INCLEAN January-February 2020

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January / February 2020

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Editor’s letter

elcome to the first issue of INCLEAN magazine for 2020 and our inaugural Industry Leaders Forum Report.

Over the past few months we have spoken exclusively to a number of industry leaders who have shared their highs and lows from 2019, along with their insights on the trends, challenges and opportunities they anticipate will shape the sector in 2020.

From suppliers and contractors to training providers, having a variety of businesses from a range of sectors involved in the report has helped provide us with a national perspective on the state of the market and what is to come.

It’s clear from the perspectives shared that 2020 is gearing up to be the year of social sustainability, with a number of participants noting the increased focus on social compliance as both a major challenge and opportunity.

Clients are demanding more transparency and accountability from their service providers, and this is only expected to continue, with social auditing predicted to be a hot topic in 2020. This year also marks a turning point, with many companies to deliver their first modern slavery statements under the Modern Slavery Act. Participants also highlighted the increasing expectations for better hygiene practices and cleanliness standards, as well as the need for training. The rise of the gig industry, coupled with automation, are going to have a significant impact on the industry and could pose a major threat. Therefore, it is critically important the industry re-focuses its attention to education, developing specialised skill sets and creating unified standards.

Thank you to all who supported and participated in our inaugural Industry Leaders Forum Report. We appreciate you taking the time to share your plans and predictions and from what you’ll read 2020 is shaping up to be an exciting year for the industry. I hope you enjoying reading the report and that there are some valuable insights and takeaways that will help you, your team, and your business in 2020.

Happy reading,

Claire Hibbit Managing Editor

FOR MORE INDUSTRY NEWS FOLLOW US ON

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What’s on Total Facilities 21-23 April

Total Facilities is the nation’s only central marketplace for facilities professionals. www.totalfaciltiies.com.au

Interclean Amsterdam 12-15 May 2020

Interclean is the world’s leading platform for cleaning and hygiene professionals. www.intercleanshow.com

RIA Australasian Restoration Conference and Tradeshow 10-12 June 2020

The 2020 RIA Conference and Tradeshow will return to the Sunshine Coast. www.restorationindustry.org

MOST CLICKED www.incleanmag.com.au

26 - 2 7 AUGUST 2020 | S YDNEY

ISSA Cleaning & Hygiene Expo 26-27 August 2020

The premier trade event for Australia’s cleaning and hygiene industry will take place at ICC Sydney. www.issacleaninghygieneexpo.com

Safety in Action Conference 26-27 August 2020

The leading workplace health and safety event will be co-located with the ISSA Cleaning & Hygiene Expo. www.safetyinaction.net.au

Budapest Cleaning Show 14-15 October 2020

The professional cleaning exhibition is hosted by the Hungarian Cleaning Technology Association. www.budapestcleaningshow.hu/en

Millennium Services wins retail contracts worth $118 Millennium Services Group secures two major retail contracts with a combined value of $118 million.

GJK reaches agreement over University of Tasmania Christmas shutdown GJK settles rostering dispute for cleaning staff at University of Tasmania sites.

FWO recovers entitlements for school cleaners

Ombudsman calls for better protections of employee wages

Victorian Department of Education and Training makes changes to school cleaning contracts following Fair Work investigation.

Small business ombudsman calls for simplification of industry awards to help reduce errors and administration costs.

ATO receives record-breaking tip-offs amid black economy blitz

Senate inquiry to investigate wage theft

ATO receives 230 tip-offs per day as focus on the black economy continues.

Senate agrees to proposal for inquiry into wage and superannuation theft.

Thank Your Cleaner Day 20 October 2020

The New Zealand-founded social initiative recognises and celebrates the work of cleaners. www.thankyourcleanerday.com

ISSA North America 26-29 October 2020

Chicago will play host to ISSA North America. https://show.issa.com 4 INCLEAN January / February 2020

ON THE COVER Today, trolley systems are expected to do more than carry cleaning products and tools. Origo 2 rises to meet this challenge with new, innovative features and seamless digital integration – all designed to offer greater safety and connectivity, improved hygiene and higher efficiency.

IN THIS ISSUE JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2020

ISSUE #1 VOLUME 33

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Championing excellence BSCAA celebrated industry excellence around the country at its annual AustralianSuper Excellence Awards ceremonies in Queensland, New South Wales and Victoria.

T

he Building Service Contractors Association of Australia (BSCAA) has held its annual AustralianSuper Excellence Awards across the country, with events in Queensland, New South Wales and Victoria.

The awards acknowledge the contributions and achievements of employers and employees in the contract cleaning and security industry.

Mark Nipper, president of BSCAA Queensland, said the Queensland awards, now in its tenth year, still hold significant relevance to the industry, with 68 nominations and more than 150 guests in attendance.

“While cleaning is the outcome we generate, our job is to look after a workforce and motivate them to clean up other people’s messes.

“I know from personal experience that this type of recognition provides a

massive boost to team morale and the outcomes you can generate as a business.”

BSCAA Queensland introduced a new award this year, Commitment to Diversity. The award recognises critical policies in attracting diverse new recruitment within the industry, equipping them with the skills they need, encouraging continuous development, empowerment and career progression.

In New South Wales, the event generated a record number of attendees with more than 200 industry professionals gathering at the Sofitel Sydney.

In Victoria, BSCAA Victoria president Elias Stamas said he was pleased to see a diverse group of companies represented at the Victorian branch’s awards night, with 39 finalists across 14 categories.

“All our winners are to be commended for their hard work and dedication,” Stamas said.

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Queensland − Outstanding Cleaning Operator – South East Queensland: Debra Brownhill, Pickwick Group

− Environmental Best Practice Award – Company: Springmount Services

− Outstanding Cleaning Operator –Regional: Hajilyn Santa Ani, Springmount Services

− Recognition of an Outstanding Industry Supplier: NB Lawyers

− Outstanding Leading Hand/Supervisor: Serah Shin,Springmount Services

− Most Valuable Cleaning Team –South East Queensland: James Commercial Services

− Outstanding Support Personnel (0 – 50 employees): Candy Chen, James Commercial Services

− Most Valuable Cleaning Team –Regional: Town & Country Cleaning

− Outstanding Support Personnel (51+ employees): Linda Venner, CMBM Facility Services

− Recognition of Service – Outstanding Individual Contribution to the Industry: Peter Beresford, Springmount Services

− Manager Award: Florencio (Rene) Mendoza, Vintage Cleaning

− Outstanding Owner/Operator (0-10 employees): Sonja Dragic, ABKO Cleaning Services

− Recognition of Commitment to Diversity: Sharman Property Services − Eco Warrior Award – Individual: Bina Adhikari, Springmount Services

6 INCLEAN January / February 2020

− Outstanding Owner/Operator (0-10 employees): Rod Abbott, NRE Cleaning Services − Outstanding Company: CMBM Facility Services

“

This type of recognition provides a massive boost to team morale and the outcomes you can generate as a business.

”

INDUSTRY NEWS

Victoria

New South Wales

− Outstanding Achievement as a Cleaner in Retail: Harsha Kannangarra, Quad Services

− Individual Cleaner for Excellence in Maintenance of a Commercial Site: Ruben Ainete, Bayton Cleaning Co

− Outstanding Achievement as a Cleaner in Health and or Community Services: Helena Setargew, GJK Facility Services − Outstanding Achievement as a Cleaner in Commercial Services: Aboud Dawelby, GJK Facility Services

− Individual Cleaner for Excellence in Maintenance of an Educational Facility: Phat Bhadur Chhantyal, Eternal Cleaning Services

− Outstanding Achievement as a Site Manager in Education: Steve Manos, GJK Facility Services

− Individual Cleaner for Excellence in Maintenance of an Industrial Site: Marianne Kerr, Solutions Property Services for the Newcastle Light Rail contract

− Outstanding Achievement as a Site Manager in Retail: Daniel Hebic, Assetlink − Outstanding Achievement as a Site Manager in Health and or Community Services: Tanya Brooks, GJK Facility Services − Outstanding Achievement as a Site Manager in Hospitality: Nick Papanikolopoulos, GJK Facility Services − Outstanding Achievement as a Site Manager in Commercial: Mabel Coehlo, GJK Facility Services − Cleaner of the Year: Harsha Kannangara, Quad Services

1. BSCAA NSW award winners 2. A record number of guests attended the BSCAA NSW awards at the Sofitel Sydney 3. BSCAA Queensland award winners 4. From left: Elias Stamas (BSCAA Victoria president) and Lauren Davis (Education manager, AustralianSuper)

− Individual Cleaner for Excellence in Maintenance of a Retail Site: Kim Galea, Ezko Property Services

− Site Manager of the Year: Daniel Hebic, Assetlink − Outstanding Achievement by a Specialist Operator: Neville Selek, GJK Facility Services − Outstanding Achievement by a Non-operational Employee: Danny Abdulahad, Assetlink

− Individual Cleaner for Excellence in Maintenance of a Medical/Aged Care Facility: William Maher, Bayton Cleaning Co − Supervisor/Leading Hand for Excellence in Maintenance of a Commercial Site: Man Thajali, Eternal Cleaning Services − Supervisor/Leading Hand for Excellence in Maintenance of a Retail Site: Walter Vidal, Broadlex Services − Supervisor/Leading Hand for Excellence in Maintenance of an Educational Facility: Bilal Fouani, Pickwick Integrated Facility Services − Supervisor/Leading Hand for Excellence in an Industrial Site: Nick Kazakonis, Broadlex Services − Client Services Manager: Pinar Alpsal, Assetlink − Company of the Year: Eternal Cleaning Services − Young Manager of the Year: Steven Tanusoski, VDG Services

− Young Manager of the Year: Adel Badawy, Assetlink − Manager of the Year: Albert Marbo, Assetlink

www.incleanmag.com.au 7

INDUSTRY NEWS

ISS partners with Clean Up Australia ISS has partnered with Clean Up Australia for its Business Clean Up Day in 2020.

Clean Up Australia Day is the largest community mobilisation event in the Asia Pacific Region. In 2019, the program inspired almost 700,000 Australians to remove rubbish from their natural environment.

Clean Up Australia Day focuses the public’s attention on the impact of specific rubbish items and the need for better resource recovery.

ISS will be a major business supporter for Business Clean Up Day on Tuesday, 25 February, which is held during the week prior to the main community day on Sunday, 1 March.

More than 750 businesses are expected to take part in Business Clean Ups during 2020 and empower their employees to clean up their local communities.

Scott Davies, ISS CEO – Australia and New Zealand, said ISS is proud to partner with Clean Up Australia in a program dedicated to tackling Australia’s waste challenges.

“As one of the country’s largest facility services companies, we help businesses reduce their environmental footprint every day through our sustainable cleaning and waste management practices. This partnership aligns strongly with our CSR values that provide practical solutions to help us all live more sustainably.”

Davies said ISS plans to harness its sizable national workforce to help make a difference.

“Across Australia, we have around 14,000 employees who are geographically dispersed over a large number of sites in the aviation, health, resources, education and business and industry sectors.

“We aim to leverage the power of our employee numbers and partner with our customers to create multiple Clean-Up events across the country, to really make a difference to our local communities.”

Tork uncovers the impact of composting hand towels

Through lifecycle analysis, Tork has found composting hand towel with commercial composters instead of disposing them in landfill reduces greenhouse gas emissions by 50 per cent.

This lifecycle analysis was completed as part of new Environmental Product Declarations (EPD) on a number of Tork products. Each EPD outlines Global Warming Potential – also known as carbon footprint, GWP is the potential of greenhouse gases – such as carbon dioxide and methane – to increase absorption of heat reaching Earth’s atmosphere, intensifying the natural greenhouse effect.

In 2016, Tork was the first tissue company to produce EPDs. A published EPD is an independently verified and registered document that communicates transparent and comparable information about the environmental impact of a product through its entire life cycle.

Tork is adding more products to the EPDs and will also include some

Conquest extends short-term hire fleet Conquest Equipment has extended its Melbourne-based short-term hire program to Brisbane, Sydney and surrounding suburbs.

The new short-term hire program offers flexible terms starting from one day. Conquest’s large fleet of modern floor cleaning equipment provides solutions for any hardfloor surface – from compact walkbehind or ride-on machines for congested spaces, to large ride-on heavy duty sweepers and scrubbers for tougher industrial environments.

The comprehensive short-term hire program includes pick-up with optional trailer hire, or delivery to site. As part of the service, Conquest will provide advice at time of selection as well as comprehensive operator training.

8 INCLEAN January / February 2020

interesting statistics about composting hand towels.

Each EPD covers the full life cycle of the product from cradle-to-grave. The most popular Tork Conventional, Jumbo and Mini Jumbo toilet paper products, Multifold and Ultraslim hand towels, Roll and Kitchen towel products, as well as Xpressnap dispenser napkins have been analysed.

“We were attracted to EPDs for Tork because of their transparency, credibility and ability to speak to the product’s entire life cycle. We have both quantified our environmental impacts and disclosed this information publicly for a range of products,” said Rochelle Lake, head of marketing, B2B. “EPDs also allow us to identify ‘hot spots’ within our value chain - areas where improvements can be made to reduce impact, such as through composting of hand towel.”

The EPDs also show Tork toilet paper and hand towel that is manufactured at Kawerau has been produced with 65 to 76 per cent renewable energy.

An achievement that is a result of the direct use of geothermal steam in the paper making process and of New Zealand’s high proportion of renewable energy within the grid.

The recent $23 million upgrade of the Kawerau facility is undergoing further assessment and additional EPDs will be available in 2020.

Conquest has also welcomed hire controller, Dean Molander, to the team to facilitate its short-term hire program.

Molander said he is excited to take Conquest’s short-term to new heights through delivery of exceptional customer care and expertise.

INDUSTRY NEWS

“

Cleanstar releases marketing campaign for 2020 Cleanstar has launched its 2020 marketing campaign, ‘20/20 Vision’.

For the first time the campaign combines the company’s two flagship brands, Cleanstar and XPOWER. Cleanstar is a leading Australian brand of cleaning machinery, parts and accessories.

XPOWER is a major worldwide brand of restoration equipment including airmovers, dryers, air scrubbers and dehumidifiers.

Lisa Michalson, director of Cleanstar, said the campaign reflects the market demand for both brands, with XPOWER now a core component of the company’s product offering.

“The combination of our two brands is a perfect vision,” Michalson said.

The campaign follows on from the Melbournebased manufacturer’s 2019 campaign, Homegrown.

“Each year we work hard to create an eyecatching campaign. We continue to pride

ourselves on being innovative in marketing strategies and concepts, and adaptable to suit a range of new target markets and clients,” Michalson said.

The campaign will be supported across print, digital and Cleanstar and XPOWER’s social media channels including Facebook and Instagram.

Last year Cleanstar expanded its marketing services beyond the cleaning industry to other business sectors under a separate entity, Starred Marketing.

Each year we work hard to create an eyecatching campaign.

We continue to pride ourselves on being innovative in marketing strategies and concepts, and adaptable to suit a range of new target markets and clients.

”

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YEAR IN REVIEW

Year in review JANUARY/FEBRUARY

Millennium Services Group appoints new CEO Millennium Services Group appointed Darren Boyd as the company’s new CEO and managing director.

Boyd took over from Millennium’s acting CEO and head of Millennium subsidiary Airlite Group, Steve Willis, who was appointed following the departure of Millennium’s previous CEO, Craig Hanley, who spent less than 18 months in the role.

In April 2018 Boyd joined national services and facilities management group OCS in a fixed-term role to spearhead the company’s local growth strategy and provide strategic planning advice.

Service providers urged to cooperate in Aged Care Royal Commission Aged care service providers were urged to cooperate in the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety following the investigation’s launch in mid-January 2019.

The Commission is investigating the quality of care provided in residential and home aged care to senior Australians, but also includes young Australians with disabilities living in residential aged care settings. A significant focus

of the Commission’s work is the understanding how the aged care system currently works.

Commissioner Richard Tracey said at the start of the Commission it was a “once in a lifetime opportunity to come together as a nation to consider how we can create a better system of care for elderly Australians”.

A final report is due on 12 November 2020. An interim report was released on 31 October 2019.

Vic Govt seeks submissions on ‘gig economy’ In January the Victorian Government called for submissions for an inquiry into the on-demand workforce, also known as the ‘gig-economy’.

The inquiry, chaired by former Fair Work Ombudsman Natalie James, investigated the extent of the on-demand sector and the status of people working with or for online companies or platforms in Victoria.

The establishment of the On-Demand Workforce Inquiry, which commenced in October 2018, followed widespread concern about the wages and conditions 10 INCLEAN January / February 2020

being offered to workers in the on-demand and gig economy.

A key focus of the inquiry was the arrangements covering workers in the on-demand workforce, looking at the legal status of people working with or for online companies or platforms in Victoria.

The on-demand sector is made up of a range of workers, consumers and platforms across different industries including cleaning.

The inquiry is still ongoing, with findings yet to be released.

Airbnb announces ethical cleaning partnership In an Australian first, Canberra-based cleaning firm Harmony Community Cleaning partnered with online marketplace Airbnb to launch a pilot program designed to promote fair pay and conditions for its workers.

Under the agreement Airbnb promoted Harmony Community Cleaning – Canberra’s first social enterprise cleaning firm – via the platform as the preferred cleaning company for Airbnb hosts.

Jo-anne Schofield national secretary for United Voice said at the time of the pilot’s launch, the initiative was providing “cleaning with purpose”.

“Hosts who support the pilot will know their cleaners are being paid the correct rate and they are supporting an ethical cleaning collective. The pilot program brings both dignity and a professional, properly paid workforce into rented properties.”

YEAR IN REVIEW

National scheme for ethical cleaning launches

MARCH/APRIL Hospital cleaning trial cuts infections A major trial of a bundle of hospital cleaning practices in 11 Australian hospitals made significant reductions in healthcare-associated infections and demonstrated cost-benefits.

The NHMRC-funded study, “An environmental cleaning bundle and health care-associated infection in hospitals (REACH): a multi-centre randomised trial”, was led by QUT health economist Professor Nick Graves from the Australian Centre for Health Services Innovation (AusHSI) at the Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation (IHBI) and is published in The Lancet Infectious Diseases.

The research project is believed to have been the largest prospective, multi-site and multi-factorial trial of hospital cleaning in the world. Its aim was to investigate whether a change in cleaning practices was effective in reducing the 165,000 healthcare-

associated infections in Australia each year.

The REACH project introduced a bundle of cleaning initiatives, tailored to each hospital in the study, to improve both routine and discharge hospital room cleaning.

Hospitals in the study improved their cleaning practices from 55 to 76 per cent in bathroom areas and from 64 to 86 per cent in bedroom areas.

This resulted in a 37 per cent reduction in the major healthcareassociated infection, vancomycinresistance enterococci (VRE), and a 5.8 per cent decrease overall in three types of infections.

The REACH cleaning bundle was successful at improving cleaning thoroughness and showed promise in reducing VRE infections. It also demonstrated cost-savings and increased health benefits from infections prevented.

Tennant Company inks deal with Walmart In April Tennant Company deployed a fleet of robotic floor cleaners to US retail giant Walmart.

The T7AMR autonomous floor cleaner is equipped with Brain Corp’s selfdriving operating system, BrainOS.

12 INCLEAN January / February 2020

BrainOS operate alongside Walmart associates by utilising a “teach and repeat” approach which allows associates to deploy the machine and adjust cleaning routes as the environment changes.

Chris Killingstad, Tennant Company’s president and CEO, said: “We are proud to partner with Walmart, the first major global retailer to introduce autonomous cleaning robots to deliver operational efficiency, cleaning performance and customer value on a broad scale across a retail platform.”

The Cleaning Accountability Framework (CAF) certification officially launched in March following a nationwide trial with commercial and retail properties.

CAF works with independent auditors to verify that the CAF Standards – as they relate to wages and conditions, tax and super, and responsible contracting – are being met at a building. Prior to its launch CAF had piloted a dozen commercial and retail properties in six states and territories.

Poonam Datar, CEO of the Cleaning Accountability Framework, said the power of CAF is that it engages all parties – building owners, building managers, cleaning companies, the cleaners’ union and cleaners themselves – to fix the well-known problems in the cleaning industry.

CAF CEO Poonam Datar

Asaleo Care completes sale of tissue business Asaleo Care completed the $180 million sale of its Australian consumer tissue business to Solaris Paper.

The sale included Sorbent toilet and facial tissue, Handee Ultra paper towel, and Deeko serviettes and disposable tableware.

The company retained its Australasian personal care and B2B operations, as well as the consumer tissue business in New Zealand including Purex toilet tissue, Sorbent toilet and facial tissue and Handee towel.

Asaleo Care also retained its consumer tissue business in Fiji and Pacific Islands, which distributes the Orchid and Viti brands for toilet, towel and facial tissue, and serviettes.

INDUSTRY NEWS

MAY

JUNE

Cleanaway trials electric kerbside waste collections vehicles Cleanaway welcomed the first of two fully electric kerbside waste collections vehicles as part of a three-month trial.

The two fully operational vehicles were understood to be among the first in Australia to service kerbside collections.

Cleanaway CEO and managing director, Vik Bansal, said at the time of the roll out that it was an exciting step forward for the business.

“With almost 5000 vehicles on the road each day servicing homes and businesses all over Australia, we are looking for ways to do that more sustainably,” Bansal said.

FWO Sandra Parker presents at CAF launch

Fair Work Ombudsman launches 2019-20 priorities Fair Work Ombudsman Sandra Parker announced the regulator’s priorities in an address to the 2019 Annual National Policy Influence Reform Conference in Canberra, with Parker outlining a stronger approach to enforcement.

Parker highlighted vulnerable workers will continue to be top of mind for the agency, as will matters that “are of significant public interest, demonstrate a blatant disregard for the law, are of significant scale or impact on workers or the community and can test the law or use new laws”.

“We will use our new powers and publicly name employers who break the law to get the message out that it is not acceptable to underpay workers or deprive them of their entitlements.

Employers who do this will get caught,” Parker said.

The Ombudsman flagged a bigger role for compliance notices to address underpayments, breaches of awards and the National Employment Standards.

She highlighted the flow on effect of requiring employers to take responsibility is directing finite resources to strategic matters or industries where the regulator wants to be extremely active.

“If you are in one of our priority industries, operate a franchise system or employ large numbers of migrant workers, you should expect to hear from us.”

BSCAA appoints new national president

PM appoints first assistant minister for waste reduction Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced his new ministry following the coalition’s election win, with the new-look cabinet featuring the first Assistant Minister for Waste Reduction and Environmental Management.

The newly created parliamentary role was appointed to Queensland MP Trevor Evans.

Gayle Sloan, CEO of the Waste Management and Resource Recovery Association of Australia (WMRR), said the association was pleased to see extra resources allocated to the environment portfolio.

Australian Council of Recycling (ACOR) CEO, Peter Shmigel, said the appointment represented unprecedented national leadership on recycling.

“This is the first time – Commonwealth or state and probably OECD – there’s direct ownership and accountability for recycling results at ministerial level,” Shmigel said.

14 INCLEAN January / February 2020

The BSCAA elected former president of the industry body’s Queensland division, Kim Puxty as its new national president for 2019-2021.

Puxty, who is administration manager for Ellems Cleaning Services, took over from long-serving national president and director of GJK Facility Services, George Stamas.

Current president of the association’s NSW division Debbie Delimitros was appointed national vice president for 2019-2021.

State representatives include Matthew Collings (Tasmania), Joe Kaplan (Victoria), Peter Rundle (South Australia), Lyn Whelan (Western Australia) and Mark Nipper (Queensland).

Puxty said she was excited to work with the board on rejuvenating the direction of the association by focusing on developing its 2019-2021 strategies and goals.

Delimitros said the national priorities for BSCAA for the next 12 months is to ensure the association remains committed to working with government and stakeholders to improve the professionalism of the industry.

Puxty and Delimitros are the first women to be appointed to the role of president and vice-president respectively.

• • • •

• • •

• • • •

INDUSTRY NEWS

AUGUST RapidClean appoints sales GM

JULY ABC’s War on Waste sparks national action The ABC’s War on Waste sparked major social and environmental change across Australia, triggering more than 450 initiatives by schools, hospitals, businesses, governments and community groups to slash their waste footprint.

A report by the University of Technology Sydney’s Institute for Sustainable Futures and the ABC found many people who were inspired by the ABC television program to reduce waste at home went on to drive or demand similar changes across the public, private and community sectors – greatly amplifying the impact of the series.

The report identified 452 high-impact waste-reduction initiatives triggered by War on Waste.

Almost half the 280 organisations in the report reduced waste in their operations, services or products based on ideas from War on Waste.

Jenni Downes, research lead at the Institute for Sustainable Futures and report co-author, said War on Waste has triggered systems-wide changes, driving high-impact waste-reduction initiatives, models and practices across Australia.

“The universal adoption of the ‘war on waste’ slogan demonstrates a new consciousness in communities everywhere and has raised expectations and demand for change.”

More than two-thirds of the 3.3 million viewers of the second series reported changes in waste behaviours, according to separate ABC audience data.

Whiteley calls for increased investment in healthcare cleaning

series focused on the latest research on hand hygiene, surface cleaning and their role in reducing hospital acquired infections (HAIs).

During his keynote presentation on the latest research on surface cleaning and disinfection, Dr Whiteley called for increased investment in cleaning in healthcare facilities to compensate for the poor level of hand hygiene in hospitals.

“It is very important that surfaces are cleaned efficiently, and bacteria are killed effectively,” said Whiteley.

Whiteley Corporation chairman Dr Greg Whiteley called for increased investment in healthcare cleaning to compensate for the poor level of hand hygiene in hospitals during a seminar series held in New Zealand.

Held by Whiteley Corporation NZ in Auckland and Christchurch, the seminar

ISS gains training accreditation ISS Facility Services became a registered training organisation (RTO) following approval by the national training regulator Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA).

ISS said as a registered RTO it can commence delivering national Certificate III qualifications in cleaning operations to staff.

Scott Erwin, director of people and

16 INCLEAN January / February 2020

culture ISS Australia and RTO CEO, said the certification is a significant investment by ISS for building the skills and capabilities of its people and providing them recognition of their skills with a national qualification.

“ISS will continue developing and promoting our RTO capability and solutions, supporting the development of our people within the business.”

Former Kärcher Australia executive Lucas Paris was appointed to the newly created role of general manager for sales at RapidClean.

Paris was previously sales and marketing director – professional at Kärcher Australia.

Prior to that, he was the national industrial sales manager at Oates.

Commenting on his appointment, Paris said he was looking forward to putting the cooperative on the map as a national provider.

“RapidClean already has a strong national footprint in Australia – there’s not many areas we don’t trade in or have cover.

“But RapidClean has been a sleeping giant in the industry for quite a while now and many customers who traditionally purchase from the big players aren’t aware of RapidClean’s offering,” Paris told INCLEAN.

Workers vote to create new union United Voice and National Union of Workers voted to merge and form a new union, the United Workers Union.

The Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) declared the ballot result on Friday, 30 August, with more than 95 per cent of members voting in favour of the new union.

NUW national secretary Tim Kennedy said the new United Workers Union would be a significant voice for workers in both the public and private sectors.

United Voice national secretary Jo-anne Schofield said across the board, members had resoundingly embraced the opportunity to democratically set the course for the future of United Voice and NUW to form the United Workers Union.

INDUSTRY NEWS

SEPTEMBER

Stadiums’ cleaning contractors audited The Fair Work Ombudsman conducted surprise audits at AAMI Park in Melbourne, ANZ Stadium in Sydney and GIO Stadium in Canberra to analyse the cleaning arrangements of these stadiums as part of a sham contracting investigation.

The regulator conducted the audits in response to intelligence suggesting cleaning companies that are contracted to clean stadiums may not be compliant with Australia’s workplace laws.

At the stadiums, inspectors interviewed cleaners and supervisors, as well as photographed the venues, to gain a better understanding of the employment conditions the cleaners are working under. Inspectors also reviewed employment records on site at the stadiums as part of gathering evidence for the investigation.

This was followed shortly after by another surprise audit of the cleaning arrangements at Perth’s Optus Stadium following the WAFL grand final between Subiaco and South Fremantle.

The FWO said it was concerned about possible sham contracting, where workers are misclassified as independent contractors and don’t receive the pay and entitlements they would be entitled to as employees under the Cleaning Services Award 2010. Results of the audits will be published in due course.

Tennant Australia appoints regional sales manager Tennant Australia completed its national sales team restructure, with the appointment of David Miller as regional sales manager north.

Miller has more than 20 years’ strategic management experience with multi-channel sales teams in the capital equipment and floor cleaning industry.

Tennant ANZ general manager Chad Angeli said the company worked extensively over the past year on rebuilding its field sales and sales leadership positions.

“I’m extremely excited to have David Miller join our team. Dave is extremely well thought of in our industry. He has a great mix of capital equipment and multi-channel experience, with incredible team values. He is also extremely customer focused.”

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OCTOBER ATO receives record-breaking tip-offs amid black economy blitz The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) received a record-breaking 15,000 tip-offs to its Tax Integrity Centre in the first quarter of this financial year as the agency continues its focus on the black economy.

The top categories of tip-offs the ATO has received so far this year have been about; not declaring income, paying workers ‘cash in hand’ and not reporting sales.

The ATO also received high volumes of tip-offs about black economy behaviour in the hairdressing and beauty, building and construction, and

cleaning industries.

In one day in early August, the ATO’s Tax Integrity Centre received almost 300 tip-offs. Tip-offs from New South Wales topped the ATO’s list, closely followed by Victoria and Queensland.

The Black Economy Taskforce estimates the black economy is costing the community as much as $50 billion each year, which is approximately three per cent of GDP. The ATO plans to visit 10,000 businesses this financial year as part of its strategy to deal with the black economy.

ISSA Cleaning & Hygiene Expo success continues The ISSA Cleaning & Hygiene Expo continued its success in Australia in 2019, with the third annual event taking place in Melbourne.

Run in partnership with ISSA and Interpoint Events, the ISSA Cleaning & Hygiene Expo is the industry’s leading trade event.

More than 1100 visitors attended the first day at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC), representing a 15 per cent increase on first-day attendees last year in Sydney.

Simon Cooper, managing director of Interpoint Events, said the atmosphere on the exhibit floor was extremely positive following the first day.

ISSA vice president, international services Dianna Steinbach, said the show experienced steady traffic

between the expo and its co-location partner, Waste Expo Australia, and received positive feedback from both attendees and exhibitors.

The 2020 ISSA Cleaning & Hygiene Expo will be co-located with workplace health and safety event, Safety in Action.

INDUSTRY NEWS

Central Cleaning Supplies opens new store Central Cleaning Supplies continued to expand its retail footprint in 2019 following the opening of its largest store to date in Victoria.

Located in Dandenong in Victoria’s south east, the 800sqm store took Central Cleaning Supplies’ total network of stores in Victoria to seven.

Central Cleaning Supplies, one of the largest distributors of cleaning materials, chemicals and equipment also operates sites in Mascot, Sydney and Hobart, Tasmania.

The Dandenong store is the first of four new stores to be opened in NSW, Queensland in February 2020 and Western Australia in April 2020.

FWO recovers $40 million for workers Fair Work Inspectors recovered more than $40 million for 18,000 underpaid employees during the financial year – the highest total recoveries figure in the regulator’s history, According to the Fair Work Ombudsman’s 2018-19 Annual Report, FWO resolved more than 29,000 workplace disputes between workers and businesses.

More than 80 per cent of new litigations involved protecting migrant workers, with the agency securing court penalties of $1.8 million in matters including this cohort.

Inspectors issued $479,900 in on-the-spot fines for pay slip and record-keeping breaches.

Anonymous reports to the FWO increased, with more than 16,000 reports received, which included more than 1200 reports made in languages other than English.

Inspectors conducted more than 2800 workplace audits, strategically targeting sectors at high risk of non-compliance.

INDUSTRY NEWS

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER

FWO recovers entitlements for school cleaners Following an investigation by the Fair Work Ombudsman, the Victorian Department of Education and Training (DET) made significant changes to school cleaning contracts.

Fair Work Inspectors undertook audits in response to intelligence and allegations of cleaners being underpaid at Victorian government schools. A random sample of five regional and five metropolitan Victorian schools was selected for audits in late 2017.

Inspectors interviewed school and cleaning staff and checked records for a three-month period, finding that employees were underpaid by nine of the 11 cleaning companies audited.

The VIC DET has subsequently improved oversight of its school cleaning contracts. In 2018 the department implemented a new procurement model and reduced the number of cleaning contractors from 250 to eight companies in metropolitan areas.

The Fair Work Ombudsman has sought ongoing assurance from the VIC DET that vulnerable workers will be protected from exploitation.

Earlier this year, DET introduced a new contract management software system for regional schools, which requires cleaning contractors to submit evidence each year of compliance with workplace laws.

In total, Fair Work Inspectors recovered $9,132 for 27 workers in 2018, which was the result of contractors failing to pay the minimum wage for ordinary hours, penalty rates and parttime loadings owed under the Cleaning Services Award 2010.

Underpayments for individual workers ranged from $26 to $2223.

Fair Work Inspectors issued 14 infringement notices (total fines of $23,100), three formal cautions and four compliance notices to the cleaning companies.

FMA launches Accessibility Policy The Facility Management Association of Australia (FMA) launched its first Accessibility Policy on International Day of People with Disability (IDPwD).

The policy, which was developed by the Diversity Portfolio Group, seeks to create a more inclusive facilities management industry by raising awareness and engagement on disability and accessibility.

The Accessibility Policy outlines how FMA can foster an environment where members and employers are supported, educated and provided with the right tools to make their facilities and workplaces more accessible.

FMA CEO Nicholas Burt said, “Facilities managers can play an important role in breaking down the physical barriers for people with disabilities and creating a more inclusive society.”

FMA diversity portfolio group co-chairs Leanne Cluley and Suellyn Ward said the policy is an example of how the FMA is advocating for diversity to become “business as usual”.

Academy Services appoints CEO to spearhead transformation Academy Services has announced James Pollock as CEO of its national operations.

Company founder Glen Browne said Pollock is guiding the 40-year-old company through a significant branding and transformational period that will reinvigorate the cleaning, facilities management and e-safety business.

“On behalf of the board and the whole Academy team, I would like to welcome James and look forward to seeing him drive this company into the future,” Browne said.

“We are already starting to see the benefits of James’ passion and vision for growth and development.”

20 INCLEAN January / February 2020

Pollock’s experience prior to Academy Services includes employment in management consultancy, local government and the oil and gas field, while he is also a co-partner in development firm Hemmerling Pollock Wilson.

Pollock said Academy Services is embarking on a significant moment in its history with major growth predicted over the next three years as the company aims to reach a revenue of $120 million.

“This is an exciting time for Academy Services as we are investing significant monies into our internal systems and our customer centric branding/marketing,” Pollock said.

“We have well and truly commenced our journey to be the leading facilities services company within Australia.”

2020

Industry Leaders Forum Report

LEADERS FORUM

3M Australia Ranmalee de Silva, Application Engineering Specialist 3M Commercial Solutions Division, Cleaning & Workplace Safety DID YOU NOTICE ANY CHANGES IN CUSTOMER BEHAVIOUR IN 2019?

“

As a society we are becoming more aware of climate change as well as our own impact on the climate and on natural resources.

We are now seeing that movement flow into the business sector and the cleaning industry.

”

22 INCLEAN January / February 2020

We have noticed changes in customer behaviour over the past few years, but they seemed to have come to a head in 2019. Cleaning budgets are tight these days and customers are looking for either products or processes that assist them cut the costs of their cleaning operations.

3M has been aware of this need, so a lot of our new products have been focused on either reducing costs or reducing processes such as minimising the use of chemicals. The industry is seeking more innovation and more innovative products, and this has been reflected in the growing number of innovation managers entering the industry.

DID YOU NOTICE ANY TRENDS IN 2019? DO YOU EXPECT THOSE TRENDS TO CONTINUE IN 2020?

Sustainability. When I first started in this role four years ago sustainability was a topic the industry was talking about, but it was more of box-ticking exercise. However, this year we have seen a greater focus on it.

As a society we are becoming more aware of climate change as well as our own impact on the climate and on natural resources. People are more conscious about changing their activities to lessen that impact. We are now seeing that movement flow into the business sector and the cleaning industry. Products that are reducing the use of water or the use of chemicals, are becoming more in demand. There is now a genuine need for more sustainable products rather than it being a box to be ticked.

There has also been a greater uptake of education and training. Training is something that is unique to some suppliers like 3M, but this year there has been noticeable demand for it. I think this is aligned with customers seeking new innovations. They are more inclined to open their business to you because you are trying to help them improve their offering, and they also want to do it right. We are moving away from traditional cleaning methods and traditional cleaning times, so that shift has created that need.

Innovation is always a focus for 3M. Our products are quite technical so we have always offered ongoing training and support throughout the life of the product, and we will continue to do that for our customers in 2020.

Robotics is also another trend. Robotic machines made their initial appearance around three years ago with the first-generation machines, but now we are seeing more improved machines. There will be a greater uptake of automation given the labour costs in Australia and now they have been trialled and we know where they work such as airports.

WHAT ROLE WILL INNOVATION PLAY FOR 3M IN 2020?

Innovation is in our DNA. Our vision as a company is that our technology advances every company, our product enhances every home, and our innovations improve every life. When it comes to launching new products to the market, we always seek our customers’ insights to help us best innovate to suit their needs.

The industry is trying to do a lot with little money. Our cleaning budgets are extremely tight, yet our cleaning and presentation expectations of a facility are extremely high. In order to fit into that, we are looking at products that will assist our customers improve the presentation of their facilities.

There are a number of products that we will be releasing in 2020 that will be targeted at the commercial cleaning industry and the food service industry. Our products go through a lengthy voice of customer process to ensure they are the right fit for the marketplace so some of our key customers are scheduled to trial those products in 2020.

HOW DO YOU SEE THE CLEANING LANDSCAPE EVOLVING INTO 2020?

In 2019 we saw a lot of customers take innovation and sustainability more seriously by testing a lot of new products and technologies.

I think 2020 will be the year where the rubber meets the road and big decisions will be made on solidifying those changes and bringing about significant changes to the industry.

IS THERE ONE KEY MESSAGE THAT YOU WOULD LIKE TO SHARE WITH THE INDUSTRY? The industry needs to re-evaluate what their expectations are versus their budgets. We have reached a critical point that we now need to ask, do our budgets reflect our expectations and our customers’ expectations? ■

LEADERS FORUM

Agar Cleaning Systems Steve Agar, Joint Managing Director HOW WAS 2019 FOR AGAR? WHAT WERE THE HIGHLIGHTS? WHAT WERE THE CHALLENGES? Every year is full of challenge and change at Agar. We continue to develop new products to meet evolving marketplace needs and pleasingly had some great new product introductions in 2019. Outwardly, our revenues continue to grow modestly, but behind that we continually must adapt to a changing market and expectations.

For a chemical formulator and manufacturer, a key challenge is perception. Most people are not chemists, so they’re not able to objectively assess the level of hazard or lack of hazard presented by a chemical substance. This can be taken advantage of by those marketers who purport to have non-chemical alternatives and leads to much misinformation in the market.

WHAT WILL BE THE IMMEDIATE FOCUS FOR AGAR IN 2020?

We’ll continue to challenge ourselves to develop products that can earn GECA certification with clearly reduced environmental impacts and additional societal benefits. We will also focus our attention on applications where chemical expertise is best and most usefully applied and look at simplifying our offering for internal and external benefit.

“

We will continue to address the issue around the perception of chemicals and educate the market that chemicals have a valid and important role to play.

”

WHAT CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES DO YOU SEE LOOKING AHEAD TO 2020?

More competition, more new technologies and more products come into the market each year making it a crowded and complex arena.

We will continue to address the issue around the perception of chemicals and educate the market that chemicals have a valid and important role to play, and that cleaning operators should understand the limitations of, and risks presented by the use of non-chemical alternatives.

Agar is a trusted brand with a large range of well-respected products that our clients tell us work well which is a welcome alternative to new and unproven options. Our opportunity is to help more cleaning operators navigate their way through the maze of options available now.

WHAT DO YOU EXPECT WILL BE THE BIG TRENDS OF 2020?

In relation to the industry generally, we seem to have reached a tipping point where automation like robotic cleaning machines have evolved to be viewed as practical and viable to more customers. Gathering and using data digitally from machines and devices to support service delivery and to optimise processes will start to become more widespread.

The “cradle to grave” life cycle will receive more consideration. This includes everything from the recycling and re-using of solid chemical packaging, avoiding plastic film to selecting more durable cleaning equipment which can be re-cycled at the end of its life. In other words, moving away from a ‘throw-away’ society.

Ethical business will be topical as businesses continue to work on corporate social responsibility, and the Modern Slavery Laws filter through the marketplace. Regulatory scrutiny and enforcement will continue to rise and place pressure on players who try to take shortcuts.

WHAT IS ONE ISSUE THE INDUSTRY SHOULD URGENTLY ADDRESS IN 2020?

There is an understandable desire of mankind to find more environmentally friendly ways of operating but when it comes to hygiene there are growing risks of infection from ill-informed choices such as chemical-free cleaning in situations where chemicals are the most appropriate, or part of the most appropriate solution.

Also making sure “green” products are more than notionally green. Unfortunately, misleading greenwashing is still rife in 2020.

IS THERE ONE KEY MESSAGE YOU WOULD LIKE TO SHARE WITH THE INDUSTRY? Choose your cleaning methods wisely to give substance to your service. There is an evergrowing suite of options, yet some are more appropriate for specific situations than others.

Go beyond the sticker price by seeking expert advice to enable you to make the right informed decisions for you and your clients. Look at the value delivered in terms of hygiene, productivity, availability, support and overall cost-in-use. ■

www.incleanmag.com.au 23

LEADERS FORUM

Central Cleaning Supplies Joe Camilleri, Managing Director HOW WAS 2019 FOR CENTRAL CLEANING SUPPLIES? WHAT WERE THE HIGHLIGHTS? WHAT WERE THE CHALLENGES?

WHAT CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES DO YOU SEE FOR CENTRAL CLEANING SUPPLIES LOOKING AHEAD TO 2020?

2019 has been a busy and successful year for our team, as our continual expansion and business strategy plan is helping us to push the boundaries within our industry and row our existing and new customer base across the country.

We opened two new sites; St Peters, Sydney and Dandenong, Melbourne. We have organically grown through our customers’ expansion, new customers and corporates that we have acquired.

This year has also been full of customer roll outs which have kept us extremely busy.

Our investments with our new innovative product launches has also had a big part with our team and customers during 2019. Reinvesting in the business and our staff is always a key focus within our organisation Every day in business is a challenge. Every day you will always face something that needs attention and an action plan for growth and to success.

Growth in business is always a challenge, as you need to cater and plan for growth, while operating your normal daily business, but it creates many opportunities.

WHAT WILL BE THE IMMEDIATE FOCUS FOR CENTRAL CLEANING SUPPLIES IN 2020?

We have some new initiatives that we will launch to the public soon that will continue to provide efficiencies and better cleaning for our industry, current customers and new customers.

WILL CENTRAL CLEANING SUPPLIES’ STORE NETWORK CONTINUE TO GROW IN 2020?

Yes, 100 per cent. We are expanding shortly in Queensland and Western Australia so that our full network across the country is complete.

24 INCLEAN January / February 2020

WHAT DO YOU EXPECT WILL BE THE BIG TRENDS OF 2020?

Technology is the key to the future. Everything is achievable through technology. Various aspects of technology will play a big part in 2020. Keep in mind that there are many variables when it comes to technology.

Our industry world-wide is evolving through the investments and efficiencies made through innovation and technology and this will no doubt continue through the years.

ARE THERE ANY INTERNATIONAL TRENDS THAT YOU THINK WILL MAKE THEIR WAY TO AUSTRALIA IN 2020?

Many. I feel Australia has much to do in catching up within our industry with what our fellow industry companies are doing at the moment in their countries. This is why we have taken an initiative to the advancements within our industry though new innovations in battery operated technology, social welfare, training schools, community awareness, an increase in green cleaning, media, telemetry, robotics plus more. Today we are taking the steps to plan and execute the new advancements in our company that is needed in our industry. Customers need a difference. ■

LEADERS FORUM

Cleaning Accountability Framework (CAF) Poonam Datar, CEO

“

To date we have certified 18 buildings against our 3 Star Standard and have improved working conditions for more than 800 cleaners at CAFcertified buildings across Australia.

”

26 INCLEAN January / February 2020

HOW WAS 2019 FOR CAF? WHAT WERE THE HIGHLIGHTS? WHAT WERE THE CHALLENGES?

WHAT CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES DO YOU SEE FOR CAF LOOKING AHEAD TO 2020?

2019 was a landmark year for CAF. The CAF 3 Star Building Certification framework was officially launched in March. Alongside the March launch, we kicked off the first pilot of the CAF Contractor Prequalification framework with BIC Services, Consolidated Property Services and ISS Facility Management.

October saw the inaugural CAF training sessions take place, starting with CAF compliance training for building managers, followed by the first CAF representative training.

CAF will offer further training in 2020, also together with our partners.

One of the major challenges (and opportunities) has been the increased focus on social compliance particularly following the enactment of the Modern Slavery Act. Many organisations are already well on the way in terms of understanding their social footprint, however, this is still largely unchartered territory and one where collaboration is proving critical.

One of the strengths of our framework is that we don’t do “tick and flick” reporting – a CAF assessment is a deep dive into the cleaning supply chain’s performance against minimum legal and regulatory obligations, as well as advising how conditions for workers can be improved at each site.

Following this process, CAF works hand in hand with the property owners, building managers and cleaning contractors at a building to guide them through the investigation and remediation of compliance issues, with a key focus on proactive risk mitigation. This is designed to create sustainable change for cleaners. We are effectively helping to build a culture of compliance where all the right conditions are in place for cleaners to be treated fairly, and for them to be able to raise issues when they arise, so that non-compliance can be addressed swiftly.

That doesn’t come without its challenges. The follow up can add to the workloads of those on the ground implementing CAF – workloads that are often already overloaded – and for whom social compliance has not been built into their job description. However, by working across the supply chain we have been able to identify and remediate many issues including underpayment, bullying, and unsafe work, and in the process have built strong relationships with stakeholders.

In 2020, we’ll be continuing our work with stakeholders to better support those implementing CAF through training, tools and ongoing interaction.

WHAT WILL BE THE IMMEDIATE FOCUS FOR CAF IN 2020?

CAF has three key focus areas for 2020: • Uptake of building certification; • Launch of the Contractor Prequalification framework; and • Development of a CAF framework for retail stores.

CAF has been working hard the past few months to assist stakeholders make the most of building certification.

We have also been working on guidance to assist relevant entities report on CAF certification as part of their modern slavery statements. We look to expand on this work over 2020. Following extensive testing over 2019-20, CAF plans to launch our Contractor Prequalification framework in 2020.

In 2019, Woolworths and CAF came together to commence work developing a CAF for retail stores. The retail stores framework will cover store cleaners, as well as starting work on trolley collecting. 2020 will see the development of the framework, processes and tools with a view to commencing a pilot in the second half of the year.

WHAT DO YOU EXPECT WILL BE THE BIG TRENDS OF 2020?

Next year will see many companies deliver their first modern slavery statements under the Modern Slavery Act. Entities who have completed their first assessment will have likely identified cleaning as a high-risk industry, particularly if most of their operations and suppliers are based in Australia.

In many organisations, the responsibility for addressing these risks falls to a mix of procurement, sustainability, risk, legal and operations experts, many of whom will have little to no social auditing experience. This is expected

LEADERS FORUM given the social auditing space in Australia remains relatively small and emerging.

While there is currently a shortage of trained social auditors, increased interest in social (and payroll) compliance is likely to further develop this industry.

CAF is one of the few organisations leading the way in social auditing, and we are looking forward to the growth of this industry. However, one trend we hope to see develop alongside social auditing in 2020 is organisations understanding the need to invest in follow up on audit findings which can often be more challenging than the audit itself.

WHAT KEY ISSUES SHOULD THE INDUSTRY BE DISCUSSING? Much of the conversation at the top end of the supply chain is focused on modern slavery at the moment, and while it provides a useful starting point for thinking about dignity at work, we think it is useful to flip the problem: the opposite of modern slavery is decent work. Decent work means all workers have a right to fair pay, safe

and secure work, to be free from coercion, discrimination, and any form of abuse.

The best way to address modern slavery risk in the cleaning industry in Australia is for all supply chain stakeholders to look at how their business decisions can facilitate respect of existing laws, and to provide pathways for cleaners to speak up. As more stakeholders go through the CAF process multiple times, we are seeing the fear of being caught out for noncompliance dissipating.

When combined with genuine efforts of remediation, this is crucial for effecting real and lasting positive change for workers. Over 2020, the industry should continue to encourage transparency and accountability both from within their own business, but also of their suppliers.

WHAT IS ONE ISSUE YOU THINK THE INDUSTRY SHOULD URGENTLY ADDRESS IN 2020?

One of the top issues that we have consistently identified through CAF audits is underpayment of cleaners. This is a

known, systemic, industry-wide issue which needs to be addressed immediately.

We know this is largely driven by contract price cutting and is symptomatic of an industry that has been working on cutthroat margins for far too long.

This practice can no longer be facilitated or tolerated by procurers or tenderers and we would like to see an industry wide commitment and action to fix this problem let’s make this happen in 2020.

IS THERE ONE KEY MESSAGE YOU WOULD LIKE TO SHARE WITH THE INDUSTRY? We want to recognise and thank all stakeholders who have been involved in CAF – it hasn’t been an easy journey; however, our combined efforts have had a demonstrable impact on the lives of some of the most vulnerable workers in Australia. CAF is receiving due recognition both locally and internationally for our innovative approach to social compliance.

There is a lot to be proud of, and we look forward to another big year in 2020. ■

Applications for 2020 CAF Certification NOW OPEN The Cleaning Accountability Framework Building Certification Scheme works with: n Cleaners n Cleaning Contractors n Building managers n Property Owners n Tenants to ensure transparency and accountability of cleaning supply chains.

CAF Certification demonstrates your commitment to responsible procurement, ethical business practices, and respect for cleaners, as well as helping you report against human rights frameworks such as the UN Sustainable Development Goals and the Modern Slavery Act. If you are a building manager, property owner or tenant, apply now.

info@cleaningaccountability.org.au | www.cleaningaccountability.org.au/apply

LEADERS FORUM

Cleanstar Garth Michalson, Managing Director HOW WAS 2019 FOR CLEANSTAR? WHAT WERE THE HIGHLIGHTS? WHAT WERE THE CHALLENGES?

“

‘Right to repair’ is an issue the industry should speak about as a priority.

”

2019 exceeded expectations with new and innovative product releases.

We sold more backpacks than ever and with the release of innovative and improved products such as the MIRA 40 battery-powered floor scrubber, T1 Backpack, Medusa battery-powered sweeper, Escateq-escalator cleaning system, washroom products and hotel amenities.

Even though the Australian economy is tough, the Aussie dollar is falling, fuel is increasing, and general business expenses are growing, we made a decision to keep investing in new product to open opportunities up for ourselves and our distributors. We realise this will only strengthen the Cleanstar brand.

WHAT WILL BE THE IMMEDIATE FOCUS FOR CLEANSTAR IN 2020?

Our focus is to continue to grow Cleanstar, with an expanded product range, new product releases including restoration, hospitality and battery-operated products.

Our focus is to keep our customer service number one with a strong call centre and sales representatives that will call on our distributors and offer great support. Our focus is to also keep our Cleanstar brand strong with quality product and parts and service to backup all our machines.

WHAT CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES DO YOU SEE FOR CLEANSTAR LOOKING AHEAD TO 2020?

We are exploring acquisitions of other business with synergies to Cleanstar. Not only do we want to supply alternative product to our distribution network, we want to reach new distributors with our massive range of product.

Cleanstar caters for so many industries, we believe that this is our strength, a sort of one stop shop. These are very exciting times for us and we look forward to expanding into other industries.

Another area that we are having some impact in, is the pet grooming industry with our Xpower Pet Dryers. We are now supplying pet stores and pet groomers and our presence in this industry is growing.

28 INCLEAN January / February 2020

HOW DO YOU SEE THE CLEANING LANDSCAPE EVOLVING INTO 2020?

The industry is looking for convenience in their cleaning, with technology like robotics and battery powered products.

Cleaners are always looking for ways to get their jobs done quicker, to fit more jobs in and therefore make more money.

WHAT IS ONE ISSUE YOU THINK THE INDUSTRY SHOULD BE URGENTLY DISCUSSING IN 2020?

‘Right to repair’ is an issue the industry should speak about as a priority. Instead of just replacing full machinery when they breakdown, it is always best to repair the product.

This is not only beneficial for the customers’ pocket but also for the environment. We at Cleanstar invest in a massive range parts for all of our equipment, which allows our service agent to fix machinery instead of disposing of them, which is creating more waste for the world.

We should be rewarded by carrying so many parts for our products, the cleaning industry has access to parts for our machinery. Repairs equals less impact on the environment.

WHAT DO YOU EXPECT WILL BE THE BIG TRENDS OF 2020?

Trends relate to convenience and the environment. From cordless battery-powered machinery, robotics (but we are still a while away), biodegradable, enviro-friendly, water saving, recycled products and generally greener products. With the environmental/climate change movement becoming stronger all over the world, we expect this to be the main trend in 2020.

IS THERE ONE KEY MESSAGE YOU WOULD LIKE TO SHARE WITH THE INDUSTRY? Cleanstar’s message to the industry is to those who support our brand. We are an Australian family-owned business and brand, with all employees based in Australia. The money we make stays is re-invested in our business and in our staff. We are proud, hardworking Aussies who encourage the cleaners of Australia to support us and not the international brands whose profits are sent out of the country. ■

LEADERS FORUM

Hako Australia Frank Cupido, Managing Director HOW WAS 2019 FOR HAKO? WHAT WERE THE HIGHLIGHTS? WHAT WERE THE CHALLENGES? 2019 has been the most successful year in Hako Australia history. The implementation of a strategic growth plan in 2018 has yielded unprecedented market share growth in city cleaning and the contract cleaning segments.

Personally, the highlight for me was watching our team evolve, grow and succeed in their roles across all our departments.

Growth with existing accounts was also very satisfying. The launch of our key product, the Scrubmaster B175 R also had a significant impact. It closed a gap in our offering and has secured a number of opportunities with existing and new accounts.

However, the tight employment market across the board limited our growth to higher levels, off an already successful year. This will continue to be a challenge and one that I know all businesses face.

Cheap, non-compliant machines being imported and sold, which diminish the professionalism of the cleaning equipment industry, is another challenge faced by the industry.

WHAT WILL BE THE IMMEDIATE FOCUS FOR HAKO IN 2020?

Our immediate focus will be to consolidate our 2018/2019 efforts and continue to build on our strategic growth plan for 2020. We will also launch to the Australian market our robotic autonomous scrubber, the Minuteman Roboscrub 20 as well as continue to focus on serving our customers to high standards.

“

We work in an industry that makes a difference every day to the environments that people live, work and play in. Be proud of the work we do and know that it counts.

”

30 INCLEAN January / February 2020

WHAT CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES DO YOU SEE FOR HAKO LOOKING AHEAD TO 2020?

We have some exciting initiatives for 2020 and beyond. One of which is the launch of the Minuteman Roboscrub 20 Autonomous Scrubber.

This is such an exciting segment for us and the market. It isn’t the answer to all things, but it will find its place.

There is also significant opportunity for quality manufacturers like Hako to drive their value proposition. The ‘cheaper end’ market seems to be coming to the realisation that ‘cheap’ comes at a cost in so many ways.

The challenge is finding good personnel who can add value and contribute to our continued

success, as well as keeping up with the fast paced, ever changing needs and expectations of the marketplace.

HAVE YOU NOTICED ANY TRENDS IN 2019? DO YOU EXPECT THOSE TRENDS TO CONTINUE INTO 2020?

Demand for robotic scrubbers continues to grow and evolve. Sustainable solutions in floor cleaning equipment is also gaining more momentum and given less lip service. Quality solutions are being sought more than previous years and I believe this will continue.

The Modern Slavery Act will also start to bring to the surface higher standards of cleaning and higher expectations of quality cleaning equipment.

ARE THERE ANY INTERNATIONAL TRENDS YOU THINK WILL MAKE THEIR WAY TO AUSTRALIA IN 2020?

Sustainable equipment design and cleaning processes continue to evolve bringing genuine sustainable solutions to the market.

Day time cleaning processes to reduce energy consumption at night.

Chemical free or reducing technologies getting the balance to provide clean floor environments. Technologies that clean with less water, less chemicals.

Investing in quality equipment with longer term thinking. Europe values quality in equipment and cleaning processes.

Energy efficient motors and engines to reduce emissions and energy consumption will continue to evolve.

Battery-powered equipment solutions in the outdoor segment for cleaning municipalities.

WHAT IS ONE ISSUE THE INDUSTRY SHOULD URGENTLY ADDRESS IN 2020?

Equipment importers need to stop importing and selling ‘cheap’ non-compliant/approved equipment. Buying “cheap” comes at a cost financially and environmentally.

WHAT IS YOUR MESSAGE TO THE INDUSTRY? We work in an industry that makes a difference every day to the environments that people live, work and play in. Be proud of the work we do and know that it counts. ■

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LEADERS FORUM

High Performance Cleaning (HPC) Solutions Bridget Gardner, Director HOW WAS 2019 FOR HPC SOLUTIONS?

“

Sustainability in 2020 will be focused on waste management and being able to offer solutions beyond the standard sorting and removal of waste.

”

32 INCLEAN January / February 2020

2019 was an exciting year. We noticed a shift in the industry in two areas. The first, was a return to focus on the core business of cleaning, service delivery and training. The second was a realisation that sustainability is now mainstream. ‘Green cleaning’ has shifted from a niche marketing term, towards doing business in a smarter, more sustainable and responsible way.

A major highlight this year for us was the rebrand of our business to High Performance Cleaning Solutions (formerly Fresh Green Clean), trading as HPC Solutions. The term ‘High Performance Cleaning’ (HPC) sums up this growing professionalism, defined as ‘performing measurably healthier, more sustainable, ethical and hygienic cleaning practices’. We also delivered our new training program to several major cleaning companies, and successfully integrated my CAL model (Cleaning Activity Levels) into the cleaning scope for a couple of council tenders.

Our biggest challenge is one I think is faced by everyone in the industry – cleaning remains undervalued and under-priced.

FOLLOWING HPC’S REBRAND, WILL BE THE IMMEDIATE FOCUS FOR THE BUSINESS? The immediate focus for HPC Solutions will be the launch and rollout of our flagship online training program, Clean for Success.

This forms part of HPC Solutions’ three targeted packages: to help clients deliver greater efficiency and consistency, to increase worker engagement and innovation, and to prevent risk and ensure compliance.

Each package comprises a combination of solutions, including cleaning plans, pictorial manuals, training workshops and auditing tools in a step-by-step program.

All solutions are structured on the same HPC Criteria Framework and CAL model. This enables us to fully customise them for each cleaning

service, by mapping the products and practices used for each cleaning task, into logical workflows.

Our top priority for 2020 is to embed and road-test the online program with some leading cleaning companies and organisations that manage in-house services.

I am so excited about this new direction.

We are already seeing how the visual training manuals have empowered cleaning personnel and helped them understand the vital role they play in keeping people and environments healthy.

WHAT CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES DO YOU SEE FOR HPC LOOKING AHEAD TO 2020?

The challenge for HPC Solutions will be meeting market demand and expanding the business in a manageable and sustainable way, as the need for our training programs increase. A challenge shared by the industry is the rapid rate of software development and keeping pace with this digital disruption. Knowing which platform to choose for your business given the rate of change and digital advancement, is a problem shared by many business owners.

I believe the opportunities for HPC are enormous. Having online training manuals customised and with pictorials including diagrams, step-by-step images and colour-coded task sheets, for an industry that has workers with limited written English skills, is an extremely exciting offering and I see opportunities beyond the cleaning industry.

WHAT WILL CORPORATE SUSTAINABILITY LOOK LIKE IN 2020?

Sustainability in 2020 will be focused on waste management and being able to offer solutions beyond the standard sorting and removal of waste. The opportunity for service providers will be finding ways to ‘close the loop’ and tap into the circular economy.

For cleaning companies this means finding buyers for their client’s waste material. This

LEADERS FORUM could mean partnering directly with recycling facilities that repurpose waste materials into usable materials rather than just relying on waste management companies. The business sector needs smarter solutions for waste prevention and reuse – that’s where the opportunity lies.

The second focus will be on reducing carbon emissions and energy consumption. Using energy efficient equipment, and don’t forget that cleaning uses a significant portion of a facility’s energy bill, will become even more important. Climate change is just starting to be talked about as a serious threat to the economy in the corporate sector, but this issue will boom as soon as it turns the corner. It’s my prediction that 2020 will be the year government will be forced to be proactive about reducing carbon emissions because the top end of town is pushing them to.

The other big focus areas will be around wellbeing and healthy buildings, such as indoor air quality and surface hygiene, as well as social sustainability.

WHAT IS ONE ISSUE YOU THINK THE INDUSTRY SHOULD URGENTLY ADDRESS IN 2020?

The industry needs to re-focus and re-invest in training and providing career pathways for workers. Cleaning companies need to recruit from within for managers and train them on core cleaning skills so that they become cleaning specialists. Clients are demanding greater accountability and transparency about cleaning methodologies. Building materials are becoming more specialised. Compliance is being demanded on multiple fronts.

Cleaning is no longer something that happens after hours when no one is looking. Because of this, both cleaning staff and managers need to become better educated about their processes.

IS THERE ONE KEY MESSAGE YOU WOULD LIKE TO SHARE WITH THE INDUSTRY? Cleaning well is going to become more important as our awareness grows about biological hazards on building surfaces

and in the air - such as germs, dust, VOCs and toxic chemicals, plus the growth of drug-resistant bacteria and viruses - and the direct impact this has on absenteeism and productivity.

I believe the industry has two ways to go. Increasing expectations for better hygiene practices could be a rod for its own back and eat into profits, or it could be a chance for the industry to promote itself and the true value of what cleaning offers. Now is the perfect time for the industry to reinvent itself as specialists in keeping people healthy, rather than just managing appearances.

The rise of the gig economy, coupled with automation, are going to have a significant impact on the industry and could pose a major threat. Again, this is why it is critically important that the industry re-focuses on training and delivering high performance cleaning and focuses on the benefits this offers. If the industry wants to remain viable and valid, then it has to up its game on the way cleaning is being performed. ■

TEACH YOUR TEAM TO

Clean for Success HPC Solutions can help you to build high performance cleaning teams that deliver excellent, evidence-based results. Our exciting new programs offer: l Executive training workshops and planning tools l Visual cleaning manuals and on-line training l Fully customised to your proven best practices l ATP and conformance audits to measure outcomes l Efficient, healthy, sustainable and hygienic results l Training and advice from high performance

cleaning specialist, Bridget Gardner

Start today by downloading your free high performance cleaning checklist at:

www.hpcsolutions.com.au

LEADERS FORUM

ISS Facility Services Australia Scott Davies, CEO HOW WAS 2019 FOR ISS? WHAT WERE THE HIGHLIGHTS? WHAT WERE THE CHALLENGES? The last 12 months have been very positive for ISS Australia. We achieved double-digit organic growth and reported strong performances in education, health, aviation and resources. That growth was also on the back of the retention of several key accounts and growth of existing accounts.

In 2019 we completed two of our largest ever transitions. The first was SA Health, where we now operate a multi-service, integrated facilities services contract across four large hospitals.

The second was with Property NSW, where we retained and grew our school contract – securing another region in Sydney.

The challenge with that growth is that we need to keep attracting and retaining the right talent.

There’s been a lot of recruitment at all levels over the past 12 months for us to be able to deliver on increased volumes of business.

WHAT WILL BE THE IMMEDIATE FOCUS FOR ISS IN 2020?

One key focus will be inclusion and diversity.

Over the past few years we have built a robust Inclusion & Diversity Strategy and now the focus is executing that strategy.

Some keys areas of our Inclusion & Diversity Strategy include our flexible work policy, paid parental leave, our mentoring program for top female talent across the business, addressing the gender pay gap and providing Indigenous employment and partnerships.

More broadly, our business goals for 2020 is to accelerate our focus as a key account business, aligned to the Global ISS Way goal.

We have proven our ability to win and grow key 34 INCLEAN January / February 2020

account customers and we want to strengthen our position further in a marketplace that offers compelling, long-term growth potential.

We have clearly identified our key market sectors for the future along with our blueprint service delivery model. In 2020, we will focus on pursuing new key account opportunities to deliver a range of facility management services within these sectors.

WHAT DO YOU SEE AS MAJOR OPPORTUNITIES OVER THE NEXT 12 MONTHS? WHAT CHALLENGES DO YOU EXPECT TO FACE? The opportunity for us will be leveraging our strengths in the key sectors we play in. We’re seeing very strong growth in health, education and aviation so we will look to leverage that and examine how we can expand our service offering, such as our catering and technical services, with existing partners.

The challenge for the industry is fighting commoditisation. We must continue to focus on outcomes and on what is being delivered by our solutions and our people. Being an input-based model is one of the big challenges and more education is needed for the customer on the outcome being produced, rather than a fight to the bottom on price.

Finally, there are still many contractors in our industry who do not treat their employees ethically. This is one of our biggest challenges, and as a result, ISS has focused on those sections of the market where our customers truly understand the cost of employing service staff, value the outcome that they deliver, and consequently will not accept a tender price that looks “too good to be true”.

LEADERS FORUM IN 2019 ISS ISSUED ITS THIRD ZERO WASTE CHALLENGE – WILL THE FOCUS ON WASTE MANAGEMENT AND SUSTAINABILITY CONTINUE IN 2020?

Sustainability is a key element of our value proposition. Our focus is on power, waste, and water so we’re looking to leverage partnerships in those key areas.

We recently launched a partnership with Clean Up Australia and that will be something that we will look to leverage in 2020. We’re very excited about the partnership and there is a lot that ISS and Clean Up Australia can do together to help educate the market.

The partnerships that we are developing as part of Inclusion & Diversity Strategy are very important to us also. We believe our role with our customers is to see how we can bring the right people together to build a solution that is the right one for the customer.

WHAT ROLE WILL INNOVATION PLAY FOR ISS IN 2020?

Innovation is continuing to play a big role; however, our biggest asset continues to be our people. We self-deliver all our services across the globe, and across Australia and New Zealand we have 15,000 employees.

So, while our focus is on innovation it’s also on our people and our service with a human touch.

Mapping the touchpoints of our solution is critical, and so is measuring the impact and technology is starting to play a role in assisting us with this. Automation and robotics is also starting to have a significant impact on efficiency and on customer service, which is allowing our people to have more of a focus on service delivery and customer service.

“

We have clearly identified our key market sectors for the future along with our blueprint service delivery model. In 2020, we will focus on pursuing new key account opportunities to deliver a range of facility management services within these sectors.

”

Our global facility management reporting tool, FMS@ISS, powered in partnership with IBM, is also starting to produce significant benefits. We have rolled it across some large contracts in Australia, including Metro Trains, and it is starting to provide us with improved transparency and accountability around the service delivery. The system is rolling out globally and we will continue to implement the system across our business, with transitions to the new platform ongoing this year.

WHAT DO YOU EXPECT WILL BE THE BIG TRENDS OF 2020?

The big trend we see is around workplace experience, and the growing understanding the role FM service providers can play improving the experience and engagement of customers, employees and visitors on-site.

Another emerging trend is the move towards more integrated services and more outcome-based contracts.

The focus on sustainability will also continue in 2020, primarily on reducing water, power and waste. There will be a

growing expectation on service providers to have a robust solution in response to these issues, rather than it be considered an add-on service.

HOW DO YOU SEE THE CLEANING LANDSCAPE EVOLVING INTO 2020?

We see a trend towards more purposeled business. It’s important that we are a purpose-led organisation, where our people are not ‘just cleaning’ but are also assisting in controlling risk, improving the environments they work in and making a positive impact on the customer experience.

In environments such as healthcare, support services staff often have more interaction and connection with the patient than the clinician does, so the opportunity to have an impact on patient experience is significant.

WHAT IS ONE ISSUE THE INDUSTRY SHOULD URGENTLY DISCUSS IN 2020?

Workplace experience. There needs to be a stronger link between the work done by our people, and support service workers, and what the customer is trying to achieve.

We need to make sure that they are linked, and the people on-site understand that link. We do a disservice to our people when we don’t properly recognise what they can help deliver.

IS THERE A MESSAGE YOU WOULD LIKE TO SHARE WITH THE INDUSTRY? We need to be better at attracting graduates and young potential leaders to our industry. We’re already seeing the benefits of this with the success of our global graduate program. The other, is the importance for us to deliver tangible and meaningful outcomes with our Inclusion & Diversity Strategy. ■ www.incleanmag.com.au 35

LEADERS FORUM

ISSA Oceania Lauren Micallef, Oceania Manager HOW WAS 2019 FOR ISSA? 2019 was a busy year for the ISSA Oceania region.

The office relocated at the beginning of the year to Parramatta, the geographical centre of Sydney in order to accommodate current and future growth.

Throughout the year the team experienced internal expansion, with the appointment of two additional full-time staff committed to growing and managing memberships and marketing.

Throughout the year the local team continued to build our portfolio of member benefits, including the expansion of our networking and education platforms in order to support our large spectrum of members and both their universal and specific needs.

In 2019 we engaged more with our members with industry updates and alerts. Two member services that were popular this year included our Industrial Relations/Human Resources and Work Health Safety Hotlines, funded by ISSA. Our annual ISSA Cleaning & Hygiene Expo once again experienced year-on year growth and success. In 2019 the event saw a 49 per cent growth in attendees on prior year with visitors stemming from more than 25 countries.

The show will be returning in 2020 to the International Convention Centre in Sydney on 26 and 27 August and is already expected to be bigger and better, with more than 60 per cent of the floorspace booked.

WHAT WILL BE THE FOCUS FOR ISSA IN AUSTRALIA IN 2020?

2020 will be a year focused on engagement and development. We have an exciting line up for the market in relation to education, training and certification. The foundations for these projects commenced in 2019, with the association liaising with volunteer working groups and committees to ensure we are meeting both local needs and requirements.

36 INCLEAN January / February 2020

In 2019 we launched the CMI Accredited Auditing Professional Course, which was completed by our ISSA member, Winc. We received extremely positive feedback and as a result have additional courses with members planned in the pipeline for 2020.

This year we also intend to expand on ISSA’s global commitment to advocate on behalf of the cleaning industry. ISSA Oceania has been formulating and driving relationships with government bodies and membership partners in order to proactively keep our members informed with industry updates and provide support documentation. We will continue to develop and grow this area of the local arm of the association in 2020.

WHAT HAVE BEEN SOME INTERNATIONAL TRENDS IN 2019?

Globally, there has been a focus on robotics and automation and how it can be used to work ‘smarter’ and improve productivity. There has also been an increase in demand for data analysis in order to aid businesses in being wiser with how they deploy tools and manage work loading.

We are also seeing more research and investment into areas such as nanotechnology and natural, bio-based materials. Companies are looking at how natural substances can aid

LEADERS FORUM

in breaking down materials, eliminating odours and more. This was noted with some of the ISSA’s Innovation finalists at the 2019 North America Show. Another innovative development is the use of drone technology. Although it is in a prototype phase, it is being examined in relation to external building care.

However, innovation doesn’t just relate to products, there are also examples of internal ingenuity that have led to savvy cost-effective systems. ISSA launched ISSA Engage, a digitalbased publication that presents relevant thoughtprovoking articles. The focus is primarily on innovative and unique product ideas and business solutions.

At ISSA we feel sharing best practices can be beneficial for companies as they uncover solutions that can be more effective as well as cost efficient. It can lead to change management and innovation implementation.

WHAT HAVE BEEN SOME OF THE TRENDS IN THE LOCAL MARKET IN 2019?

Oceania is a performing region! There has been an increased market acceptance for new environmentally friendly products and a drive for ‘tech savvy’ products and services.

While our local region is influenced by similar global trends, there have also been a number of

steps forward in relation to state and national regulations and requirements that have had a direct impact on the cleaning industry.

From single touch payroll, amendments to the Fair Work Act and the implementation of the Modern Slavery Act. Not to mention the lending implications that have stemmed from the Banking Royal Commission and what will follow for third parties due to the Aged Care Quality and Safety Royal Commission.

A big area of change and development over the past three years has also been state-based Labour Hire Licensing regimes, which have occurred in Queensland, and more recently implemented this year in South Australia and Victoria.

“

2020 will be a year focused on engagement and development.

”

WHAT IS ONE ISSUE THE INDUSTRY SHOULD URGENTLY ADDRESS IN 2020?

‘Sham contracting’ and the effects of the ‘gig’ economy on small business and the overall industry.

A focus for ISSA Global is taking advocacy to the next level. We are excited about the impact ISSA and our members can have on issues that matter most to the cleaning industry.

From our regional perspective we feel that industry verification and certification are a way forward that will keep the industry accountable and support our members and the overall market in a positive direction. ■ www.incleanmag.com.au 37

LEADERS FORUM

Kärcher Australia Hamish Matheson, Region President – Oceania

HOW WAS 2019 FOR KÄRCHER? One of the biggest highlights of the year was the opening of our new Oceania headquarters in Mount Waverley, Melbourne. This project saw the closure and relocation of two existing Melbourne facilities into the one new site.

We are very proud of our new facility which has created an inclusive space for our customers.

We continued to focus on recruiting the best people and this is starting to show in both culture and results. Our new product pipeline remains strong, and we launched more than 50 new products across both retail and professional in 2019.

We also continued to invest and improve in our marketing execution across both retail and professional.

We also saw continued sales growth.

Highlights included the launch of our cordless floor cleaners (FC3 and FC5), and we also reported a very strong year in vehicle wash solutions, which included the opening of Australia’s first Kärcher Clean Park in Acacia Ridge (Queensland).

One of the key challenges we have faced this year, as with any importer, is the rising cost of goods driven by the deterioration of currency throughout the year. We have been focused on improving our efficiency through process improvement and digitalisation, to not only offset some of these increases but to set us up for future growth.

WHAT WILL BE THE IMMEDIATE FOCUS FOR KÄRCHER IN 2020?

We are seeing strong growth in our floorcare business, driven by new marketing initiatives, new products, a focus on rental and new national partnerships.

As we move into 2020, we expect this to accelerate, supported by our national infrastructure around sales and service.

Our service business is a key focus for 2020. It is the backbone of a strong professional business. We have the infrastructure and investment in place 38 INCLEAN January / February 2020

and need to remain focused on providing best in class service and back up support for our customers. We also have a new director of service starting with us from January from Kärcher UK. She has significant global experience and will be a huge asset to our team.

Our focus is on working closely with our strategic partners and making sure we provide genuine value as consultants.

We see ourselves as ‘providing solutions’ rather than merely ‘selling products’. While our innovative products will be part of the solution, the value we can bring is far broader than this.

WHAT CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES DO YOU SEE FOR KÄRCHER IN 2020?

One thing we do not suffer from in Kärcher is a lack of opportunities. Given the broad range of solutions we provide, and markets we serve, it is really a matter of prioritisation for us. Our goal is to build very strong partnerships with our key customers and provide them the full solution.

As an example, we have an ongoing opportunity to grow together with our national distribution partners by extending into new product categories. We will launch a campaign for our tub vacuum cleaners starting this month.

We also have a number of exciting new products coming out over the next couple of months. We will launch a new range of petrol pressure washers, H-class safety vacuum cleaners and new sweepers and scrubbers in our classic range. These products will help us achieve our strategic plans in 2020.

Like every year, there will no doubt be challenges. We expect continued negative impacts from currency, and we also face global and local economic uncertainty. The droughts for example, continue to place huge pressure on the agricultural sector in several regions, all which have a flow on effect. That aside, we are extremely positive about the outlook for 2020.

WHAT WILL BE THE BIG TRENDS OF 2020?

One trend will be a continued shift towards battery technology. We have seen a huge uplift in sales of battery-operated vacuums recently and this is only the beginning.

The technology continues to grow as cleaning operators require increased access without the limitations of electrical cords. Our range of battery products continues to grow and 2020 will see a number of new products on our platform.

Another big trend is digitalisation, more online-based tools and solutions will improve cleaning efficiency and provide transparency for end customers. Kärcher Australia has partnered with customers to implement our fleet tracking system for their cleaning machines and will continue to do so.

In Europe, Kärcher recently acquired SQ ONE, which provides an app suite for a cleaning business’ entire value chain.

Whilst the full solution is not available yet in Australia, we will start working on a plan to launch this here next year.

And of course, robotics remains a key talking point. While we are still in the early phase here, I expect demand for robotics to increase. I also expect the quality and return on investment to improve as the technology gets better.

WHAT KEY ISSUES SHOULD THE INDUSTRY BE DISCUSSING IN 2020?

One of the key discussion points for the industry should be on how cleaning companies best implement new technologies and digital solutions as they become available.

Our industry needs to ensure new digital tools and automated cleaning machines add value to their business and the client.

While not always easy, early adoption of these technologies is crucial to keep up with the play.

In our industry, as with others, anything that can be automated will be automated over time. We should not think of these

LEADERS FORUM technologies as a way to compete on price, but to move the discussion towards quality and value.

Effective use of new technology will allow reallocation of resources to drive better outcomes for the cleaning companies and their clients.

WHAT IS ONE ISSUE THE INDUSTRY SHOULD URGENTLY ADDRESS IN 2020?

Health, safety and fair treatment of all employees within the sector. The cleaning industry remains, and will always be, an industry driven by people. So many of the workers in our industry work unseen and unheard, and as such are vulnerable to unfair or unsafe practices. It is up to all of us in the industry to ensure we contribute to positive change.

HOW DO YOU SEE THE CLEANING LANDSCAPE EVOLVING INTO 2020?

As environmental issues and awareness increases, sustainability will be a key topic and we expect to see this impact on decision makers in cleaning tenders.

After-sales and service contracts are increasing.

We are encountering more cleaning companies who value service contracts. This allows our

customers to extend the lifetime of equipment and manage costs in a more effective way.

We are also experiencing increased interest in rental, with full-service models instead of purchasing machinery increasingly being opted for. This move away from Capex to Opex is something we expect to increase.

IS THERE ONE KEY MESSAGE YOU WOULD LIKE TO SHARE WITH THE INDUSTRY? Thank Your Cleaner Day is an initiative that is extremely important to me. We celebrated the fifth Thank Your Cleaner Day in 2019 and it has now become a global event with more than 20 countries participating.

I believe this initiative directly relates to the key issues around health, safety and fair treatment of all employees in the industry. We hope to increase participation from Australian and global companies and create more awareness to the general public.

My aim is to make it a truly national event that appreciates cleaners across multiple industries. I would like to encourage everyone to take part and make it an even bigger success again this year. ■

“

Our industry needs to ensure new digital tools and automated cleaning machines add value to their business and the client. While not always easy, early adoption of these technologies is crucial to keep up with the play.

”

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LEADERS FORUM

Krystalshield & Shield Chemicals Robert Diaz, Managing Director

“

2020 will be a year for change as customers are expecting more from the products they use.

”

HOW WAS 2019 FOR KRYSTALSHIELD & SHIELD CHEMICALS?

WHAT DO YOU EXPECT WILL BE THE BIG TRENDS OF 2020?

2019 was a great year for Krystalshield & Shield Chemicals. Our brand recognition continued to grow within the cleaning, maintenance, and facilities sector and we are continuing to make progress towards our goal as being one of the leading players in the sustainable chemical market.

It hasn’t all been smooth sailing, however, as there is still a resistance towards change in the industry. The market is full of cheap and nasties that have false claims and unfortunately endusers, who are driven by price, choose to believe the claims and end up with an inferior product, which is not only ‘green’ but could be dangerous on surfaces and themselves.

2020 will be a year for change as customers are expecting more from the products they use.

They are fed up with the amount of clutter in the cleaners’ room and the amount of product they use. Cleaning contracts are so tight that for them to come out in front, they need a real concentrate that has multiple uses. Singleuse products are a thing of the past. Real concentrates are also in high demand, and manufacturers can no longer say ‘concentrate’ without the ingredients backing it up.

Products that protect the surface will also be in high demand as customers don’t just want a product that cleans, they want a product that protects the surface, which makes cleaning easier next time. They want a product that allows them to work smarter not harder. Working smarter makes their job easier, which comes back to reward them by the client getting better value for money.

WHAT WILL BE THE IMMEDIATE FOCUS FOR KRYSTALSHIELD & SHIELD CHEMICALS IN 2020?

Our focus for 2020 will be to do what we do best, continue our research and development to make products that help make the cleaners’ jobs easier and most importantly, safer. Our focus will also be on continuing to help educate customers to be sustainable by supplying them the right products to do so.

We will continue to grow our brand by working with new and existing distributors around Australia to get our products on their shelves which in turn in front of the eyes that matter, the end-user.

WHAT CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES DO YOU SEE FOR KRYSTALSHIELD & SHIELD CHEMICALS LOOKING AHEAD TO 2020?

The challenge is many manufacturers have different understandings of what being “environmentally sustainable” is. There are many conflicting messages from many sources which confuse the market.

Our approach is to make environmentally sustainable accessible and straightforward.

We developed a simple way for the end-user to differentiate between “what is” and “what isn’t”.

This method gives us an advantage which in turn creates opportunities.

We see 2020 as a year for change as the customer will be more educated and manufacturers will have to align together to give one message.

40 INCLEAN January / February 2020

WHAT IS ONE ISSUE YOU THINK THE INDUSTRY SHOULD URGENTLY ADDRESS IN 2020?

The industry needs to be consistent with the message they give the end-user. We all need to have one clear message on safety, quality and accountability.

We all had to conform to the GHS standards that came into effect in 2017, but some choose to play down the danger of their product by not being 100 per cent truthful in their Safety Data Sheets.

Unfortunately, the GHS is not policed by any governing body. There needs to be an organisation, either government or privately-run, that polices the manufacturers and random spot checks be done on their Safety Data Sheet and labelling to make everyone is compliant.

IS THERE ONE KEY MESSAGE YOU WOULD LIKE TO SHARE WITH THE INDUSTRY? The leading players need to set the standards and lead by example. We make products that are used by people that sometimes are under pressure and have time restrictions. Let’s make it simple, safe and effective. ■

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The The unique unique blend blend ofof optimised optimised surfactants surfactants and and HYDROPHILIC HYDROPHILIC Nanoparticles, Nanoparticles, keeps keeps toilet toilet bowls, bowls, urinals urinals and and sinks sinks cleaner cleaner forfor longer longer byby resisting resisting scum scum and and dirt dirt build-up build-up thanks thanks toto the the Hydrophilic Hydrophilic effect. effect.

ECO-SHIELD ECO-SHIELDGLASS GLASSGLEAM GLEAMPLUS PLUS Eco-Shield Eco-Shield Glass Glass Gleam Gleam Plus Plus blends blends optimised optimised surfactants surfactants and and HYDROPHILIC HYDROPHILIC Nanoparticles Nanoparticles toto create create the the first first glass glass and and stain.less stain.less cleaner/treatment cleaner/treatment ofof itsits kind kind in in Australia.It Australia.It removes removes allall soils, soils, oils oils and and stains stains and and leaves leaves the the surface surface streak-free streak-free and and non-stick non-stick with with a noticeable a noticeable high high shine shine toto enhance enhance the the look look ofof the the surface. surface.

ECO-SHIELD ECO-SHIELDALL ALLROUNDER ROUNDERMULTI MULTISURFACE SURFACECLEANER CLEANER Eco-Shield Eco-Shield AllAll Rounder Rounder Multi-Surface Multi-Surface is an is an industrial-strength, industrial-strength, hard hard surface surface cleaner/degreaser cleaner/degreaser formulated formulated using using the the latest latest revolutionary revolutionary surfactant surfactant technology technology that that removes removes grease, grease, dirt, dirt, oils, oils, and and soot soot from from allall surfaces surfaces and and is 100% is 100% Environmentally Environmentally sustainable, sustainable, Safe Safe and and Non-Toxic.

Non-Toxic.It is It aissafe a safe alternative alternative toto dangerous dangerous solvent solvent oror caustic caustic based based products. products.Safe Safe enough enough toto use use onon leather leather and and strong strong enough enough toto use use onon greasy greasy tiles. tiles.

KNOCK-OUT KNOCK-OUTFLOOR FLOORDEGREASER DEGREASER Knock-Out Knock-Out Heavy Heavy Duty Duty Floor Floor Degreaser Degreaser is aisBiodegradable a Biodegradable floor floor and and hard hard surface surface cleaner. cleaner.

It is It aisconcentrated a concentrated alkaline alkaline cleaner cleaner with with high high degreasing degreasing qualities qualities which which rapidly rapidly emulsifies, emulsifies, suspends suspends and and removes removes allall types types

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ofof grease grease & oils. & oils.

It is It also is also extremely extremely efficient efficient at at eliminating eliminating greases greases and and grime grime in in industrial, industrial, commercial commercial and and food food processing processing areas. areas.

ItsIts aggressive aggressive cleaning cleaning and and wetting wetting action action can can penetrate penetrate the the pores pores ofof the the vitrified vitrified surface, surface, helping helping toto liftlift out out stubborn stubborn build build upup dirt dirt and and stains stains - in- in hot hot oror cold cold water. water.

The The result result will will bebe immediate, immediate, especially especially when when auto auto scrubbing. scrubbing.

LEADERS FORUM

Learning Sphere Training Solutions Luke Bordin, CEO HOW WAS 2019 FOR LEARNING SPHERE? 2019 has been another very good year.

Learning Sphere continued to grow in reputation and subsequently so have sales.

Changes I expected to see in the industry two years ago are now happening.

These have included the need for more accredited training (those linked to qualifications) as well as a greater expectation to address social procurement.

These have attracted more national clients to Learning Sphere during 2019.

A very pleasing highlight involved the recognition when we achieved a 96 per cent satisfaction result from students and employers in the NCVER Report.

This is compiled and released by the Australian Government, which measures our performance as a Registered Training Organisation (RTO).

Some of the other highlights in 2019 were expanding our work with Australian disability employer ARUMA (formerly House with No Steps). We have been able to work across the organisation’s cleaning, laundry, hospitality and warehouse operations.

Another client JOSS FM was awarded the NSW Government cleaning contract, securing 82 per cent of NSW. Because 42 INCLEAN January / February 2020

of this we have been able to develop a customised training solution and make their short videos available on our “Learning Bites” platform.

While this is a large, long-term project covering a wide area of NSW, it’s been a pleasure working with JOSS FM management and their people. The drought and fires have brought challenges to many of their staff, but it’s great seeing the level of resistance they show and concern as a community.

Our challenge has been recruiting new staff and trainers. We have very specific requirements and need to source trainers with strong backgrounds in the industry.

The challenge is that while many people have strong cleaning industry knowledge and skills, their experience with technology, such as software and reporting tools, is poor. Add to this they often don’t hold a Trainer and Assessor qualification, which takes time to achieve. This challenge seems to be industry wide.

WHAT WILL BE THE IMMEDIATE FOCUS FOR LEARNING SPHERE IN 2020?

Our focus will be much the same as 2019 but we do have new clients and programs to add to our workload. We are preparing

for more engagement, not just running preemployment for new staff who fit the social procurement needs (Aboriginal people, humanitarian entrants and people with disabilities), but also recommending suitable persons direct to key clients. Most cleaning companies will need to meet targets of social procurement, so we can offer a more complete solution – both pre-employment and post-employment skills development.

WHAT DO YOU SEE AS MAJOR OPPORTUNITIES FOR LEARNING SPHERE OVER THE NEXT 12 MONTHS? WHAT CHALLENGES DO YOU EXPECT TO FACE? We are already in the process of rolling out new programs for national clients, some of which have been planning with us for over a year to expand or introduce tailored training.

Some of the challenges for us are changes to government funding. We also need to keep focused on quality outcomes – satisfaction from both students and employers

HOW DO YOU SEE THE CLEANING LANDSCAPE EVOLVING INTO 2020?

The cleaning industry will see a greater need for staff to do more than just clean.

LEADERS FORUM This isn’t new, but demand has grown for cleaners to be able to understand and adopt better techniques, such as minimising the use of chemicals and water.

There is also a need for reporting to be linked to contract KPI’s, more active support of waste management targets and waste sorting, as well as more attention on people. The need is helping cleaners to be given greater reliability of employment, but also for employers too in having staff who can develop with the changes in industry.

Most cleaning companies have had to expand their knowledge to provide more integrated services, but most frontline staff seem to just go with what they are told, without really understanding the reasons of these new changes.

It often leads to clients complaining “they don’t understand” and in many ways this is correct. If frontline staff are not fully aware or skilled up, the service suffers. Many property groups want that point of difference and in order to achieve it frontline staff need to be better educated.

WHAT IS ONE ISSUE THE INDUSTRY SHOULD URGENTLY ADDRESS IN 2020?

IS THERE A KEY MESSAGE THAT YOU WOULD LIKE TO SHARE WITH THE INDUSTRY?

The skills base of frontline staff. The changes in the property sector is the need to use technology effectively and report in ways that support contract KPI’s or initiatives.

There is a gap in basics skills such as emailing, using mobile devices and apps, to more upskilled needs of compiling reports, understanding the issues of sustainability, water and waste management, and workplace diversity, as well as focus on well-being programs for the benefit of the clients and workers.

Invest in your staff so they are more competent and informed. It may seem a challenge, but the need for compliance and standards found in cleaning contracts will only become greater.

Most cleaners show a loyalty to their employer so investing in them will help both them and the employer. If you are an employer who does focus on training, then keep it current. If you have let training fall by the wayside, invest in your staff as the industry is providing a service – so competent people will provide a quality service. ■

“

The cleaning industry will see a greater need for staff to do more than just clean.

This isn’t new, but demand has grown for cleaners to be able to understand and adopt better techniques, such as minimising the use of chemicals and water.

”

LEADERS FORUM

Makita Australia Greg Hill, Product Manager HOW WAS 2019 FOR MAKITA AUSTRALIA? WHAT WERE THE HIGHLIGHTS? WHAT WERE THE CHALLENGES?

“

Overall 2019 was a great year for Makita. We released our 18V Brushless stick vacuum range in June which has provided the market with high performing, commercially durable stick vacuums which previously haven’t been available.

We enjoyed continued growth across our commercial cleaning distributor network, primarily through events like the ISSA Cleaning & Hygiene Expo but also by engaging directly with consumers and establishing new supply chains to handle the demand. Particularly well performing was our LXT (Lithium eXtreme Technology) Power Garden range which saw significant growth against 2018.

”

WHAT WILL BE THE IMMEDIATE FOCUS FOR MAKITA IN 2020?

We have always been of the belief whether it’s a vacuum, chainsaw or a drill, the most effective way to sell Makita is to get it in the consumers’ hands so they can see it in action.

We have always been of the belief whether it’s a vacuum, chainsaw or a drill, the most effective way to sell Makita is to get it in the consumers’ hands so they can see it in action.

Our national business development team is focused on engaging with our distributor network and directly with target consumers providing demonstrations, trials and product support to achieve the ideal solution for their application.

WHAT CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES DO YOU SEE FOR MAKITA LOOKING AHEAD TO 2020?

We are still relatively new to the commercial cleaning industry, the main challenge for Makita is remaining front of mind through all stages of the consumers’ decision making process.

Through consistent advertising and customer engagement we are ensuring that when the process begins, consumers will include Makita when looking for solutions.

By doing this effectively, it will ensure we are in the right position to capitalise on the huge amount of opportunities available. We are excited about the product releases that are planned for 2020 across both our 18V LXT and newly announced 40V Max XGT platforms.

Products that will expand our offer for interior 44 INCLEAN January / February 2020

cleaning services but will also expand our opportunities further into washroom, hospitality and residential cleaning services.

HAVE YOU NOTICED ANY CHANGES IN CUSTOMER BEHAVIOUR IN 2019? HOW HAVE YOU ADAPTED TO MEET THESE CHANGES? Customers are becoming more receptive to the change to cordless. There are several reasons driving this change, primarily the increased efficiency provided by not having to unwind, plug in and manoeuvre a power lead around as well as significantly reducing the lead replacement and tagging costs associated with 240V equipment.

Inherent in this change is the resulting safety by removing trip hazards from the power lead. We have tailored our offer to educate our customers not only about the products, but also on the benefits of our LXT system.

A cordless product is only as good as the batteries and chargers that drive it and with 15 years behind the 18V LXT platform, we have a solid base to develop more products that will meet the high demands of commercial cleaners and facilities maintenance staff.

DID YOU NOTICE ANY TRENDS IN 2019? DO YOU EXPECT THOSE TRENDS TO CONTINUE INTO 2020?

Customers are becoming more aware of the issues related to having too much weight in a product. In some cases, a few 100g can be the difference in deciding one product over another, particularly for handheld products like stick vacuums and blowers. This will continue to be a factor in the decision-making process and as OHS requirements continue to dictate the specifications of products; we will see more products become compact.

IS THERE A MESSAGE YOU WOULD LIKE TO SHARE WITH THE INDUSTRY? Makita is committed to development in battery, charger and brushless motor technology. Expect to see Makita continue to develop our existing product line-up as well as deliver new market leading products to service a wider range of applications and customers. ■

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LEADERS FORUM

Quayclean Mark Piwkowski, CEO HOW WAS 2019 FOR QUAYCLEAN? We enjoyed another strong year with over 20 per cent organic growth. We continued to expand in key market sectors including public venues, with the Adelaide Oval, Metricon Stadium and Sydney Showgrounds all joining the Quayclean family.

Quayclean was also able to attract many new contracts with several private schools across Australia and in government facilities, which is another new sector for the company.

Existing contracts that have come back to market have been retained reinforcing our strong focus on adding customer value. The biggest challenge facing the industry remains the continued lack of awareness and appreciation, across both government and private sectors, for the true cost of employing staff under the Modern Cleaning Services Award.

With outstanding service and a first-class team, we have grown into a specialist provider within public facilities and specialist services to private educators. We are an extremely humble and hungry organisation striving to learn and deliver excellence through our people and customers.

WHAT WILL BE THE IMMEDIATE FOCUS IN 2020?

“

We should not undervalue the work and services we provide and not allow ourselves to be cornered by a push for cheap pricing.

”

46 INCLEAN January / February 2020

We have a multi-faceted focus for 2020.

Outstanding service is as important today as it has ever been, and it remains an exciting challenge to ensure our organisations continues to thrive and grow. Internally, we will continue with the development and training of staff/ leaders within the company to build strong skills across our team which will optimise labour and leadership resources. We have seen pleasing results in the development of graduate trainees and leadership from the grassroots of the company to generate succession at all levels of our teams.

We will also continue to invest in technologies that support our staff and interface with our customers. Sustainable work practices and equipment that support delivering greater recycling results is a key pillar of our value proposition. There will be continued focus on safe work environments and alignment with the United Nations’ 17 sustainable development goals.

Finally, we will continue to build our brand deep within our key market sectors and build wide through new sectors where we feel our skills are relevant and can add value.

WHAT CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES DO YOU SEE LOOKING AHEAD TO 2020?

Our greatest challenge and opportunity remains the effective employment, training and deployment of our staff across the facilities we manage. We are, and will remain, a premium service brand renowned for unrivalled customer/ patron experiences, and for our skill in the optimisation of resources presenting a holistic solution for cleaning, sustainability, hygiene, housekeeping and pest control.

WHAT DO YOU EXPECT WILL BE THE BIG TRENDS OF 2020?

The cleaning industry is one that has various stats and trends. It has survived the GFC of 2008/2009, hit some lows and peaks, and is now experiencing a new spring of life that could see it rapidly expand in the next few years.

Like many others, the cleaning industry has its own challenges ranging from the daily focus on meeting customer requirements, developing and retaining staff, to competition among hundreds of companies.

We will see many more organisations aligning with the United Nations’ 17 sustainable development goals. These goals are the responsibility of all industry and the cleaning industry has an important role to play.

Environmental matters will be a priority.

The industry needs to be committed to real measurable green initiatives. We need to consider the carbon positive impacts of our actions, a focus towards chemical free cleaning, and the reduction water usage for cleaning and sanitisation.

We will also see a greater awareness by commercial, government and private organisations of the true cost of employing cleaning personnel, and their responsibility to ensure tenders focus on correct payment of staff and operations.

WHAT KEY TOPICS DO YOU THINK THE INDUSTRY SHOULD BE DISCUSSING IN 2020?

There are a range of topics we can address.

From a management and administration perspective, we should produce better hiring practices, increase staff training, develop an apprenticeship program for the industry, online

LEADERS FORUM works management systems and automated administrative services. Cleaning staff are well paid under the Award and the industry can do more to have a recognised programme for cleaning personnel.

We also need to look at developing more specialised cleaning services for customers and examine the impact of our work and how it can contribute to a carbon positive environment. Lastly, we are a public facing industry and we should consider how we can give back to communities where we work.

WHAT IS ONE ISSUE THE INDUSTRY SHOULD URGENTLY ADDRESS? Without doubt it is the underpayment of staff across the industry sector. Too much of the industry sector is driven by the strong desire of procurement managers to drive down price when the cleaning Award is very prescriptive on what must be paid. The Award is very generous, and the focus should be on optimising labour and maximising use of equipment that supports this desire.

P 1300 897 117 E info@quayclean.com.au quayclean.com.au

Some years ago, Quayclean was identified as a party to a contracting organisation identified as underpaying staff. When the Fair Work Ombudsman commenced its review into this matter, it made me realise that if we were to succeed, our future path was to build our own team of cleaning personnel whose number today exceeds 1500 across the country.

We overhauled our operational and business model completing the whole 2018 Commonwealth Games (over 500 events in 12 days) with 100 per cent of staff fully employed under the Modern Award. Today, all stadiums, racecourses and venues across Australia have a fully employed staffing model.

The industry also needs to focus on how to improve productivity through specialisation, and the marketplace needs to be educated on the cost of employing staff to create the right competitive environment.

Too many cleaning companies cave into the hard hand tactics of procurement managers who, too often, do not seek value but rather just chase a cheaper price.

HOW DO YOU SEE THE CLEANING LANDSCAPE EVOLVING INTO 2020?

With the Modern Award, Modern Slavery Act, Labour Hire Licencing requirements, ATO and Workers Compensation, there is a growing need for industry consolidation. if we combine the efforts of the smaller companies to create a bigger, more efficient industry, we can create real value for customers and careers for staff.

IS THERE A MESSAGE YOU WOULD LIKE TO SHARE WITH THE INDUSTRY? We should have no tolerance for complacency and non-compliance. We should bid using the Modern Award as the foundation for costs. The Award is very generous in its pay for staff – more generous than other Awards. We should not undervalue the work we provide and not allow ourselves to be cornered by a push for cheap pricing.

We need to leverage this advantage to better train staff, create traineeships and apprenticeships which will assist the longterm development of our industry. ■

What’s your impact?

CLEANING PARTNERS

www.incleanmag.com.au 47

LEADERS FORUM

Rubbermaid Commercial Products ANZ Jonas Cruz, Head of Sales and Marketing HOW WAS 2019 FOR RUBBERMAID COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS? WHAT WERE THE HIGHLIGHTS? WHAT WERE THE CHALLENGES?

“

A significant highlight for RCP in 2019 was that we were able to establish new and solidify legacy end-user partnerships in the marketplace.

”

2019 was a transitional year for us at RCP. With a major restructure in how we operate it was an initial challenge on ensuring we kept externally focused to support our customers and end users.

A significant highlight for RCP in 2019 was that we were able to establish new and solidify legacy end-user partnerships in the marketplace.

Crucial to this highlight, is the strong team we have here in Australia and New Zealand to drive those relationships.

WHAT WILL BE THE IMMEDIATE FOCUS FOR RUBBERMAID COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS IN 2020?

A collaborative approach with our distributors and end users, working on joint business plans with our customers. Also supporting our large end user base in delivering quality solutions for our partners.

WHAT DO YOU SEE AS MAJOR OPPORTUNITIES FOR RUBBERMAID COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS OVER THE NEXT 12 MONTHS? WHAT CHALLENGES DO YOU EXPECT TO FACE? The challenge we face is the ever-changing landscape in the verticals we focus on. Data and technology will be a major focus on how we integrate into our business, as it will ultimately help drive efficiencies in what we offer to our partners and end users. I see this as our biggest opportunity.

DID YOU NOTICE ANY TRENDS IN 2019? DO YOU EXPECT THOSE TO CONTINUE IN 2020?

Sustainability. Albeit a trend which has surfaced over the past few years, the trend has accelerated in 2019. Ensuring we as individuals, households and corporations leave less of an environmental footprint is an ever-increasing topic in our world.

48 INCLEAN January / February 2020

ARE THERE ANY INTERNATIONAL TRENDS THAT YOU THINK WILL MAKE THEIR WAY TO AUSTRALIA IN 2020?

Recycling has been a major part of Australian and the wider global community of recent years. We are seeing an extension of that with household and corporate composting as a trend globally. I see that really coming into Australia in a big way.

HOW DO YOU SEE THE CLEANING LANDSCAPE EVOLVING INTO 2020?

With the Internet of Things (IOT) and having access to real-time data the industry is evolving into using smarter solutions. A key example of that is static cleaning versus scheduled cleaning and the use of technology such as mobile apps to best provide an efficient solution and help bring down costs.

WHAT IS ONE ISSUE THE INDUSTRY SHOULD BE URGENTLY DISCUSSING IN 2020?

Outside of sustainability, which should be a topic of discussion the industry continues in a much more meaningful way, I feel the industry should focus on making it more attractive to the younger market.

We have an aging population and much of the people with our industry are aging also and have migrated specifically within our region (Australia/ New Zealand). With tightening migration laws, we are having a shortage of people entering the industry, especially front-line staff. Making the sector more appealing to the younger market will help inject new life into the industry.

IS THERE ONE KEY MESSAGE YOU WOULD LIKE TO SHARE WITH THE INDUSTRY? The importance of all individual roles within the industry, from front line staff to line managers and executives. Also, it is important to not devalue the solution across all verticals and not just healthcare. A clean and sustainable environment helps with more productive work and an increased general well-being. ■

LEADERS FORUM

Salute Bronte Hough, Managing Director HOW WAS 2019 FOR SALUTE? 2019 was busy but very rewarding. We are thankful for the opportunities that were presented to us, and we are very appreciative to work with so many great customers and supply partners. The main highlight for me was the rebrand of our business from Pak-Rite to Salute.

Our rebrand last year represented so much more than just a change of name and logo as we completely re-positioned ourselves for the future, while recognising our heritage and first 33 years in business.

We now move forward as a strong independent force in the South Australian market, providing clients with a customer focused alternative to the large overseas-owned corporates.

“

We believe the market will continue to be demanding over the next 12 months in terms of its expectations around quality and price.

”

50 INCLEAN January / February 2020

WHAT WILL BE THE IMMEDIATE FOCUS FOR SALUTE IN 2020?

We will continue to work with our preferred supply partners in developing and growing market share with their leading brands. We will also have a big focus on bringing more of our ethically sourced own branded products to the South Australia market, therefore offering great quality products at an affordable price to complement our market leading brand portfolio.

WHAT CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES DO YOU SEE LOOKING AHEAD TO 2020?

We believe the market will continue to be demanding over the next 12 months in terms of its expectations around quality and price. It’s up

to us to be well positioned to take advantage of any opportunities that come from this and we are working on this constantly, including the ongoing growth and development of our direct import program, along with working together with our preferred Australian manufacturers.

HOW WILL YOU ENGAGE WITH THE MARKET IN 2020?

We will continue to engage in a personal manner to ensure the customer gets the best possible service. We will continue to ask the questions to find the right solution. Our online platform will increase as we are seeing this trend is a positive manner, and feel clients want to simplify the way they do business. We will also continue to have fun with our social media, nothing too serious here.

WILL YOU EXPAND THE SALUTE PRODUCT RANGE OR ENTER ANY NEW CATEGORIES OR MARKETS IN 2020?

We will absolutely continue to expand our Salute product range in 2020. We have recently launched our Salute Chemical offering with great feedback, and early in 2020 we will have additional washroom paper products available.

Watch this space as we have more products in the pipeline!

WHAT DO YOU EXPECT WILL BE THE BIG TRENDS OF 2020?

A trend I expect to see is more companies looking to partner with credible local suppliers,

LEADERS FORUM particularly in South Australia. There will also be more demand for products with a strong sustainable and/or social message and background.

I feel Indigenous procurement will be a big focus for many more corporates, and I am proud to partner with Nood Australia in South Australia to promote their environmental products and wonderful story and vision.

WHAT KEY ISSUES DO YOU THINK THE INDUSTRY SHOULD BE DISCUSSING IN 2020?

There needs to be more support for Australian-owned and operated businesses, particularly in government.

WHAT IS ONE ISSUE YOU THINK THE INDUSTRY SHOULD URGENTLY ADDRESS IN 2020?

The reduction of single-use plastics within the accommodation industry by eliminating single-use guest amenities.

HOW DO YOU SEE THE CLEANING LANDSCAPE EVOLVING INTO 2020?

Technology will continue to advance and develop, and I see this having a significant impact as new smart systems are introduced to help customers and cleaners do their job better and more efficiently. ■

LEADERS FORUM

Tennant Australia Chad Angeli, General Manager HOW WAS 2019 FOR TENNANT AUSTRALIA? WHAT WERE THE HIGHLIGHTS? WHAT WERE THE CHALLENGES? 2019 was a very important year for us. We hired seven new people in our field sales and sales leadership teams. Normally when a team has this type of change it’s difficult to perform, but we showed positive year-on-year growth on both the top and bottom line in 2019. As we move into 2020, we have a stronger team in place and a good foundation to accelerate our growth.

Highlights were our sales results with direct sales, distribution, and our direct service team’s growth. Our marketing team played a big part in helping to generate these results. Our operations team also did a fantastic job making sure we had a much stronger inventory position to give our customers quicker response time on parts and machinery.

Probably the biggest highlight has been bringing our T7 AMR (robot) to Australia and showing it to customers ahead of schedule. Customers have told me consistently since I arrived 15 months ago, they have been waiting for Tennant to come to the market with a solution. It’s been exciting to finally show them our technology.

One of the challenges was the order intake around the Australian election and just after.

Things slowed a bit for us in July/August more than we anticipated, but orders have bounced back nicely.

WHAT WILL BE THE IMMEDIATE FOCUS FOR TENNANT IN 2020?

Our immediate focus will be the launch of T7 AMR robotics machine and making sure we have all the right deployment and aftermarket resources in place nationally to support customers.

Our focus will be on launching the IPC brand to support our distributors and customers with new products (micro-rider) and a different 52 INCLEAN January / February 2020

value proposition when it is required and adding two field sales positions to connect with more customers.

WHAT CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES DO YOU SEE FOR TENNANT AUSTRALIA LOOKING AHEAD TO 2020?

The Australian currency had a tough year in 2019 – this creates challenges when we import products into Australia.

From an opportunity perspective, we see positives on both ends of the value spectrum.

Australian customers continue to show interest in ways to leverage automation to increase cleanliness and redeploy labour. We will now have our AMR/ robotic offering in Australia starting in 2020.

On the other end, many smaller to mid-size BSCs and retailers are expressing interest in a more basic product with less complexity, but still have strong aftermarket support. We see this as an opportunity to gain new customers with our IPC offering.

HAVE YOU NOTICED ANY TRENDS IN 2019? DO YOU EXPECT THOSE TRENDS TO CONTINUE INTO 2020?

We’ve noticed some larger industrial customers wanting to go more direct with us, whereas in the past they preferred to use a material handling partnership. We still like having partnerships with forklift companies where there is a good fit, but I do see a lot of the multi-national companies that know Tennant preferring to do business direct.

ARE THERE ANY INTERNATIONAL TRENDS YOU THINK WILL MAKE THEIR WAY TO AUSTRALIA IN 2020?

At a Tennant corporate level, we are going to get much more focused on products and technologies where we have a competitive advantage, and less distracted in areas we do not. We will be

LEADERS FORUM applying the same logic to our Australian strategy and offering. The back and forth between the US and China sends ripple effects to many other economies (good and bad). This could pick up in 2020 with the US election in November.

HAVE YOU NOTICED ANY CHANGES IN CUSTOMER BEHAVIOUR IN 2019?

HOW HAVE YOU ADAPTED THE OFFERING TO MEET THESE CHANGES? Some of our top BSC strategic accounts have preferred used equipment at times. This could be in response to cost pressures from some of their top clients. I’ve not seen this in other parts of the world where I have worked for Tennant.

Second-hand, or reconditioned equipment, is a business Tennant does very well in around the world. We have all the resources already in place to support it in Australia (parts, service, facilities, strong marketing).

We needed to focus on rebuilding our team in 2019 and moving on our 2020 robotics strategy but building a strong second-hand business that leverages the Tennant established model will be important in the back half of 2020. It will help some of our top BSC customers, but more

importantly, it opens a whole new customer base for not only machines, but also service and parts.

WHAT ROLE WILL INNOVATION PLAY FOR TENNANT IN 2020?

Innovation has been at the core of Tennant’s identity the last 20 years. It will continue to play a big role in 2020 with robotics. We are excited to share this value proposition with customers and continue to innovate around it. There is also an opportunity with our new sweeping technologies to help reduce/minimise exposure to silica dust.

WHAT IS ONE ISSUE THE INDUSTRY SHOULD URGENTLY ADDRESS IN 2020?

“

Innovation has been core to Tennant’s identity the last 20 years. It will continue to play a big role in 2020 with robotics.

”

There is an opportunity for manufacturers, BSCs and end-users to have a deeper discussion. The current lead times end-user customers give BSCs to start a new project are tight. This puts more pressure on BSCs and it also makes it challenging for manufacturers to plan inventory correctly for the BSC or end-user. Having a collaborative discussion around longer transition times would benefit all parties involved in terms of having the right products for the job on the start date. ■

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LEADERS FORUM

Tork Professional Hygiene Rob Graham, General Manager WHAT WILL BE THE IMMEDIATE FOCUS FOR TORK IN 2020?

Product innovation and sustainability will continue to be the focus for Tork in 2020.

We have our strongest pipeline of new product launches into the market which are designed to improve hygiene and cleaning efficiencies as well as reduce waste.

We are working to extend our sustainability offering and are currently exploring various end of life options and strategies around encouraging hand towel composting to reduce climate impact. Through life cycle analysis, we uncovered that composting hand towels with commercial composters instead of disposing in landfill reduces greenhouse gas emissions by 50 pe rcent.

HOW WAS 2019 FOR TORK? WHAT WERE THE HIGHLIGHTS? WHAT WERE THE CHALLENGES? It was a very exciting year for Tork with a $23 million investment at our Kawerau site in New Zealand – we installed a new state-of-the-art machine and decommissioned four old converting lines. The investment will deliver enhanced efficiencies, improved product quality, waste reduction and ensure continued reliable local supply of Tork products in Australia and New Zealand.

We launched our latest innovation – Tork PeakServe. It is a patented hand towel dispensing system designed for high-traffic washrooms. PeakServe provides 250 percent more hand towels to avoid run outs and cuts refill time in half.

We’ve also completed new installs of Tork EasyCube which is the world’s leading facility management software for datadriven cleaning. It empowers cleaning teams with new and smarter ways of working by delivering information that allows cleaners to work more efficiently.

Whilst overall economic conditions have been challenging in 2019, Tork continued to be the leading professional hygiene brand globally and has experienced another year of high growth on our differentiated products, such as, Tork SmartOne which reduces toilet paper consumption by up to 40 per cent.

54 INCLEAN January / February 2020

WHAT CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES DO YOU SEE FOR TORK LOOKING AHEAD? When it comes to sustainability trying to decipher what is accurate and what is not can be difficult. Just because a product is recyclable or made of bamboo doesn’t necessarily mean it is better for the environment, it is vital to fact check.

Tork sees this as an opportunity and will continue to provide transparent full life cycle information.

HAVE YOU NOTICED ANY CHANGES IN CUSTOMER BEHAVIOUR IN 2019? HOW HAVE YOU ADAPTED TO MEET THESE CHANGES? There has been a shift in purchasing behaviour with more customers wanting to make more sustainable choices and many organisations are setting goals around climate change and waste reduction.

We have a long history of leadership in this area. Our Kawerau manufacturing site replaced gas-fired steam production with naturally occurring geothermal steam through a partnership with local Iwi and Ngata Tuwharatoa Geothermal Assets and as a result we have reduced greenhouse gas emissions by 46 percent.

We also provide complete transparency on climate impact with Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs). EPDs are independently verified reports on life cycle analysis which have calculated that Tork

products are produced with between 64 to 76 percent renewable energy at Kawerau as a result of using of geothermal steam. We currently have 12 published EPDs. To address waste concerns, we have reduced our packaging by 20 per cent on our new converting line which is equivalent to 143 tonnes per year.

WHAT DO YOU EXPECT WILL BE THE BIG TRENDS OF 2020?

We see a major opportunity heading into 2020 with an acceleration of new technology adoption in the cleaning industry. To date there has been a slow transition of old traditional manual methods to new digital solutions. Tork EasyCube is a great solution that provides real-time data, enabling cleaners to act on what’s needed, when and where. It also improves quality and increases productivity.

There is also a growing expectation from customers of transparency on the environmental impact from ‘cradle to grave’. Tork is working with customers and suppliers on improving sustainability outcomes through the entire supply chain.

WHAT IS ONE ISSUE YOU THINK THE INDUSTRY SHOULD BE URGENTLY DISCUSSING IN 2020?

Sustainability – organisations need to embrace ways to reduce their impact on climate change, ensure ethical sourcing in procurement, reduce waste and work towards circularity.

IS THERE ONE KEY MESSAGE YOU WOULD LIKE TO SHARE WITH THE INDUSTRY? Tork encourages thinking ahead. As washrooms typically only receive a makeover every 10 years, it is important to plan out your design and product choices. Rather than just replacing like for like, it is a great chance to source new products that will enhance cleaning efficiency, reduce your environmental impact and make a better impression on your washroom visitors. The Tork range of professional hygiene products is designed to meet these expectations, so you can focus on what matters most to your business. ■

Bring on the crowds

250%

more hand towels in new Tork PeakServe

NEW

The new Tork® PeakServe™ hand towel dispensing system is designed to help you avoid queues and run outs in high traffic washrooms, while cutting your refilling time in half.

Watch the video at tork.com.au/peakserve

LEADERS FORUM

White Magic Stuart Nicol, Distributor Sales Manager HOW WAS 2019 FOR WHITE MAGIC? WHAT WERE THE HIGHLIGHTS? WHAT WERE THE CHALLENGES? White Magic had an exciting finish to 2019 making the decision to partner with SYR products out of the UK and launching the range at the ISSA Cleaning & Hygiene Expo in Melbourne.

“

Ergonomic design in cleaning tools will play a greater role in trying to reduce workplace injuries and diminish the impact that has on staffing issues.

”

WHAT WILL BE THE IMMEDIATE FOCUS FOR WHITE MAGIC IN 2020?

Our immediate focus in 2020 is to re-establish SYR as one of the major janitorial brands available to the cleaning, health, hospitality and industrial markets.

WHAT CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES DO YOU SEE FOR WHITE MAGIC LOOKING AHEAD TO 2020?

Our biggest challenge is getting information to the buyers and making sure our distributor partners have the latest information and understand the unique selling features and benefits of the SYR range.

HOW WILL WHITE MAGIC ENGAGE THE MARKET IN 2020?

White Magic is building a strong commercial arm to the business. Adding SYR has given White Magic the opportunity to move further into the BSC, healthcare and hospitality markets. We are investing in state of the art merchandising techniques to support our distributor showrooms and we will continue to look for eco-friendly solutions.

ARE THERE ANY INTERNATIONAL TRENDS YOU THINK MIGHT MAKE THEIR WAY TO AUSTRALIA IN 2020?

The biggest trend we see internationally is the introduction of sustainable practices which includes the introduction of sustainable product development. SYR is conscious of this and has started introducing recycled plastic products into 56 INCLEAN January / February 2020

its offering to aid in this goal to reduce waste.

There is also a big push to introduce certification and training standards across the industry to protect its integrity.

WHAT DO YOU EXPECT WILL BE THE BIG TRENDS OF 2020?

The market is pushing more towards recyclable product and putting priorities on items such as our degradable and biodegradable compostable bin liners and garbage bags. We also see ergonomic design in cleaning tools will play a greater role in trying to reduce workplace injuries and diminish the impact that has on staffing issues.

HOW DO YOU SEE THE CLEANING LANDSCAPE EVOLVING INTO 2020?

White Magic is all about providing eco-friendly cleaning solutions and we see that the cleaning market is slowly embracing this concept as long as it meets performance requirements and doesn’t add labour cost.

WHAT IS ONE ISSUE YOU THINK THE INDUSTRY SHOULD URGENTLY ADDRESS IN 2020?

The cleaning industry is still suffering as a result of sham contracting, whereby customers sign up with one company to provide a service and standard only to find the business has been subcontracted several times and the result is often poor quality and lowered service levels. This also places great pressure on the supply line to offer cheaper solutions of which there is a limit.

IS THERE ONE KEY MESSAGE YOU WOULD LIKE TO SHARE WITH THE INDUSTRY? We have a great and diverse industry and we believe there is opportunity for all of us to share in its wealth. However, that can only happen if we all work to high professional standards both in cleaning services and the cleaning supply channel. ■

DO MORE WITH LESS • Works on a multitude of surfaces • Ergonomic design • Lightweight • Pivoting head • Superior microfibre heads Scan QR Code for video

For stainless steel

For glass, mirrors and internal windows

For laminates and general areas

The SYR Multi-Surface Tool can be used on glass, stainless steel, laminate wood and a multitude of hard surfaces, leaving a perfectly clean, instantly dry and smear-free finish.

Do more with less by replacing single use products with the re-usable MST.

Contact Stuart Nicol on 0409 085 175 or 1300 306 380 to become an SYR distributor today

www.syrclean.com.au

Distributor for

LEADERS FORUM

Whiteley Corporation Dr Greg Whiteley, Executive Chairman HOW WAS 2019 FOR WHITELEY?

“

We are working hard to provide a new way to measure cleaning outcomes in a quantitative mechanism that measures cleanliness as an output.

”

This was another record year of growth. We had more sales, inventions and innovations, new patents, new staff and new horizons to conquer.

Our research has continued to yield outstanding results, and we published a number of new findings this past year. The most significant paper demonstrated the difficulty in wiping away a dry surface biofilm from a surface.

The results showed that even after 50 wipes, the biofilm was still very much intact and viable, with transmissible superbugs still present and thriving. It underscores the need for the cleaning sector to shift from measuring production rates, to measuring the cleanliness outcomes of any particular cleaning process.

WHAT WILL BE THE IMMEDIATE FOCUS IN 2020?

We are bursting at the seams in Tomago, so we are planning our next major plant expansion.

This will more than double our capacity and resources at the facility including warehousing, offices, a new Human Therapeutics Plant and a substantial Regulatory and Technical Centre. The planning is underway, but in a complex project such as this one, there is always more to do, and yesterday wasn’t soon enough!

WHAT CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES DO YOU SEE FOR 2020?

Without doubt two things will come into focus.

The first will be the impact of superbugs across the community. With that will also come a renewed focus on the measurable outcomes of cleaning in terms of cleanliness improvements.

This will strike at the heart of cleaning costs where the current paradigm is singularly focused on production rates. The recognition more generally of the interactions of superbugs and biofilms in cleaning – particularly wit hin health care and aged care – will drive innovation in both products and methods.

Secondly, we are working hard to provide a new way to measure cleaning outcomes in a quantitative mechanism that measures cleanliness as an output. We are creating a new, portable and fully validated tool to work with cleanliness measurements to provide cleaning teams with a risk managed framework to understand cleaning performance across a building or an entire application network.

Finally, the cleaning industry will continue to evolve. From an industry perspective, we

58 INCLEAN January / February 2020

sincerely hope the new leadership coming through the sector will find their feet, maintain a moral compass, and energise the cleaning sector with new and vibrant thinking. Cleaning is the cornerstone of infection prevention, and cleaning staff are the real heart of cleaning. It is the cleaners that are the most important people in the cleaning process. I hope their value is rediscovered and respected, especially by their management teams.

WHAT DO YOU EXPECT WILL BE THE BIG TRENDS OF 2020?

Our expectation is further market changes.

There will be increased use of robotics and AI. The price pressures will continue to put focus onto the management of human resources, so we expect that moral leadership in the customer sector will continue to be fraught. We also expect legislative changes into the arena, given the persistence on morally questionable staffing practices, which result in further statutory changes affecting tax and benefits evasion.

WHAT IS ONE ISSUE THE INDUSTRY SHOULD URGENTLY ADDRESS IN 2020?

Cleaners are the most important people in the sector. Can we make them number one and value them accordingly? Focusing on their role in removing unwanted soils and residues will mark a major change from the current focus on productivity isolated from actual cleaning.

HOW DO YOU SEE THE CLEANING LANDSCAPE EVOLVING INTO 2020?

There will continue to be consolidation on the supplier side of the sector. Some of the larger businesses are running out of mid-sized targets, so it will be interesting to see how far down into the supply chain their reach extends. This will particularly apply to the equipment sector.

IS THERE ONE KEY MESSAGE YOU WOULD LIKE TO SHARE WITH THE INDUSTRY? We are all participants in a great section of the economy. Whilst we have our occasional difficulties, this is a terrifically robust industry in which to compete. Not only is it global, but innovation thrives, and the cleaning sector worldwide retains its person to person aspect.

The advent of robots and AI will not displace people; it will simply change the methodologies, but people will always stay at the heart of the cleaning industry. ■

PRODUCTS

Tornado Roam battery-operated vacuum cleaner Cordless and lightweight, the Tornado Roam vacuum cleaner is whisper quiet to operate and has an ultra-bright LED headlight for better visibility under tight, dark spaces. ` Ultra-lightweight at 5kg and whisper quiet at less than 70db ` Up to 50 minutes run time, interchangeable battery pack, quick charge in less than two hours ` Clean up to 295m2 of space on a single charge ` 33cm cleaning path ` Free on-site demonstration available

Central Cleaning Supplies 1300 347 347 www.centralcleaning.com.au

Stay hip with the Hipstar Cleanstar has launched the HIPSTAR vacuum cleaner to combat back problems commonly suffered by cleaners. ` The HIPSTAR sits comfortably on the hips, releasing pressure from the upper back and shoulders ` It is extremely lightweight at 2.9kg – half the weight of a regular backpack ` Suitable for left and right-hand users ` Compact and comfortable, with a secure Velcro waist strap ` 1200 watt of power

Cleanstar (03) 9460 5655 www.cleanstar.com.au

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PRODUCTS

Electric solutions for outdoor cleaning The range of eco-friendly battery-operated outdoor sweepers and vacuums from TSM are paving the way for a cleaner and greener future. They don’t produce CO2 emissions and thanks to their powerful filtering systems, fine particles remain trapped and are not released into the environment.

Innovations include an on-board automatic filter cleaning system and its “Follow Me” system that allows the outdoor vacuum machines to follow the operator autonomously. As functions are electric, noise emissions are greatly reduced, allowing for cleaning anytime night or day.

Free on-site demonstration available.

All Rounder Multi-Surface All Rounder Multi-Surface is an industrial-strength, hard surface cleaner/degreaser formulated using the latest surfactant technology that removes grease, dirt, oils and soot from all surfaces. It is 100 per cent environmentally sustainable, safe and nontoxic. It is a safe alternative to dangerous solvent or caustic-based products.

All Rounder combines safety with effective cleaning.

It is safe to use on leather and strong enough to use on greasy tiles and commercial kitchen exhaust hoods. It will not harm plastics, stainless steel, aluminium, paint or any other known surface.

Central Cleaning Supplies 1300 347 347 www.sweepclean.com.au

Krystalshield & Shield Chemicals 1300 519 074 www.krystalshield.com.au

Smart heads that clean Made in Germany, SEBO power heads are built to withstand heavy use on all types of carpet. The ET Series model is available in two widths with four-level manual brush height adjustment. It cleans carpets and hard floors. Its 180° steering ability provides manoeuvrability around furniture. The L-shaped head makes cleaning along skirting easy. It also has easy brush roller removal, clog removal door, and warning lights with automatic shut off for brush roller obstructions. SEBO power heads can be added to any backpack vacuum to enhance cleaning performance.

SEBO Australia (02) 9678 9577 www.sebo.com.au

60 INCLEAN January / February 2020

PRODUCTS

M17 Battery Powered Sweeper Scrubber With the largest battery capacity in its class, the M17 Sweeper-Scrubber machine will quickly improve your facility’s overall image. ` Reduce the need for multiple pass cleaning with its wide path ` Two-stage dust control featuring the ShakeMax™ filter shaker improves air quality by containing dust generated during the sweeping process ` Fume-free cleaning performance helps to maintain a safe environment ` Pro-Panel™ touch screen control module simplifies operation and maintenance with a high-visibility screen, intuitive controls and operator videos ` Innovative ec-H2O™ technology reduces costs associated with chemical purchases and reduces water use ` Easy, no-tool access to all squeegees, brushes and filters helps reduce time spent on maintenance ` Add a Factory Direct Service plan to ensure optimal uptime of your machine for your facility

Tennant Company 1800 226 843 www.tennantco.com.au

Slim Jim Recycling Station The Slim Jim Recycling Station is an adaptable recycling solution offering a front-of-house look with back-of-house functionality. ` Adaptable recycling solution where facilities can choose from six colours, with customised openings ` Intuitive lid openings that provide waste stream cues help patrons and staff sort recyclables more effectively ` Slim footprint fits in the tightest spaces, while the hinging lid inserts are optimised to fit any size recyclable ` Simple and durable execution - components snap in place without the use of hardware

Rubbermaid Commercial Products 1300 639 355 www.rubbermaidcommerical.com.au

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PRODUCTS

Compact carpet extraction machine Polivac’s Terminator (220 PSI)/Terminator PLUS (600 PSI) is specifically designed for smaller/larger areas and upholstery. It is portable and ideal for any scale carpet cleaning and flood recovery. Operators can select both between 5m/10m solution hose, 5m/10m vacuum hose, and a 12″ 2-jet stainless steel wand to help handle any job.

Polivac International 03 8378 0000 www.polivac.com.au

A smart, safe, autonomous floorcare solution The Minuteman MAX Ride Roboscrub 20 powered by BrainOS® represents the next generation of robotic floor care. The AI technology utilised within the Roboscrub 20 navigates complex, real-world environments. ` Dual mode – Manual or autonomous, providing flexibility of cleaning on site when needed ` Multi-layer sensor system perceives environment while detecting and avoiding people and obstacles ` Automatic status messages are sent to the robot operator via SMS

Hako Australia 1800 257 221 www.hakoaustralia.com.au

building service contractors association of australia limited building service contractors association of australia limited

Your membership strengthens Your membership the Australian strengthens cleaning industry the Australian cleaning industry

We are Australia’s peak We are Australia’s industry employer peak industry employer organisation for organisation for Commercial Cleaning Commercial Companies. Cleaning Companies.

Join us to receive: Join us to receive: Government Lobbying Government Lobbying Industrial Relations Advice Industrial Relations Networking Events Advice Networking Events Online Resources Online Resources Industry Excellence Awards Industry Awards Industry Excellence News Industry News Online Training www.bscaa.com Online Training Education www.bscaa.com 1800 312 970 Education 1800 312 970 national@bscaa.com Contact your local branch: Contact your local branch: QLD bscaaqld@bscaa.com QLD bscaaqld@bscaa.com NSW bscaansw@bscaa.com NSW bscaansw@bscaa.com VIC bscaavic@bscaa.com VIC bscaavic@bscaa.com

62 INCLEAN January / February 2020

national@bscaa.com

SA bscaasa@bscaa.com SA bscaasa@bscaa.com WA admin@cleaningcouncilwa.com.au WA admin@cleaningcouncilwa.com.au TAS bscaatas@bscaa.com TAS bscaatas@bscaa.com

NEW Relion Insight Series 48V Lithium iron phosphate (LifePo4) Battery • GC2 Sized Scalable replacement

• Compatible with lead-acid chargers

• Easy to install

• SuperSmart BMS

// www.rjbatt.com.au

// 1300 769 282

TM

PRODUCTS

NEW Makita 18V Brushless Blower Makita’s new 18V Brushless Blower (DUB184) has the performance of a petrol machine without the fumes, noise and fuel mixing issues associated with combustion engines. ` Powerful 187km/h air speed ` Lightweight at 3kg including battery ` Variable speed trigger with cruise control ` Ergonomic design for comfortable use

Makita 1300 361 690 www.makita.com.au

Clax Magic Clax Magic by Diversey is a ready-to-use stain removers designed to eliminate heavy soils which will not disappear in the regular wash process.

Applied prior to laundering, Clax Magic removes stains within a single wash, saving time, chemicals, energy, water and money.

Clax Magic features innovative, concentrated formulations that are colour coded to enhance ease of use.

The Clax Magic range includes; Clax Magic Multi, Clax Magic Rust, Clax Magic Protein and Clax Magic Oxi.

Diversey 1800 647 779 https://diversey.com/en/solutions/fabric-care/clax-magic

small in size - BIG ON CLEAN

SEBO XP10

MULTI FLOOR CLEANING Designed for:

Aged Care Hospital Hotel Rooms Features:

Compact size

Operator friendly Flat-to-floor clean Onboard accessories Easy trolley storage Service friendly

12”

Enquiries Phone: +61 (0)2 9678 9577 www.sebo.com.au | info@sebo.com.au

www.incleanmag.com.au 63

PRODUCTS

Heavy duty three in one multipurpose cleaner Treble is a general-purpose spray and wipe cleaner, degreaser and sanitiser all in one. It cuts through grease and soil to leave surfaces, including glass, sanitised and clean. The heavy duty cleaner is lime scented and is a low foaming product, suited for use in hospitality venues including commercial kitchens and food service areas. Treble is available in a 5-litre pack size with 500ml spray bottles for the diluted product.

Whiteley Corporation 1800 833 566 www.whiteley.com.au

Conquest CC1200 Conquest proudly welcomes the CC1200 combination sweeper scrubber to its elite range. Built tough for heavy duty applications and powered by a robust Kubota engine, the Conquest CC1200 sweeps and scrubs in one pass delivering outstanding results every time. Large 300-litre solution and recovery tanks along with a 180-litre waste hopper allow the Conquest CC1200 to operate for longer periods, significantly reducing cleaning time and associated labour costs.

Conquest Equipment 1800 826 789 www.conquestequipment.com.au

HIRE MACHINES READY WHEN YOU ARE

NOW AVAILABLE IN MELBOURNE, SYDNEY & BRISBANE

• Short term hire options from as little as 1 day • State-of-the-art equipment fleet • Expert advice & training • Trailer hire available

CONTACT FOR PRICE & AVAILABILITY CALL TODAY: 1800 826 789 sales@conquestequipment.com.au www.conquestequipment.com.au

64 INCLEAN January / February 2020

PRODUCTS

MICROEZY MICROEZY is a semi-disposable microfiber cleaning cloth for great cleaning results at sites with limited access to a laundry.

Multiple cloths in a dispenser carton provide sufficient supplies of clean wipes. After cleaning, the cloth can be rinsed (reusable-manual rinsing efficiency is improved) or when too dirty (grease, stains etc), simply dispose the product.

Very low fibre shedding with ultrasonically cut edges and a handy format 30x30 for easy no folding use. The dispenser box design provides easy removal of cloths one by one and quantity remaining in the box is easily visible.

Oates 1300 669 686 www.oates.com.au

Multi Surface Tool The Multi Surface Tool (MST) from SYR is a multi-function tool that will be a go to product in your cleaning arsenal. The lightweight durable frame pivots 180 degrees to get the perfect angle when cleaning large flat surfaces, while the superior microfibre heads are designed to remove daily grime with only water. The MST is ideal for cleaning windows, mirrors, stainless steel, walls and much more and one of the SYR handles can be attached to reach hard to get to places. Another practical innovation from SYR now distributed by White Magic.

White Magic 1300 306 380 www.syrclean.com.au 1415 CCS Adiatek Inclean QP Ad Final FA.pdf

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PRODUCTS

Relion Lithium Batteries – New Insight Series The InSight Series is the next generation of lithium batteries from RELiON. The InSight Series is the first scalable LiFePO4 drop-in replacement battery available in industry-standard sizes, with no additional hardware needed when connected in parallel.

Featuring SuperSmart Battery Management System (BMS) technology, InSight batteries are precisely balanced and optimised for performance, compatible with nearly all lead-acid battery chargers. Safer, lighter and more efficient, the InSight Series is designed to replace leadacid batteries in any deep cycle application including floor machines, scissor lifts and more.

Available in 48 Volt configurations from R&J Batteries stores and distributors across Australia.

R&J Batteries 1300 769 282 Rjbatt.com.au

Dirt-Off Ultimate heavy-duty detergent/degreaser for use on a huge variety of outdoor surfaces.

Amazingly versatile, Dirt-Off is a pleasantly perfumed degreaser for use with mops, autoscrubbers, steam cleaners and pressure washers. Ideal for cleaning floors, walls, pavements, equipment, paintwork, machinery, BBQs, vehicles, trains and signs.

Agar Cleaning Systems (03) 9480 3000 www.agar.com.au

Kärcher T 10/1 Adv Professional dry vacuum The Kärcher T 10/1 Adv Professional dry vacuum has been specifically designed for contract cleaners.

Weighing 6.5kg, the vacuum can be easily carried by the nicely moulded top handle. The T 10/1 Adv comes with rubberised wheels and casters, which guides the unit to smoothly follow the operator.

The all-round bumper ensures the impact-resistant,10-litre capacity container does not damage furniture. It comes with a Kärcher tear-resistant fleece filter bag as standard, which holds up to twice as much dust as conventional paper filters. If required, the unit can be operated with or without filter bags.

The on/off switch is foot-operated, and the tubular handle is made of antistatic materia – preventing a build-up of static electricity

Karcher 1800 675 714 karcher.com.au

Aussie’s safety breakthrough Aussie Pump’s new 5,000 psi heavy duty hydro-blaster, the Predator A, is class A under Australia’s new Safety Standards AS/NZS 4233.01. That means operators are not required to be RTO certified to use this powerful machine. ` It features a heavy-duty stainless-steel frame that is not only looks good, but is tough, practical and has no ‘sharps’ ` Is powered by industrial Honda petrol engine, through a 2:1 gearbox, driving a big slow speed Bertolini triplex pump ` Aussie’s free Safety Protection Kit protects the operator and machine from pressure spikes and extended by-pass running ` The new compliant, super heavy-duty machine when used with an Aussie Turbo-master turbo lance delivers an effective working pressure of 8,500 psi (580 bar) for even faster cleaning

Australian Pump Industries 02 8865 3500 www.aussiepumps.com.au 66 INCLEAN January / February 2020

www.incleanmag.com.au

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