EDANA wraps up its Sustainability & Policy Forum 2025

Against a backdrop of rapidly evolving environmental legislation, the EDANA Sustainability & Policy Forum 2025 has now concluded, marking a step forward in the dialogue between the nonwovens industry and European policymakers.
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Clean-Tech Expo 2026 - a trade fair for modern cleaning technologies

The professional cleaning industry is developing rapidly, and technologies that were rare just a few years ago are now becoming standard. Increasing hygiene requirements, the evolution of modern chemistry, and the growing importance of sustainability mean that the sector needs innovation and effective work tools.
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Startup FreshCheck receives £150k funding to advance its hygiene verification technology

London startup FreshCheck has received £150,000 funding from the British Design Fund (BDF) to accelerate the rollout of its patented colour-change hygiene verification system.

Founded in 2015 by Imperial College London PhD alumni Alex Bond and Dr. John Simpson, FreshCheck has transformed their lab side project into a rapidly growing hygiene innovation company.

Its globally patented colour-change swab system provides instant, visual confirmation of surface cleanliness. The swabs require no expensive hardware, no lab work, and no waiting for results, challenges which limit widespread adoption.
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Vileda Professional CE launches revolutionary single-use microfibre mopping system for cleanrooms and controlled environments

In a significant advancement for industries requiring stringent cleaning protocols, Vileda Professional CE, a leader in mechanical cleaning solutions, proudly announces the launch of its CE MicroIntensive Pocket microfibre mopping system. 

Designed specifically for cleanrooms and controlled environments, this new versatile system delivers unmatched performance in maintaining the highest contamination control standards, ensuring compliance with industry regulations.
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Urgent clarification needed on scope of Textiles EPR for PPE, say industry bodies

EDANA - the voice of the nonwovens industry, plus fellow industry associations CIRFS (European Man-Made Fibres Association), EURATEX (The European Apparel and Textile Confederation), ESF (European Safety Federation), and EuroCommerce (Retail & Wholesale), have issued a joint statement raising critical concerns regarding the transposition of Directive (EU) 2025/1892, the targeted revision of the Waste Framework Directive.
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Thousands of landfills around Europe threaten human health and ecosystems

What is believed to be a first-of-its-kind analysis of Europe's landfills has revealed that tens of thousands are located in flood-prone zones, areas used for drinking water, or in sensitive conservation sites. Reporters from Investigate Europe and Watershed Investigations found that many of the 60,000 sites mapped are at risk of leaking toxic waste, posing threats to human health and disrupting fragile ecosystems.
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SOAPBOX: Robotics, water and a future without detergent

By Sylvain Rottier, VP & general manager EMEA, Tennant Company

“The cleaning industry is faced with the possibility of a chemical-free revolution. Autonomous floor-scrubbing robots powered by electrically converted water could be proof that pristine, hygienic spaces no longer need to come with the familiar scent - and environmental burden - of detergent.
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OCS completes acquisition of Emcor UK, creating one of the largest hard services-led FM providers in the UK

OCS has now formally completed the acquisition of Emcor UK from Emcor Group Inc. after clearing the UK regulatory process. This transaction brings together two of the UK's largest hard services-led facilities services businesses, with enviable engineering capabilities and established operations across the UK, supported by a clear focus on safety, quality and long-term customer partnerships.
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Sontara launches new sustainable wipes portfolio

Professional wipes brand Sontara has launched a new sustainable wipes range, utilising exclusively sustainable raw materials including recycled PET from PCR bottles, plastic-free fibres such as viscose, lyocell and cotton, and natural wood pulp.
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RightCycle ReNew(ed): Sustainable solutions made simple!

Kimberly-Clark Professional has introduced the ReNew Programme – an evolution of its RightCycle Programme that underline’s the company’s commitment to sustainability by offering simplified and comprehensive, end-to-end solutions for hard-to-recycle hygiene products.
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CCS Facility Services announces dedicated Education Division and key leadership promotions

Denver, Colorado-based CCS Facility Services has announced the formal launch of its Education Division, a strategic expansion designed to meet the unique needs of educational institutions nationwide. It will focus exclusively on delivering high-quality custodial and facility services to colleges and universities as well as K-12 schools and districts, reinforcing the company's commitment to creating clean, safe and healthy learning environments for students.
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Key industry leaders commit to making sure the sector's voice is heard by Government

First published in Cleanzine as Breaking News just before the Christmas break

Key cleaning and hygiene industry leaders have held a high-level meeting in London to discuss working together on a strategy for the sector to achieve improved Government recognition.

The British Cleaning Council invited a number of its Association members and business leaders to join it along with lobbying experts for an initial meeting to scope out the potential for sector organisations to develop a unified and aligned strategic approach.
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Why Hard FM is sitting on millions in untapped savings

Hard Facilities Management keeps our buildings safe and operational - yet it remains one of the most analogue, inefficient sectors - in the UK, anyway. While other industries digitise at speed, many mid-tier FM firms are still held back by outdated systems, paper processes and reactive maintenance models that quietly drain millions every year.

The UK Hard FM market is set to grow from £18.67bn to £19.80bn by 2027 (Baachu Rain). Steady growth; but meaningless if margins stay thin and compliance pressures rise. The truth is unavoidable: the sector is losing money not because of market conditions, but because of legacy thinking.
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Higher standards of cleaning needed in public spaces to help protect public against flu, say industry experts

With the National Health Service on high alert as flu continues to circulate through the UK, industry experts have called for clear and effective national cleaning standards across workplaces and public spaces in the UK to help save lives, limit damage to the economy and reduce disruption to hospitals, schools and workplaces.

The British Cleaning Council – the body representing the £67bn cleaning, hygiene & waste industry - says that higher standards of cleaning in UK workplaces and public spaces, combined with handwashing measures, are the best way of reducing the spread of common infections such as flu and other illnesses, as well as protecting against any future pandemic.
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Analysing the winning applications of service robots: Which ones will dominate the market in the next 10 years?

by John Li, technology analyst at IDTechEx…

“Service robots, as covered in the new IDTechEx report, ‘Service Robots 2026-2036: Technologies, Players & Markets’, can be used to automate several industries, including logistics and delivery, cleaning, agriculture, underwater exploration, food service, and social interaction.

Although each application presents advantages, their stages of commercialisation vary significantly, with some being well-developed, attracting US$ billions in annual revenue, whereas others - despite their huge potential, are still emerging and may only reach full commercialisation by the end of the decade. This article examines the winners in the short and long term in the service robots market.
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England's waste system to undergo its biggest reform in April

From April 2026, waste management in England will change forever. What has long been a confusing patchwork of local rules will be replaced by a single national framework under the Government's Simpler Recycling reforms. While the aim is clarity, the consequences of inaction are anything but simple.

With £110 fixed penalties, escalating fines of up to £5,000 and rising landfill costs, businesses that fail to prepare could face serious financial and operational risk.
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Xenex receives Health Canada Registration for LightStrike6 UV Robot

Xenex Disinfection Services announced on Tuesday that its LightStrike6 (LS6) UV-C whole room sanitising robot has received Registration from Health Canada for sale and distribution to healthcare facilities across Canada.

The Health Canada Registration for LightStrike6 builds on the US Food & Drug Administration (FDA) authorisation of the LightStrike+ as a no-touch ‘Whole Room Microbial Reduction’ device. With the Health Canada Registration, Xenex becomes the first and only company with ultraviolet (UVC) room technology authorised in both Canada and the US. Together, these authorisations create a new regulatory benchmark for validated, hospital grade UV room technology.
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Hooper Services achieves ISO 9001 Certification

Congratulations to Hooper Services, which has achieved ISO 9001 certification - the internationally recognised standard for quality management systems. The certification reinforces the company's commitment to quality, consistency and customer satisfaction across the cleaning industry.

The achievement demonstrates that Hooper Services operates with clearly defined processes and a strong focus on continual improvement - providing customers with confidence that services are delivered in a controlled, reliable and professional manner.
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Interclean 2026 just got even better!

Interclean Amsterdam returns 14th - 17th April 2026, and this edition brings more new features, experiences and innovations than ever before. The organisers are even expanding the show floor.

Here's a first look at what's new:
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Tech Tidings: Mitie’s carolling cobots serenade commuters at London Bridge station

Yesterday, Mitie’s cleaning robots ‘cobots’ spread Christmas cheer at London Bridge station performing carols to the thousands of commuters travelling home for Christmas.  The cobots raised money to donate to Crisis at Christmas, helping the charity provide essential support services to the homeless.
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Loo of the Year Awards entries reveal rise in standards for even more facilities

Businesses from across the UK have once again put their washrooms under the spotlight, with new figures from the 2025 Loo of the Year Awards showing a sharp rise in first time entrants and a clear push on improving standards.
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Over half of Brits make mistakes at work due to stress, research finds

According to new research, over half of Brits (52.6%) are making mistakes at work due to stress, and one in four Brits have rung in sick at least once due to how stressed they're feeling. This week, the HSE revealed its latest statistics, showing that 964,000 workers this year have suffered from work-related stress, depression or anxiety.
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Feast smart, waste less this December

The Waste & Resources Action Programme's new ‘Love Food Hate Waste’ festive campaign, supported by the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs and the Department of Agriculture, Environment & Rural Affairs, has been designed to help people save money, save time, and protect the planet during the festive season. Its festive cowboy-themed ‘Most Wasted’ series features five foods that are highly wasted in December.
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Kärcher UK unveils St Albans centre to power up Greater London support

Kärcher UK has opened a new Kärcher centre in St Albans, Hertfordshire, strategically positioned to support the Greater London area and further accelerate the company's growth across the capital.
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Spotless bolsters Midlands business with Eco-Clean acquisition

Edinburgh-headquartered Spotless Commercial Cleaning has acquired Midlands firm Eco-Clean and Maintenance, an office and schools cleaning specialist employing more than 100 staff.
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1m in social value: award-winning sector social enterprise 'Amplify Goods' reaches milestone

Amplify Goods - the award-winning social enterprise - has released its interim impact results, as two big milestones are crossed - revealing measurable environmental and social progress across the facilities and cleaning sectors.
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Phil Jones appointed sales director at Prochem Europe

Popular industry figure and former head of sales & training, Phil Jones, has been appointed sales director of Prochem Europe. Phil brings to bear in his new role, more than 28 years in the industry, spanning practical cleaning, sales of janitorial supplies and manufacturing.
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Golden Service Awards 2026: Finalists and celebrity host revealed

The stage is being set for the 2026 Kimberly-Clark Professional Golden Service Awards with the announcement of the finalists, plus renowned comedian and actor Kerry Godliman as host.
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New waste service set to rollout next year

Birmingham residents can expect food waste collections from next Summer, as the council reveals plans for a new, greener, more reliable waste service which will include the weekly food waste collection and a second recycling bin.
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SOAPBOX: SMEs struggle to sustain apprenticeships amid 66% wage hike and rising business costs

By Chris Houston, managing director of steel fabrication and engineering company Tadweld:

"There have been many articles about the recent onslaught of anti-business policies by our governments. First, it was the Conservatives who raised corporation tax from 19% up to 25%, and then Labour's most recent combination of increases to National Insurance and National Living Wage in May 2025.
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Change in attitude toward HGV drivers required to drive truck stop improvements, says Logistics UK

Yesterday, Transport Focus published the results of its latest Lorry Drivers' Facilities Survey, which shows increased dissatisfaction among HGV drivers and reveals a strong connection between how safe drivers feel when parked up and their ability to rest properly.
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Horecava
12-15th January 2026
Amsterdam
Website

The Cleaning Show
18-19th February 2026
Manchester
Website

Innovation Lab 2026
5th March 2026
Liverpool
Website

Clean-Tech Expo
10-12th March 2026
Warsaw
Website

Cleaning Expo
27-28th March 2026
NAEC Stoneleigh Park
Website

INTERCLEAN
14-17th April 2026
Amsterdam
Website

The Workplace Event
28-30th April 2026
NEC
Birmingham UK
Website