INCLEAN NZ - November 2020

DELIVERING SUSTAINABLE HYGIENE INFORMATION

www.incleanmag.co.nz

November 2020

CELEBRATING

150 YEARS

IN BUSINESS

G LO B A L LY

INCLEAN NZ is published by The Intermedia Group Pty Ltd on behalf of ISSA – The Worldwide Cleaning Industry Association.

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Editor’s letter

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W

hile the Internet of Things (IoT) has been around for a while, companies are increasingly realising the sustainability benefits IoT – internet-connected – devices can offer.

In our sustainability feature this issue, we look at enhancing sustainability with smart solutions and how internet-connected devices can help you meet your people, planet, and profit goals.

As consumer behaviours continue to change, cleaning and restoration companies must change with them. Reliance on digital engagement and social media has increased during COVID-19, leading businesses to adopt new channels to communicate with customers, improve engagement and grow their businesses.

In this edition we look at how cleaning companies can connect with customers and improve the customer experience. One way is through text message marketing – one of the latest and fastest growing trends in digital marketing.

Just as mobile phones bring people together in their personal lives, text marketing connects businesses to their customers.

Read how mobile technology is changing the way people engage with companies, and why businesses around the world are adding text messaging to their marketing communications.

On behalf of the team at INCLEAN NZ, we would like to thank our readers and contributors for your ongoing support this year and wish you all a safe holiday season.

Happy reading,

Claire Hibbit Managing Editor

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2021 ISSA Pulire

18-20 May 2021 The largest professional cleaning industry trade show in Italy. www.pulire-it.com/en

Industry celebrates Thank Your Cleaner Day Why Thank Your Cleaner Day takes on a new meaning this year.

ISS Facility Services appoints APAC CEO Country manager of ISS Australia and New Zealand named regional CEO for APAC.

TEAM Software acquires Templa TEAM Software acquires Templa, the software company behind TemplaCMS.

i-team launches local division Local distribution team to spearhead growth strategy in Australia, NZ and Papua New Guinea.

Clean NZ

ISSA reschedules ISSA Cleaning & Hygiene Expo

CSIRO scientists publish new research on SARS-COV-2 virus ‘survivability’

New Zealand’s only dedicated trade event for the cleaning industry. www.cleannzexpo.co.nz

ISSA reschedules ISSA Cleaning & Hygiene Expo to October 2021 in Sydney.

COVID-19 causing virus lasts for 10 days longer than Influenza on some surfaces.

Wed 15 - Thu 16 September 2021 Newmarket Room, Ellerslie Racecourse, Auckland, New Zealand

15-16 September 2021

CMS

21-24 September 2021 Europe’s leading cleaning trade fair will take place in Berlin. www.cms-berlin.de

ON THE COVER: 23-24 MARCH 2021 SYDNEY

ISSA Cleaning & Hygiene Expo 12-13 October 2021

The industry’s premier trade event will be held at ICC Sydney. www.issacleaninghygieneexpo.com 4 INCLEAN NEW ZEALAND November 2020

Read why Tennant’s entry into the world of robotics shows that the 150-yearold company is still very much focused on the future – and looking forward to another 150 years of industry firsts.

IN THIS ISSUE NOVEMBER 2020

ISSUE #4

Regulars

03 Editor’s letter 10 Industry 16 Cover story 42 Opinion 45 Products

6

46

Features 14 Biofilms and surfaces The need to rethink cleaning methods in the battle against microbes 20 Keeping your workforce engaged Three strategies for building service contractors during times of change

16

22 Enhancing sustainability with smart solutions How internet-connected devices help you meet your people, planet, and profit goals 28 Is your restaurant ready?

Ready your hospitality venue by implementing these best practice strategies 32 Fiber cleaning challenges Each fiber has unique issues – here’s what every technician should know

20

26

36 Text message marketing How to connect with customers to drive engagement and increase sales

45

36 www.incleanmag.co.nz 5

INDUSTRY // SPONSORED

NZ Cleaning Supplies expansion continues NZ Cleaning Supplies is on the move, with the company preparing to open its biggest site to date.

N

Z Cleaning Supplies continues to expand its footprint, with the company set to open the largest cleaning supplies warehouse in New Zealand in 2021.

The announcement of the new warehouse comes off the back of 22 per cent year on year growth in 2020.

Despite the disruption of COVID-19, NZ Cleaning Supplies has remained resilient during the pandemic and has continued to build on its existing range of industry leading products and brands.

Based in Auckland, NZ Cleaning Supplies deliver industry sustainable cleaning and hygiene solutions for commercial, industrial, food service, education, and healthcare sectors.

NZ Cleaning Supplies extensive range of products including janitorial supplies, window cleaning supplies, cleaning consumables, paper products, chemicals, and protective and safety equipment.

The company carries various ranges of products from leading brands including Tork, Ghibli, Minuteman, Hacko, Pacvac, SABCO, SORBO, Tucker Poles and more.

The new warehouse is located in Ellerslie, Auckland. The move will also see NZ Cleaning Supplies expand its current team of staff of more than 50, with an additional 25 new team members expected to join.

the name you can trust 6 INCLEAN NEW ZEALAND November 2020

INDUSTRY // SPONSORED

“

Our new warehouse will be the largest warehouse dedicated to cleaning supplies in New Zealand.

”

NZ Cleaning Suppli es supports Thank Your Cleaner Day NZ

Cleaning Supplies is a major supporter of Thank Your Cleaner Day and wo rked in partnership wit the Building Servi Contractors Associat ce ion of New Zealand (BSCNZ) to develop giftboxes for frontline workers.

Now in its sixth year, the day aims to raise the profile of the industry as well as cel ebrate the role of pro fessional cleaners.

Since its launch, the event has continued to garner global attention from build ing service contractors and their customers, with the event now celebrated in more tha n 20 countries.

In 2020, BSCNZ Than k Your Cleaner Day gift boxes were developed and distrib uted in conjunction with NZ Cleaning Supplies, producing more than 1500 for cle aning workers around the country.

www.incleanmag.co.nz 7

INDUSTRY // SPONSORED

“

We will continue to diversify into different sectors without losing focus on our core markets.

”

“Our new warehouse will be the largest warehouse dedicated to cleaning supplies in New Zealand,” explains Ebin Sebastian, general manager of NZ Cleaning Supplies.

The new 1900sqm will house NZ Cleaning Supplies’ head office, showroom, and function as a distribution center. The site also features a 60-space car park.

“The availability of stock has been on the biggest issues for the industry over the past few months during COVID-19. Our new warehouse, and its storage capacity, means that will be able to have more stock on hand for our customers as soon as they need it,” says Sebastian.

8 INCLEAN NEW ZEALAND November 2020

“Many companies try to minimise the amount of stock on-site however our approach is different. We ensure we have the stock our customers need.”

NZ Cleaning Supplies currently has multiple locations across New Zealand including Auckland and Wellington.

The company plans to open a site in Christchurch by early 2022.

The new Ellerslie site will also house the company’s dedicated healthcare division, NZ Healthcare Supplies.

NZ Healthcare Supplies specialises in medical supplies to the healthcare and aged care industries.

Sebastian says the healthcare division, which is currently made up of eight staff, will increase to up to 25 team members by April 2021 as the division continues to expand.

According to Sebastian, NZ Cleaning Supplies will be launching more divisions in 2021.

“We will continue to diversify into different sectors without losing focus on our core markets,” he says.

NZ Cleaning Supplies has also partnered with Dulevo International to bring its range to the New Zealand market for the first time.

Dulevo International is a leading manufacturer of sweepers for commercial, industrial, and urban cleaning, active in more than 80 countries worldwide.

Dulevo has developed and designed several custom product lines: street sweepers, industrial sweepers, man on board and walk behind.

NZ Cleaning Supplies will offer the Dulevo International range including street sweepers and industrial sweepers, available in New Zealand for the first time from January 2021. ■

NZ CLEANING SUPPLIES

100% Pure Electric Sweeper Machines

Dulevo machines are now in New Zealand

www.facebook.com/NZCLEAN / 0800 269 253 / 0800 2 NZCLEAN / www.cleaningsupplies.net.nz

INDUSTRY NEWS

Graduates at Hokianga Health

Proud infection control record for Hokianga cleaner graduates Hokianga Health’s vision is to be the centre of excellence for rural health care. Based at the top of New Zealand, this Trust was established in one New Zealand’s oldest settlements, and a place considered a heartland for Māori.

The organisation provides a range of services to the local people that include a public hospital, primary care, disability, maternity, mental health, public health and health promotion, and community development service.

Workforce development is key to helping the Trust achieve its goals. Significant resources are applied to training, mentoring and upskilling staff at every single level of the organisation.

Margie Makiri is Hokianga Health’s cleaning supervisor. Recently her team of six cleaners completed the New Zealand Certificate in Cleaning Level 2 qualification, with the support of industry training organisation, Careerforce.

The cleaners at Hokianga Health completed their self-paced training in just three months instead of the usual six months. Once the cleaners had completed their training, they were all presented with a trophy and certificate at a special graduation event.

“The endorsement from management about their achievements and what they’ve accomplished was huge,” said assessor, Carol Fisher.

Careerforce offers nationally recognised qualifications and on-the-job training opportunities for cleaners, whether at entry level or in specialist areas like healthcare facilities cleaning, carpet and textiles, contagion and specialised infection control, hard floor surfaces, food production and high-risk environments.

10 INCLEAN NEW ZEALAND November 2020

ISS Facility Services appoints APAC CEO Scott Davies, current country manager of ISS Australia and New Zealand, has been appointed as the new regional CEO for Asia Pacific (APAC), effective 1 January 2021.

After close to 10 years dedicated service to ISS, Dane Hudson has announced his decision to retire from ISS at the end of the year to pursue his own business interests.

Hudson joined the team as country manager for ISS Australia in January 2011. He moved to Singapore in 2016 when he took over the regional CEO role for APAC and joined the executive group management (EGM) team of ISS. Davies has been appointed to the role of regional CEO, Asia Pacific from 1 January 2021. Davies, who is currently county manager for ISS Pacific has had a successful career progression in the Pacific after assuming the Pacific (Australia and New Zealand) Country Manager role in 2016.

Stuart Rose, currently chief commercial officer and director of strategy in the Pacific region, will be promoted to the role of country manager of ISS Australia and New Zealand. Rose will assume responsibility from 1 November 2020.

i-team launches local division i-team has announced the formation of a local i-team ANZ distribution team, aimed at developing its footprint in Australia, New Zealand, and Papua New Guinea.

The newly formed ANZ team will represent and distribute products manufactured by i-team Global, as well as support the activities of current and new i-team distribution partners and end users.

Frank van de Ven, CEO of i-team Global, said the establishment of i-team ANZ is a strategic initiative to build upon the growth of the i-team brand throughout the Asia Pacific and Oceania regions.

“Establishing i-team ANZ is one of the latest steps we are taking to ensure that the i-team brand and portfolio of products is well positioned to continue to serve as the industries innovation expert

and a trusted brand of cleaning professionals worldwide.”

Steve Bagshaw, CEO of i-team ANZ, said the company is excited at the opportunities the formation of i-team ANZ brings to the market, combining global resources and innovation, with local personnel and market knowledge.

“We look forward to working closely with our i-partner network to ensure as many end users as possible experience the benefits of the current i-team innovations, as well as exciting new technologies about to be released.” i-team Global is a company based in Eindhoven, The Netherlands. i-team ANZ is based in Sydney, distributing through a selected network of partners across Australia and New Zealand.

CrestClean managing director, Grant McLauchlan, presents to Hamilton franchise owners at FMG Stadium Waikato

Annual team meetings enjoyed by CrestClean franchisees The importance of working together has been highlighted at CrestClean’s annual team meetings, which drew large groups of CrestClean business owners to a business forum.

The events, hosted in 17 regions all around New Zealand, mark a stellar year for CrestClean business owners. The team meetings gave managing director Grant McLauchlan a chance to update franchisees on company progress in the last 12 months.

“We’re part way through our tour,” said McLauchlan.

“We started in Invercargill, and we’re moving up through the country, and after a break due to the level 2 situation, we’ve resumed and we are having great turnouts of our hard working franchise owners in each local region.”

As well as a get together, the annual gatherings are a chance for the company’s managing director to personally pay tribute to many long serving CrestClean business owners.

McLauchlan thanked CrestClean’s franchise owners for their commitment to the brand and said the company was in great shape.

“Our foundation is really rock solid and we have the right people, the right systems in place and we are seeing growth accelerate throughout New Zealand.”

He said CrestClean’s personnel represented 58 different nations.

“It’s our diversity that helps to give strength to our brand and our business in the marketplace.”

Long service recipients included personnel who received awards for three, five, seven, 10 and 15 years.

In Christchurch, franchisee Grant Holland was presented a special award for celebrating 20 years as a CrestClean business owner.

An Auckland event, to be hosted at Alexandra Park, will take place in December.

“We are expecting this to be the biggest ever gathering of CrestClean personnel when 380 business owners from the Auckland region come together. It’s a great buzz to see all our people at a business forum, we have a really positive culture at CrestClean, and we consider ourselves lucky to be involved in what has now transpired to be an ‘essential service’ industry.”

CrestClean franchise owners at the Palmerston North, Kāpiti Coast and Horowhenua team meeting

HYGEN™ DISPOSABLE MICROFIBRE REMOVES

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BREAK THE CHAIN OF INFECTION WITH THE HIGHEST QUALITY CLEAN *Based on third-party testing on VCT surface with water only. Tested virus: Feline Calicivirus. Tested Bacteria: Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Not tested on COVID-19.

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www.incleanmag.co.nz 11

INDUSTRY NEWS

Switching to superior, microfibre helps cleaning professionals achieve immaculate results with less chemicals for a healthier environment Cleaning professionals routinely rely on harsh chemicals to guarantee the high level of cleanliness expected by customers. Yet many cleaning chemicals can potentially harm the user and the environment if used excessively in the end to end cleaning cycle.

In response to this health and environmental challenge, the increasingly popular concept of sustainable cleaning which uses considerably less water and chemicals in the end-to-end cleaning cycle, is growing acceptance.

Leading the charge in sustainable cleaning is microfibre. This innovation is helping many organisations achieve a higher-quality clean with much less harmful chemicals and water consumption.

Microfibre works differently to standard cleaning cloths due to its scientifically designed fibres, uniquely shaped to attract and trap dirt, dust, grease, food and liquid.

Rubbermaid HYGEN Disposable Microfibre System features advanced microfibre technology that offers optimal

contamination prevention, superior cleaning performance and improved productivity.

Microfibre is an effective alternative to excessive chemical usage due to its ability to effectively remove fine particles, oils and invisible microbes on surfaces or hidden in crevices, outperforming regular sponges and cloths soaked in chemicals.

Suitable for a variety of surfaces, the HYGEN Disposable Microfibre system also provides streak-free cleaning for mirrors, glass and stainless steel and can be used for dusting or wet cleaning.

The HYGEN Disposable Microfibre system features built-in scrubbers enabling complete dirt removal without smearing.

The superior cleaning power of microfibre allows cleaning professionals to do more with less. With less water and chemicals, it removes bacteria and germs in a more sustainable, smarter, and safer way.

PPCS celebrates Thank Your Cleaner Day PPCS (Professional Property & Cleaning Services) celebrated frontline cleaners on ‘Thank Your Cleaner Day’ on Wednesday, 21 October.

“Their commitment and discipline is appreciated now, more than ever,” the company said.

“Over the course of almost 30 years, we have seen and mastered many challenging

12 INCLEAN NEW ZEALAND November 2020

moments including the COVID-19 crisis.

“To overcome this unique challenge, safety of us all is paramount. We can only make positive contributions and live our values if we stay healthy and avoid spreading the virus. Our company has risen to this challenge with flexibility, resilience, courage, and a caring heart.”

PPCS also received support from clients

across New Zealand in support of this day by presenting cleaners with gifts and morning tea.

“Our offices across Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch and Bay of Plenty are incredibly proud of our cleaners and celebrated these unsung heroes too.”

The PPCS Head Office team celebrated by relieving cleaners of their duties for an hour at Sylvia Park Shopping Centre.

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FEATURE

Biofilms and surfaces The need to rethink cleaning methods in the battle against microbes.

T

Words Dr Greg Whiteley

he term “biofilm,” with specific respect to microbiological applications, was coined by the late Professor J. William (Bill) Costerton, of the University of Montana.

Professor Costerton observed that bacteria and other cellular microorganisms often create their own living space to support their long-term survival, propagation, and spread. And with that, Bill Costerton opened a new arm of the science of microbiology.

Of course, the “biofilms” have always been present with microbes.

Bacterial species are prolific in forming biofilms across a dazzling array of natural environments.

You can find bacterial biofilms in any watercourse, but they are also forming biofilms within your body, all of the time. In fact, your own body relies upon bacterial biofilms for normal survival, human health, and even welfare.

MICROBES AND THE BODY Once a newborn baby leaves its mother’s womb, it starts to encounter common bacterial species such as E. coli, which quickly moves to colonize the young infant’s gut, thus assisting with normal digestion.

The skin of the newborn is also quickly covered with bacteria and other microbes which become established and play an important role in the maintenance of healthy skin. These bacteria and other microbes are called “microflora.” They live in a happy symbiosis with us all of our lives.

Although we have a large base population of happy bugs, not all of them are good, and sometimes even the good bugs can behave badly. When microbes behave badly, the human body repels them with what we know as an immune response. That is, our body fights back against the bad behavior to stop a minor infection into becoming a major disaster that could end in significant damage to our bodies, or even death.

14 INCLEAN NEW ZEALAND November 2020

FEATURE MICROBES BEHAVING BADLY There are essentially two ways that these bugs turn bad. One way is that these bugs simply end up in the wrong space, and so create an infection. Peritonitis is a good example. The gut bacteria normally assist in food digestion and nutrient processing. However, if there is a penetration of the gut lining, and these bacteria travel through the tear and into the bloodstream (such as with a sudden burst appendix), then the resulting infection can kill a person.

The other way that bugs turn bad is that they can learn to be bad through evolutionary processes such as a “near-death” experience.

Another pathway that our normal microflora can turn into bad bugs is by acquiring new genes that allow the bugs to overcome human immune responses. Remember, the bugs want to stay alive and not get killed by the immune responses. This group is known as the superbugs. But let’s get back to the biofilms.

BIOFILMS ON SURFACES Most biofilms are formed within a moist or hydrated environment (i.e. in water). But more recent studies have shown that biofilms also can

be formed on dry surfaces, where they have quite different characteristics and survival performance.

Within these biofilms, the bacteria can communicate with each other both actively and passively, somewhat like an educational classroom.

Now if a superbug lands onto a surface, it can form a biofilm just like its friendly cousins. But a surface doesn’t normally fight back, so survival is a bit easier. Now if we go and clean the surface, then most of the transient bugs will be removed, but not the biofilm and not the resident bugs within the biofilm.

Through recent research developments, we have been able to find dry surface biofilms (mostly containing superbugs) on nearly 90% of all high-touch objects and surfaces within intensive care units.

This finding of the presence of dry surface biofilms has proved to be a worldwide problem.

The biofilms created by these microbes, on all sorts of surfaces, demonstrate a remarkable resistance to cleaning and disinfecting. Even more terrifying is that the bugs hidden within the biofilms demonstrate an even greater capacity to resist antimicrobial treatments. That includes antibiotics and disinfectants.

“Our investment in training has helped staff motivation, retention, and client satisfaction.”

Yvonne Percival, Kleenrite Customer Services Manager

Yvonne Percival can attest to the quality of work and service improvements that result from staff completing Careerforce training programmes. Cleaners gain the skills needed to achieve nationally recognised cleaning qualifications.

Careerforce is the Industry Training Organisation (ITO) for the cleaning sector, supporting employers to deliver workplace-based training.

Call us about free enrolment in cleaning programmes!

careerforce.org.nz/cleaning 0800 277 486

“

Work published as part of our ongoing 20-year program has shown just how resilient the biofilms are to remove.

”

COVER STORY

SPONSORED

O

ne hundred and fifty years ago, Tennant Company founder George Tennant started his business on the banks of the Mississippi River in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Like many others, he chose the location to power his sawmill, milling and planning timber to help build the young and growing city.

Over the years, Tennant’s business grew and changed as company leaders made investments in innovation and focused on solving problems for customers. Innovation is at the core of Tennant’s success, from the early days when the company recognized the potential of mechanising the laborious task of maintaining its wooden floors.

The company moved from making floors to providing floor care solutions – introducing groundbreaking products to improve cleaning processes, provide safer and more comfortable equipment for operators, and make cleaning more sustainable.

Our innovative products – Before we lead, we listen. We use insights gained from customer feedback to create solutions that change how cleaning tasks are performed. And from inspiration has come innovation, which has led to such trailblazing innovations as our ec-H2O™ NanoClean™ technology, our IRIS® Asset Manager and ReadySpace®, our rapiddrying carpet cleaning system.

The latest advancement in this proud tradition is the first-to-perform robotic floor scrubber. Tennant’s entry into the world of robotics shows that the 150year-old company is still very much focused on the future—and looking forward to another 150 years of industry firsts.

16 INCLEAN NEW ZEALAND November 2020

The Tennant brand is known globally for quality, reliability, and service. The flagship mark leads other respected brands owned by the company: Nobles, Alfa, and recent acquisitions IPC and Gaomei. The acquisition of IPC Group, a designer and manufacturer of commercial cleaning solutions based in Italy occurred in 2017.

IPC expands Australia and New Zealand’s product portfolio with the likes of the new CT5 Mini Scrubber, CT80 Micro Rider Scrubber and the new 1050 vacuum Sweeper. The launch of our new IPC brand helps build Tennant’s multi brand portfolio and existing brand presence across products and direct service in Australia and NZ. We’re creating a more targeted distribution network to better serve our customers in 2020 offering a simple, straight-forward ownership experience (at the right price.)

Chad Angeli General Manager of Australia and New Zealand commented that “We are extremely pleased not only with the IPC launch this year but also our autonomous T7AMR launch. Our autonomous solutions are allowing our customers to re-deploy their labour with confidence to focus more time on detail cleaning. Our IPC range has given our customers and distributors access to products that we historically did not have in the Tennant range.

IPC also offers a better option for our BSC customers that have a shorter-term contract. Next year we will launch two new robotic lines and continue to add to our IPC portfolio.”

Built into that mission is a focus on community and stewardship that has become a core part of Tennant’s culture. In addition to sustainable

COVER STORY

“

Tennant’s entry into the world of robotics shows that the 150-year-old company is still very much focused on the future—and looking forward to another 150 years of industry firsts.

”

technologies and cradle-to-cradle manufacturing processes, the company contributes to its communities by maintaining environmentally focused practices in Tennant facilities, as well as engaging in community clean-up and improvement activities.

Volunteering and community involvement take many forms at Tennant.

In fact, the cornerstone of the company’s celebration of this year’s milestone anniversary is our “$150K for 150 Years” challenge, inviting Tennant employees throughout the world to raise the equivalent of $150,000 for charities they choose through donations of cash, goods, and work in their neighborhoods. It was great to see Tennant’s 150 year legacy of building high quality products and commitment to community stewardship all coming together during the same day.

“I’m extremely grateful to be a part of this team and what we are building for our customers in Australia & New Zealand,

said Chad Angeli General Manager Tennant Australia. “We will continue to be active in our local communities nationally to contribute to this goal.”

With manufacturing facilities in Europe, Asia, and North and South America, direct sales operations in 15 countries and a network of distributors spanning more than 100 countries, Tennant Company cleans around the world to fulfill its mission: Making the world a cleaner, safer, healthier place.

A century and a half of innovation. Of involvement in communities. Of partnership with customers. This year, as Tennant Company celebrates one hundred and fifty years, a new global headquarters campus is opening in Eden Prairie, Minnesota.

The property is less than 20 miles from the Mississippi River where George Tennant started his business—as is fitting for a company that is grounded in deep traditions, inventing its future, and making its mark as an industry leader. ■ www.incleanmag.co.nz 17

FEATURE

“

Biofilms, particularly dry surface biofilms, are tenacious, residential, and require very specific products to both remove the biofilm and kill off the bad bugs.

”

18 INCLEAN NEW ZEALAND November 2020

THE RESILIENT BIOFILM

RETHINK CLEANING METHODS

New microbial methods have been developed to mimic in the lab what is the live experience of these biofilm bacteria within a health care setting. From these methods, we have shown that bacteria within a biofilm are 200 times more resistant to antibiotics.

And it has been shown that bacteria in a dry surface biofilm have more than 1,000 times more resistance to chlorine disinfectants.

Work published as part of our ongoing 20-year program has shown just how resilient the biofilms are to remove. In one recent study, we demonstrated that if you dried a culture of bacteria onto a stainless-steel surface (not an overly friendly surface for bacterial survival), you could wipe away 99.9 per cent with a single swipe of a wet cloth. After 5 wipes, 99.999 per cent were removed.

However, if you took that same bacteria and grew it into a dry surface biofilm, even after 50 wipes you only removed a little over 96 per cent.

That is, the biofilm bacteria are 100 times harder to remove than the dry culture without a biofilm! And if you touch the biofilm, the bugs that jump onto your fingers or gloves, will typically stay on your fingers or gloves for up to 19 subsequent touches.

What are the implications of biofilms, particularly for cleaning and disinfecting within healthcare and senior living facilities? Probably two things stand out. First, cleaning has never been more important.

These biofilms, particularly dry surface biofilms, are tenacious, residential, and require very specific products to both remove the biofilm and kill off the bad bugs. Second, cleaning monitoring is a critical requirement to get right. We need to ensure that both qualitative and quantitative systems of monitoring are routinely employed to ensure cleaning compliance is achieved.

Remember, the bugs want to survive. They may not intend to kill the patients, but if substandard cleaning is the approach accepted, then patient morbidity and mortality may be a consequence of their survival. Perhaps we need to rethink our cleaning methods to catch up to what these bugs are doing.

Dr Greg Whiteley is the chairman of Whiteley Corporation This article first appeared in ISSA Today and has been republished with permission. ■

WWW.TENNANTCO.COM.AU

CONTRACTING

Keeping your workforce engaged when every day is different Three strategies for building service contractors during times of change.

20 INCLEAN NEW ZEALAND November 2020

CONTRACTING

W

e often hear ads, read articles, and receive emails from companies reminding us that “in these unprecedented times” all we need to do to stay relevant is simply remain calm and adapt to the new normal – whatever normal is for that specific day.

That’s all well and good except that no one offers any real advice for exactly how we’re supposed to adapt in a constantly changing world. Serious business owners and operators don’t have the bandwidth to sort through jargon when they’re navigating change daily.

They need tried-and-true methodologies to help them serve their customers during a pandemic. To do that, they need to ensure that their workforce is present, engaged, and attentive to detail more than ever.

Below are our top three strategies to help building service contractors (BSCs) engage their workforce during times of continuous change.

1

INTEGRATE SYSTEMS

The first strategy for ensuring an engaged workforce involves managing expectations. To do this, you need to create integrated systems.

In the pre-COVID-19 world, we saw many BSCs running solid businesses from a reactionary perspective. That is, they would address what needed to be done when an issue or problem arose. For instance, when job openings occurred, they would hire; when business got slow, they would market; when supplies ran out, they would order; and so on.

You may be thinking there’s nothing wrong with running a business like that – and in a strong economy you could make that argument. But it is important to highlight the inefficiencies in reactionary operations that slow the business down and frustrate employees.

In reactionary operations problems, rather than systems, prompt an action. Things get done only when they are urgent. The daily task list is about putting out fires instead of tending to activities anticipated as part of a system.

In today’s world, we are preoccupied with an incredible amount of uncertainty that chips away at the veneer of our confidence. Your employees are no different. When a lack of systems leads to an uncertain work environment, higher levels of absenteeism and lower productivity result. Creating systems is the most valuable approach to increase engagement within your team.

But as you may have experienced, systems created in silos can cause resentment and a breakdown in trust.

That’s why we advocate for integrated systems. We want to ensure that businesses are not undermining their efforts by failing to integrate their attempts at efficiency.

For instance, training programs that are built without knowledge of specific workloading or an understanding of the scope of work could potentially train your workforce to be inefficient.

Likewise, introducing an enhanced requirement for disinfecting touchpoints multiple times per day without a workplace culture that supports change could lead to disastrous results. That’s why creating integrated systems tops our list of strategies to help engage employees during change.

2

COMMUNICATE EFFECTIVELY

The second strategy to keep your employees engaged and productive is to clearly communicate your expectations. It is important to remember that expectations include what changes need to happen and what tasks need to stop happening.

When employees have not received clear communication, they will fill in the blanks based on their own doubts, fears, and limitations. This does not mean that your employees are bad or wrong; these attributes are part of the human condition. None of us are immune to them.

Employees need to know today’s expectations and hear them described clearly and repeatedly. Consistent outcomes depend on ensuring every employee is operating within those expectations. Additionally, it is important to integrate your directions with your training program.

3

TAME EMPLOYEE OVERWHELM

This brings us to our third recommended strategy for ensuring an engaged workforce: helping employees tame their overwhelm. Too many unanswered questions rattle around in our brains and cause a state of overwhelm.

Psychologists today are suggesting that much of the adult population is suffering from the same kind of brain fog or “baby brain” that new mothers experience because of the high degree of uncertainty in our lives.

While there are many strategies for helping overcome such overwhelm, the most valuable is knowing how to be resilient in times of change. Resiliency comes from taking care of yourself physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually.

It is important for employers to determine if their team members can meet their self-care needs in these categories. The benefits of employee engagement far outweigh the time and energy it takes employers to listen.

While it is true that these are unprecedented times, we don’t have to crumple with a disengaged workforce.

By building integrated systems, communicating our changing needs on a daily basis, and encouraging our team members to practice self-care, we can overcome overwhelm and benefit from a truly engaged team.

Tim Poskin is founder and systems integrator of ISSA’s Cleaning Change Solutions Consulting and serves as the executive director of the ISSA Workloading and Benchmarking Committee.

Jenean Merkel Perelstein is Cleaning Change Solution’s Process Owner for Leadership and Culture Change. ■ www.incleanmag.co.nz 21

SUSTAINABILITY

Enhancing sustainability with smart solutions How internet-connected devices help you meet your people, planet, and profit goals.

Words Matt Hayas

W

hile the Internet of Things (IoT) has been around for a while, companies are increasingly realising the sustainability benefits IoT – internet-connected – devices can offer.

This realisation is no doubt spurred by the transformation of environmental sustainability from a “nice-to-have” component of doing business to a “must-have” goal that organisations continually work toward.

There’s been a wave of organisations setting measurable sustainability goals and highlighting their progress. In 2018, 86 per cent of companies1 on the S&P 500 Index issued a sustainability report, up from only 20 per cent in 2011.

Microsoft announced2 in January 2020 that the company will go “carbon-negative” by 2030. Other major corporations like Amazon have also set goals to reduce their carbon footprint in the coming years.

As more companies begin prioritising sustainability, it helps to have the right devices. In the professional cleaning industry, the capability of IoT devices to provide 24/7 facility monitoring, remote data transmission, and more accurate cleaning dosages can increase both efficiency and productivity.

By using the IoT to reduce wasted resources, time, and profit, businesses can improve their performance along the metrics most crucial to their bottom line.

In doing so, they become one step closer to their larger sustainability goals that are often closely tied to brand reputation and customer loyalty.

THE TRIPLE BOTTOM LINE APPROACH When considering how IoT devices can fit into sustainability, it’s important to take a holistic approach and consider the triple bottom line. All businesses are concerned with the traditional, singular bottom line of profit, but it takes more than money to make a business successful. The triple bottom line approach assesses business performance along three dimensions: people, planet, and profit (also known as social, environmental, and financial).

22 INCLEAN NEW ZEALAND November 2020

SUSTAINABILITY To use this framework effectively, businesses need to first decide what “social” and “environmental” performance mean to them.

For example, socially, one company might prioritise diversity and inclusion among its workforce, while another might put more effort into company-wide safety and reducing recordable workplace injuries. Environmentally, one company might take strides to reduce its buildings’ electricity consumption, while another might focus on reducing the amount of waste it puts into landfills each year.

Regardless of how you measure it, the triple bottom line approach offers a bigger-picture understanding of a company’s overall performance.

A business making significant profit might be doing so at the expense of their employees’ wellbeing or by causing environmental destruction.

Without considering the additional social and environmental effects, companies cannot fully understand the total cost of doing business.

FINDING THE RIGHT IOT FIT The triple bottom line framework can seem intimidating, but IoT devices can help businesses perform better along all three dimensions.

IoT solutions offer numerous ways to increase environmental, social, and financial performance at a reasonable cost.

To maximise the return on your investment, consider the following IoT innovations that support cleanliness: • Smart chemical dispensers: Connected chemical dispensers for laundry can report data related to chemical and water consumption, machine-operating hours, triggered alarms, and more.

• Robotic floor care: Robotic floor care machines can follow customised maps to clean floors while employees work on other key cleaning tasks. Sonar and lidar sensors ensure these machines avoid obstacles like walls, staircases, and people as they autonomously clean. Meanwhile, managers receive alerts when cleaning tasks are complete, when machine tanks need refilling, or when the equipment requires maintenance. Automatic floor care machines can save3 up to 80 per cent on labour costs and use up to 85 per ent less water and chemicals. Alerts also help reduce downtime to keep these blended human and robotic teams productive.

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“

The capability of IoT devices to provide 24/7 facility monitoring, remote data transmission, and more accurate cleaning dosages can increase both efficiency and productivity.

”

SUSTAINABILITY

“

When it comes to sustainability, even companies with the best intentions can fall flat if they don’t invest in the right solutions to support their efforts.

”

https://www.naem.org/docs/ default-source/reports/naem-researchreport-2019-setting-next-generationsustainability-goals.pdf 1

https://www.ibj.com/articles/ reducing-impacts-increasingsustainability 2

https://www.architectmagazine. com/technology/internet-of-cleanhow-robots-are-revolutionizingand-automating-commercial-andresidential-maintenance_o 3

https://www.cmmonline.com/ articles/big-data 4

https://thriveglobal.com/stories/ the-future-of-iot-4-predictions-aboutthe-internet-of things/#:~:text=In%20 a%20span%20of%20ten,devices%20 on%20a%20single%20cell.

5

24 INCLEAN NEW ZEALAND November 2020

• Intelligent hygiene solutions: Today, facilities can implement smart dispensers for paper towels, soap, and odor control to avoid lapses in restroom maintenance. For example, HartfieldJackson Atlanta International Airport installed a smart monitoring system to alert custodians when restrooms were low on supplies. Within just one year, the airport saw a 40 per cent decrease4 in paper towel outages and a 22 per cent decrease in tissue paper waste.

CREATING SUSTAINABLE SOLUTIONS Recent research predicts5 that over the course of the next 10 years, the number of IoT devices will grow from 75 billion to more than 100 billion, making them essential for daily operations.

IoT devices offer many advantages to businesses and help the world become a more connected place. These benefits are not solely financial, but also encompass people and the planet. Consider the following triple bottom line benefits: 1. Greater insight into operations: With access to real-time data, facility managers gain a clear understanding of everyday operations and can keep up with any immediate or upcoming maintenance needs to reduce downtime.

This can help managers maximise profit by reducing wasted time on the job, improve social performance by helping employees perform their jobs more efficiently, and increase sustainability by ensuring fewer materials are wasted.

2. Resource and cost savings: By tracking resources, owners and managers can identify when product has been wasted and make necessary adjustments to reduce the risk of further waste. Solutions that provide access to data about chemical or product usage can enhance inventory management and reduce unnecessary shipments. Companies can reduce the environmental impact of transporting materials too often and even increase profit by spending less money on unnecessary restocking.

3. Increased productivity: Improving productivity without sacrificing cleaning performance and worker safety is an important goal. Efficiency often yields cost savings and streamlined processes can reduce waste and

strain on employees. For instance, when a chemical dispensing system accurately dispenses the right amount of chemical and water, it eliminates the need to reclean, thus improving productivity. Additionally, IoT devices like robotic autoscrubbers take on the time-consuming task of floor care to allow staff to focus on other important responsibilities.

4. Better cleaning results: Cleanliness significantly impacts the way people perceive a brand. Whether a facility uses the IoT to keep track of the laundry process or to help keep floors clean throughout the day, smart devices can provide better cleaning results on the first try, which drives customer satisfaction.

Additionally, smart soap and paper towel dispensers can enhance restroom maintenance schedules and the guest experience. These improvements can increase profit by encouraging longer customer shopping trips in a retail setting as well as future visits, while also limiting wasted resources.

5. Fewer emergency calls: With alarm capabilities, IoT devices alert facility managers as soon as a problem occurs, limiting equipment damage and costs associated with unaddressed issues.

Quickly resolving matters also reduces the number of customer complaints and overall emergencies. Responding to fewer emergency calls eliminates unnecessary trips to customer sites and enhances productivity, thereby reducing costs.

BUILDING A BETTER BUSINESS When it comes to sustainability, even companies with the best intentions can fall flat if they don’t invest in the right solutions to support their efforts. Fortunately, the wide range of IoT innovations currently available helps building managers and building service contractors make smart business decisions that support the triple bottom line. By frequently and reliably transmitting insightful and accurate data, IoT devices give organisations the tools they need to operate more sustainably, while also supporting cost savings and the workforce.

Matt Hayas is global product manager for Hydro Systems. ■

NEW FROM

Premier Hygiene

Filmop Kiddy Plastic Bin 23L with pedal and cover

Recycling bins 60L x 3 bins Flexible in design – you can use them as a set or place them individually, being mobile, they are easy to move and allow easy access for cleaning. l The selection of lids allows for separation of different types of waste, these are supplied with round lids and one paper lid – each colour coded. l The best thing is you have the option to change the combination of lids (you can have 3 round lids instead of flat paper lid) l Robust and stylish yet affordable. l Comes with base and wheels. l

Ideal for the waste collection of diapers in environments such as nursery schools, swimming-pools and in pediatric clinics but suitable also for restaurants, bars and similar. l Made of high quality polypropylene co-polymer: shock-proof, heavy duty and low-temperature resistant, light, non-toxic, completely recyclable. l Pedal and cover opening with a unique design that inhibits the sight of the content and prevents the release of any odour. l The pedal is totally inside the bin structure. This grants the maximum stability and compactness. Reduced overall dimensions. l

Vileda PVA Microfiber cloth (The Magic Cloth) The knitted microfiber ensures perfect results on almost all surfaces, such as offices furniture, glass, stainless steel and many more. l PVAmicro can be washed several hundred cycles and PVAmicro holds 40 times less particle residue after rinsing, compared to ordinary knitted microfiber cloth. l PVA has been an appreciated cloth material for window cleaning, due to excellent absorbency. Microfibre is the material for effective dirt removal. The solution is obvious – PVAmicro! l It has knitted microfibre for superior cleaning performance and PVA for best possible absorbtion and rinsing. See the shiny and clean surface, work with a minimal effort. With just one wiping movement the surface is clean and dry, which saves both time and money. l

Contact details Premier Hygiene 09 250 0084 www.premierhygiene.co.nz

NXP and The Service Company join forces NXP’s acquisition of The Service Company is set to create a facilities and cleaning powerhouse for the local industry.

N

Above: Ian Jemmett, chairman and GM of The Service Company 26 INCLEAN NEW ZEALAND November 2020

XP, the largest supplier of businesses and cleaning products to the corporate and government sectors, has completed an agreement to purchase The Service Company.

The Service Company, and its South Island entity Proclean Reward, is New Zealand’s largest mid-market facilities supplies firm.

From small beginnings more than 20 years ago, The Service Company has grown into a multimillion-dollar business servicing all types of organisations nationally. The Service Company is headed by Ian Jemmett, who will continue with the organisation as chairman and general manager.

“Together, NXP and The Service Company will be the largest facilities and cleaning supplies organisation in New Zealand,” says Jemmett.

“It will be business as usual for our customers, but the combined companies will create a facilities and cleaning supplies powerhouse in New Zealand.”

The deal will see NXP vertically integrate its local operations to include bulk manufacturing, environmentally conscious cleaning and hygiene products and increase its B2B customer base by thousands – including export markets in Australia and the Pacific Islands.

The Service Company has a presence in Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch and supplies 20,000 multi-braded product lines to a database of more than 25,000 customers

nationwide including fast food restaurants, airports, cleaning companies and franchises.

“At The Service Company we believe extremely strongly in a high level of customer service and interaction, not just with the decision makers of the businesses we serve, but with all staff within the company,” says Jemmett. “From business owners through to the cleaning staff on the frontline, we want to serve everyone equally and that level of interaction has been key to our success.”

He says the business has grown around 600 per cent over his 15-year tenure as CEO and demand for cleaning and hygiene products during COVID has seen budget targets exceeded by more than 180 per cent in a single month.

Jemmett says while other competitive offers to purchase the company were on the table, NXP was the most well-aligned strategically, with the merger to “play to the strengths of each organisation”.

“We have had a tremendous period of rapid growth and the team has had to work incredibly hard and incredibly long hours. Like our own business, NXP has had significant growth – particularly in the past year as it had leveraged supply chains to become an essential service provider of cleaning products.

“While both organisations operate across different industry sectors, NXP’s strength is at a corporate and government level while The Service Company meets the janitorial supply needs of mid-market businesses across New Zealand.

INDUSTRY // SPONSORED

“

Supply chains have become increasingly important in recent months and the ability to scale production of cleaning supplies at short notice is critical to the stability of businesses in our market as well as our customers.

”

Joe Taylor, CEO of NXP

The Service Company

“Our manufacturing and distribution firm specialises in the production of environmentally accredited, white label cleaning products which provides NXP with a number of opportunities to expand into new markets.”

Joe Taylor, CEO of NXP, says the company and its South Island entity Proclean Reward, will operate as a going concern under existing branding and all of the company’s 40 employees will all remain with the company.

He says The Service Company deal will help ensure consistency of cleaning and pandemic supplies for their government agency and corporate customers.

“Supply chains have become increasingly important in recent months and the ability to scale production of cleaning supplies at short notice is critical to the stability of businesses in our market as well as our customers.”

2Care Products is The Service Company’s chemical manufacturing operation, specialising in an environmental range as well as premium and low-cost options and has led the way in utilising palm oil-free alternatives in the manufacturing process.

“The Service Company is a highly respected supplier in its market segment and bringing it under the NXP group umbrella will help ensure not just continuity of supply for essential products, such as hand sanitiser, but also allow us to expand our environmentally conscious cleaning product range.

“The purchase of The Service Company marks the evolution of NXP from its origins as a ‘stationery company’ a decade ago, to the point where the facilities and kitchen category will now make up more than 60 per cent of revenue.

The purchase agreement has been finalised and the merger will take effect from early December 2020. ■ www.incleanmag.co.nz 27

HOSPITALITY

Is your restaurant ready?

Ready your venue by implementing these best practice strategies.

Words Peter Teska

N

ot only in Australia but globally restaurants were among the first to feel the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Bookings disappeared almost overnight, followed by long imposed periods of closure and staff inactivity.

Thus, putting effective cleaning procedures in place is crucial to reaffirming your reputation and for your future success.

NEW EXPECTATIONS AROUND CLEANLINESS There are few sectors prior to the pandemic in which hygiene has been of such a high priority.

Thankfully, the food service industry is well-versed in the necessity for cleanliness in both front-ofhouse (FOH) and back-of-house (BOH) areas.

Yet diners’ sensitivity to hygiene standards was previously based primarily on appearance. The presence of COVID-19 requires you to conform to unparalleled and explicit new levels of cleanliness. With this heightened expectation of hygiene, both diners and staff will want to know - and to confirm with their own eyes - what you are doing to ensure health and safety.

Before you focus on enhanced cleaning, create a clear plan based on a feasible reopening date.

Having gone through a disruptive period of high uncertainty – and with much uncertainty still to come – this enables you to assess risks and measure daily progress. It also helps to raise 28 INCLEAN NEW ZEALAND November 2020

team spirit by creating a mutual goal among staff and allows everyone to work backwards from the intended opening date to determine how quickly other tasks need to be completed.

Aim to have everything completed to your satisfaction by this date but shift it if necessary as you progress. In the new normal of hypervigilance, first impressions are critical as you seek to rebuild previous levels of customer confidence. Anything less than best public health practice creates another obstacle to survival when you already face many more.

BEST PRACTICES FOR YOUR BUSINESS Ready your restaurant for reopening by implementing the following strategies: • Implement social distancing: Understanding the requirements of social distancing laid down by governments and health authorities is essential. Social distancing defines the constraints for everyone in your restaurant.

With strict limits on the number of diners, evaluating the layout of your restaurant and clearly defining entrance and exit routes is essential for safe movement. Instruct staff in procedures. Emphasise that social distancing applies everywhere and will change only with new guidance from applicable authorities.

• Use training and communication to your advantage: Training on all new public health practices is important, especially for employees

HOSPITALITY

whose duties have not involved cleaning before.

Develop cleaning kits that combine essential products ensuring ease of use, prevention, and best practice. Then, clearly outline to staff and customers the measures you are taking to protect them, and that you are using recommended and safe products. Establish an emergency protocol, as the pervasiveness of COVID-19 means that workers may test positive.

• Prioritise hand hygiene: Hands are the main route for personal infection and the spread of pathogens. Thus, regular hand washing procedures and use of hand sanitiser are central to limiting exposure. Ensure access to wall-mounted dispensers and free-standing hand hygiene stations offering alcohol-based hand sanitiser.

• The percentage of alcohol in hand sanitiser is key to its effectiveness. Many products have rushed to market on the back of the pandemic that should be treated with caution.

A professional product will provide assurance and its efficacy should be proven according to recognised standards. An alcohol content of 60 per cent is the minimum recommendation from the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA).

However, sanitisers that have more than 70 per cent alcohol content ensure a faster kill rate.

• Select the right chemicals for added assurance: Preferably use disinfectants that are specifically approved by the Therapeutic

Goods Administration (TGA) for use against SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19.

The shorter the contact time – one minute or less – the better for inactivating the virus.

Also ensure you choose hospital grade disinfectants, which are rapidly becoming the new normal in disinfection. They use technologies like Accelerated Hydrogen Peroxide (AHP), which are markedly safer for people and surfaces while still being tough on pathogens. These disinfectants are also more efficient than the existing slower Quatsbased (quaternary ammonium compounds) products, or those formulated on Hypochlorite or Peracetic acid.

AHP achieves the balance of maximising potency while minimising toxicity, breaking down into water and oxygen just minutes after use.

• Conduct hand contact surface disinfection: Studies show that SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, can remain on surfaces for up to several days, including 48 hours on stainless steel and 72 hours on plastic1.

Routine disinfection of high hand contact surfaces is an important part of preventing the risk of transmission. Commonly touched surfaces should be put on a cleaning schedule to ensure they are disinfected frequently throughout the day.

• Incorporate a disinfectant range that offers numerous applications, including ready-to-use liquids, pre-moistened wipes and concentrates for added convenience and consistency. It may also help if you colour code products, tools and equipment for different cleaning procedures to help prevent cross-contamination and the spread of germs.

• Work with a trusted provider: With supply chains struggling to achieve pre-pandemic levels, using multiple suppliers for cleaning essentials can complicate your cleaning program. Being able to rely on a single hygiene partner for everything from chemicals to training improves efficiency. Don’t make the budget supply option your main criteria and avoid buying ineffective, unproven products from an unfamiliar source online or from your general distributor. Instead, identify a trusted hygiene provider that can offer expert advice and the appropriate products during this critical time.

There is nothing certain in the new normal for the food service industry. Nevertheless, by implementing a clear plan and the appropriate cleaning and hygiene measures, you can create the safest restaurant environment possible for your staff and customers, while giving yourself the best chance of success in these very difficult times.

Peter Teska, Global Infection Prevention Application Expert, Diversey. ■

“

The presence of COVID-19 requires you to conform to unparalleled and explicit new levels of cleanliness.

”

https://hub.jhu.edu/2020/03/20/ sars-cov-2-survive-on-surfaces 1

www.incleanmag.co.nz 29

MANAGEMENT

Don’t play the blame game Take ownership of challenges and get them right the second time around.

Words Tim Poskin

30 INCLEAN NEW ZEALAND November 2020

O

ne of the definitions of failure is the omission of an expected or required action that generates a lack of success.

The need for rapid change caused by the coronavirus pandemic arrived so quickly there was little time to make critical decisions.

Many previously reliable and trusted sources provided misinformation that may have caused confusion and slowed the ability to pivot quickly.

This misinformation, combined with an overabundance of news, lead to wasted time trying to understand the validity and relevance of all the data.

In larger organisations, leaders formed committees to ponder the right plan for reopening facilities and businesses.

Once a reopening plan was agreed upon, committee members sent out mass communications to all levels.

Implementation of the reopening plan often required holding firm on agreed solutions and came under enormous pressure from stakeholders to change the plan to suit departmental or individual needs.

Some organisations did well with reopening; others saw their plans crumble when people involved in the reopening tested positive for COVID-19.

MANAGEMENT

“ In some cases, key decision-makers agreed the risk of reopening wasn’t worth the reward and chose to open virtually.

Some organisations and businesses did not reopen at all. If any of these scenarios sound familiar, this information is for you.

EXAMINE REASONS FOR REOPENING STRUGGLES Over the last six months, we have collected feedback from organisations that have struggled to reopen or operate virtually during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The feedback below was submitted by many industry segments including K-12 schools, higher education facilities, restaurants, manufacturers, retail businesses, hospitality facilities, and people in positions from the custodian to the vice president: • We just were not ready, and we did not move fast enough. Analysis paralysis caused decisions to be made too late or not at all. When we finally were given the green light, there was very little time to implement solutions.

• There were too many competing priorities.

Stakeholders had their own ideas of what comes first and what is the most important.

• We experienced an overall lack of understanding and limited training on pandemic response.

• People had conflicting beliefs and attitudes.

For example, the belief that masks are necessary varied at all levels throughout t he planning.

• With so many people involved it was hard to get the message out. In some cases, there were too many people who did not belong involved in the communication, which slowed the process.

• We experienced fear and pushback from stakeholders who did not understand the reopening plan and its components. At the leadership level, there was limited education and understanding on the cleaning and disinfection needed.

• We had limited supplies and resources from personal protective equipment (PPE) to disinfectant.

AVOID FINGER-POINTING The most prevalent advice was not to get caught up in the “the blame game.” Instead of trying to figure out who is at fault for the situation – such as management, administrators, or the government, it’s more productive to determine what may have gone wrong and how to fix it.

Leadership is critical from the top to the bottom. In difficult times leaders can rise to the challenge, pull away from the problem, and sometimes even burn out.

There is much you might not be able to control, and even less you can predict, but you still get to decide on your values as a person, as a manager, and as a team player.

The decisions you make during challenging times reveal your character, and the way your team responds reveals whether the culture you’ve built can withstand the pressures of a world that sometimes seems like it’s falling apart around you.

When faced with hard choices, good leaders hunker down and try to figure out the best path forward that includes taking care of their people and their organisation.

If you failed the first time to reopen, return to work, go live, go virtual, or whatever solution you chose, learn from those that achieved success by: • Asking others that got it right and benchmarking your plan against their criteria • Acquiring the supplies you need for an appropriate time • Communicating the plan with your team • Setting up the training your team needs to be ready • Not being afraid to say, “That’s not the plan we agreed to” • Holding firm in your values and beliefs • Not playing the blame game These difficult times will not be over anytime soon. If you know someone in the facilities world who has successfully tackled the challenges of creating safe and healthy buildings, reach out today and say, “Thank you!”

Tim Poskin is founder and systems integrator of ISSA’s Cleaning Change Solutions Consulting and serves as the executive director of the ISSA Workloading and Benchmarking Committee. ■

The decisions you make during challenging times reveal your character, and the way your team responds reveals whether the culture you’ve built can withstand the pressures of a world that sometimes seems like it’s falling apart around you.

”

How to avoid playing the blame game 1 Recognise when

you are blaming.

Awareness is always the first step.

2 Remember it’s better to take ownership of a problem than to blame others.

3 Be empathetic, not

judgmental. Focus on understanding the other person and the situation.

4 Know your job.

Own your role.

5 Don’t let problems stop you from taking action and moving forward.

www.incleanmag.co.nz 31

RESTORATION

Fiber cleaning

challenges Words Jim Smith

Each fiber has unique issues – here’s what every technician should know.

F

rom day to day and job to job, cleaning challenges change all the time. When cleaning fibers, professional cleaning technicians must know the type and the specifications of the fibers they are working with – and which methods and products will yield the best results.

Let’s look at the fibers that cleaning technicians will encounter on the job, what they need to know about them, and the unique challenges each fiber exhibits.

POLYESTER The most significant issue cleaning technicians will face with polyester is maintaining its original appearance, which often suffers from texture issues. Polyester lacks resiliency and readily shows abrasions from usage and maintenance. These abrasions impede its ability to reflect light, making it look darker than intended even if it is clean.

Improper cleaning agents may also leave behind a sticky residue that leads to resoiling issues, further

32 INCLEAN NEW ZEALAND November 2020

affecting polyester’s appearance, but this is more of a problem for triexta and olefin fibers. Some general cleaning guidelines include the following: • Use a vacuum cleaner that has received a Seal of Approval (SOA) designation from the Carpet and Rug Institute • Apply strong alkalines or bleaches when needed, as they are unlikely to adversely affect the dye in the polyester if the products are made for the carpet cleaning industry • Prepare for a potentially tougher cleaning job; the resiliency of polyester is more challenging than that of nylon and wool fibers, but a high density and a shorter pile height can offset this • Although polyester is suited to all cleaning methods, be aware that absorbent pad extraction, or bonnet cleaning, will likely violate the manufacturer’s specifications and void the warranty; in addition, the bonnet may act like sandpaper if sand is not thoroughly removed before employing this method and may damage the fibers.

RESTORATION TRIEXTA The greatest challenge of triexta is its texture; these texture issues are likely to come from using the improper vacuum cleaner and employing cleaning methods not recommended by the manufacturer. To clean triexta, follow these guidelines: • Use special SOA-approved vacuums with soft brushes • As with polyester, apply strong alkalines or bleaches if those products are made for the carpet cleaning industry • Although its resiliency depends on its density and pile height, expect it to perform better than many polyesters • Anticipate resoiling issues from sticky residues more so than with polyester • Use only water rinse extraction and absorbent compound extraction; for water rinse extraction, avoid detergents known for their high performance and sticky residues, use 300 psi or less for pump pressure, and use SOA-approved products to avoid issues with warranty claims; for dry compound extraction, use an oleophilic absorbent and its softest brush.

NYLON Nylon’s challenge originates from improper chemistry. Aqueous substances such as food and beverages will stain nylon if it’s not protected with an acid dye blocker. Further, this acid dye blocker is incompatible with strong alkalines, cationic surfactants, and optical brighteners.

Cleaning technicians should apply products with caution; strong acids will likely dissolve or melt the fibers and alkalines and bleach may

remove the color. Nylon can also lose its color from strong reducing and oxidizing agents. Some general guidelines to follow are: • Use SOA-approved vacuum cleaners • Expect excellent texture retention and appearance retention for a synthetic, but less than that of wool • Understand that apparent soil from scratches on the filaments will be less compared to that of polyester and olefin • Evaluate the pile height, pile density, and heat set before employing agitation on cut loop piles, and know that anything beyond that of a water rinse extraction wand or a soft brush in dry absorbent compound extraction should not be used if there is a propensity to lose the yarn definition; in addition, although nylon is suited to many cleaning methods, beware that absorbent pad extraction will likely violate the manufacturer’s specifications, voiding the warranty.

“

Cleaning technicians must know the type and the specifications of the fibers they are working with.

”

OLEFIN Olefin’s greatest challenge is appearance retention because it lacks resiliency and is susceptible to abrasions. It may also have resoiling issues from sticky residues, and it may become stiff and darken if it is a fine-denier velvet. Cleaning guidelines include the following: • Use SOA-approved vacuum cleaners • Clean with care; of all these fibers, olefin is the most sensitive to heat, it can be permanently damaged when heavy objects such as desks are moved across it, and it can also be distorted by hot hoses from truckmounts • Expect resoiling issues from sticky residues more so than with triexta

www.incleanmag.co.nz 33

RESTORATION

“

With the appropriate methods, tools, and products, cleaning technicians will be able to handle any challenge they encounter.

”

34 INCLEAN NEW ZEALAND November 2020

• This fiber is the most sensitive to ultraviolet light, so employ those technologies with caution • Prepare for a challenge in terms of texture retention and appearance retention; olefin is the least resilient of all petroleum-based synthetics, and apparent soil from scratches on the filaments will be worse than with polyester • As with polyester and nylon, olefin is suited to all cleaning methods, but know that absorbent pad extraction may void the manufacturer’s warranty.

WOOL Challenges when cleaning wool come from its alkalinity, not from its pH. The pH of a product is but one aspect of its alkalinity and does not represent all there is to know about potential adverse effects.

The fiber’s pH should be measured directly from its face yarn with a flat-surface pH meter.

Acid-dyed wool will have a pH between 2.5 and 5.5, but it has been known to bleed in buffered detergents, even with a pH of 6.5. Further, it will experience a degradation known as felting if it is cleaned with unbuffered alkalines. Some general guidelines to follow when cleaning wool are: • Use WoolSafe-approved products • Follow the manufacturer’s cleaning specifications; if, for example, the fiber’s pH is between 6.1 and 6.7 and it has never been cleaned before, the colorants are probably the natural color of the animal and the manufacturer’s instructions will likely allow

for only dry compound extraction or dry foam extraction • Use cleaning methods that are approved

by WoolSafe.

RAYON Rayon goes by many names, including viscose and art silk. With this fiber, cleaning technicians will be challenged by fiber loss due to abrasion or bending of the yarn, especially when it is wet. Rayon should be considered a decorative fiber with a practical life of one year or less. Some general guidelines to follow when cleaning include: • Vacuum it without a beater bar (with suction only) • Use the dry compound extraction cleaning method with the softest brush possible • If the fibers are wet, dry them quickly to avoid a total loss.

Knowing the issues associated with each type of fiber will help professional cleaning technicians achieve the best results. With the appropriate methods, tools, and products, cleaning technicians will be able to handle any challenge they encounter – leaving behind a cleaner space and satisfied clients.

James “Jim” B. Smith is an IICRC-approved instructor and a senior practicing inspector. This article was first published in Cleanfax magazine and has been republished with permission. ■

15 - 16 SEPT 2021 Newmarket Room, Ellerslie Racecourse, Auckland, New Zealand

New Zealand’s largest dedicated cleaning & hygiene trade show

In Association with

Media Partner

What to expect at CLEANNZ 2021?

Organised by • Extended line up of new exhibitors • New innovations from the regular exhibitors • Two days of education, updating technical knowledge, skills and values • Pre-show workshops covering hygiene in health care and hospitals, green sustainability, new technology and outdoor cleaning • Gala Dinner featuring the BSCNZ CleanSweep™ Awards on Thursday 16th September 2021 For more information: visit www.cleannzexpo.co.nz or phone 0800 451 590 (NZ) / 1300 789 845 (AUS) For exhibiting and sponsorship opportunities, please contact Samantha Ewart: sewart@intermedia.com.au

Awards

MARKETING

The power of mobile text message marketing How cleaning companies can connect with customers to drive engagement and increase sales.

36 INCLEAN NEW ZEALAND November 2020

O

Words Nia Pearson

ver the last several decades, technology has significantly improved business performance by streamlining workflows.

Technology has also changed how businesses need to interact with their customers in this new, mobile-first economy. This evolution has enhanced companies’ marketing efforts and has opened opportunities to build customer loyalty.

By now, most leading companies have adopted a mobile-first strategy that stretches beyond digital marketing and a mobile-friendly website.

When used in conjunction with customer relationship management software, this new strategy can influence the interactions and purchase patterns of consumers in ways that were not previously possible.

One significant component of marketing that has not changed is that competition makes improving the customer experience critical.

To elevate your business, you must outperform your competitors on multiple levels. Having a customer-centric outlook has always been a driver of success, and that is still true.

For cleaning and restoration companies, offering a valuable service, communicating effectively with your customers, and staying top

of mind with your target demographic are a few ways to maintain a position as market leader.

Your mix of marketing communications should aim to do the following: • Build brand awareness • Identify the best ways to push products and services • Increase engagement with both new and existing customers.

Companies that communicate in a responsive, cost-effective, and integrated manner that supports these goals will succeed with mobile marketing.

WHAT IS MOBILE TEXT MARKETING? Mobile text marketing is one of the latest and fastest growing trends in digital marketing.

It involves sending your target customers personalised messages directly to their smartphones, tablets, and other mobile devices, connecting with them where they spend most of their time. This attention-grabbing marketing method keeps customers, employees, and communities informed and connected in the timeliest manner available. The recent coronavirus pandemic is a perfect example of the need to quickly reach a mass audience.

MARKETING

Just as mobile phones bring people together in their personal lives, text marketing connects businesses to their customers. When prospects and customers opt to connect with a company via text, they are agreeing to interact more deeply with that company.

The benefits of these interactions will be unique to each business – the ability to obtain data on customer behavior and to foster intimate connections – are just a few examples.

Businesses around the world are adding text messaging to their marketing communications. They are empowering sales associates, customer service representatives, and their marketing teams with this simple but powerful technology. This strategy cuts through the noise of competitors and builds authenticity. Imagine a world with only your cleaning or restoration business and no competitors – that is the space that text marketing creates.

Mobile technology is changing the way people engage with companies.

Everything that used to require a desktop computer is now possible on a mobile device. From opening an email to visiting a company’s website and reading its content, customers can access everything on their small mobile screens.

Increase sales Business owners should focus on the aspects of marketing that measurably impact the bottom line. By sending perfectly timed, personal, and highly targeted offers based on your customers’ interests and behaviors, you can use text messaging to boost repeat business and generate sales. Other valuable

applications include encouraging membership in loyalty programs, sending appointment reminders, informing customers about promotions, and delivering mobile coupons.

Improve customer satisfaction After every transaction, consider sending a brief follow-up text message to keep communication flowing and to encourage customer satisfaction.

This action builds customer loyalty and increases business growth, and also supports another important marketing tactic: online reputation management and reviews.

Your text marketing strategy should employ both Short Message Service (SMS), which is used for sending and receiving texts and Multimedia Message Service (MMS), which builds on the SMS technology to deliver multimedia content.

When critical circumstances arise, SMS is the fastest communication channel for sending alerts. Effective mobile marketing means understanding your mobile audience, designing content with mobile platforms in mind, and making strategic use of SMS and MMS marketing.

As consumer behaviors continue to change, cleaning and restoration companies must change with them.

Adopting these preferred channels creates an opportunity to communicate with your customers in a meaningful way, improve engagement, and grow your business.

AUSTRALIA & NEW ZEALAND

Nia Pearson is CEO, founder, and senior consultant at Marketing 4 Real Results. Pearson can be reached at info@m4rr.com. ■

Mobile text message marketing statistics • To confirm appointments, 67 per cent of people would rather use text than email or phone (Source: Trumpia) • 95 per cent of texts from businesses are read within three minutes of being sent (Source: Forbes) • The average response time for a text is only 90 seconds (Source: Tatango) • Engagement rates for text marketing are six to eight times higher than those for email marketing (Source: EZ Texting) • Text verification conversion rates can be as high as 85 per cent (Source: Salesforce) • The Delhi School of Internet Marketing reports that SMS marketing campaigns perform seven times better than email marketing campaigns

09 253 9013

contactanz@ipcworldwide.com

TECHNOLOGY

How to generate online leads during unprecedented times Key points for high-quality lead generation and getting your company in front of the people who want your services.

Words Sonny Ahuja

A

highly optimised lead generation system can help your cleaning and restoration company drive sales and stay competitive even in a market where customers have multiple choices to pick and choose from. In addition, you also face two major challenges: Your customer journey is continually evolving.

They are very aware and self-educating, so they already know what they want and from whom they want it. Customers today actively seek brand experiences that meet their expectations. In fact, 73 per cent of customers are of the opinion that good customer experience can influence their decision to be loyal to a brand.

An effective lead-generation strategy, however, can help you overcome these challenges while also delivering fantastic gains in the form of increased conversions and sales to drive business revenue. If

38 INCLEAN NEW ZEALAND November 2020

you are looking for strategies to turbo-charge your lead generation, then consider the following.

GOOGLE MY BUSINESS Setting up your Google My Business account can effectively give you access to a massive pool full of potential leads. In the digital space, Google My business is like the yellow pages in the old days – it can connect you to customers who are looking for your services.

The best way to generate leads for your cleaning and restoration business is to ensure that your brand is in front of potential customers in their exact moment of need. And Google My Business can do just this. Consider the following: Target customers based on location: Most customers use search engines such as Google to search for products and services, and most customers focus on proximity when making a

TECHNOLOGY

buying decision. Using Google My Business will ensure your business shows up in search engine results pages (SERPs) and in Google Maps so that customers can quickly and easily find and locate your services.

Highlight the right kind of information for customers to connect with you: By optimising important information such as your hours of operation, address, contact details, and reviews, you make it incredibly easy for customers to find and connect with your brand—regardless of the device they use to find you.

Leverage the power of reviews: Reviews matter to your customers. So, when a prospect searches for nearby services, Google will display your business listing – with those power packed star ratings!

Win customers, even if you are not the first choice: Even if you don’t rank at #1, you can still win customers. Why? Well, consider this – if a prospect doesn’t find what they are looking for with their first or even second choice, if your brand is listed among the top searches, they will come to you. Once they show interest, you can use your brand/service differentiators to win them over.

GOOGLE SEARCH ADS Search ads can put you in front of customers who are actively looking for your cleaning and restoration service. And nothing delivers ad dividends like Google search ads.

If you want to generate quality leads for your business, then Google ads should be your first choice. There are, of course, multiple other platforms such as Bing that can help you generate leads. However, if you are looking to generate high-quality leads, then Google ads is a clear winner.

For a majority of your customers, Google is the platform of choice when searching for information on services near them. This means the leads generated on Google are pre-qualified because they already have a need that want addressed. In a lot of cases, their need could be urgent.

So, if you can run customised ads, packed with highly relevant keywords that offer solutions and answers to customer queries and problems, it can help bring in customers who not only want to engage with your brand, but there is every chance that these customers will be more than ready to convert.

Ready to shine Over 650 CrestClean teams shine across New Zealand – every day.

They all share one vision – to own a successful business and have the future and security a large 100% New Zealand owned corporate can offer.

CrestClean’s success comes from 23 years of creating healthy clean workplaces, ongoing training and upskilling, plus a Health, Safety and Environmental culture that is second to none. CrestClean offers Environmental Choice licensed cleaning services.

Please include CrestClean on your tender or RFP list for all your cleaning needs, including Hard Floor Care, Pure Water Window Cleaning, Carpet and Upholstery Cleaning and Property Caretaking.

For more information call today: 0800 273 780 or visit crestclean.co.nz

“

Tell your brand product/services story via highly relevant blog posts to generate quality leads.

”

TECHNOLOGY

“

Design aesthetics can either deliver a clean efficient look, or it can mess up your design completely.

”

GOOGLE DISPLAY ADS (RE-MARKETING AND IN-MARKET) The Google Display Network (GDN) has been designed to deliver visual-based ads to customer across websites, videos, and apps. More importantly, GDN offers targeting capabilities that you can use to generate leads. Consider the following: Run re-marketing campaigns: Target and attract customers who have previously engaged with your brand or shown interest in your business to bring them back.

Actively engage with in-market audiences: Boost incremental conversions. The search giant uses history and browsing trends of users who are looking for products and services that match or mirror what you are offering when selecting potential prospects for your offers.

Use managed placement targeting: Control the placement of your ads. You can specify the sites where you want your ads to show. This kind of targeting can further narrow your audience selection, thus, boosting your lead generation.

Select the “similar audiences” targeting option: Expanding your re-marketing campaign reach and push new users who have similar browsing habits to those looking into your business.

FACEBOOK Did you know 74 per cent of Facebook users visit the site daily? Tapping into that pool of potential customers using a robust lead-generating strategy should be your major area of focus. Here are six strategies for generating leads using Facebook.

40 INCLEAN NEW ZEALAND November 2020

Tell your brand product/services story via highly relevant blog posts to generate quality leads. And make sure you provide readers with a signup and inquiry form.

Engage with quality content because your target audience base will be more inclined to interact if your content is creative, relevant to their needs, and highly engaging. So, make sure your profile, groups, and pages are populated with quality content.

Use Facebook lead ads to generate leads quickly and effectively. So how does lead ads work? Simple: You display your ads to users, and if they are interested, all they need to do is to click the call to action (CTA). This will pull up their information (shared via Facebook), which they can review/edit before submitting. You can use these forms to understand your audience better, which, in turn, will help you customise your lead generation. If you need more information, then Facebook allows you to customize your leads ads form further.

Create landing pages that are optimised for converting leads. Make sure you have a strategy in place and focus on the design elements. These are critical if you want to attract users.

Leverage interactive videos that are designed to capture user attention and keep them coming back for more or even to convert.

Contests and events are again a great interactive medium for engaging users, provided they are used strategically.

TECHNOLOGY OPTIMISED MOBILE LANDING PAGES What your mobile landing page offers by way of content and user experience will have an impact on lead generation. Here are a few things to consider when optimising your mobile landing pages: Build a responsive site for multiple device types: A responsive website is critical if you want your landing pages to display in a consistent manner across multiple device types.

Focus on design aesthetics: Everything from your color, fonts, and schemes, among other things, matter on mobile. Design aesthetics can either deliver a clean efficient look, or it can mess up your design completely.

Create user-friendly navigation: Intuitive navigation is integral to mobile optimizing of your landing page(s). You want users to quickly and easily find what they are looking for or to take a desired action. And the best way to do this is by offering fewer navigation options. Too many options and steps will only serve to increase your bounce rate since it expands the distance between the user and their intended goal/action.

Strategise content placement, length, and graphics: Space is a luxury on mobile screens.

You obviously want everything optimized for

viewing on mobile screens. Consider replacing chunks of text content with graphics that serve the same purpose, as well as, displaying important content above-the-fold (in the immediately visible area) and using appropriate sizing so users can get to what they want without having to scroll endlessly.

Use clear and effective CTAS: Concise layout, limited navigation options, and compelling graphics can enhance and optimise your mobile landing page CTAs. By ensuring your desired action is highlighted, you make it easy for users to follow through.

The fluid nature of customer behavior and expectations and an evolving market space can make lead generation challenging for cleaning and restoration companies. However, these strategies can help you drive generation of quality leads and expand your brand presence in front of your target audiences.

Sonny Ahuja, a certified Google Partner, is an online lead-generation expert who specialises in high-conversion responsive websites, optimized mobile sites, Google Ads, and SEO. Visit www.killitonline.com for more from Ahuja. ■

78G

TTV6

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0800 277 678 www.proquipnz.co.nz www.incleanmag.co.nz 41 February 2020 Qpage.indd 1

17/01/2020 9:50:18 AM

OPINION

The way forward

A

“

Throughout COVID-19 commercial cleaning went from being more than just the ‘aesthetics’ of cleaning to being an essential health and safety requirement.

”

42 INCLEAN NEW ZEALAND November 2020

s we conclude 2020, I am sure we would all agree this year is not one we will forget any time soon.

It has been a rollercoaster of events which have fundamentally changed how we do business in New Zealand.

Given that our industry cleans every type of business and trade, the flow on effects for the sector have been significant.

But as one BSCNZ member rightly commented, “we are lucky to be in the industry we are in”.

During this pandemic BSCNZ members proved their point of difference by offering effective cleaning solutions, offering their customers the reassurance of specialty knowledge.

Many have grown their businesses as procurers of commercial cleaning realised the importance of having commercial cleaning companies that are experts in their field.

Throughout COVID-19 commercial cleaning went from being more than just the ‘aesthetics’ of cleaning to being an essential health and safety requirement.

Effective commercial cleaning solutions was and continues to be one of the key industries that have been able to ensure New Zealanders could and can go back to ‘life as normal’.

During this pandemic I was impressed by how BSCNZ members approached their employees.

Management and HR teams worked tirelessly to ensure employee wellbeing.

Many commercial cleaners wanted to continue to work, for others their home life or health circumstances prevented them from doing so.

For those that could work we are grateful for their contribution to keeping essential services hygienic, safe, and clean.

THANK YOUR CLEANER DAY Thank Your Cleaner Day took on a whole new meaning this year.

Since the country was at level one on October 21 celebrations could continue as normal, with many festivities taking place all over New Zealand.

BSCNZ members have noted a significant increase in the number of customers wanting to be involved, which is a positive outcome for all.

A huge thank you to Kärcher for their ongoing support and championing the initiative globally.

We were also able to distribute 1600 BSCNZ gift boxes throughout NZ with the assistance from our wonderful supporters.

A special thank you to NZ Cleaning Supplies for distributing and supplying product. Also, for product contributions from Tork, Makita, The Service Company, Diversey, Filta, Careerforce, Pristine Bio and Loreal. On behalf of all the commercial cleaners in New Zealand, we say thank you!

We were unable to hold the CleanNZ Expo and CleanSweep awards in 2020 which was disappointing, we look forward to planning this event in 2021, with more details to be shared soon.

BSCNZ are holding our end of year celebrations in Auckland, Hamilton, Wellington, Dunedin and Christchurch.

All members are welcome, please contact the office on 09 580 1160 for more details, we would love to see you all there.

I wish you all a very merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year.

Sarah McBride is CEO of the BSCNZ ■

AN EVENT NOT TO BE MISSED FOR:

• Building Service Contractors • Commercial & Industrial Contract Cleaners • Carpet Restorers • Facility & Building Managers • Manufacturers, Purchasing Officers • Cleaning Retailers & Suppliers • Government & Education Facility Representatives • Hospital, Health Care & Aged Care Representatives • Hotel, Retail Management • Window Cleaners & Domestic Cleaners

issacleaninghygieneexpo.com 1300 789 845 info@interpoint.com.au

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OPINION

What does it take to achieve an ecolabel?

I

’m often asked what it takes to get an ecolabel. Many people assume it is going to be a lot of hard work, and that is sometimes true.

But if you are already asking the question, it’s likely you are a good way along the journey to achieving one.

Many of our Environmental Choice licensees come to us when they’ve already implemented sustainable practices and want recognition for their work.

They also want to know how their products stack up versus the competition; they know gaining our ecolabel would mean their product is environmentally preferable in its category.

So, what are the steps?

Once you’ve contacted us, we help you determine which of our ecolabels would be suitable for your product. We have 29 ecolabel specifications covering cleaning products and services, toiletries, chemicals, and many more.

Our ecolabel specifications have been developed by environmental engineers and scientists, with industry input, and are updated regularly to ensure best practice. You can be assured what we require is not only appropriate but is of a standard recognised around the world.

In fact, some of our licensees don’t sell products in New Zealand; they rely on our standards because they are world-class.

44 INCLEAN NEW ZEALAND November 2020

Let’s say you have a cleaning company, and you’d like to apply for our Cleaning Services ecolabel: EC-45-18. The Cleaning Services specification focuses on minimising use of chemicals, proper collection and disposal of waste, and proper safety training and protection for cleaning staff.

Cleaning service providers must only use chemical cleaning products, sanitary paper products, soaps, toiletries, and other consumables licensed by ECNZ. Plastic packaging of cleaning products must be refillable where possible and recyclable.

The ecolabel also analyses waste management policies and procedures, including initiatives to reduce waste generation, and fuel efficiency measures, vehicle selection and driver training.

These are just a few of the requirements of the Cleaning Services specification; you can see EC-45-18 and all our other specifications on our website in detail.

VERIFICATION PROCESS How does the verification process work? Once you have read and understood the ECNZ ecolabel specification appropriate to your product or service, you submit an initial application.

Before the assessment begins, ECNZ will nominate an independent verifier to walk you through the process and collect additional details about your products.

The first task for your verifier is to establish the scope of work required to assess your licence application, including types of products you are seeking to license and where products made.

Your verifier will prepare a formal work and fee proposal to set out the expected scope of assessment work (including details of site visits required) and an estimate of total assessment cost.

During the verification process, your verifier will look for evidence the products/services you are seeking to licence meet all relevant requirements in the specification.

Some supporting information may need to be viewed on-site, or, processes may need to be inspected. You will be asked to provide evidence to substantiate any environmental claims you make about your product or service (e.g. that it is “readily bio-degradable”, “recyclable”).

When your verifier has completed the assessment work, they will prepare a report. ECNZ will review the report and recommendations and issue a licence if all is in order. There is more detailed step-by-step information on our website or call us to find out more.

Francesca Lipscombe is general manager of the New Zealand Ecolabelling Trust, which administers the Environmental Choice New Zealand ecolabel on behalf of the New Zealand Government. ■

PRODUCTS

HYGEN Disposable Microfibre HYGEN Disposable Microfibre is proven to remove 99.9 per cent of tested viruses and bacteria. Innovative technology knits microfibre yarn into a nonwoven substrate, creating unique, disposable microfibre.

• 99.9 per cent microbe removal to remove the food source for live pathogens • Innovative microbe-removing technology is complemented with built-in zigzag scrubbers to effectively remove dirt without smearing • Works as a versatile cleaning solution that is ideal for dusting and wet cleaning • Sanitiser and bleach safe • Streak-free cleaning of mirrors, glass and stainless steel • 50 per cent more surface coverage than traditional disposable products

Rubbermaid Commercial Products New Zealand info@rubbermaid.co.nz 0800 RCP FOR YOU (0800 727 367)

The Grow@ App Finding cleaners and facilities services staff could not be simpler.

This mobile app connects you right away with available workers, matching your job needs with the skills, place and time workers are available throughout New Zealand. You can set up interviews with multiple candidates for casual, part-time or permanent roles, and cut out all of the lead time (and a lot of the cost) of traditional recruitment advertising. Larger employers can access the additional available hours of their existing staff and SMEs can benefit from our small business package and free trial.

Grow@ info@growatapp.com www.growatapp.com

EarthSmart The EarthSmart range offers high performance cleaning with the added comfort of knowing you are not harming the environment.

All the products in the EarthSmart range are non-hazardous in accordance with the Globally Harmonised System of Classification and Labelling (GHS).

The EarthSmart range is a readily biodegradable, non-hazardous and non-toxic. It is chlorine and phosphate free and is designed to be kind to the environment. To further minimise consumption and ecological footprint EarthSmart environmental cleaning products have been designed for use in 500ml refill-reuse bottles. Available in 5L pack sizes with 500ml spray bottles.

Whiteley Corporation whiteley@whiteley.co.nz 0800 257 352 www.incleanmag.co.nz 45

PRODUCTS

Bactol Alcohol Gel Hand and general hygiene is critical to the control of infectious diseases, especially in colder months where the Influenza Virus can survive longer outside the body than in the warmer months*.

Bactol Alcohol Gel Waterless Hand Cleanser (AUST R 155397) contains 70 per cent v/v alcohol and uses natural emollients to replace the skin’s lipids, which are removed by alcohol.

Bactol Alcohol Gel is available in 500ml pump packs or 1L pods for use in manual or infrared hand hygiene dispensers. The natural emollients in Bactol® Alcohol Gel maintain the skin integrity leaving hands hygienic, soft and replenished.

Developed in compliance with EN1500 testing standard for alcohol-based hand rubs, Bactol is formulated with an alcohol concentration of 70 per cent Ethanol v/v, as recommended by WHO for maximum efficacy. *WHO Factsheet No. 211, March 2003

PC 1050 Ride-On Sweeper Easy to operate and manoeuvre, the 1050 is a compact ride-on sweeper ideal for small to medium spaces, cleaning up to 6,300 m2 per hour. The zeroemission battery-powered sweeper with an easy to access manual waste hopper.

Whiteley Corporation whiteley@whiteley.co.nz 0800 257 352

Makita’s all-new 18V x2 (36V) LXT Brushless Upright Vacuum Cleaner (DVC560)

• Features a self-levelling system (SLS™) to allow it to adjust to any surface, and an electronic filter shaker for added convenience • Designed for small to medium warehouse applications and offers great maneuverability with a 185cm turning radius • Auto stop function disables brush sweeping when not in acceleration to save battery run time • Ramp climb of up to 16 degrees • Low maintenance ‘No tools’ access ideal for industrial or commercial applications • Delivers a run time of up to three hours • A carpet kit is also available for indoor carpeted applications

Makita’s all-new 18V x2 (36V) LXT Brushless Upright Vacuum Cleaner is a robust, powerful and portable clean-up solution that eliminates extension cords that trail corded vacuums giving you the freedom to reach areas without the limits of cords and power sockets. Powered by Makita’s LXT system that will give you a continues run time of up to 60 min in standard mode using two 18V LXT 6.0Ah batteries, with a class-leading charge time means they spend more time working and less time sitting on the charger. It features 4-stage manually adjustable power brush head that enables you to set the brush to the ideal height for the application.

Tennant Australia

Makita.co.nz

1800 226 843

makitasales@makita.co.nz

contactanz@ipcworldwide.com

0800 625 482

Surfex – proven to kill SARS-Cov-2 (COVID-19) A long-term commitment to research and innovation has seen Whiteley Corporation recently launch the world’s first dry surface biofilm remover – Surfex. It’s the result of collaborative research with Western Sydney University and Macquarie University on Dry Surface Biofilms.

Surfex is the world’s first dry surface biofilm remover. It is intended for use on environmental surfaces and for non-critical medical devices such as hospital needs and theatre trolleys. Surfex’s unique formula of buffered peracetic acid and surfactants ensure it will provide maximum disinfectant efficacy critical for healthcare environments.

The benefits of Surfex include excellent materials compatibility when compared with Bleach/Chlorine. Surfex is proven to kill Clostridiodes difficile (and spores)*, Norovirus, Mycobacterium terrae (TB), VRE and Coronaviruses including SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19).

Whiteley Corporation whiteley@whiteley.co.nz 0800 257 352 46 INCLEAN NEW ZEALAND November 2020

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Makita’s all-new 18V x2 (36V) LXT® Brushless Upright Vacuum Cleaner is a robust, powerful and portable clean-up solution that eliminates extension cords that trail corded vacuums giving you the freedom to reach areas without the limits of cords and power sockets. Powered by Makita’s 18V LXT® system that will give you a continues run time of up to 60 min in standard mode using a two 18V LXT® 6.0Ah batteries, with a class-leading charge time means they spend more time working and less time sitting on the charger. It features 4-stage manually adjustable power brush head that enables you to set the brush to the ideal height for the application.

makitasales@makita.co.nz makita.co.nz