCI and its members. By centring humans in the debate on technology, employers and unions recognise that our industry is made up of millions of workers across Europe seeking to make Europe cleaner, safer and more hygienic. This statement has the potential to turn the cleaning industry into one which addresses existing inequalities - rather than exacerbate them.” www.uni-europa.org www.efci.eu

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News

Hospitality and hygiene on agenda for PestAware Summit hygiene, accommodations and venues. BPCA chief executive Rosina Robson explained: “Pest management is a cornerstone of brand protection and customer satisfaction.

Fast escalation

Protecting reputation, compliance and trust are at the top of the agenda at a new event designed to help professionals understand emerging pest threats and take a proactive approach to tackling them. The PestAware Summit 2027, organised by the British Pest Control Association (BPCA), will bring together professionals, stakeholders and decisionmakers for discussions around

10 | June/July 2026 | ECJ

the practical challenges posed by pests.

Four conference programmes There will be four separate conference programmes along with an exhibition, live debates and networking. One of the programmes will focus specifically on hospitality and hygiene - aimed at professionals working in cleaning, facilities management, hospitality,

“In customer-facing businesses, pest issues can escalate quickly. A single sighting can become a complaint, a failed inspection, a social media story or closure risk.” She added: “This conference stream will focus on pest awareness for staff teams, staying ahead of bed bugs, emerging risks in hospitality and stewardship in reducing reliance on chemicals. “Pest risk is not a small operational problem - it is a national resilience issue.” An independent report commissioned by BPCA,

found that pest management firms in the UK are estimated to have attended more than 4.4 million client jobs in 2025 - more than 12,000 every day, across homes, high streets, hospitals, schools, warehouses, farms and transport hubs in every region. The No Small Matter report found that 15 per cent of client jobs are in food services, six per cent in short-term accommodation and four per cent in entertainment venues.

Need for management It also outlined the legal, financial and reputational consequences that businesses can face without professional pest management. PestAware Summit 2027 will take place in Nottingham on March 17 2027. Visit the website at bpca.org. uk/summit to find out more

European Cleaning & Hygiene Awards

European Cleaning & Hygiene Awards 2026 - winners revealed!

The winners of the European Cleaning & Hygiene Awards 2026 were revealed in early October during a glittering gala dinner in Palma de Mallorca. The ninth edition of the awards saw industry leaders gather for an evening celebrating the people, businesses and initiatives making a difference across the sector. A total of 56 finalists competed across 11 categories, showcasing the breadth of talent, innovation and best practice within the industry, from digital transformation and technological innovation to sustainability, people development, diversity and client partnerships. The 2026 winners are: • Digital Transformation Derrycourt Cleaning Specialists • Training & People Development - CSU • Excellence in ClientContractor Partnerships Asito & Fujifilm • Sustainability Best Practice: Service Provider - CSU • Sustainability Best Practice: Manufacturer Entidad Maya, Eversea • Commitment to Diversity in the Workplace - Chamberlaine Cleaning Company • Best Initiative Raising the Profile of the Cleaning Sector Ryans Cleaning • Technological Innovation of the Year - Freematica España • Leader of the Year - John Spencer, NIC Services Group • Rising Star - Daniel Henstock, Pearroc • Best Company to Work For CleanEvent Services For the first time, the judges also presented a special Outstanding Contribution Award to Jack Stuifbergen of Breedweer in the Netherlands, recognising his longstanding

contribution to the cleaning industry and his commitment to demonstrating the wider social impact the sector can have. Through Breedweer, Jack has created opportunities for people who have traditionally found it difficult to enter the workplace, while also challenging businesses and the wider industry to think differently about the social and environmental value that cleaning can create. Also for the first time this year, Interclean joined as the official event partner. ECJ’s Michelle Marshall, founder of the Awards, said: “The 2026 awards have once again demonstrated the incredible range of work taking place across our industry. From the way organisations are embracing new technology to the investment being made in people, sustainability and workplace culture, there are some hugely positive stories to tell. “What stood out this year was not just the quality of the entries, but the tangible impact behind them. Our winners have shown how new ideas, strong leadership and a genuine commitment to improvement can deliver meaningful change for businesses, employees, customers and the wider sector.” Judges include Michelle Marshall, Lynn Webster and Frank Veneman. This year’s sponsors included BICSc; CBAI; DRYFT, Foremost, Greenspeed, Nexaro, Vectair, Lucart Professional, Tork, CMS Berlin and China Clean Expo. Media partners are E&L in Spain, GSA in Italy and Services in France. The European Cleaning & Hygiene Awards 2027 will open for entries in January. Continued page 12

• Jack Stuifbergen wins Outstanding Contribution

• Derrycourt Cleaning Specialists wins Digital Transformation

• CSU wins Investment in Training & People Development

• Asito wins Excellence in Client-Contractor Partnerships

October 2026 | ECJ | 11

European Cleaning & Hygiene Awards

• Grupo Maya, Eversea wins Sustainability - Best Practice (Manufacturing)

• CSU wins Sustainability - Best Practice (Service Provider)

• Chamberlaine wins Commitment to Diversity in the Workforce

• Ryans Cleaning wins Best Initiative Raising the Profile of the Cleaning Sector

• Freematica wins Technological Innovation of the Year

• John Spencer wins Leader of the Year

• Dan Henstock wins Rising Star of the Year

• CleanEvent wins Best Company to Work For

12 | October 2026 | ECJ

• The winners celebrate

• The 2026 finalists

The host city for the 2027 European Cleaning & Hygiene Awards will be announced in November, with entries opening in January 2027. Stay up-to-date with news: europeancleaningjournal.com October 2026 | ECJ | 13

Latest: Norway

Latest: UK

Recycling leads to a cleaner facility

Investing in the next generation

A new waste sorting system at the Norwegian School of Economics helps students, staff and cleaners alike. With a cleaner environment as an added bonus. This from ECJ’s Lotte Printz.

Lynn Webster in the UK on a new industry bursary launched to support young people’s education.

Driven by heightened environmental awareness and concerns, citizens increasingly expect sustainable and proper waste management and recycling. This goes for the staff and students at the Norwegian School of Economics (NHH) as well, although it may not necessarily have shown in their everyday waste disposal behaviour. This made NHH’s facility management team take action to find alternatives for the academic institution’s waste bin system on its premises. With 3,700 students and 500 staff attending and moving around a campus area covering three buildings and 33,000 square metres on a daily basis, a lot of waste is produced and needs to be handled. And it became obvious to NHH that the current solutions weren’t adequate for proper source separation and efficient management on-site.

Reduce waste bins A count revealed that there were 900 waste bins around the whole campus which did not facilitate waste separation and sorting. It was clear from this count the number of waste bins needed to be reduced and that they had to come up with a more ‘easy to follow’ system that made students and staff more inclined to ‘make good decisions’ when getting rid of their rubbish around campus. Academic staff at NHH were already doing research on how to make people separate waste and gently push them into changing their behaviour. This in-house knowledge combined with input from external company consultants dealing with waste sorting systems resulted in a model where the original 900 waste bins were to be replaced with 70 waste

sorting units - or waste separation stations as they are called locally - placed strategically around the campus. “Our buildings are often at full capacity so it’s important that the waste separation stations are recognisable and easy to spot in order to make the ‘users’ look up,” says Eivind Drange, head of facility management at NHH, speaking to Norwegian cleaning industry magazine, Renholdsnytt.

Other advantages A back panel was created for this purpose, showing the labels or icons for the separate waste groups: plastic bottles and metal packaging like cans, paper, food waste and residual waste. Each unit consists of four containers. And the newly implemented waste sorting system has proven most beneficial not only for improving waste separation habits at NHH. “This is highly propitious for making people separate waste, but there are other advantages too. Among other things, our cleaning team save considerable time when collecting rubbish. Time they can now spend on cleaning instead. As a result, our buildings are cleaner,” Eivind Drange points out. The waste separation units also go well with the facilities. Visually, they give a far tidier look as Eivind Drange puts it. And by keeping the waste in more central, yet fewer locations, the logistics have been simplified. Everyday ‘users’ are also pleased with the outcome. Not only have they embraced the new ways of separating waste, which has boosted recycling, they have also acknowledged that these waste separation stations have become an integral part of the campus.

Don’t miss this edition’s special report on air fresheners - starts page 22 14 | October 2026 | ECJ

Education has the power to change lives. For the cleaning and hygiene industry, which employs hundreds of thousands of dedicated people across the UK, investing in education is an opportunity to create a lasting legacy for the next generation. An inspiring example is the recently launched Breaking Barriers Bursary, an initiative from the Worshipful Company of Environmental Cleaners and its Charity Trust to support young people whose parents or guardians work in the cleaning industry. This bursary aims to help students overcome financial barriers and achieve their ambitions through higher education, regardless of their chosen degree subject. The principle behind the initiative is simple but powerful. Behind every cleaning professional is a family, and behind every family is the potential to inspire and support the next generation. By investing in education today, the cleaning industry is helping unlock that potential, create new opportunities and demonstrate careers in cleaning and hygiene can be part of a wider story of social mobility and opportunity. The bursary provides practical financial support to students entering university. Funding can go towards a range of costs associated with higher education - everything from accommodation to books and study materials, and other expenses that can make a significant difference to their university experience. For many young people, the cost of engaging in higher education can present a significant barrier. Support such as this bursary provides more than financial assistance - it can give students confidence that their ambitions are recognised and that the industry their parents or guardians work in is invested in their future. The applicants are assessed against clear criteria, including need, worthiness, effort, personal impact and perfor-

mance. This ensures that the support reaches students who have demonstrated the greatest commitment and hold serious potential. The response to the initiative has demonstrated the strength of that potential. In this first year, the number and quality of applications made the selection process exceptionally difficult - consisting of submission statements, interviews and presentations with the judges for the finalists. At that stage, the successful candidate was selected. The bursary is also an opportunity for the industry to give something meaningful and purposeful to the people who make every day possible. Cleaning professionals play an essential role in maintaining safe, healthy and productive environments across workplaces, healthcare, hospitality, education and public spaces. Recognising their contribution by supporting their children’s educational ambitions sends an important message about the value placed on people and their families.

Removing barriers There is a broader opportunity too. Initiatives such as this Worshipful Company of Environmental Cleaners Breaking Barriers Bursary are helping to raise the profile of the cleaning and hygiene sector, demonstrating the industry is not simply about employment but about people, communities, skills and the future. This is a most accessible starting point for young people and from this foundation, the programme could gain traction and develop opportunities for more students across Europe. The greatest legacy of this bursary may not be the financial support itself, but the doors it helps to open. By removing barriers, nurturing ambition, rewarding talent and investing in education, the cleaning industry is helping to create tomorrow’s leaders, professionals and innovators of tomorrow.

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Latest: Germany

Latest: Italy

Negotiations’ first round fails

Predictive cleaning arrives in Italy

A new waste sorting system at the Norwegian School of Economics helps students, staff

Sensors, IoT and AI are changing the way cleaning is planned, reports Anna Garbagna from Italy

Thirteen per cent more pay - and less room for manoeuvre for businesses at the same time: two sides of a difficult economic reality are currently coming into conflict in the building cleaning sector. Trades union IG BAU is demanding a significant pay increase for pay grade one, which has the largest number of employees. The German contract cleaning association BIV considers the demand unrealistic given rising costs, declining orders and a difficult economic climate. At the first round of collective bargaining in September, the two positions were worlds apart. After three hours, the meeting had ended. In the summer IG BAU had already called for a pay increase of more than 13 per cent for the largest employee group, pay grade one, over a 12-month period. BIV warned at the time of additional burdens for companies and firmly rejected the demand. The overall situation in the building cleaning sector is currently difficult, as also shown by the BIV’s spring economic survey: only 16 per cent of companies have a positive outlook for the current financial year, while 34 per cent expect business to deteriorate. Industry, office and administrative customers in particular are reducing orders and services. At the same time, 29 per cent of companies have recently had to reduce their workforce for operational reasons.

An airport toilet at six in the morning and the same toilet on a busy Friday afternoon have very different needs. For years, cleaning services have treated them in the same way: the same rounds, the same timings and the same frequency. Predictive cleaning starts with a simple question: why not clean when and where it is actually needed? In practice, it is a management model that uses real-time data, sensors and digital platforms to determine where and when to clean and to schedule equipment maintenance. Predictive maintenance is already common in manufacturing. The professional cleaning sector is beginning to follow the same path. The change is most apparent in places with high footfall: airports, hospitals, shopping centres, railway stations and large corporate offices. Here, sensors installed in toilets, entrances and communal areas measure footfall, bin fill levels, the availability of soap and paper and air quality.

Rising costs This means demands for higher pay for employees are meeting rising costs and diminishing room for manoeuvre among companies. “The worse the situation, the louder the demands,” said Christian Kloevekorn, chairman of the BIV collective bargaining committee. Now, several months later, the sector has reached precisely this point: at the first round of collective bargaining in September in Düsseldorf, the trade union once again put its demand for a 13 per cent increase on the table.

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The meeting therefore ended after just under three hours. Kloevekorn commented: “What applied in June also applies in September. That is why today’s round of collective bargaining ended quickly. On our side, there is incomprehension at IG BAU’s rigid stance and at how consistently it ignores the economic reality.” The German economy is in a difficult situation, he said. “Our industry-related service sector is at a low point in terms of economic sentiment. Our companies are struggling with rising costs, weak customer demand and considerable economic uncertainty.” There is also the current political debate surrounding mini-jobs: planned government reforms could increase companies’ non-wage labour costs by more than 30 per cent. Mini-jobs account for almost half of employment in the building cleaning sector. “Against this background, we expect IG BAU to put forward a first realistic basis for discussions at the next round of negotiations. Because anyone who ignores the economic situation achieves only one thing: less room for employment and investment,” Kloevekorn added. The second round of negotiations takes place at the end of October. For context on the figures: there are nine pay grades in the building cleaning sector in total. Statutory sector-wide minimum wages apply to two of them. The current rate for the entry-level group for unskilled workers is €15 per hour, while skilled workers in pay grade six earn €18.40. Between 2016 and 2026, the statutory sector-wide minimum wage for unskilled workers (LG1) increased by more than 72 per cent in eastern Germany (from €8.70 to €15) and by 53 per cent in western Germany (from €9.80 to €15). This means the increase in wages is significantly higher than the general increase in consumer prices over the same period (around 28 per cent up to and including 2025).

Faster response The data is fed into a platform that prioritises tasks and automatically generates work orders. Operators no longer follow a route established the previous evening; instead, they receive details of the areas requiring attention on their devices. This avoids unnecessary visits to lightly used areas and enables a faster response when footfall suddenly increases. The same principle applies to equipment. New-generation scrubber dryers and autonomous robots are often connected to the cloud, transmitting information about battery status, energy consumption, operating hours and component performance. This data allows maintenance to be scheduled before a breakdown occurs, reducing downtime, extending equipment life and lowering repair costs. For a

cleaning services provider, this means a level of operational continuity that was previously difficult to guarantee. According to the International Federation of Robotics (IFR), the professional cleaning robot segment grew by 34 per cent in 2024, with more than 25,000 units sold worldwide. Adoption has been particularly strong in areas with high footfall.

What about Italy? The market is evolving, but not all parts of it are moving at the same pace. Large FM companies and several professional equipment manufacturers have already introduced IoT solutions and remote monitoring. Newgeneration buildings are also being designed with digital infrastructure intended to integrate security, energy management and cleaning. Progress has been slower among small and mediumsized enterprises, where the initial investment in sensors, software and staff training remains a significant barrier. A technical challenge also remains unresolved: enabling machines, platforms and devices from different manufacturers to communicate with one another is still complicated. The real innovation is not simply automating cleaning, but being able to measure its effectiveness. Dashboards, usage indicators and real-time reports allow clients to assess services using objective data rather than relying solely on hours worked. This represents a shift from measuring activity to measuring outcomes. In a sector that must balance efficiency, sustainability and quality, data is becoming as important a working tool as cleaning chemicals and machines. In the coming years, it is likely to become an increasingly important, behindthe-scenes driver of professional cleaning.

Next edition of ECJ - November

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Latest: France

Starting at the drawing board

Tackling illiteracy in the sector

John Griep at VSR in the Netherlands explains why cleaning-conscious building design is essential.

Christian Bouzols in France reports on initiatives aimed at tackling illiteracy in the service sectors.

When designing a building, cleaning is unlikely to be the first consideration. Functionality, appearance and construction costs naturally demand attention. Yet many of the conditions under which cleaners will work for decades are also determined at the drawing board. A window that is difficult to reach, an awkward threshold or a floor material that requires intensive maintenance may seem like small details during construction. Once a building is in use, however, they become recurring cleaning challenges.

Designing for cleanability At VSR, we have been drawing attention to this issue for many years. Our existing guide to cleaning-conscious design identifies five basic principles: design, prevention, materials, finishing and facilities. Surfaces that require cleaning should be accessible. Bringing less dirt into a building reduces the amount that has to be removed. Materials should be selected with their cleanability in mind, while simple finishes can make cleaning more efficient. Seemingly small choices can make a considerable difference. Wall-hung toilets, for example, leave the floor underneath accessible. Smooth transitions and fewer obstacles make floor cleaning easier. A well-designed entrance can help prevent dirt from spreading further into a building. And then there are the facilities cleaners themselves need. Water points, drainage, sockets, storage space and sufficient room to move equipment are easy to overlook on a drawing, but difficult to add once a building is finished.

Safety is designed too Cleanability is not only about efficiency. Building design can also determine how safely cleaning work can be carried out. Window cleaning is an obvious example. The height and shape of a façade, the surroundings of a building and the accessibility of windows all influence which working methods can be used safely. Indoors, layout and accessibility can similarly affect the physical demands placed on cleaners. This is one reason why VSR and Schoonmakend Nederland are currently updating our existing guide. The new publication will be renamed Schoonmaakvriendelijk Ontwerpen (‘cleaning-friendly design’) and will give additional attention to safety and the facilities available to cleaning staff.

Look beyond the construction costs There is also an economic argument. Research dating back to 1987 already explored the relationship between materials selected during construction and subsequent cleaning costs. A cheaper finish at the building stage is not necessarily the cheaper option over its lifetime if it requires more intensive maintenance. This makes involving cleaning expertise early in the design process worthwhile. Architects do not need to become cleaning specialists. But cleaning companies, facility managers and advisers can identify practical problems while they still exist only on a drawing. Once the concrete has set, solving them tends to become considerably more difficult.

On the occasion of the thirteenth National Days of Action against Illiteracy, AKTO, a partner of cleaning companies, organised more than 60 events throughout France, between September and October. AKTO - which is a non-profit organisation managed by employer federations and employee trade union - is the skills operator of the professional branches of the service sectors, which it supports to face the challenges of environmental, digital and social transformation. In support of the strategy of each sector on the subjects of qualification, training and employment, AKTO’s mission is to guide companies, employees and young people on the trades and jobs of today and tomorrow.

Unqualified employees Its position at the heart of the ecosystem allows it to share the prospective vision of its 21 branches with all its stakeholders on the national territory (in France and overseas), in order to operate synergies between the players in vocational training. The structure supports more than 400,000 companies in France and the French Overseas Territories, and has participated in the training of more than 500,000 employees. To return to the subject of illiteracy, it must be said that the stakes are high in a sector which, in France, uses many unqualified employees, whose presence in the territory can also be very recent. The cleaning sectors are an opportunity for these groups of people to find a job, even part-time. And they

can also be an essential key to a return to work for people who want to reintegrate into society. In view of this context, and according to a study by the Illiteracy Observatory, published in July 2026, 20 per cent of service companies face the challenges of illiteracy. Sectoral analyses of sectors of this sector, carried out by AKTO in 2025, also show that nearly one in five companies has employees navigating these difficulties.

Better understanding It is in this context and on the occasion of the thirteenth National Days of Action against Illiteracy, that AKTO organised more than 60 events in September and October 2026 in France and in the Overseas Departments and Regions (DROM). Workshops, meetings, webinars, film debates, quizzes... These meetings were aimed primarily at companies, but also at apprenticeship training organisations, the National Agency for the Fight against Illiteracy and the various partners with a common objective: to better understand what illiteracy is, to know how to identify it and to make known the solutions to take action. Companies with employees facing these difficulties can thus be directed by AKTO towards appropriate solutions: training in French as a foreign language (FLE), refresher courses or even the acquisition of the CléA certificate, which is the first official certificate of knowledge and professional skills recognised in all sectors in France, ideal for employees or job seekers with little or no qualifications.

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News extra: recruitment

Recruitment: attracting exceptional leaders of tomorrow As an executive search/ recruitment specialist working in the cleaning and FM sectors, Lorraine Thomas, managing director of recruitment specialist Metzger, speaks daily with industry leaders across Europe. Those conversations reveal a sector full of opportunity, but also one facing important talent challenges. One of the most notable changes I am witnessing in the sector is the growing demand for leaders who combine commercial acumen with operational expertise. Historically, cleaning and FM businesses often prioritised operational experience above all else. Today, organisations are looking for more rounded executives who can drive growth, manage complex customer relationships, lead cultural transformation and navigate an increasingly demanding regulatory and sustainability landscape. Technology is also having a profound impact. Whether through workforce management systems, data analytics, automation or AI-enabled reporting, managers are now expected to be comfortable using technology to improve productivity, visibility and customer outcomes. At middle-management level, organisations seek individuals capable of translating strategic objectives into practical delivery, whilst engaging and developing increasingly diverse workforces. In short, the modern leader must be commercially minded, people focused and technologically capable.

Most acute shortages The greatest shortages continue to exist within senior operational leadership roles Operations directors, regional directors and senior multisite managers remain among the most difficult positions to fill. There are relatively few individuals who possess the combination of operational credibility, commercial awareness and people leadership skills required. We also see more demand for

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professionals with expertise in: sustainability and ESG; digital transformation; technical FM; procurement and supply chain leadership; and business development with operational understanding Demand for these skills is increasing significantly faster than the available talent pool. In many cases, organisations are competing for the same group of high-performing individuals.

What is leadership? The definition of leadership has evolved. Five years ago, many organisations prioritised deep industry experience and operational excellence. Those qualities remain important, but clients are now equally focused on leadership style, emotional intelligence and cultural impact. Businesses want leaders who can inspire teams through change, build inclusive cultures and create environments where people can thrive. The pandemic accelerated this shift. It highlighted the importance of resilience, adaptability and authentic leadership. As a result, organisations are increasingly drawn to individuals who combine commercial credibility with strong interpersonal skills. So, how important is having prior experience in the cleaning sector? It undoubtedly carries value. An understanding of contract mobilisation, workforce management, compliance requirements and customer expectations can significantly shorten a leader’s learning curve. However, the industry is becoming increasingly open to talent from adjacent sectors. We are seeing successful appointments from hospitality, logistics, healthcare, retail, support services and wider FM backgrounds. These sectors share many of the same leadership challenges, including managing large workforces, maintaining service quality and delivering customer experiences. For many clients, the ability to lead, influence and drive performance has become more important than having spent an entire career within the cleaning industry. The strongest

external candidates demonstrate humility, curiosity and a willingness to learn, alongside proven leadership capability.

Common mistakes The most common mistake is focusing too heavily on technical experience whilst underestimating the importance of cultural fit and leadership capability. A candidate may have an impressive CV, but if their leadership style is incompatible with the organisation’s values and culture, long-term success becomes far less likely. Another recurring issue is recruitment speed. The market for high-quality leadership talent remains extremely competitive. Businesses that take too long to make decisions frequently lose outstanding candidates to more decisive employers. I also believe some firms underestimate the importance of their employer brand. Candidates are assessing potential employers just as carefully as employers assess candidates.

What candidates want Salary remains important, but it is rarely the deciding factor. Today’s senior candidates are increasingly motivated by purpose, culture and impact. They want to understand where the business is heading; how leadership teams make decisions; whether organisational values align with their own; what opportunities exist for growth and development; and how they can contribute to long-term success. Flexibility has also become more important, although this looks different across leadership positions. While operational roles naturally require visibility and presence, candidates increasingly value trust, autonomy and outcomes-based leadership rather than rigid working practices. Many executives are also seeking organisations with genuine commitments to sustainability, employee wellbeing and diversity. What distinguishes the strongest candidates? The best consistently display a

combination of strategic thinking and operational practicality. They are comfortable discussing long-term growth, market positioning and innovation, whilst also understanding the realities of day-to-day service delivery. They exhibit strong commercial awareness, effective communication skills and a genuine passion for developing people. Importantly, they remain curious. The strongest leaders are continuously learning, embracing new technologies and adapting their leadership styles to meet changing expectations. They recognise leadership is not simply about directing others; it is about creating an environment in which others can succeed.

The future I believe the sector faces three significant challenges. The first is succession planning. Many highly experienced leaders who have helped shape the industry over the past 20 to 30 years are approaching retirement. Businesses must ensure future leadership pipelines are being developed now. The second challenge is attracting new talent into the sector. Although cleaning and FM offer diverse and rewarding career opportunities, the industry does not always receive the recognition it deserves. Improving the visibility of leadership careers within the sector will be essential. The third challenge is capability development. Future leaders will require broader skills than ever before. Digital literacy, sustainability expertise, stakeholder management and people leadership will all become increasingly important. In my experience, great organisations are rarely distinguished by strategy alone. They are distinguished by the quality of the people responsible for delivering that strategy. The cleaning and FM sector has a tremendous opportunity ahead, but unlocking that potential will depend on attracting, developing and retaining exceptional leaders at every level. metzger.co.uk

Air freshening

Creating an air lift Besides masking bad smells, air fresheners can also be used to raise the profile of a venue, enhance its ambience and lift people’s moods. Ann Laffeaty asks companies about the less quantifiable benefits of an air freshener system.

THE TRADITIONAL USE of an air freshener is to mask bad smells. This is particularly true of public washrooms, care homes and any environment where a malodour could have a negative impact on the visitor’s experience. But client expectations are evolving, says P-Wave brand manager Mark Wintle. “Today’s customers expect air care systems to enhance the user experience while also being cost-effective, sustainable and easy to maintain,” he said. “As a result, many organisations are using fragrances to reinforce brand standards, create a positive first impression and improve customer satisfaction.” A pleasant fragrance can enhance the visitor’s experience in almost any shared environment, according to Wintle. “It can be highly influential in offices, gyms, hotels, healthcare facilities and retail spaces, for example,” he said. “Scents such as fresh citrus, clean linen and light fruity fragrances are often chosen to create an energising and uplifting environment.” A consistent and subtle fragrance is generally more effective than intermittent bursts, according to Wintle. “This helps to maintain a pleasant environment without overwhelming users,” he said. “It is also important to consider the delivery method and chemical composition because some sprays contain higher levels of VOCs which can irritate the airways.” While aerosols and liquid systems are still being widely used, many facilities

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managers are adopting dry fragrance technology as part of a cleaner and more sustainable approach, he claims. “Dry fragrance systems eliminate the risk of leaks, spills and sticky residues that can lead to additional cleaning or even create a slip hazard,” he said. “They also avoid atomising liquids into the air and are generally lower in volatile organic compounds while also being free from the solvents commonly found in some aerosol formulations such as acetone. The result is effective odour control delivered through a cleaner, lowermaintenance solution.” P-Wave air fresheners deliver a continuous fragrance without aerosols or atomisation. The company’s Eco Air, Ourfresh 2.0 and Easy Fresh products have recyclable refills and are said to be widely used in healthcare settings. The strategy of introducing a pleasant fragrance to mask an existing bad smell is a short-sighted one, according to 2Pure products director James Law. “Fundamentally, the source of the malodour will still be there,” he said. “In environments such as washrooms, care homes, changing facilities and waste areas the more persistent odours may be caused by organic compounds that conventional fragrance products simply cover up. And in some cases, adding fragrance on top of a strong malodour can actually create an even more unpleasant combination.”

Changing expectations He believes customer expectations around air care have changed considerably. “Customers increasingly expect solutions that deal effectively with the underlying problem and give them much greater control over the quality of the environment they are creating,” he said. “Businesses are recognising that the way a space smells can influence how people perceive that environment.” He believes fragrance can contribute to the overall ambience of a venue and reinforce a sense of cleanliness and quality

while also creating a more welcoming first impression. “In premium environments the fragrance becomes part of the identity of the space in much the same way as lighting, music or interior design,” he said. “There is also a growing appreciation of the relationship between fragrance and mood. The right scent can make an environment feel fresher, calmer, warmer or more energising depending on what the customer wants to achieve. And in a care scenario, scents have even been shown to evoke memories in residents.”

Tackling unwanted odours The right scent can enhance customer perception in any environment where first impressions are important, according to Law. “Hotels, spas and leisure facilities are obvious examples because ambience is a key part of the experience,” he said. “Fragrance can also help to make a retail environment feel more inviting and distinctive. And gyms and changing facilities can benefit both from effective odour control and a fresher overall atmosphere, while offices and reception areas use fragrance to create a more welcoming and professional environment for employees and visitors.” Tackling unwanted odours in care homes and healthcare environments is also vitally important, he adds. “If you can control those odours effectively, a carefully chosen fragrance can make the space feel less clinical and more comfortable and homely,” he said. The choice of scent should always reflect the type of atmosphere a venue wants to achieve, he adds. “For example, green and fruity fragrances can work well where the aim is to make a space feel fresh, modern and lively, while floral notes can introduce a softer, more welcoming character. “At the other end of the spectrum, warmer fragrances containing vanilla, amber, woods or musk can make a hotel, spa or premium retail environments feel more comfortable, luxurious and relaxing.” The delivery system has a major influ-

ence on how a fragrance works, according to Law. “Traditional aerosol systems tend to create peaks and troughs, providing a relatively intense burst of fragrance immediately after spraying followed by a gradual decline until the next spray,” he said. “This can make the fragrance feel intrusive at one moment and almost absent the next.” The company’s OdorBac Air uses fine diffusion to create a consistent, subtle presence throughout the space. “Ideally, the fragrance should sit naturally in the background and contribute to the overall atmosphere,” said Law. Air care has evolved beyond simply adding fragrance to a space, agrees Vectair’s UK sales director Adam Howard. “Today’s customers are looking beyond fragrance alone and are considering factors such as consistent performance, effective malodour control, ease of maintenance, sustainability and the overall experience a system creates,” he said. “This has pushed air care from being viewed as a functional product to a more considered part of facility management and the user experience.” Fragrance can play an important role in how people perceive and remember a space, he says. “Whether it is creating a welcoming first impression, complementing the atmosphere of a hotel or spa or reinforcing the overall experience of a retail or leisure environment, the right air care strategy can become part of how a venue presents itself,” he said.

Enhance the experience Hotels, spas, shopping centres, offices, gyms, restaurants, cafés, airports, leisure facilities and showrooms are just a few examples of venues where a fragrance can enhance the experience, he says. “Even in more functional environments such as washrooms and healthcare facilities, a thoughtfully selected air care system can help to improve the ambience,” he adds. “Bright citrus notes such as lemon, orange and bergamot are often associated with fresh, vibrant spaces while mint,

eucalyptus and lighter floral profiles can create a clean and refreshing impression. Ultimately, fragrance should be selected with the environment, audience and desired experience in mind rather than taking a one-size-fits-all approach.” He agrees with other commentators that the type of delivery system makes a significant difference to the fragrance experience. “Consistent, controlled fragrance delivery can help to maintain a more balanced scent level throughout the day rather than creating noticeable peaks and drops in intensity,” he said. “The goal should be for fragrance to complement the environment rather than dominate it, which is why technologies that allow greater control over fragrance output can be particularly valuable.” Vectair’s Vibe Pro provides programmable fragrance delivery with adjustable intensity and fragrance cycles of up to 90 days. For passive air care, V-Air Solid Evolution delivers up to 60 days’ of fragrance without batteries or aerosol propellants. And the SensaMist range uses advanced scent diffusion technology to provide consistent fragrance across larger environments. Smells can have a significant impact on how people perceive a space, says Essity’s global communications manager Jenny Turner. “Simply masking unwanted odours is no longer enough today - organisations are increasingly looking for solutions that address the source of odours while supporting a comfortable environment for all users,” she said. She adds that any air care strategy should take into account the needs of users who may be sensitive to fragrances. “In healthcare and care settings, for example, it is often important to minimise exposure to added fragrances and aerosol products because these can trigger asthma, allergies and sensitivities among patients, residents and staff,” she said. Expectations have evolved from basic odour management to creating a positive

and welcoming environment, she adds. “Facility managers are under increasing pressure to deliver high standards of hygiene and user satisfaction while managing costs, labour shortages and sustainability goals,” said Turner. “As a result they need air care systems that are intuitive, efficient and quick to maintain, helping to reduce time spent on routine servicing.” The Tork Constant Air Freshener System is designed to provide continuous fragrance delivery and odour neutralisation. The propellant-free system comes in a 100 per cent recyclable cartridge.

Reinforce brand image Some organisations use fragrance to reinforce their brand image, says Turner. “They also use it to create a welcoming atmosphere and help visitors feel comfortable and relaxed,” she said. “A pleasant sensory experience can influence how people perceive a venue’s cleanliness, quality and professionalism. For businesses, this means air care can contribute to positive perceptions, encourage longer visits and support customer satisfaction.” The choice of scent should reflect the environment and desired experience, she said. “Importantly, the objective should not be to overwhelm visitors with fragrance because the most effective scents are often those that subtly support the desired atmosphere while remaining comfortable for a wide range of users,” said Turner. So, how can air care companies deliver on customer’s requirements? They need to take a holistic approach, says Turner. “This means combining effective odour control with carefully selected fragrance options, a consistent fragrance delivery, easy maintenance for cleaning teams and solutions that support user comfort,” she said. “It is also important to recognise that fragrance should complement overall washroom quality rather than compensate for poor hygiene. Cleanliness, maintenance and air care should work together to create a positive experience.” The starting point is to stop considering air care as a one-size-fits-all product, says 2Pure’s James Law. “Customers should begin treating it as part of the overall environment a customer is trying to create,” he said. And Vectair’s Adam Howard says companies need to combine a thoughtful fragrance selection with the right delivery technology. “Air care providers should consider the environment, its size and airflow, how the space is used, the desired fragrance experience and the needs of the people within it,” he said. “This. allows air care to become a more intentional part of the overall environment.”

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Products: air freshening

Going digital XIBU AIRFRESH hybrid is part of Hagleitner’s connected hygiene infrastructure, combining programmable fragrance dispensing with LoRaWAN connectivity and the continUSE 24/7 data service.

The dispenser releases fragrance at preset intervals or in response to detected movement. Operating times and fragrance intensity can be adjusted via the Hagleitner360 app according to room usage and requirements. With LoRaWAN, operating and status data can be transmitted over longer distances through a

gateway to the hagleitner.digital cloud. An integrated SIM card allows the connection to operate independently of the customer’s own IT infrastructure. Through Hagleitner’s continUSE 24/7 data service, automatically generated hygiene reports indicate where action is required. For XIBU AIRFRESH hybrid, the system signals when around 10 per cent of the fragrance capacity remains. Reports can be sent automatically by email and read digitally on a smartphone. A PDF version can also be provided for cleaning staff without mobile devices. www.hagleitner.com

Flexibility Fragrance preferences differ by region, culture and application - says Vectair. And effective air care starts with understanding the space, the people using it and the experience the facility wants to create. Fragrance-sensitive spaces

like healthcare and education facilities also require effective malodour management. With that in mind, the company’s SensaMist refills include both fragranced and fragrance-free solutions. SensaMist Zero is a fragrance-free malodour neutraliser designed for SensaMist diffusers, independently tested to reduce perceived malodour by up to 85 per cent, giving organisations the flexibility to select the best solution for their environment. The SensaMist SM100 diffuser is designed for small to medium-sized commercial spaces, with battery- or mains-powered options giving businesses the flexibility they need to most effectively position units. Through the SensaMist app, users can adjust fragrance intensity remotely, giving them greater control over performance. www.vectairsystems.com

Neutralise 2Pure Products has launched OdorBac Air, an air freshening system designed to neutralise malodours through a molecular process rather than masking them with fragrance. The system converts an odourremoving solution into microdroplets, which are dispersed into the air using dedicated dispensing equipment. According to the company, odour molecules are attracted to and trapped within the droplets,

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where reagents in the formula alter their molecular structure to neutralise the odour. The dispensing systems are available in several models for different environments and requirements. The Eko unit operates from a standard plug socket, while the battery-powered Fresha and Fresha XL models are intended for washrooms. The Cilindro is designed for settings including care homes, and the Cubana is intended for medium to large spaces. 2pureproducts.com

Cork-based

Ennovamark has developed Ethicork, a passive air care system that uses FSC-certified, 100 per cent natural cork as its fragrance medium. Designed for washrooms and other commercial spaces, the system offers an alternative to conventional materials such as EVA, gels, wicks and liquid reservoirs. Ethicork is the first air care system to combine FSC-certified cork with patent-pending Zoned Dispersal Pathway technology, claims the manufacturer. The patent-pending technology features differing, engineered regions within the cork refill to influence passive fragrance delivery. The system requires only natural air flow and operates without batteries or fans. Refills provide up to 60 days of fragrance, and the cork refill fits widely used commercial dispensers, helping operators introduce the system without replacing existing units across multiple locations. Natural cork is a renewable and regenerative material. Its bark is harvested without cutting down or harming the tree, allowing it to regrow and be harvested again. As fragrance is released, the refill gradually changes colour, indicating the refill is nearing replacement. ennovamark.com

Finding balance Air care strategies need to be balanced with the needs of users, says Essity. Fragrances and aerosol products can be triggers for asthma, allergies and sensory sensitivities. A recent Tork Insight Survey revealed that 74 per cent of respondents preferred a scented washroom. A steady release of scent helps to maintain a pleasant atmosphere without creating the fragrance spikes that some users may find distracting or uncom-

fortable. Since many people have sensory sensitivities, the goal should always be a balanced sensory experience that enhances the environment while remaining unobtrusive. The Tork Constant Air Freshener uses wick-based technology to provide a steady release of fragrance, thus avoiding any sudden bursts of fragrance or fading scents. The system is designed to eliminate bad odours and create a pleasant washroom experience for up to 90 days. Blossom delivers a delicate floral fragrance, while Odour Neutraliser is designed for areas where a subtle scent is preferred and features notes of lemongrass. Comprised of recyclable refills housed in a discreet dispenser, the unit is designed to be effective even when placed beneath a sink or mounted on the wall at a reachable height for cleaners. www.tork.co.uk/airfreshener

Assessment Fragrance Delivery Technologies (FDT) has completed an independent life cycle assessment (LCA) of its Oxygen-Supreme dispenser and Grande fragrance cartridge. The assessment was conducted by Carbon Footprint in accordance with the principles of the Greenhouse Gas Protocol and ISO 14067:2018, examining greenhouse gas emissions across the product lifecycle, from raw materials and manufacturing to distribution and end-of-life. The study compared emissions associated with the Oxygen-Supreme fragrance formulation with those of representative aerosol refills. Embodied emissions were found to be, on average, 70 per cent lower than those of 100 ml aerosols and 88 per cent lower than those of 250 ml examples.

The Oxygen-Supreme system uses fuel-cell technology to deliver fragrance without aerosol propellants and produces no emissions during use, according to the assessment. Grande cartridges are recyclable. The study also found that using recycled cartridge materials to manufacture new products could reduce overall emissions by 27.9 per cent compared with using primary materials. www.oxygenpowered.com

The November edition of ECJ will contain a special report on hand hygiene and protection

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Sustainable cleaning

Cleaning for wellbeing WELL certification is an international framework for assessing how buildings and organisations support human health, wellbeing and comfort. It looks beyond a building’s energy efficiency, carbon footprint and physical structure to consider how the indoor environment affects the people who use it. ECJ speaks to Mariana Gonçalves, head of sustainability at service provider JPC by Samsic in London, about the relationship between WELL and the changing role of cleaning in healthy buildings.

LAUNCHED IN 2014, the WELL Building Standard is an evidence-based rating system developed by the International WELL Building Institute (IWBI) to measure, certify and monitor features in the built environment that impact human health and wellbeing. The framework uses research on how physical and social environments influence people’s health, comfort and performance. It can be applied to offices, commercial buildings, hotels, educational facilities, residential developments and other occupied spaces. At the heart of the framework is the idea is that a building should do more than provide shelter and operate efficiently. It should also support the people who use it. For example, an office might have excellent energy performance but still have poor ventilation, uncomfortable lighting, excessive noise, inadequate drinking water facilities or cleaning practices that expose occupants to unnecessary chemicals. Why is this relevant to the professional cleaning and FM sectors? Because clean-

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ing, hygiene, indoor air quality, water quality, materials, maintenance and the way facilities are managed can all influence the quality of the indoor environment. Mariana Gonçalves, JPC by Samsic’s head of sustainability explains: “The concept of the ‘healthy building’ has moved well beyond a passing trend. It is fast becoming a business imperative. With talent retention at a premium, ESG commitments under scrutiny and employees more attuned than ever to their workplace environment, forward-thinking organisations are turning to internationally recognised frameworks to demonstrate that their buildings genuinely support the people inside them.” And there is a very strong business case for designing healthy buildings that support the physical, mental and social wellbeing of its occupants, Gonçalves says: • Employees in healthier buildings report higher productivity and concentration. • Absenteeism falls when air quality, lighting and comfort are optimised. • Certified buildings attract and retain better talent, particularly among younger professionals who place wellbeing at the centre of their employment decisions. • Health building credentials are increasingly influencing occupier decisions and asset valuations.

The business case In fact, studies suggest that WELLcertified and health-certified buildings can command higher rents, with rental premiums typically ranging from four to 15 per cent depending on the local market. Certification also protects the asset value of the building, because it will face a lower risk of property obsolescence as ESG reporting and corporate wellness standards become obligatory or heavily favoured. The established WELL framework is organised around 10 concepts. These cover different, interconnected aspects of the indoor environment and the experience of building occupants. Air - Indoor air quality, ventilation, filtration and the management of airborne

contaminants. This includes considering particulate matter, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), combustion products and other pollutants that can affect respiratory health and comfort. Water - Access to safe, good-quality drinking water, together with measures to manage water quality and potential contaminants. Water management also matters for hygiene and the prevention of water-related health risks.

Established framework Nourishment - Access to nutritious food and the promotion of healthier eating habits. Measures may include food provision, nutritional information and support for healthier choices. Light - Appropriate lighting, access to daylight, visual comfort and support for healthy sleep-wake cycles. The aim is to create environments that meet people’s visual needs and support daily rhythms. Movement - Opportunities for physical activity and reduced sedentary behaviour. Building design, stair access, active travel facilities and workplace policies can all contribute. Thermal comfort - Indoor temperature, humidity and air movement. The aim is to provide conditions that support comfort across different activities, seasons and occupant needs. Sound - Acoustic design and the control of unwanted noise. This includes reducing disruptive noise and providing spaces suited to concentration, conversation and other activities. Materials - The selection and management of materials to reduce exposure to potentially harmful substances. This includes consideration of chemicals in building materials, furnishings and products used within occupied spaces. Mind - Mental health, stress management, restoration and psychological wellbeing. Design can support these aims through access to nature, restorative spaces and other measures that improve the occupant experience. Community - Social connection, acces-

sibility, inclusion and the organisational conditions that help people feel supported. How buildings and organisations can contribute to healthier communities. These concepts are not 10 separate certifications. They are part of a broad assessment, with requirements and opportunities for improvement within each area. Mariana Gonçalves continues: “WELL certification involves independent thirdparty verification, including on-site performance testing. It is available at Silver, Gold, and Platinum levels and applies to new builds, existing buildings and fit-outs alike. It is the standard of choice for organisations seeking the most thorough, externally validated evidence of their commitment to occupant health.” Sitting alongside the full WELL Building Standard, she explains, is an increasingly sought-after credential - the WELL Health-Safety Rating - which is the most relevant one to health and hygiene. “This was introduced by the IWBI in response to the Covid-19 pandemic and was designed to give building owners and operators a credible, third party-verified way to demonstrate their facilities are safe, clean, and prepared for the health challenges of the modern world. “The rating covers five core feature categories: cleaning and sanitisation procedures, emergency preparedness programmes, health service resources, air and water quality management, and stakeholder engagement and communication. Crucially, it is designed to be achievable by any building, regardless of whether it is pursuing full WELL certification, making it a powerful standalone.”

Operationally focused Gonçalves believes that, for facilities and property teams, the WELL Health-Safety Rating is particularly compelling because it is so operationally focused. Unlike design-led certifications, it is primarily about what the team does every day - for example, how your building is cleaned, how air systems are maintained, how incidents are managed and how occupants are kept informed. “This is precisely where a highquality cleaning partner adds the most value,” she says. The rating covers five broad areas: Cleaning and sanitisation procedures Establishing appropriate cleaning protocols, promoting hand hygiene and reducing the risk of disease transmission. Product selection is also relevant, including consideration of cleaning products with lower hazard profiles and their potential effects on indoor air quality and cleaning staff. Air and water quality management - Managing indoor environmental risks

through measures such as ventilation and filtration maintenance, air-quality monitoring where applicable, drinking-water quality management and the prevention of moisture-related problems. Emergency preparedness - Establishing procedures for responding to health emergencies and other disruptive events. This includes planning, business continuity and the ability to respond appropriately when circumstances change. Health service resources - Providing relevant health-related resources and policies for employees and building users. This can include support for sick leave, health services, vaccination access and other preventative measures. Stakeholder engagement and communication - Making health and safety information accessible, communicating relevant policies and engaging employees, visitors and other stakeholders in the facility’s approach to health and safety.

Annual renewal The rating is relevant for one year and must be renewed annually. “This reinforces the message that health and safety in the built environment is not a one-time project, but an ongoing commitment.” Gonçalves explains. An important point is the rating does not simply certify that a building has a cleaning policy or that staff have received hygiene training. The project must demonstrate compliance with the particular features it has selected, and the evidence must satisfy the review requirements. This reflects a shift in how the cleaning operation is being perceived in large commercial buildings. “It has moved from being a cost centre managed on lowestcost quotation to being a strategic asset directly linked to the building’s rental value, occupancy performance, certification success and the actual health of the people working there,” says Gonçalves. “Procurement managers pursuing WELL certification need cleaning suppliers capable of operating at specification-grade level, documented protocols, evidence-based outcomes, staff continuity and genuine quality assurance.” The suppliers best positioned to support this, she continues, are those that have invested in understanding the frameworks, built documented operational protocols, trained their teams properly and developed genuine quality assurance capability. “They’re a different market segment from traditional commercial cleaning. “These cleaning service providers must be able to deliver cleaning and hygiene protocols aligned with all air and materials requirements; manage and evidence

preventative maintenance schedules that protect system performance; provide real-time environmental data monitoring (air quality, temperature, humidity); support occupant engagement, from wellness communications to feedback mechanisms; and maintain the documentation trail that certification bodies require.” JPC by Samsic now actively works in close partnership with a number of its clients in London helping them to maintain WELL standards through evidence-based, health-focused cleaning operations. “At 1 Broadgate, where we work with British Land, our approach delivers low-VOC routines that protect indoor air quality, nonhazardous products that reduce chemical exposure and sustainable consumables with a 64 per cent lower carbon footprint than recycled alternatives,” continues Gonçalves. “Sugarcane paper products, for example, also biodegrade in around four seconds, supporting efficient operations while enhancing occupant wellbeing. “We have also played a key role in helping transform the Pension Insurance corporation workplace building into a WELL-aligned environment by embedding health, safety and sustainability into everyday operations. From ensuring drinking water points are cleaned and maintained throughout the day using chemical-free cleaning technology, to implementing a robust, audited cleaning programme focused on high-touch areas, every detail has been designed to protect occupant wellbeing.”

Quality and expertise JPC by Samsic’s highly trained teams work to BICSc standards and are supported by clear governance, digital auditing, ongoing training and low-hazard products - ensuring consistently high hygiene standards without compromising air quality or the environment. For cleaning service businesses, then, the growing importance of certifications like WELL presents an opportunity to be an even stronger strategic partner in maintaining healthier, safer buildings rather than simply providers of routine cleaning services. By delivering consistent, evidence-based cleaning protocols, selecting appropriate products, investing in staff training and maintaining robust records, contractors can help clients sustain the operational standards required to retain the rating. As demonstrated by JPC by Samsic, this approach enables cleaning companies to contribute to clients’ wider health and safety objectives, provide reassurance to building occupants and demonstrate measurable value through service quality, expertise and ongoing compliance.

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Products: sustainable cleaning

Design process Numatic’s new XTRA-Matic cleaning trolley range is designed for use in healthcare, education, hospitality, retail and facilities management environments. The range combines modular configurations with features intended to support hygiene and maintenance.

The trolleys are manufactured using at least 50 per cent recycled plastic, reducing reliance on virgin materials. Their modular design allows configurations to be adapted to different applications and operational requirements, potentially extending service life. Smooth surfaces, flat-base construction and removable aluminium doors are intended to simplify cleaning and maintenance. Colour-coded components help cleaning teams maintain designated cleaning zones in line with infection control procedures. Key plastic components incorporate Biomaster Antimicrobial Technology, which uses a silver-ion additive integrated into the plastic during manufacture rather than applied as a surface coating. The technology is designed to inhibit bacterial growth on treated surfaces throughout the product’s working life. It is intended to complement, rather than replace, routine cleaning and disinfection practices. numatic.com

Enzyme cleaner Hagleitner has expanded its professional cleaning range with two enzyme-based cleaners in pre-dosed powder format: all-round CAPS for washable surfaces and glass and sanitary CAPS for washroom cleaning. The products use different

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enzyme combinations for their intended applications. The enzymes break down organic soils into water-soluble components. The concentrated powder is transported without water and mixed with water at the point of use. This format can reduce transport volume compared with ready-to-use liquid cleaners and may also reduce packaging requirements. Each CAP contains a premeasured dose, removing the need for manual measurement and helping to prevent over- or underdosing. The doses are enclosed in a water-soluble film that dissolves during use and is free from microplastics. The formulations are biodegradable and both products carry the EU Ecolabel. www.hagleitner.com

Classified Tecnovap has announced that its Evo 304, Evo Blu and Evo Sanitizer steam generators, when used with the Steam Mop and July steam lance, comply with the French AFNOR NF T72-110 standard for steam disinfection devices (SDD). The standard provides a test method for assessing the disinfection efficacy of steam equipment against microorganisms, including viruses, bacteria, fungi and yeasts. Laboratory testing evaluates performance under specified conditions. According to the test results, the Evo models can achieve reductions of more than 99.9 per cent in targeted microorganisms after a few seconds

of steam exposure, with and without direct surface contact, when used in accordance with the prescribed procedures. Steam disinfection devices are used in healthcare environments as a means of reducing reliance on chemical disinfectants. The process uses heat to inactivate microorganisms, rather than relying on chemical formulations. Tecnovap says its equipment produces steam at temperatures exceeding 154°C to treat pathogens found in sanitary environments. The AFNOR standard provides a framework for evaluating disinfection claims under controlled conditions. www.tecnovap.it

Life cycles Fimap incorporates environmental considerations into the design of its cleaning machines - assessing materials, technologies and product life cycles. The company has achieved Carbon Footprint of Product Systematic Approach certification under the UNI EN ISO 14067:2018 standard, applying the methodology to new machine models to measure and document their carbon footprints. The company designs its machines for durability, maintenance, repair and end-of-life recycling, with the aim of extending service life and reducing waste. Features

include recycled plastics certified ReMade in Italy, lithium-ion batteries, cleaning solution dosing and recycling systems, and AQUÆ, a technology designed to clean without chemicals. Fimap uses telemetry to collect operational data through its Fimap Fleet Management (FFM) system. This monitors machine condition, maintenance requirements, battery status, cleaning tasks, resource consumption and carbon dioxide emissions. The information is intended to

help customers assess machine performance and identify opportunities to improve efficiency. www.fimap.com

Plant-based Flash has developed Vegatex, an impregnated dust cloth made using plant-based materials. The cloth combines a plantbased impregnation with a biobased nonwoven structure. Independent testing in accordance with ISO 16620-2:2019 confirmed that the material is 100 per cent biobased, according to the manufacturer. During use, the impregnation captures dust, while the cloth’s fibre structure retains dust and loose dirt within the material. The product contains no plastic, and its packaging uses certified biobased film, recycled cardboard and paper tape. The company says the cloth’s absorption capacity may reduce the number of cloths required for cleaning - potentially lowering waste and costs. flash-hygiene.com

Built to last TTS has developed its Magic range of multipurpose cleaning trolleys around a modular design intended to extend equipment service life and adapt to changing operational requirements. The trolleys can be configured with additional modules, drawers and Total Lock key-locked doors for environments such as healthcare facilities. This allows users to modify existing equipment rather than replace the entire trolley. The Magic range is made from high-density polypropylene, with components certified under the Plastic Second Life scheme, which identifies products containing recycled plastic. The material is resistant to rust and can be sanitised. TTS also offers spare parts to support maintenance and extend the equipment’s working life. The modular platform can also incorporate Dosely, an on-demand soaking station designed to support controlled dosing of cleaning solutions. www.ttsystem.com

Less impact As environmental regulations evolve and organisations strengthen their sustainability commitments, demand is growing for cleaning and hygiene products that reduce environmental impact while maintaining performance. In air care, this has prompted interest in alternatives to conventional aerosol systems.

Vectair’s V-Air Flow non-aerosol air care system uses refill cartridges containing more than 50 per cent plant-based ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) derived from renewable sugarcane. The dispenser is made from 100 per cent recycled plastic, reducing reliance on virgin materials. The system uses airflow technology to disperse fragrance for up to 30 days, providing an alternative to traditional aerosol air care products in washrooms. Material choices and product performance are among the factors influencing procurement decisions as facilities managers seek to meet environmental objectives while maintaining operational requirements. In 2026, Vectair received an EcoVadis Gold Medal, placing

it among the top five per cent of companies assessed. The assessment covers environmental management, ethical business practices, social responsibility and sustainable procurement. www.vectairsystems.com

Transparency Mopping systems specialist Filmop International is using third-party certification and life cycle assessment to measure the environmental impact of its cleaning equipment and document the use of recycled materials. The company obtained Plastic Second Life (PSV) certification in 2012, becoming the first Italian company in the professional cleaning sector to receive the certification, it says. The scheme verifies the use of recycled polypropylene in plastic components, including those used in its multipurpose trolleys. The materials also meet Italy’s Minimum Environmental Criteria for public procurement. Filmop measures the carbon footprint of its equipment through a system certified to the UNI EN ISO 14067 standard.

Based on life cycle assessment methodology, the approach calculates carbon dioxide equivalent emissions across the different stages of a product’s life cycle. The company says these measures support the transparent reporting of environmental performance and material traceability. www.filmop.com

Improvement Greenspeed has continued to develop cleaning products focused on reducing water and chemical use, following the introduction of its microfibre cloth. Its Trebio range uses probiotic technology, incorporating beneficial microorganisms into products for everyday surface cleaning. The company says product sustainability should be assessed beyond cleaning performance, taking into account ingredients, material health and the wider production chain. Greenspeed is investing in Cradle to Cradle Certified certification for its products. The certification process assesses ingredients, materials and manufacturing processes against criteria covering product sustainability. Maintaining certification requires ongoing assessment and collaboration across the supply chain. The company says the process provides a means of reviewing product composition and manufacturing, improving transparency and identifying opportunities for improvement.

Its approach reflects a focus on assessing the environmental impact of professional cleaning products throughout their life cycle, rather than considering only their immediate use. This includes examining the materials and ingredients used, as well as the processes involved in production. www.greenspeed.eu

Additive Robert Scott has incorporated a biodegradable plastic additive into its Exel mop socket design. The BioSphere additive is intended to accelerate biodegradation in managed landfill environments, addressing the disposal of plastic components that are not recycled. The sockets are made from polypropylene (PP), a type five plastic that can be recycled into new products. However, recycling rates and waste management practices vary between regions, meaning some plastic products may end up in landfill. The additive is designed to promote biodegradation under managed landfill conditions. Treated plastics retain their shelf life and the additive is described as non-toxic. www.robert-scott.co.uk

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Business: rogue AI

Can EU law keep pace with rogue AI?

This summer, the European Union began enforcing its Artificial Intelligence Act, a seemingly timely step in view of recent disruptive rogue AI activity. But does the legislation have the legs to keep pace with such fast-moving technology? Hartley Milner looks for answers. DURING A ROUTINE cyber evaluation in July, the UK’s AI Security Institute (AISI) made an alarming discovery … AI agents had engaged in “sustained, potentially harmful activity directed at real people and organisations”. The tech watchdog declared a security incident and within an hour had contained the threat and launched a full investigation. AISI said the incidents arose from a single evaluation where agents were tasked with solving a specific challenge. It ran the test 122 times across several AI models and saw that in 10 runs an agent had taken autonomous, unsanctioned and targeted action on the live internet. Of the

19 deviant behaviours detected, 17 came from a single model, Anthropic’s Claude Mythos 5. Two actions involved OpenAI’s GPT-5.6-Sol. In the most serious case, an AI agent used social engineering to try to insert a malicious code into a publicly used opensource project. The agent then began creating fake online identities to pressure the project’s maintainer into approving the code. Fortunately, the subterfuge was spotted by a savvy human who refused to accept it.

Significant incident AISI said its security evaluation was carried out under “deliberately permissive” conditions, allowing access to the internet and disabling some safety filters. It stressed that while, to some degree, the test process enabled the agent’s actions, the conditions would never be encountered during day-to-day use. But it added: “Even under test conditions, this incident is significant. It is

the first time we have seen risks around autonomy and deception manifest this clearly in the real world. We are taking this incident seriously and working with labs, involved parties and others to improve evaluation standards and best practice for disclosure, and then sharing this openly so others can learn.” The two tech firms cited in the security breaches had disclosed their models’ test failures independently of AISI publishing its findings. In the OpenAI incident, its bots hacked the production systems of Hugging Face, a collaborative platform and hub for machine learning. Prompted by its rival’s announcements, Anthropic carried out checks on its own systems and uncovered three incidents. It reported these to the victim companies and paused external cybersecurity evaluations while it introduced tighter safety controls. For its part, OpenAI committed to working more closely with national AI institutes to Continued page 34

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Business: rogue AI Can EU law keep pace with rogue AI? (continued from page 33)

ensure high-risk evaluations do not spill over onto the live internet. So how does the EU AI Act categorise AI models and systems? The Act generally excludes purely pre-market research and development (R&D), along with controlled laboratory trials. But testing in real-world conditions and incidents where AI models breach boundaries and interact with external systems are explicitly covered. For example, a model that escapes its secure ‘sandbox’ test environment and engages with the internet or jeopardises live production systems is deemed to have crossed the line from R&D to real-world exposure. The Act’s enforcer, the European Commission’s AI Office has powers to request information from developers. Commenting on the two July incidents, an official said: “We have been in contact with the two providers. We made requests for information about how they test models for cybersecurity risk. We will then consider whether we need to follow-up things more formally.” Investigators look to have a heavy workload ahead. Since the July disclosures, several further AI security incidents have emerged relating to autonomous agent behaviour and sandbox escapes. Anthropic revealed a fourth breach dating from January when an early version of its Claude Opus 4.6 model infiltrated external thirdparty systems. On August 5, Facebook owner Meta divulged that a testing partner inadvertently gave its Muse Spark 1.1 model open internet access leading to a breach of an outside company’s systems.

Malicious activity On September 10, Anthropic said it had blocked attempts to use its models for “malicious activity” that could support the development of biological weapons. The incidents were attributed to misuses of its Claude Haiku, Sonnet and Opus models between December 2025 and August 2026. Also in September, an Anthropic researcher quit his job to publicly deliver a dystopian prophesy … that there was greater than a 10 per cent chance AI “could kill all humans within the next decade”. The heads of some of the US’s leading tech groups responded by calling for a slowing in the development of AI models. Core requirements of the European Union Artificial Intelligence Act: Unacceptable risk: AI systems that pose a clear threat to human rights, safety and fundamental values are banned outright. These include social scoring by governments, subliminal behavioural manipulation, real-time remote biometric

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identification in public spaces by law enforcers and untargeted ‘scraping’ of facial images from CCTV or the internet. High-risk: Systems used in critical infrastructure, education, employment, essential public services and law enforcement face stringent requirements. AI providers and deployers must implement: • continuous, documented processes to identify and mitigate AI risks; • strict management of data feeds so the AI’s ‘education’ is fair, accurate and thoroughly documented; • detailed technical record-keeping showing how a system was designed, what data it learned from and how it makes its decisions in real time; • clear information explaining the model’s capabilities and limitations to deployers; • built-in intervention points allowing human operators to monitor, override or stop AI malfunctions; • high performance standards resilient against errors, failures and adversarial attacks. Limited risk: AI systems like chatbots, emotion recognition, biometric categorisation and deepfakes require explicit disclosure. Users must be informed that they are interacting with a machine, and AI-generated text, audio or video should be clearly labelled as such. Minimal or no risk: The vast majority of everyday AI applications, such as spam filters or AI-enabled video games, carry minimal risk and face no mandatory legal constraints under the framework. General-purpose AI: Providers of powerful foundation models face separate obligations regarding technical transparency, model evaluation, copyright compliance and specialised safety assessments for models carrying systemic risks. Two sections of the Act were delayed because of their complexity. The rules for high-risk AI systems embedded in regulated products will now come into force on August 2 2028. Rules governing high-risk use cases in specific sensitive areas will be applied from December 2027. The legislation applies to all major providers whose models impact the European Market, wherever they are headquartered. The AI Office has launched several channels for individuals and businesses to report alleged infringements, including for whistleblowers. Penalties for violations of the AI Act range from €7.5 million, or 1.5 per cent of turnover, to €35 million, or seven per cent of global turnover,

depending on the degree of violation. “AI is a transformative technology that can bring extraordinary benefits to people and businesses,” said Henna Virkkunen, EU executive vice-president for tech sovereignty, security and democracy. “But we are also seeing that harms can occur if AI is not properly designed and used, and that the most advanced models create risks on an entirely new scale. Europe anticipated this development. With the AI Act, we established a clear, risk-based and durable framework for trustworthy AI, one that gives innovators legal certainty while protecting the public interest.”

‘Rigidity trap’ However, a joint study by three European universities is highly critical of the EU’s framework for governing AI, claiming it is too inflexible to respond to rapid technological breakthroughs. Titled A question of style? Regulating artificial intelligence in the European Union and the USA, the report says the EU’s prescriptive legislative design creates a ‘rigidity trap’ that undermines enforcement compared to more adaptive regimes. Legislators may have tried to anticipate every possible AI risk upfront, but ended up with a heavy top-down system that was “incredibly difficult to adapt and easy to fracture”, the report says. As evidence of this, it highlights how the original 2024 Act had to be amended to ensure the system remained intact. However, the EU’s decision to push back compliance deadlines for high-risk AI systems by 16 months left it open to criticism that it had made “partial regulatory retreat”. The academics make a comparison with the American AI governance system. The EU relies on comprehensive ‘guardrails’ that apply broadly. But because technology evolves faster than legislation, they say these rules quickly become outdated, leaving the bloc unable to meet its goals for promoting “trustworthy, human-centric and rights-respecting AI”. By contrast, the US has a more flexible approach to governing fast-moving technologies that can be applied as needed and is more binding and enforceable. “The EU talked about building trustworthy, human-centric AI governance,” said Professor Philipp Trein from the University of Lausanne. “What it built, in practice, was an architecture so heavy and politically costly that adjusting it in response to evidence has already proven harder than repealing parts of it. The US by accident as much as by design - created more space for the kind of regulatory learning that a fast-moving technology actually requires.”

Care of hard floors

Worst-case scenario Water damage, scuffs, scratches, permanent stains – what is the worst-case scenario when it comes to hard floor care? ECJ asks companies about hard floor disasters and how they should be tackled.

FLOOR CLEANING ACCOUNTS for at least 25 per cent of the average cleaner’s time. Gravity dictates that any dust, grime or soil entering a building will inevitably settle on the floor. In a public facility, large numbers of people will also be marking and scratching the surface with their shoes, pushchairs and trolley cases. And anything dropped or spilled will also end up on the floor, causing mess and potentially damage as well. Water damage is among the most critical threats for moisture-sensitive floors such as wood, parquet and organic laminates, according to Kärcher’s vicepresident for floor care solutions Christian Mrowka. “Standing water or excessive moisture exposure during cleaning can lead to swelling, edge-warping, discolouration and eventual mould growth beneath the surface,” he said. “Even on non-porous tile or resin floors, standing water loaded with dissolved salts or chemicals can cause efflorescence, grout degradation and adhesive failure over time.” Fine grit carried in on footwear will act like sandpaper and create a dull finish while also scratching protective seals, he continues. “Inappropriate cleaning agents such as over-dosed alkaline detergents on linoleum or harsh chlorine-based disinfectants can cause yellowing, brittleness and finish breakdown. Direct sunlight will cause colour fading, discolouration or embrittlement in elastic and synthetic floors. And heavy machinery, dropped tools or concentrated furniture weight can chip tiles, crack concrete screed or indent softer floor coverings.”

Chemical etching and deep staining also present significant challenges, Mrowka says. “Highly acidic substances such as citrus, vinegar or acidic cleaners can permanently etch calcitic natural stones such as marble and limestone by dissolving the mineral structure,” he said. “On porous floors such as unsealed concrete, terracotta or worn wood any dark liquids, oils or strong dyes can penetrate deep into the capillary network. And if left untreated these substances will bond chemically within the pores, making complete removal impossible without aggressive grinding or structural removal.”

Multi-tier approach While scuffs and scratches from foot and wheeled traffic are among the most frequent issues, they are not hard to eradicate, he says. “Black heel marks, rubber shoe transfers and light abrasion usually only affect the sacrificial protective coating or polymer dispersion layer on resilient floors such as PVC or linoleum,” said Mrowka. “These issues can easily be treated through routine maintenance using scrubber dryers equipped with appropriate pads or single-disc machines using high-speed polishing or localised recoating.” A professional floor care programme needs to take a structured, multi-tier approach, he says. “A high-performance entrance mat will help to trap abrasive grit and moisture before it reaches main floor areas, while preventative daily cleaning with a scrubber dryer will clean the floor and eliminate the standing water that causes damage. “Any scuffs and light scratches should be regularly addressed by burnishing with a high-speed single-disc machine,” adds Mrowka. “And a periodic deep clean and coating renewal will strip away those worn polymer protection layers and perform deep stain-extraction.” Kärcher offers a range of scrubber dryers that directly tackle water damage while also removing tough daily grime and shoe marks. The company also provides

single-disc and polishing machines, deep cleaners and professional chemical care and roller and diamond pad systems. The biggest threat to hard floors lies in customers failing to provide barrier mats, according to Prochem’s sales and technical development manager Jon Ewing. “They also need to carry out a daily maintenance regime because the impact from people walking through high traffic areas and scratching the surface is huge,” he said. “Using the wrong products can lead to chemical damage and issues can also occur when cleaning machinery is used incorrectly - for example, when a rotary machine is employed at the wrong speed. However, all these problems can be eradicated if a floor care management plan is put into place from the very the start and if all managers and operatives are given training in hard floor care.” Certain substances can cause permanent staining and ultimately ruin the floor, he says. “For example, supermarkets often choose terrazzo flooring but their managers will always want to open any new store as soon as possible so that they can start trading,” he said. “Terrazzo is semi-porous and ideally should be sealed first, but this step often gets missed.”

Problem spillage This can become a major problem when a spillage occurs. “Staff will rush to fetch a mop and bucket to remove the ‘spillage in aisle four’, but they will quite often be too late,” Ewing said. “Substances such as red wine or fruit juice will have already been absorbed into the floor causing semi-permanent or even permanent stains.” Chemical, impact and water damage are the main issues for any hard floor that has been inadequately maintained, he said. “End-user misuse of a rotary or scrubber dryer would also cause problems, so it is crucial that all operatives receive the correct training on how to use the machine and solutions correctly,” he said. Water damage can be a serious problem for unsealed porous floors, says Ewing. Continued page 36

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Care of hard floors Worst-case scenario (continued from page 35) “The water could penetrate beneath the floor causing tenting and warping, while mould, mildew and bacteria might grow underneath the floors - leading to rot and potentially requiring a full floor replacement,” he said. Water damage can sometimes be rectified if dealt quickly and if it is dried out using professional dehumidifiers, he says. “A floor care management regime - instigated from day one - should incorporate daily, weekly and periodic cleaning to prolong the life of the floor,” he said. “And if the surface is protected with a seal or polish you will have already gone a long way to preventing gouges and scratches.” Prochem offers a comprehensive oneday hard floor cleaning and maintenance course that covers all types of porous, semi porous and non-porous surfaces. The company also offers a range of floor care products including C502 Protreat, R602 Proseal and C503 Proshine.

Significant investment The most severe damage a hard floor is likely to receive in its lifetime is anything that goes beyond the surface finish and affects the floor material itself, says Robert Scott sales director Alastair Scott. “Deep scratching, chemical damage, permanent staining or moisture ingress can all reach the point where cleaning alone will no longer restore the floor’s original appearance,” he said. “Flooring represents a significant investment and premature replacement represents a potentially substantial cost. Correct care throughout its lifetime – and seeking expert floorcare advice to ensure the right processes and equipment are used – can help to protect that investment and extend the floor’s useful life.” Scuffs and scratches are among the most visible problems in busy commercial environments, according to Scott. “However, there is an important distinction between a surface mark and physical damage,” he said. “Scuffs and ingrained dirt can often be removed through appropriate cleaning. But spillages can potentially cause lasting staining or surface damage depending on the substance and flooring material.” Spills need to be dealt with promptly using a method appropriate to the floor, he said. “An unsuitable chemical or an unnecessarily aggressive process could compound the problem, so the flooring manufacturer’s care instructions should always be followed,” said Scott. Water can be particularly damaging to some floors where prolonged exposure may cause swelling, warping or discolouration, he said. “The key is to understand

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the flooring material concerned and to control both the cleaning method and the amount of moisture being introduced.” Hard floors face a combination of footfall, dirt and grit, spillages, wheeled equipment and furniture movement throughout their working lives, Scott continued. “Fine grit and debris can be particularly damaging, creating an abrasive action as people and equipment move across the floor,” he said. “Effective entrance matting and regular removal of debris therefore play an important preventative role. Incorrect maintenance can also cause damage if the wrong pad, machinery or cleaning method is used.” He adds that many common problems can be solved or significantly improved with the aid of professional products and systems. “This is particularly true of surface soiling, scuffing, ingrained dirt or deterioration of the finish.” Robert Scott’s Erase-all floor pads are designed to tackle stubborn, ingrained dirt and scuff marks using water. The company also offers entrance matting and sweeping products to help control abrasive debris; mopping systems for routine maintenance; and floor pads for cleaning, scrubbing, stripping and polishing. Water ingress or flooding is the worst kind of damage a hard floor is likely to receive in its lifetime, says Truvox executive director Gordon McVean. “This is closely followed by deep mechanical gouging or a chemical spillage,” he adds. ”However, water ingress is fairly unlikely to occur unless there is a leak or burst water pipe.” Scuffs and scratches caused by heels and wheeled traffic are common in high traffic areas. “Scratches from chair legs or people’s heels, grit and small stones could all lead to damage if not cleaned properly,” he said. McVean says customers should tackle hard floor issues by getting to the root

of the problem. “You need to identify the cause of any water damage and rectify it,” he said. “If it is a leak or burst water pipe, for example, get it fixed.

Address the causes “And if you want to limit the level of scuffs, scratches and deep stains you must address the causes. Put pads on chair legs and mop up serious spills as soon as they happen so that they don’t have time to soak in.” The Truvox Multiwash PRO Steam system uses counter-rotating brushes to clean floors while the additional steam function also sanitises them. So, are there any hard floor issues that are impossible to treat? Water damage is often irreversible, believes McVean. “This could lead to a new floor in a worst-case scenario, while any spillages of substances such as coffee, red wine, curry or cooking oil could all lead to permanent staining if not treated quickly,” he said. Deep scratches, permanent staining and physical damage to the floor may not be reversible through cleaning alone, says Robert Scott’s Alastair Scott. “Knowing when to stop is important because increasing the level of abrasion simply because a mark remains in place could risk causing further damage,” he said. In most cases it will not be possible to repair chemical damage through cleaning, according to Prochem’s Jon Ewing. “Permanent damage could also be caused by the incorrect use of a cleaning machine by an untrained operator,” he said. And Kärcher’s Christian Mrowka agrees that some damage is irreversible. “Structural cracking in concrete tiles, deep acid etching on polished stone or swollen, delaminated timber or laminate floors cannot be repaired by cleaning alone,” he said. “In these instances mechanical grinding, full floor recoating, diamond polishing or partial floor replacement will be necessary.”

Products: care of hard floors

Speed & agility At the heart of the DRYFT compact scrubber dryer is the patented S-Motion cleaning system, enabling the user to guide the machine from side to side while moving forward, covering more floor with less walking. This approach, says the company, can reduce floor cleaning time by up to 50 per cent.

The machine operates at 4,200 rpm delivering 70 scrubs per second on smooth or textured hard floors. Its patented curved cleaning head is designed to reach into corners, along edges and around obstacles, boasting 100 per cent floor coverage without the need to return with a mop for missed areas. The ultra-low-profile cleaning head also allows it to reach beneath partitions, shelving and low fixtures, while its responsive 360-degree movement makes it useful in congested spaces. DRYFT weighs 7.3 kg and is designed to be easy to move between cleaning areas, with removable magnetic clean and dirty water tanks making for fast filling and emptying. www.dryft-world.com

Light work The B 80 W walk-behind scrubber dryer from Kärcher is designed to clean large expanses of flooring efficiently, while also being ultra-simple to handle. It can be operated either from the machine itself or via an app and has an onboard battery charger. Features include a sensor to detect the filling level in the detergent tank (Dose! detection) and a system that automatically adjusts the suction power to the floor texture (Auto!Vac). The 80-litre fresh and dirty water

tanks allow for longer operation, while the machine still boasts proportions compact enough to make it easy to manoeuvre. Either roller or disc brushes are available, working width is 65 to 80 cm and driving speed six km per hour. This makes for an area performance of up to 4,860 square metres per hour. The B 80 W also has a parabolic shaped squeegee for suction power that leaves the floor dry enough to be used immediately. The eco!flow function adjusts the dosage of detergent and water to the driving speed, cutting the consumption of water and chemical detergents by up to 30 per cent. There is also the DOSE system for dosing detergent and if the detergent tank is empty, a sensor detects it and the user is notified through the machine display or an app. www.karcher.com

Quick to learn The new SC550 walk-behind scrubber dryer from Nilfisk has been developed with ease of use and minimal training in mind. Onboard tutorials help new operators get started, while coloured touchpoints show where users need to interact with the machine during routine maintenance. Individual PIN codes also allow operators to choose their preferred language and settings. To manage water and detergent consumption, the SC550 incorporates Nilfisk’s SmartFlow and Ecoflex technologies. SmartFlow automatically adjusts water delivery according to machine speed, while Ecoflex allows operators to select the appropriate combination of brush pressure, water flow and detergent for each task. Operators can easily switch between water-only cleaning and different cleaning intensities. www.nilfisk.com

October 2026 | ECJ | 37

Sweepers

Sweep dreams Manoeuvrability, productivity, ease of use, a large hopper capacity – what are the attributes that go to make a dream sweeper? And how far are manufacturers actually delivering on what customers want? Ann Laffeaty asks companies these questions. THERE IS A HUGE VARIATION in the types of commercial sweepers on the market. Sweeping machines come in all shapes and sizes depending on the task for which they are designed. For example, some are required to operate in tight corners and restricted areas which means they need to be compact and highly manoeuvrable. Others are designed to sweep vast areas of floor in a factory, warehouse, car park or road system. Qualities such as productivity and an efficient sweeping action are crucial here, and the hopper size also needs to be sufficiently large to accommodate vast quantities of debris. But what does the average customer want most from today’s machines? And is there even such a thing as an ideal sweeper? Kärcher’s product manager for sweepers Daniel Friz believes a universal ‘dream sweeper’ does not exist. “It only becomes a ‘dream machine’ when it is precisely matched to the specific cleaning application for which it is intended,” he said. “The customer needs to take into account the surface area, spatial constraints, dirt volume and environmental conditions on the ground when they are making their choice.” As far as contract cleaners and industrial operators are concerned the ideal sweeper needs to be able to deliver a high level of coverage, he says. “It should also offer flawless dirt collection capabilities, low operating costs and maximum reliability within its designated operational

38 | October 2026 | ECJ

space,” he said. “Sometimes a special addon kit will be needed to provide the perfect solution for the specific application.” An efficient pick-up action is the fundamental baseline requirement for any dream sweeper, he adds. “Time is a critical cost-driver for building service contractors,” said Friz. “A sweeper needs to be able to reliably collect fine dust, heavy debris or grit in a single pass without leaving any residue behind because having to clean an area twice will directly degrade margins and inflate labour costs.” He adds that optimal cleaning performance depends on matching the right sweeping method to the material to be cleaned away. “For example, an overthrow action would be ineffective when dealing with heavy, bulky debris while direct throw would be unsuitable for use with light materials such as leaves,” he said. Other vital qualities of an optimal sweeper include an adequate hopper capacity and debris versatility, according to Friz. “This is particularly the case in large logistics centres, production sites and outdoor facilities,” he said. “A generous hopper volume reduces the amount of non-productive downtime spent driving to disposal sites. Furthermore, a sweeper needs to be able to handle everything from fine packaging dust to heavy gravel and fallen leaves to ensure a consistent year-round performance.”

Essential qualities Manoeuvrability and intuitive controls are other essential qualities, he adds. “This is particularly true in congested industrial yards, underground parking facilities and narrow aisles,” he said. “Furthermore a standardised, easy-to-understand control interface will reduce onboarding times and prevent costly user errors during daily operations because service providers often experience a quick staff turnover.” A good sweeper should also prioritise operator health and dust suppression, he adds. “Effective dust control is critical to protecting operators and bystanders from inhaling hazardous airborne particles,” said

Friz. “Certified fine-dust filtration systems, automatic filter cleaning and dust suppression technology will prevent dust clouds from forming during sweeping and dumping operations.” Other crucial factors include adjustable seating on ride-on models, clear sight lines, low vibration levels and low noise to safeguard worker health and help reduce absenteeism, says Friz. “And a batteryelectric drive will cut direct emissions and operational noise, allowing flexible indoor use or early-morning/night-time shifts in noise-sensitive zones,” he adds.

Reliable and efficient Kärcher offers a range of options including manual push sweepers, walk-behind sweepers with traction drive: ride-on vacuum sweepers and heavy-duty industrial models. The company’s ride-on vacuums are said to offer tight turning radiuses, ergonomic seating and intuitive control panels while heavy-duty sweepers are engineered for use in tough industrial environments. These have high hopper capacities, heavy-duty steel frames and fully-automatic filter cleaning systems for a continuous dust-free operation. A dream sweeper needs to be able to clean reliably and efficiently, says Hako’s application technology trainer and consultant Klaus Serfezi. “Although this may sound obvious it is crucial in day-to-day operations,” he said. “A machine needs to be able to deliver consistently strong results, operate economically and require as little maintenance as possible. And it should also be easy to operate.” An efficient pick-up action also makes for an ideal sweeper, he says. “Dirt and debris needs to be collected as completely as possible in a single pass,” said Serfezi. “When this works well, operators save time and can cover areas more quickly. That is what really matters in everyday use.” A large hopper is another real advantage, he adds. “This is particularly the case on larger sites because it reduces

the number of interruptions required for emptying,” he said. “However, it is equally important that the machine is able to handle different types of debris. In practice, both the quantity and type of dirt can change constantly.” The importance of other factors such as easy-to-operate controls and manoeuvrability in narrow streets depend very much on the application, he says. “Anyone working in a confined space or a complex environment will quickly realise how important manoeuvrability is,” he said. “Simple, intuitive controls also make the job easier. These types of factors make a noticeable difference to the operator - particularly during longer shifts.”

standards before making their choice,” he said. “But while the initial purchase price remains a factor in competitive bidding, professional buyers will recognise other considerations such as high efficiency, worker health protection, reducing sick leave, robust reliability and ergonomics since these will all directly protect profitability and help to retain qualified personnel.” Price is always an important consideration for customers,

agrees Hako’s Klaus Serfezi. “However, many customers look more closely at the total cost of ownership and ask themselves: what will this machine cost me in day-today operation?” he said. “High cleaning performance, low operating costs and a long service life can all easily justify a higher initial investment. And operator comfort also plays a role, particularly when the machine is used for many hours each day.”

Dust control crucial Effective dust control is also crucial during daily operations - particularly where people are present, he says. “An ergonomic workplace and intuitive controls help to reduce operator fatigue while easy access to components and short service times will simplify maintenance,” said Serfezi. “And, of course, a sweeper needs to be robust and capable of working continuously for long periods of time. Ultimately, the goal is for the machine to keep running productively with minimal downtime.” Hako’s Sweepmaster line incorporates a variety of walkbehind and ride-on sweepers for both indoor and outdoor applications. These range from compact machines for smaller areas to high-performance sweeper vacuum machines for industrial, logistics and commercial environments. So, how far do factors such as productivity, manoeuvrability and ease of use resonate with customers? And what do they want most from their ‘dream sweeper’? Building service contractors and industrial clients tend to consider total cost of ownership when evaluating their purchasing decisions, says Kärcher’s Daniel Friz. “They also look at workplace safety

October 2026 | ECJ | 39

New product review

i-mop update i-team Global has introduced the i-mop 46 MODULAR, a floor cleaning machine designed around a modular platform that allows key components to be diagnosed, replaced and exchanged individually. The development builds on the company’s original i-mop, which combined the manoeuvrability of a mop with the scrubbing and water-recovery functions of a scrubber dryer. The modular design is intended to simplify maintenance and reduce downtime by allowing individual parts to be replaced without taking the entire machine out of service. Exchangeable modules and swap units are designed to help cleaning contractors managing fleets across multiple sites keep equipment operational. The approach also aims to extend the machine’s working life at a time when technical maintenance staff can be difficult to recruit.

The machine has increased onboard water capacity, allowing a theoretical cleaning coverage of up to 600 square metres in standard mode or 960 square metres in eco mode before refilling. Its patented i-balance system reduces the weight carried in the user’s hands from 3 kg to 0.7 kg. A Drive & Park function supports forward movement on longer, straight routes, reducing the effort required to guide the machine. The manufacturer says the i-mop 46 MODULAR can clean approximately 100 square metres in three-and-a-half

40 | October 2026 | ECJ

minutes, compared with around 15 minutes using a traditional mop. Water consumption for the same area is reported at 0.6 litres, compared with 5.8 litres for traditional mopping. Floors are said to dry in approximately 30 seconds, rather than 15 minutes, as the machine scrubs surfaces and recovers the dirty solution. Martijn Lemmens, senior industrial designer at i-team Global, said the modular platform was intended to make maintenance more straightforward and reduce the need to take an entire machine out of operation when one component requires attention. The design combines ergonomic features with replaceable components and reduced water consumption. Faster cleaning and drying times are also intended to limit disruption in occupied buildings, while modular servicing may help cleaning businesses manage equipment across multiple locations. The i-mop 46 MODULAR is designed for medium-sized and large environments, including supermarkets, schools, universities, healthcare facilities and public buildings. It comes with a three-year warranty, excluding batteries. www.i-teamglobal.com

able in accordance with OECD 302 B. Green Care says 64 per cent of its organic carbon comes from renewable raw materials, it carries the EU Ecolabel and is supplied in a bottle made from 100 per cent recycled material.

Sensitive

Microfibres

Green Care Professional has expanded its zero% range with Sanet alkastar zero%, an alkaline sanitary cleaner formulated without fragrances or dyes. The formulation is designed for professional cleaning of waterresistant, acid-sensitive surfaces, including enamel, marble, plastic, taps, washbasins and shower screens. The cleaner removes oil- and grease-based dirt and provides an alternative to acidic sanitary cleaning products where compatibility with sensitive materials is a consideration. Its fragrance- and dye-free formulation is intended to help reduce the impact of cleaning products on indoor air quality. Containing plant-based surfactants, the product is described as fully biodegrad-

Chicopee, a Magnera brand, has expanded its rMicrofibre range with three products made from 100 per cent recycled microfibre: rMicrofibre Light, rMicrofibre Plus and rMicrofibre Super. The range is designed for use across healthcare, hospitality, food service, retail, transport and facilities management, with different formats intended to meet varying hygiene requirements and cleaning routines. The products are available in

Sanet alkastar zero% forms part of Green Care Professional’s range of cleaning products formulated without fragrances and dyes. The line now comprises 14 products covering several areas of professional cleaning, including sanitary and surface cleaning, floor care, manual dishwashing, hand hygiene and Quick & Easy systems for mobile cleaning applications. The addition extends the range of products available for professional cleaning environments where material compatibility and the avoidance of added fragrances and dyes are priorities. www.wmprof.com

red, blue, green and yellow colour-coded options to help distinguish cleaning tasks and areas in line with HACCP principles. The range is designed to support cleaning and cross-contamination prevention, with disposable and reusable options available. Independent laboratory testing found that the wipes removed more than 99.99 per cent of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus from pre-cleaned and disinfected PVC flooring using water alone. They can also be used with cleaning chemicals for disinfection. The test results relate to mechanical bacteria removal under specified conditions and do not establish that the wipes replace disinfection where required. There are three options for different applications. rMicrofibre Light is a lightweight disposable wipe intended for environments where wipes need to be changed frequently. rMicrofibre Plus is designed for hightraffic settings requiring rapid cleaning and turnaround. And rMicrofibre Super is a reusable cloth intended for lower-risk environments where laundering is preferred. Internal testing indicates that it retains its shape and performance after 25 wash cycles at 90°C. Manufactured in Europe using Global Recycled Standard (GRS)-certified recycled materials, the range has a reported carbon dioxide emissions reduction of more than 30 per cent compared with its non-recycled equivalent. This figure is based on Magnera’s internal cradle-to-gate life cycle assessment and has not been independently reviewed. The wipes are made from 100 per cent microfibre, rather than blends combining microfibre with viscose. Chicopee says their fine fibres help retain dirt, grease and bacteria, while internal comparative testing found improvements in particle retention, oil removal and abrasion resistance against disposable microfibre wipes containing viscose. They are also designed to provide streak-free cleaning on surfaces including glass, stainless steel and mirrors. chicopee.com

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