Cleanzine: your weekly cleaning and hygiene industry newsletter 25th July 2024 Issue no. 1124
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 International News
Products Registration is now open for the 2024 ISSA Cleaning & Hygiene Expo Sydney
Microban partners with Cintas to freshen public washrooms with antimicrobial solutions
 New wipes deliver rapid and effective cleaning for carpets and upholstery
Some landfill 'burps' contain airborne PFAS, study finds
And burps from buried waste containing per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) can release these ‘forever chemicals’ into the air, say researchers in ACS' Environmental Science & Technology Letters. Survey: college seniors still need to learn a lot about cleaning
Hands-on testing: MSL Solution Providers introduces EN 17430 testing
Allied Universal recruits new VP for janitorial services business unit
WFBSCs 2024 Global Executive Summit “a resounding success”
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Welcome to the Cleanzine
I know I had a grumble about the issues earlier this year, but reading the Environment Agency’s newly published annual report this week, on our water companies’ failings - and in particular with regard to sewage leaks, has got me all riled up again. For while the report shows an improvement in some ratings under the Environmental Performance Assessment system, the majority of companies have “continued to underperform” (now that’s an understatement if ever I heard one!). Bearing in mind that the Agency is employing more compliance inspectors, which means that the likelihood of fines for companies not making the grade has increased, I wonder just how dilapidated our supply and treatment facilities have become if those responsible for them haven’t managed to make the required improvements in order to avoid being taken to task. As I said previously, they shouldn’t be making the payouts to shareholders that they are, if money needs to be spent on upgrades – which it clearly does!
The number of serious pollution incidents increased from 44 in 2022 to 47 in 2023, while total pollution incidents from sewerage and water supply assets increased to 2,174 - the second consecutive annual increase and highest number recorded since 2019. Further, compliance with numeric permit conditions for discharging treated wastewater isn’t improving, with 45 sites found to be non-compliant. It’s just not good enough, is it?
Despite the huge numbers of sewerage pollution incidents recorded, since 2015 the Agency has only secured 63 prosecutions against water companies, securing fines of over £151 million. In 2023 the Agency concluded four prosecutions against four water companies, with fines of more than £6.7 million. It’s not the money we want though, is it? It’s clear, uncontaminated drinking water and sewage dealt with as it should be, rather than it being left to spoil our waterways and coastline, before spreading overseas.
Only Severn Trent Water is doing the right thing by the general public. Anglian, Southern, Thames and Yorkshire have shown little or no sign of improvement. These companies have a responsibility not only to those of us living in the UK but to tourists visiting our shores and even those who never set foot here but who may perhaps be bathing in their own countries’ waters that have been contaminated by our sewage. What’s going on is unacceptable.
The full report is available to read at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications
This Week's News
Sofidel to acquire Clearwater's North American tissue business
With sales of over $1.0 billion, annual capacity of 340 thousand metric tons, and more than 1,600 employees, CLW Tissue operates through an integrated network of four manufacturing facilities across the US: in Shelby, North Carolina; Lewiston, Idaho; Las Vegas, Nevada; and Elwood, Illinois. Battery innovation company secures £22 million funding deal for its industry-first technology
Solus Power has devised a revolutionary mobile solution to solve the key challenges of providing flexible electric vehicle charging where infrastructure is limited, as well as hard-to-access and off-grid environments.  Take control of washroom costs, time and waste
The cost of living continues to rise and places more pressures on businesses, healthcare and education, with 46% of firms expecting their prices to rise. The new audit helps businesses identify how changing to controlled dispensing systems and sustainability services will provide more efficiency and reduce both costs and waste in the washroom.  Healthcare Surfaces Institute merges with ISSA
HSI was formed in 2015 at the first Healthcare Surfaces Institute Annual Summit. During the past eight years HSI has had many accomplishments including, but not limited to, identifying the many aspects of the surfaces issues and how they support the spread of deadly pathogens, leading to unaddressed patient and healthcare worker safety risks. Surface disinfection compatibility issues are one of the many overlooked issues being addressed by HSI, and a published case study provided a real-life accounting of these gaps.   The importance of bed bug cleaning in Summer
"As temperatures rise and travel peaks during the Summer months, the risk of bed bug infestations also increases. These resilient pests are notorious for hitchhiking on luggage, clothing - and even public transport, spreading rapidly in areas with high human traffic. Effective bed bug control is essential, particularly in environments such as hotels, hostels and on public transport.  Voting for 2024 America's Best Restroom Contest now open, says Cintas
"We are thrilled to announce this year's finalists, each showcasing a commitment to cleanliness, functionality and innovative design," says John Rudy, senior director of marketing at Cintas. "Well-maintained facilities play a vital role in customer satisfaction and retention. These finalists excel in both hygiene and design to create an outstanding restroom experience for all." Atlas wins new contract with St. James' Court Hotel
The hotel is a discreet Victorian masterpiece, typifying the concealed charm of one of Britain's finest luxury hotels. It is situated in central London in Mayfair. 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
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