Cleanzine: your weekly cleaning and hygiene industry newsletter 19th June 2025 Issue no. 1167
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  International News
Products Longtime chemical industry executive from SOCMA joins ACI as president & CEO
Beyond sanitisers: hidden role of enzymatic cleaners in I&I hand hygiene chemicals market
AISE welcomes Persán at pivotal time for detergents industry
Persán is a leading Spain-based manufacturer of home and personal care products, and its membership strengthens the voice of AISE’s network of 20 corporate members, 30 national associations and 19 associate members. Tennant’s European Innovation Event in Italy will showcase future of professional cleaning
The two-day event will feature: ISS manager wins global recognition for outstanding care to local hospice patients
From Algeria to Morocco via Libya: Idrobase Group marches on
Vectair strengthens product portfolio by acquiring Big D Industries
Callico welcomes its new president
ISSA Pulire: another great show with lots to celebrate
How automation is reinventing jobs in the cleaning sector
The labour challenge… The cleaning industry is facing a workforce crisis that threatens its operational foundations. According to the European Labour Authority's 2024 report which analysed 436 occupations across 29 countries, 84% are experiencing labour shortages, with cleaning roles consistently among the hardest hit.. Eco Green Turtle partners with #TeamSeas to fund removal of 500,000+lbs of ocean plastic by year-end
Precision FM expands into Nordics
Momentum Environmental announces acquisition of Environmental Service Group
Manufacturers face Trump tariff warning over plastic packaging, despite new deals
Future-proofing cleaning industry operations in an uncertain era
The professional cleaning sector is standing at a crossroads. Once reliant on repetitive workflows, fixed routes and manual oversight, today's operations face fast-moving shifts in technology, climate mandates and workforce expectations. |
Welcome to the Cleanzine
I came across a press announcement this morning that I can’t quite get out of my head. You can read it in full further down the page but let me just say here that it’s regarding Singapore’s National University Hospital having become the first hospital globally to receive International Healthcare Sustainability Certification. The facility’s achievements though, go so far beyond sustainability, that they’ve astonished me. It’s not just the enormous reduction in the amount of waste produced, but the way the entire team there seems to have been given the opportunity to become involved in cutting waste, streamlining operations and saving money. Lots of money… And in so doing, helping care for the environment.
Indeed, many of the projects contributing to the Certification-win were driven by ordinary staff members encouraged to submit their ideas into what I gather is an Awards program within the facility itself. A manufacturing company where I briefly worked as a teen had a ‘suggestions box’ in which employees could post ideas. Those that were taken up won the instigators £25 – which back then was well over a week’s salary for some. I’m assuming that the hospital’s scheme is similar but far more high-tech… Staff came up with things like ‘auto-power-down’ of the facility’s 2,500 desktop computers in outpatient areas during non-operating hours, an antibiotic over-prescription overhaul, digital medical reporting rather than paper-based workflows, measures to tackle couch paper overuse (a real bugbear of mine!) and lots more.
This initiative sets a powerful example and if one hospital alone can make this much difference, just imagine what could be achieved if other, similar facilities did the same – and, looking more locally, how much money our National Health Service could save, if those at the helm followed suit!
As someone who’s taken on a carer’s role for a couple of family members, I get to visit local healthcare facilities fairly frequently and I can’t help noticing just how costly modern practices must be - not only in financial terms but when it comes to their impact on the environment. The amount of waste produced is incredible, while the intricate design of the equipment along with the facilities themselves must make their cleaning really difficult to do well. I’m probably going to be slated for saying it, but I’m wondering whether – in striving to prevent cross-contamination (and maybe the risk of being sued for negligence by patients who’ve caught illnesses in hospital?) the powers that be have taken everything a step too far, perhaps to the extent that the resulting rising costs are leading to longer waiting lists for those needing urgent help, and thus may be causing more deaths than, say, not replacing couch paper between patients, when there isn’t an apparent need to do so. Your thoughts?
      This Week's News
CMS Berlin 2025: Digitalisation is having a profound impact on the cleaning industry
From 23rd to 26th September, CMS Berlin will once again become the central meeting place for the European cleaning & hygiene industry where exhibitors from Germany and overseas will present their latest products in commercial cleaning machines and equipment as well as cleaning, care and disinfectant agents. This year’s event will focus in particular on digital solutions, automation, the shortage of skilled workers, increasing regulatory requirements and sustainability.
The certification follows a rigorous assessment using the GSC's Sustainability Accelerator Tool (SAT), which benchmarks sustainability maturity across environmental impact, health equity and governance. New AI tool helps cleaners detect bin or sack contamination instantly, using just a smartphone
Peasy Bin Audit is a free, smartphone-based tool that uses AI to analyse the contents of any bin. By taking a quick top-down photo, cleaners receive an instant visual report showing contamination levels and which items should be removed. Award win highlights sustainability benefits of Sontara nonwoven fabric
By using Sontara EcoRE material, the bags maintain durability and strength without the need for added binders, addressing a common concern with compostable goods. ISS launches its latest Healthcare Training Academy at University Hospital Hairmyres
Adjacent to the hospital's existing training facilities, the new Academy will allow for comprehensive training for ISS employees, including housekeeping, portering and estates teams, designed to develop and hone skills of facilities management professionals in healthcare, offering a blend of virtual and practical training covering areas such as technical skills, leadership, and sustainability.
Sofidel had announced on 9th April that it had entered into an Asset Purchase Agreement based on a stalking horse bid and now says that all necessary approval and closing procedures have been completed and satisfied. OCS wins new 5-year FM contract with UKHSA
This new contract builds on a strong existing relationship, with OCS having delivered catering services to UKHSA for over 10 years. The continuation and expansion of services reflect the trust placed in OCS's service delivery. Ecobat Battery - the complete floor cleaning supply partner
In addition to supplying a broad range of suitable replacement products, which includes battery rental from brands including E-Drive, Rolls Battery, Sonnenschein and US Battery, as well as chargers from Fronius and SPE, Ecobat Battery can provide invaluable support to keep these machines in good working order, via its team of service engineers. Veolia Croydon scores with Crystal Palace parade clean-up
As part of the ongoing celebrations for Crystal Palace fans, a victory parade and celebration took place along Whitehorse Lane, next to Selhurst Park stadium. Thousands of fans took to the streets in celebration of winning their first major trophy in the club's history. Working together to deliver a cleaner Britain
This landmark agreement, valued at £5 million, further strengthens their successful 17 year collaboration and highlights their ongoing commitment to reliable and efficient customer service across the UK. ISS Anderlecht RSCA and ISS: pitch perfect and beyond…
ISS is much more than a sponsor of the ‘Mauve et Blanc’: it is a partner that actively contributes to the club's activities on a daily basis. ISS' cleaning teams ensure that Lotto Park, both front and back, is always well maintained. Whether on matchdays with thousands of fans or during daily stadium operations, ISS guarantees a hygienic and pleasant environment for everyone. 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
Harrisons’ managing director Stephen Harrison named in The Manufacturer Top 100
Cleaning startups: grow beyond spreadsheets with software
Peartree Cleaning Services steps up to support CBRE's charity initiative
Cleaning industry pays tribute to Gill Hallsworth
100+ FM businesses sign Open Letter to UK Government about Employment Rights Bill
BICSc Awards finalists revealed
"We were thrilled to receive record numbers of nominations which demonstrates how highly regarded the Awards are within the global professional cleaning industry,” says Neil Spencer-Cook, BICSc group managing director. “We look forward to celebrating with the winners at our Awards ceremony later this year and congratulate everyone who entered and were nominated - an achievement in itself." Fleets urged to invest in sustainable driving training to reduce operational costs and emissions
Legal injunction secured indefinitely against Unite union
It will prevent striking refuse workers from obstructing bin lorries as they leave the depots in Birmingham, allowing them to collect waste from the city without delay.
Within the cleaning sector, core services focus on providing professional high quality cleaning services. However, it’s the behind-the-scenes administrative processes that ensures a business runs smoothly. OCS announces strategic partnership with the University of Sussex
Atlas Education shortlisted for three national awards
JOHN STINTON: May 1943 - March 2025
Green up now to stay competitive
Gold medal haul for Sodexo at 2025 RoSPA Safety Awards; including four President's Awards
Events & Exhibitions CMS INTERCLEAN Hygienalia ISSA Show North America The Cleaning Show INTERCLEAN |
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