*Cleanzine-logo-7a.jpgCleanzine: your weekly cleaning and hygiene industry newsletter 16th April 2026 Issue no. 1206

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International News
Products

Europe's tissue industry: supporting jobs along with hygiene

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As policymakers and industry leaders prepare to gather at Interclean 2026 next week, new insights highlight the significant economic and societal contribution of Europe’s tissue sector - an often overlooked but essential pillar of daily life, hygiene and public health.
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2025 Nonwoven production in Greater Europe: Industry remains strong amid challenging market conditions

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EDANA, the international Association serving the nonwovens and related industries, released this week the European annual statistics for 2025, offering a comprehensive picture of the nonwovens industry in Greater Europe.
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Services union stages European Public Procurement Summit this month

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As the EU prepares to reform its public procurement directives, Uni-Europa – the trade union that fights for a dignified life for services workers across Europe, has decided to get involved.
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Louisiana jail sees 62% reduction in infection complaints within 30 days of disinfectant switch

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A Louisiana correctional facility is reporting a sharp decline in infection-related medical complaints following the implementation of ArrowClean's patented on-site disinfectant system (formerly R-Water), offering real-world evidence that may advance cleaning practices in hospitals, nursing homes, and schools.
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BICSc to deliver dynamic demonstrations at Interclean

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Specialists from the British Institute of Cleaning Science will deliver dynamic demonstrations and share cutting-edge knowledge at this year's Interclean exhibition in Amsterdam.
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Acquisition of German facility services operational platform strengthens Zvoove Clean's European portfolio

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Zvoove Group, the software and AI solution provider for the temporary staffing, cleaning and private security industries, has acquired KleanApp, a German software company specialising in digital operations management for the commercial cleaning sector.
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TVH and SPE announce strategic partnership for battery charger repair in Europe

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TVH, a global leader in the supply of parts for forklifts, industrial vehicles, construction and agricultural equipment, has taken another step towards expanding its customer service offering.
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Truvox International partners with Pacvac and introduces the Valet Backpack Pro Battery

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Truvox International is entering into an OEM partnership with Pacvac, Australia, and is expanding its popular dry vacuum range with the introduction of the Valet Backpack Pro Battery.
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Phone hygiene is healthcare's overlooked first line of defence

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Hospitals and care facilities have rigorous handwashing protocols, glove changes and sanitation procedures in place. Yet, one of the most frequently handled items in healthcare still moves largely unchecked between patient rooms, nursing stations, offices and common areas: the mobile phone.
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Robert Scott introduces industry-first biodegradable socket mop technology

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Robert Scott tells us it has become the first company in the UK cleaning sector to incorporate a biodegradable plastic additive into its mop socket design. This innovation means that Exel sockets are designed to biodegrade in managed landfill environments, eliminating the environmental impact of traditional plastic components polluting the planet for hundreds of years.
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Sessions to look out for at Interclean Amsterdam 2026

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The industry is gearing up for Interclean Amsterdam 2026, from 14th – 17th April, where an extensive programme will place knowledge, expertise and real-world insight at the centre of the experience.
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Genesis Biosciences welcomes landmark EU rule change on cleaning products

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Global technology company Genesis Biosciences has welcomed the revised EU Detergents Regulation (EU) 2026/405 which has explicitly recognised detergents containing microorganisms for the first time.
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MSL extends virucidal testing to help brands strengthen claims

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Leading regulatory and microbiological testing house MSL Solution Providers has expanded its microbiological testing capabilities with the introduction of EN 17914:2025 and EN 17915:2025, the newly published European virucidal standards that are set to reshape how domestic and professional disinfectant products make claims.
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Welcome to the Cleanzine

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Survey findings we covered last week, which revealed that the vast majority of drivers remain unclear on how London's well-established Ultra Low Emission Zone works and that almost half are unaware that they must check whether their vehicles are ULEZ compliant and pay manually if they’re not, have been playing on my mind. 
  
Living within the perimeter of the M25 motorway which circles London and its outskirts, means local car journeys have me crossing briefly into the ULEZ zone without noticing – and I’m not the only one. Luckily, (for the time being, anyway!) my car’s ULEZ compliant, but since – like many of those surveyed - several of my family & friends who drive non-compliant vehicles have been caught out by unexpected fines, I can’t help feeling that the much-hated scheme's been set up (for us) to fail. Why? Because if our journeys take us unexpectedly into the zone, it’s our job to find out whether or not we’re liable to pay for that part of our trip, rather than us being automatically sent a fine, as we are following other transgressions, such as coming to a halt in a yellow box, or speeding. The system clearly isn’t working fairly since it’s not consistent with how things are normally done. 
  
Yes it’s bringing in a lot of money, but that wasn’t (supposedly) what it was set up for, was it? If it’s an unexpected side effect there’s been plenty of time to put things right. The technology exists to be able to bring the way ULEZ works into line with everything else. Why hasn’t this happened? It shouldn’t be down to a motoring organisation – in this case, Regit, who carried out the survey, to devise and pay for an awareness campaign alerting drivers of their need to check their ULEZ status before continuing their journey into the zone and be sure to pay within the tight time limit if their vehicle's not compliant, should it? 
  
And if British drivers are struggling with it, what about drivers from overseas? 
  
Finally, if you’re a long-term reader of Cleanzine you’ll be aware of how much John Austen and I have enjoyed Amsterdam’s Interclean Exhibition over the years and how much we look forward to attending. Sadly this time around, John has prior commitments and I’m having surgery this week, so we’re having to miss out. If you’re there as an exhibitor, presenter, speaker or visitor, we hope you’re having fun and that you achieve everything you’re aiming for. Hopefully we’ll see you next time!
     

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Yours,

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Jan Hobbs


This Week's News

New modular spray system facilitates mobile and efficient equipment and plant sanitation

* FlexiSan.jpegBete’s new FlexiSan modular spraying system offers a portable, cost-effective spray solution that facilitates mobility and effective cleaning and sanitisation across a wide range of industrial applications. Engineered for flexibility and performance, it allows operators to quickly rinse and apply cleaning and sanitising agents to a variety of equipment, including conveyors, hoppers, bins and mixers, as well as other critical process areas.

FlexiSan is designed to handle everything from light washdowns to heavy clean-ups of thicker, more stubborn build-ups. The base model offers a mobile cart with a Clean-in-Place spray header that connects directly to a facility's water line.
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Interclean Amsterdam announces Amsterdam Innovation Award 2026 winners

* Interclean-Amsterdam-winners.jpgInterclean Amsterdam 2026 opened this week at RAI Amsterdam, placing innovation and industry progress firmly in the spotlight. The first day featured the Amsterdam Innovation Awards ceremony, recognising industry innovations shaping the future of cleaning & hygiene. And the winners were…

Amsterdam Innovation Award 2026 Winner: Dryft…
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Miller Environmental completes acquisition of Haz-Mat Environmental Services and Canco

* Miller-spill-header.jpegUS-based Miller Environmental Group, which provides waste, industrial and environmental services, has acquired Haz-Mat Environmental Services, the full-service provider of industrial and waste treatment and disposal services, and Canco, which provides industrial services.

Haz-Mat and Canco, headquartered in North and South Carolina respectively, provide a full suite of specialised industrial and waste services including industrial cleaning, hydro-blasting, waste collection, transportation, treatment and disposal. Both serve several blue-chip customers in the Southeast region, and boast a reputation for reliability, quality, and safety.
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TSA announces Westminster cross party meeting focusing on the laundry industry

* TSA-Westminster.jpegBritish Cleaning Council member The Textile Services Association is organising a cross party meeting in Westminster on the afternoon of 19th May 2026, to raise the profile of the laundry sector within Parliament and help to ensure that Government understands the vital role of the industry in supporting the NHS, hospitality and the UK economy as a whole.

The current Middle East crisis and the pressures it is placing on the commercial laundry sector will also be under discussion. Increasing costs have already begun impacting almost every part of its operations, with only labour as yet not being directly affected.
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Safety professionals worried about mass adoption of AI, reveals new report

* Astutis-AI-safety.jpgAstutis’ newly published annual survey of health & safety professionals across the UK - the ‘Voice of Our Learners Report 2026’, has revealed that while more than 63% of business leaders are optimistic about AI's potential in health & safety, 60% say their biggest concern is over-reliance on technology versus human judgment, while nearly 40% of employees say they lack the skills to use AI tools effectively.

This year's report, says the renowned provider of health, safety & environmental training, surveyed professionals across 16 industries, split for the first time into two cohorts: Business Leaders (business owners, directors, and department heads) and Employees (managers, team leaders, and non-managerial staff). The findings reveal a profession that is broadly confident in the value of training but navigating deep uncertainty about AI adoption, workforce readiness, and where to invest next.
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Free H & S year planner from Croner

* Free-year-planner.jpgWith legislation constantly evolving, and documentation - including certification, needing to be compliant with current law, it can be a challenge for businesses to keep on top of Health & Safety administrative duties.

However, if regulations aren't followed, your business could be exposed to risk - including criminal prosecution in the most extreme cases.
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Sofidel accelerates decarbonisation with a new biomass boiler In France

* SOFIDEL-BIOMASS-FRANCE.jpegItalian headquartered tissue manufacturer Sofidel is continuing its commitment to decarbonisation by bringing a new biomass boiler into operation at its Sofidel France facility in Frouard, in the Grand Est region of France.

Supported by ADEME (Agence de la Transition Écologique) under the BCIAT 2022 program (Biomasse Chaleur Industrie, Agriculture et Tertiaire), the new boiler will generate steam currently generated using natural gas, facilitating an estimated annual reduction of 9,100 metric tons of CO2 emissions.
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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.

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How to contact us at The Cleanzine:

Jan Hobbs
Publishing Editor
Email: [email protected]
Tel: 07980 288 373

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John Austen
Publishing Director
Media & Communications
Email: [email protected]
Tel: 07766 707 888
 
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Hospital Hygiene

Hospial Corridor

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

Kärcher UK appoints Gareth Prosser as managing director

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Kärcher UK has appointed Gareth Prosser as managing director. Bringing extensive leadership experience and a strong customer-centric mindset, Gareth will lead the business through its next phase of growth and innovation.
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RIDDOR: Consultation launched

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The Health & Safety Executive has launched a consultation on The Reporting of Injuries, Diseases & Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 2013 (RIDDOR). And as well as seeking views on a range of legislative and non-legislative proposals to help reduce work-related ill health, it is looking for options to reduce the burden on businesses, in making these reports to the regulator, through simplification of the reporting process.
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Vast majority of drivers fear accidental ULEZ fines

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A new survey conducted by Regit suggests that huge numbers of motorists remain unclear on how London's Ultra Low Emission Zone works, despite the scheme having being firmly established for some years now.
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Scene set for extended post-refurbishment performance at The Old Vic… Enter stage left: The Clean Space!

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The Old Vic, one of London's most iconic and historic theatres, has reaffirmed its partnership with The Clean Space as the venue enters a new chapter following significant refurbishment and expansion works.
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CSSA Clean Start Initiative features on BBC's The One Show to inspire next generation of cleaning professionals

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In case you missed it, the Clean Start Initiative by the Cleaning & Support Services Association was featured on BBC's The One Show last month, bringing national attention to the campaign, and to the people, skills and career pathways across the cleaning industry.
more


Launch of practical checklist to help waste operators identify airborne health risks

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D&F Associates has launched a practical safety checklist to help waste & recycling operators identify airborne health risks linked to everyday site activities.
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Loo of the Year Awards announces new industry partnership to recognise washroom suppliers

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The Loo of the Year Awards has announced a new partnership with the Independent Washroom Suppliers Association (IWSA), marking a significant step in recognising the wider supply chain that supports high standards in washroom facilities across the UK.
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Take action this Stress Awareness Month: prevent work-related stress

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April is Stress Awareness Month – and as part of its Working Minds campaign, which helps prevent work-related stress and promotes good mental health at work, the Health & Safety Executive is calling on employers across Great Britain to #BeTheChange.
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Kevin Meighan: new Master of the Worshipful Company of Environmental Cleaners

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On Friday, Kevin Meighan was officially installed as Master of the Worshipful Company of Environmental Cleaners, celebrated at a glorious banquet at Mansion House. He succeeds the former Master, Darren Marston.
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From every sale to every rescue: Velair to continue to support Mountain Rescue's life-saving work

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Velair, part of the Velair Group, has confirmed that it will continue its partnership with Mountain Rescue England and Wales (MREW) into a second year, following a successful first year of fundraising through sales of its Hydra hand dryer.
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Atlas launches Atlas Retail, a specialist integrated partner for retail destinations

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Atlas has announced the launch of Atlas Retail, a specialist business focused on supporting the smooth, safe and welcoming operation of retail and leisure destinations across the UK.
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Events & Exhibitions

INTERCLEAN
14-17th April 2026
Amsterdam
Website

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

Website

Cleantex
13-15th October 2026
Johannesburg
South Africa

Website

Interclean Shanghai
28-30th October 2026
China
Website



© The Cleanzine 2026.
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