Cleanzine: your weekly cleaning and hygiene industry newsletter 2nd December 2021 Issue no. 995
Your industry news - first
The original and best - for over 20 years!
We strongly recommend viewing Cleanzine full size in your web browser. Click our masthead above to visit our website version.
Please note that you are viewing an archived issue of The Cleanzine.
International News
Products Embracing the Future - Interclean Amsterdam
Robert Scott launches new Ecofibre range
New partnership to develop waste plastic recycling and circular-fuel production facilities
SoftBank Robotics EMEA expands into Denmark
Campden BRI testing proves HyGenikx kills airborne Coronavirus
New Hi-Genic mousepad features Polygiene ViralOff to provide hygienic protection
RAS supports first preschool under the Happy Toilets at Preschools Projects Grant
|
Welcome to the Cleanzine
The original Cleaning & Hygiene industry e-news I've long admired the work of multi-award-winning British director Ken Loach, but only recently learned that he has a habit of championing the underdog, not just through his film work, but in real life too. It was quite by chance I discovered he'd rejected the Turin Festival award, back in 2012, in support of struggling cleaning and security staff. In rejecting the award, he referred to the “serious problem” of contracting out services under the pretext of saving money, with the winning contractor, once appointed, cutting jobs and keeping wages low. "It's a recipe designed to fuel conflict," he said. "The fact that this happens all over Europe does not make this practice acceptable. In Turin the cleaning and security services of the National Cinema Museum have been outsourced. After a cut in salaries, the workers have reported bullying and mistreatment. Several people have been fired. The most underpaid workers, the most vulnerable, have lost their jobs to oppose a pay cut. Obviously, it is hard for us to distract ourselves from the details of a dispute taking place in another country, with working practices different than ours, but that doesn't mean that the principles are unclear. In this situation, the organisation that provides services cannot close its eyes, but must take responsibility for the people who work for it, even if they are employed by an outside firm. I would expect the Museum, in this case, to have dialogue with workers and their unions, to ensure the re-recruitment of fired workers and rethink its own outsourcing policy. It is not right that the poorest have to pay the price for an economic crisis that they are not responsible for. We made a film dedicated to this very topic - 'Bread and Roses'. How could I not respond to a solidarity request from workers who have been fired for fighting for their rights? Accepting the award would be weak and hypocritical behaviour." Those in our industry know that outsourcing CAN work in the right hands. Many large UK contractors, for example, pay a proper 'living wage' according to Living Wage UK ideals and treat their staff well, while some overseas contractors do similar. Their size allows them to buy equipment & consumables at reduced rates, which enables them to pay an acceptable wage. Sadly, too many companies still keep the profits to themselves though. Good on Ken Loach for recognising the difference & standing up for the lower paid! And good on those companies which recognise that cleaning staff are an essential part of the team and should be adequately rewarded for their expertise. You can also follow us on Twitter @cleanzine Yours,
This Week's News
EFCI calls for more flexible approach to EC's minimum wage proposals The European Cleaning & Facility Services Industry is calling for a more flexible approach to the European Commission's minimum wage proposals, presented in October 2020 and subsequently discussed by the European Parliament and the European Council.
While the two institutions have just reached agreement on their respective positions to go to the trialogue negotiations, EFCI is keen to push the need for more flexibility. New appointment at Rainbow sees 30 years of technical experience return to the team Rainbow International’s Technical Manager Ron Rookledge has returned to the business after a brief hiatus – bringing back a wealth of experience and knowledge, bolstering Rainbow’s technical offering. Ron has over 30 years of experience working within the cleaning & restoration sector. Having first worked in the industry in the late 80’s, Ron then took a brief break to work on caravans, before joining again in 1999 working with one of the leading damage management companies of the time. This move saw Ron make the transition from being a hands-on Cleaning & Restoration Technician to taking up the position of Technical Support & Trainer, predominantly in soft furnishings cleaning & restoration. During this time Ron held several different managerial posi Genesis Biosciences sweeps the board at Cardiff Business Awards Genesis Biosciences is celebrating after triumphing at this year's Cardiff Business Awards, winning two award categories as well as the coveted Cardiff Business of the Year. The company, which ferments Bacillus bacteria and creates natural microbial and antimicrobial products for a range of industries, secured Green Business of the Year, Technology Business of the Year alongside the Cardiff Business of the Year award. The British Cleaning Council has urgently called on the All-Party Parliamentary Group for the cleaning & hygiene industry to drive progress on key issues affecting the sector.
Senior figures at the BCC are concerned that there has been a lapse in actions to achieve several key aims, which have now become even more vital due to the serious challenges the sector is facing. Solvay has announced that Actizone F5 has obtained registration by the U. Environmental Protection Agency as a ready-to-use disinfectant for hard surfaces.
Actizone F5 is formulated with a new revolutionary long-lasting technology that reduces bacteria by 99.9% on hard non-porous surfaces for 24 hours, even after multiple touches. It provides initial disinfection after five minutes contact time against a wide range of viruses and bacteria[1] including SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes Covid-19. Cromwell Polythene proud as Pembrokeshire County Council is crowned 'Best Recycler' in the country Cromwell Polythene takes pride in the accomplishments of its partners, so was delighted to hear that Pembrokeshire County Council was announced 'Best Recycler in Wales' for the second year in a row.
Between April 2020 to March 2021, Pembrokeshire Council achieved a phenomenal recycling rate of 73.2%. Free how-to guides for cleaners - Prochem has it taped Cleaning products specialist Prochem Europe has expanded its free online Technical Help Guides to include advice on prespray chemicals, infection control and removing adhesive tape residue. Cleaners removing yellow and black social distancing tape from carpets and hard flooring are left with a tacky residue to contend with, says the company, adding that even a temporary tape removal and if required, re-application, can help protect the carpet from long-term damage. Jangro ramps up sustainability with new product range Jangro, the largest network of independent janitorial and cleaning distributors in the UK and Ireland, tells us it was excited to launch a brand new range of cleaning products at The Cleaning Show 2021, helping its customers to make more sustainable purchases and reduce their carbon footprint.
The ntrl portfolio comprises 13 products ideal for cleaning surfaces in a variety of environments, from kitchens through to washrooms. Truvox International launches new Multiwash Pro Truvox International is launching a new, redesigned range of its Multiwash scrubber dryers. "Our Multiwash II has been the benchmark for scrubber dryers for many years, and we are delighted to be launching the new Multiwash Pro range," says Truvox International executive director, Gordon McVean. With COP26 negotiations having drawn to a close, the launch of a new social enterprise, Amplify Goods, shows how 'climate positive' products can help businesses bring the transition to Net Zero to life through their supply chains. Led, owned, and funded by diverse women[1], Amplify Goods has been established to do things differently by addressing the gender imbalance in climate discussions and in the B2B products world. 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:
|
REQUEST THE CLEANZINE HERE The Cleanzine is broadcast
every Thursday. You may receive it FREE each week by
clicking the link above. Hospital Hygiene 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
Taking a proactive approach to virus sanitisation this festive season
Christeyns Food Hygiene wins Company of the Year Award at the SOFHT Awards 2021
Ladder Association embarks on Ladder Surveillance Survey to root out dangerous ladders
The UK's largest and most important event in the cleaning & hygiene sector, The Cleaning Show, welcomed more than 4,600 visitors through its doors when it made its triumphant return to London early this month. It marked the industry's first physical event since the UK's national lockdown was lifted, coming at a critical time as cleaning lands high on the agenda of businesses across the country. |