Cleanzine: your weekly cleaning and hygiene industry newsletter 24th April 2025 Issue no. 1159
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 International News
Products Cintas opens nominations for America's Best Restroom
Expert warns of need to spring into faster Legionella detection action
Ecolabel Certification for Cleaning Services: A Practical Guide to Documents and Procedures
Biosciences firm launches three new application specific powder additives
Tork announces 'world's first' certification for meeting Design for All standard
Tennant Company launches X6 ROVR - autonomous cleaning power for large and complex facilities
Wetrok’s new Portavac BeFree cordless backvac opens up new cleaning areas
ISS wins large contract with Aroundtown in Germany
A.I.S.E.: A CMR classification of ethanol would have critical consequences for public health
The event featured in-depth explanations on the vital applications of ethanol in disinfectants, detergents and cleaning products and the potential impact of a reclassification and de facto ban on its uses. CMS Berlin 2025 on course for growth
Goodway Technologies’ new High Efficiency Cyclone: revolutioning vacuum efficiency and safety
This is equivalent to half of the fossil-based emissions generated by household waste. Now, an innovative project in Hammarby Sjöstad is demonstrating how this can become a reality… Safety of microbial cleaning products highlighted in European webinar
Touch-free technology ‘the way forward’ in washroom cleaning
Mastering the art of water efficiency for today's buildings
Finalists in Cintas 2025 Custodian of the Year Contest announced; public voting now open
This year's finalists from across the US, showcase tremendous dedication and commitment to their schools. From now through April 11th, you can vote for your favourite custodian. |
Welcome to the Cleanzine
According to The Hygiene Bank (THB), in the past 12 months, 5.3 million adults in the UK have had to choose between buying food or essential toiletries. That’s disgraceful, bearing in mind that we’re talking about one of the world’s richest countries. “Hygiene poverty is an overlooked crisis, disproportionately affecting low-income families, people with disabilities and vulnerable communities,” says THB. “While lobsters are VAT-free, soap is taxed at 20%.” No… it doesn’t make any sense, does it? THB believes access to basic hygiene essentials is a human right, not a privilege, and that removing VAT on soap is a critical step in tackling hygiene poverty. I totally agree.
Hence the launch of THB’s nationwide campaign, #StopTheSoapTax, which is calling on the UK Government to remove VAT on soap, an essential hygiene product that millions in the UK struggle to afford. The Government has the power to change this by reclassifying soap as an essential item and removing VAT immediately. Removing VAT on soap would cost the Treasury an estimated £19.52 million—a minor fiscal adjustment compared to other Government expenditures but one that would have a high social impact, especially to those with low incomes!
To highlight the issue, THB is launching a striking public relations activation with Saatchi & Saatchi: a fake edible soap product designed to expose the impossible choices people in hygiene poverty face – in this case between eating and staying clean. It will be used to spark national conversation and drive petition signatures. Based on a real bar of soap that looks, tastes and smells like baked beans on toast, The Edible Soap was created in collaboration with ethical beauty brand The Good Wash. It’s made from organic cacao butter, oat flour, avocado oil, tomato sauce, bean flavouring, toast flavouring, paprika and Celtic sea salt. It's edible and it lathers up!
Speaking to Creative Boom, Saatchi & Saatchi's Henrik Ridderheim explained that his team enlisted the help of acclaimed chefs and hospitality personalities. Each cooked up recipes using The Edible Soap, not just to demonstrate its edibility but also to provoke engagement. "We wanted to find a different way of using influencers and reach people who’d never heard of hygiene poverty before, so the idea of Michelin-star chefs cooking with an edible soap to raise awareness felt like a smart solution," he said. “The campaign's also driving fundraising, with virtual bars of the soap available to buy. For £15, supporters can donate to The Hygiene Bank's ongoing work, which includes supplying free hygiene products to UK residents in need.” Now that’s clever marketing!
The next step is trying to get as many signatures as possible for THB’s petition, which will continue to support its important work. To donate, sign the petition, or learn more, visit: https://thehygienebank.com/the-edible-soap/
This Week's News
Unseen danger in healthcare: landmark study, supported by Splashblocker, receives top award
The Journal of Occupational & Environmental Hygiene (JOEH), a flagship publication of the American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA) in partnership with the Michigan Industrial Hygienist Society (MIHS) - a valued member of AIHA's community, recognises the best paper published in the journal in 2024.  Nominees for 'Product of the Year ISSA Pulire 2025' Awards announced
All nominated products will be showcased at the exhibitors' respective booths and displayed in a dedicated area in Hall 12.  Greener Gains: A beginner’s guide to building a sustainable cleaning business
Starting a cleaning company from the ground up is no small feat. You're likely juggling pricing strategies, sourcing supplies, marketing plans, and navigating customer acquisition - all while trying to make sound financial decisions. But there's another element that deserves just as much attention: sustainability. If you're eyeing the future of your business, finding ways to reduce environmental harm while maximising revenue isn't just a nice idea - it's a competitive edge. When sustainability is baked into your operations from the beginning, you create long-term efficiencies, reduce waste, and tap into a fast-growing market of eco-conscious consumers.  WypAll industrial cleaning cloths now have more absorbency and durability
These improvements deliver better performance and greater value to commercial customers seeking high performing cleaning products for industrial and manufacturing environments.  Cleaning Social Enterprise supporting prison leavers, praises Prochem training
London-based social enterprise No Going Back Cleaning & Support Services delivers cleaning to the corporate and construction sectors. In collaboration with the No Going Back Foundation, it provides individuals transitioning from the criminal justice system with the support they need for progression into the workspace, reducing reoffending rates and transforming lives.
Working closely with Veolia, the council will deploy an electric caged tipper vehicle alongside three electric sweeper barrows. Building on the success of a similar operation in Wood Green over the past 12 months, the new equipment is set to replicate the impact and efficiency seen in that area.  Exterior cleaning franchise My Property Pros enjoys winning streak
Making waves in the Business Awards UK 2025, the brand was crowned the winner of the Health & Safety Excellence in Service category, fighting off fierce competition from across the country. Europe's cleanest airport features Xlerator hand dryers
When Istanbul Grand Airport (iGA) was looking to create a smooth, safe travel experience for passengers, its facilities managers knew the Xlerator Hand Dryer with Electrostatic HEPA filtration would provide the solution. And putting convenience and cleanliness first has earned the premier global transfer hub and aviation centre multiple accolades... The International Airports Council gave it an award for being 'Europe's Cleanest Airport' and last year, Travel & Leisure magazine readers ranked it the 'World's Best Airport'.  OCS secures three-year cleaning contract with Midland Metro
As the tram network continues to expand, OCS will support MML by implementing advanced maintenance solutions, including industry-leading tooling and equipment, to maintain a high standard of hygiene. The use of environmentally friendly cleaning solutions, such as plant-based chemicals and chemical-free water-based options, will also be introduced to ensure sustainability and efficiency standards are upheld across the tram network in alignment with MML's strategic goals. The Cleanzine Archive Search We keep an extensive archive of news stories and product information that have featured in past issues of The Cleanzine. If you would like to run a search of the The Cleanzine web site using the search tool below please just go ahead by entering in the name of the person, product or company or any other key words that you are looking for. How to contact us at The Cleanzine:
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Our weekly updated Hospital Hygiene features current developments and product solutions cleaning and hygiene industry manufacturers are coming up with. Read More. Recent UK News
OCS appoints Bob Taylor as managing director, Public Sector FM
ArrowXL launches ambitious Zero Waste Roadmap
Fine for waste firm after man run over on his first day of work
New sales manager for Velair Hygiene and Enviro-Save (UK)
With extensive experience in global hospitality and recruitment, Kate brings a dynamic network and a passion for sustainable, premium solutions that align with Velair Group's mission. New president for Midland Launderers Club
BCC 'delighted' that IWSA has joined its ranks
CHSA's members tighten criteria for Accreditation Scheme membership
Elite Contract Clean manages rapid business growth using SmartTask software for daily operations
Victor Floorcare announces move to new premises
Darren Marston installed as Master of the Worshipful Company of Environmental Cleaners
Institute’s new youth event will boost interest in cleaning industry careers
WRAP launches eTEEP tool to help local authorities manage Simpler Recycling Policy
Major incident declared to address the impact of the waste service industrial action
Waste King women's perspectives on waste management
Events & Exhibitions ISSA Pulire 2025 CMS INTERCLEAN Hygienalia ISSA Show North America INTERCLEAN |
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