issue2 - american cleaning hygiene · 2018. 5. 10. · issue2 . american cleaning & hygiene is...

PRODUCT DESIGN & ERGONOMICSFEATURETechnology in Housekeeping Efficiency

MARKET UPDATE:The Jan-San Market

IN THE SPOTLIGHTDr. Ilham Kadri, President & CEO, Diversey

ISSUE 2

AMERICAN CLEANING & HYGIENE is the foremost platform to remain in touch with the cleaning & hygiene industry in the USA. With its first edition, the magazine has become a regular feature in locations across the country, from manufacturers to channel partners and end consumers.

YOUR INTEREST WILL PUSH US TO WORK TIRELESSLY TO GIVE YOU THE BEST

CONTENT THROUGH VARIOUS AVENUES

www.americancleaningandhygiene.com

SUBSCRIPTION

www.americancleaningandhygiene.com ISSUE 2

EDITOR’S NOTE 3

Have you ever wondered what goes into making a product - how many years it takes from conceptualization all the way up to ensuring that it reaches its consumers and is adopted into the mainstream?

Our Focus story for this issue of American Cleaning & Hygiene focuses on product design and ergonomics. We talk to 4 global leading manufacturers of cleaning & hygiene products, where they explain the ethos behind their designs.

Apart from this, the season of events is already upon us, and our recent visit to the AAHOA Convention earlier in March was quite a revelation in terms of the kind of practices and technologies being adopted by the housekeepers in the US. Our feature focuses on a session on Technology in Housekeeping. A lot of the focus was on how housekeepers and hotels in general can adopt technology to make their work processes easier and customer service more efficient.

Speaking of housekeeping, spring is here, and with it comes the deep cleaning season! With universities across the country closing for the holidays, building service contractors and facilities managers are all set to spruce up the universities and schools. Within the next few pages you will find an article on various tips involved in spring cleaning of universities. Quite helpful, indeed.

The rest of the magazine, too, is a treasure trove of industry information. We interview Imre Killi of Motorscrubber where he talks of how he has marketed this unique product acrss the globe. We also feature an interview with Dr. Ilham Kadri, President & CEO, Diversey about the new identity of the company and the role that she has and will continue to play in spearheading its operations across the globe. Read all this and more in the pages ahead.



ISSUE 3 | MAR-APR 2018

PublisherMedia Fusion USA, www.americancleaningandhygiene.com

FounderArvah BohraCell: +1 302 433 9910E-mail: [email protected]

EditorShanti PetiwalaCell: +971 50 686 0956E-mail: [email protected]

Design Suhail OTE-mail: [email protected]

Database & Circulation ManagerDeepak NairE-mail: [email protected]

Shanti PetiwalaEditorE-mail: [email protected]

Printed by: ATLAS PRINTING PRESS

www.americancleaningandhygiene.comISSUE 2

05

14

19

20

22



ISSUE 3 | MAR-APR 2018

UPDATES

FOCUSProduct Design & Ergonomics

EVENT PREVIEW

SERVICE SPEAK Spring Cleaning Tips for

Educational Facilities

TECHNOLOGY Game-changing Floorcare

Technologies

OPINIONThe Importance of Spill Kit &

Training in Spill Response

HOUSEKEEPING Relationship Building Among

Housekeeping Staff

IN THE SPOTLIGHTImre Killi, Managing Director,

T.L. Killis

MARKET UPDATEThe Evolving Jan/San Industry

FEATIURE

INDUSTRY UPDATEDiversey – Forging a New Path

EQUIPMENTAre You a Carrier?

EVENT REVIEW

WHATS NEWProduct Updates

20

34 40

CONTENT

All views in the articles reflect the authors' opinions only and not the Publisher's.

14 24

26 28

24

26

28

30

34

38

42

44

45


A strategic alliance between Segura & Associates, based in San Mateo, CA and Pixel Mix, located in Sao Paolo, Brazil, was recently announced. Ron Segura, President of Segura & Associates, is recognized as one of the industry’s leading cleaning consultants. His organization works with cleaning contractors as well as major universities and corporations throughout North and South America, helping them streamline their building maintenance, promote environmentally preferable cleaning, sustainability, and reduce maintenance costs. Pixel Mix Design is operated by Janaína Diniz. The company is recognized as one of the leading web design, branding, and marketing organizations in South America. The company

has clients in both Brazil and throughout the United States.

“I have been very impressed with the work performed by Pixel Mix,” says Segura. “And I think they can play a significant role in the North American [professional] cleaning industry, helping manufacturers,

distributors, as well as cleaning contractors, promote their products and services.” Diniz says her company uses “the power of design” to make her clients’ brands “significant, profitable, and famous. We do this by taking the time to investigate and determine what makes each client unique, different from their competitors, and then help them stand out in their industry sector.” One of the key services Segura offers his many contract cleaning clients is to help them re-brand and market their services. “Most all cleaning contractors focus on growing their businesses, but unfortunately, their branding and marketing campaigns are not always the best. Pixel Mix will help turn this around.” Source: Press Release

Cascades PRO™, a leader in the manufacturing of towel and tissue products, was recently acknowledged for its rebranding efforts at the Tissue World magazine Mill Awards during Tissue World Miami 2018 in March. Cascades PRO was honored as the 1st runner up in the Best Tissue Marketing Strategy category. In 2016, Cascades Tissue Group launched a campaign to promote its line of professional products under the newly established Cascades PRO brand. To help streamline the purchasing process for customers, the company successfully executed a major sales and marketing effort as the professional division went from 26 brands to just 6. The rebranding helped refresh the company image

and position the division as the “friendly” tissue company, with the tagline “All Clean. All Good.”

“The Cascades PRO rebranding was a collaborative effort among many teams at Cascades, including sales, marketing and customer service,” said André Daviault, Cascades PRO marketing director. “This recognition by Tissue World, a leading global trade publication, is a great honor and sends a strong message to our customers that they are working with a top of the line partner.” The Tissue World Magazine Mill Awards were created by Tissue World in 2016 to celebrate and recognize years of tissue paper production and innovation by mills across North, Central and South America. In

2017, the Mill Awards expanded their reach to honor paper companies in Europe.

“We commend Cascades PRO for its unique rebranding strategy that not only repositioned the brand within the market, but also highlighted their environmentally friendly products and customer-centric business focus,” said Agnes Gehot, Deputy Event Director for Tissue World & Asian Paper. This award follows recognition from Adapt Marketing Group, NETWORK®, and Balpex in 2017 for the brand restructuring. Cascades Tissue Group continues to support the innovation and development initiatives of the Cascades PRO brand in its approach focused on customers’ needs.Source: Press Release

LOCAL UPDATES 5

Strategic alliance formed between Segura & Associates and Pixel Mix

Cascades PROTM rebranding acknowledged


6 LOCAL UPDATES

Every year, the International Association of Outsourcing Professionals (IAOP) releases a ranking of global outsourcing companies across all industries. Again this year ISS, a global leading facility services provider, received five stars – the highest rating possible. ISS Group CEO Jeff Gravenhorst, says, “We are proud to be a global service leader – and that leadership depends on consistently delivering service excellence across our customer sites. As a company with 488,946 employees across more than 70 countries, the key to our success is the right balance between empowerment of our people and standardisation of our processes. Receiving five stars in IAOP’s rating demonstrates that our customers and industry peers recognise our success in this area – and underscores the strength of our value proposition.”

ISS was again designated a Super Star of the Global Outsourcing 100 – recognising that ISS

has consistently ranked in the top for more than 5 years and attained a star in each category: Customer References, Size & Growth, Awards & Certifications, Programs for Innovations, and Programs for Corporate Social Responsibility. ISS’s overall score was 7.33 out of 8, compared with the Global Outsourcing 100 list’s 2018 average of 4.81.

Notably, ISS scored an 8 out of 8 in Corporate Social Responsibility, compared with the industry average of 3.94, demonstrating ISS’s strong performance as a responsible employer. Joseph Nazareth, Head of Group HSEQ & Corporate Responsibility, says, “We take pride in being a socially responsible company and having a positive impact on the communities in which we work. We believe that our commitment to diversity, health & safety, and sustainability are both good for society and for the bottom line, and see the IAOP rating as recognition that we have made

good progress in these areas.” The evaluation of the 2018 Global Outsourcing Top 100 companies are based on a rigorous scoring methodology that includes an independent review by a panel of IAOP appointed judges. The judging committee all have extensive experience in selecting outsourcing service providers and advisors for their organisations. The pool of candidates comprise global outsourcing leaders from all industries, including Accenture, Deloitte, KPMG and hundreds of others.Source: Press Release

ISS rated a “super star” on world’s best outsourcers list

The time, effort and sweat of the thousands of volunteers over the 15-year run of Trumbull County’s Make A Difference has resulted in making Trumbull County a better place to live. And now, the work has been recognized as among the best in the nation — for the third time. Media company TEGNA Inc., with its Make A Difference Day partners Points of Light and Arby’s Foundation, announced the local event, sponsored by the Tribune Chronicle, is among 13 national award winners that will receive $10,000.

Arby’s Foundation, the independent charitable arm of the restaurant chain, is providing the grant. “The announcement Trumbull County’s Make A Difference Day was going to receive $10,000 was a surprise, but it’s a welcome

surprise that will be put to good use locally,” said Sue Shafer, community events coordinator for the Tribune Chronicle.

Make a Difference Day recognized nationally


LOCAL UPDATES 7

Aflac, the leader in voluntary insurance sales at U.S. worksites, has received ISO 14001:2015 certification in environmental management at its WWHQ facilities in Columbus. The certification covers Aflac’s environmental planning for support services, strategic sourcing and procurement, information technology, facilities, transportation and corporate aviation. The recent accreditation complements Aflac’s recognition for outstanding energy efficiency planning, an ISO 500001:2011 certification they have held since 2012.

According to Alfred Blackmar, Aflac vice president of Facilities Support, the International Organization on Standardization (ISO) certifications recognize

companies that have adopted proven environmentally responsible practices and conserve resources throughout their business processes. “The importance of sustainability for both Aflac and the communities where our employees live and work is paramount in our corporate planning,” said Blackmar. “Finding more efficient use of resources and reducing waste allows Aflac to gain not only a competitive, cost-saving advantage in our day-to-day operations, but also the trust of our policyholders, shareholders, partners and the community as they recognize our strong commitment to minimizing our environmental footprint.”

Key measurements of the ISO certifications include

increased prominence of environmental management within the organization’s strategic planning processes, greater input from leadership, a stronger commitment to proactive initiatives that boost environmental performance, and the development and continual improvement of an energy management system. Aflac’s environmental and energy management plans include efforts to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions, supporting and promoting a robust recycling program for employees, and investigating and implementing renewable energy solutions, among others. Since 2007, Aflac has reduced its Scope 1 and Scope 2 greenhouse gas emissions by 50 percent.Source: PR Newswire

Aflac adds environmental management certification to its list of previously established recognitions in energy efficiency

Cobo Center in Detroit is on track to save around $200,000 annually on housekeeping by bringing those services in-house. The Detroit venue parted ways with The Professional Group, a janitorial services provider based in Detroit, last October and is pleased with the savings and performance of the restructured team, said Claude Molinari, general manager of Cobo.

The venue’s budget for housekeeping this year is $1.75 million a year, which would mean a savings of 10 percent compared to the cost last year, Molinari said. Cobo, which is operated by the Detroit Regional Convention Facility Authority and managed by SMG,

had contracted with Detroit-based ABM Janitorial Services for several years prior to The Professional Group winning the bid in 2016. The Professional Group terminated the contract after one year.

“We weren’t displeased with (The Professional Group) but, to be honest, I think they felt the contract was a little one-sided and that they weren’t being compensated enough,” Molinari said. “They made a business decision. We felt it was a great opportunity to take the services in-house.”

The cost savings come from Cobo avoiding a 15 percent markup on labor through The Performance Group. Molinari said that under the

new management structure the average wage of a full-time cleaner is $13.50 plus benefits — up from an average of $11.10 plus benefits before the new arrangement.

The cleaning crew consists of about 35 full-time employees and as many as 250 part-time workers. They were not affected by the management change, Molinari said. Cobo hired three new janitorial supervisors to replace the six managers The Professional Group had on site. Molinari said he has received “excellent feedback” for the housekeeping services following big events such as the North American International Auto Show.Source: Crains Detroit

Cobo Center to save $200,000 annually by bringing janitorial services in-house


As part of Colorado State University’s commitment to sustainability, a committee comprised of Facilities Management, Environmental Health Services, university entomology and horticulture professors, student representatives from several areas on campus, and other experts have worked to develop a proactive plan to help bees and other pollinating insects and animals that already come to campus looking for pollinating plants and shelter. “Our university grounds are actually a giant garden and arboretum, comprised of hundreds of flower beds, blooming trees and lush green space,” said Fred Haberecht, associate director of Facilities Management and chair of the pollinator-friendly committee. “This new commitment leverages those spaces to the benefit of pollinators that we know already pass through or live on campus.”

As part of these efforts, the university obtained Bee Campus USA certification last fall, as a testament to the university’s commitment to the role of bees and other pollinators in sustainability. The first campus in Colorado to obtain the certification, the designation reflects a commitment to manage campus landscapes in more pollinator-friendly ways, including minimizing harm to pollinators through steps such

as reducing pesticide use or using only bee-friendly pesticides, as well as focusing on pollinator-friendly plants and other supportive approaches.

The strategy involves creating a habitat plan for pollinators, such as recreating several flowerbeds on campus to specifically support pollinating insects and wildlife. Cultivating these areas also create example flower beds that people can visit to learn more about pollinators, plants that support them, and their habitat.

8 LOCAL UPDATES

Sofidel continues to grow in the USA with a New Greenfield Investment in OklahomaSofidel, one of the global largest tissue (paper for hygienic and domestic use) production players, announced a major new stage in its journey of international growth, initiating a new greenfield investment in the United States to build an integrated plant - i.e. including both the paper mill and converting lines - in Inola, Oklahoma, around 30 miles east of Tulsa. This is the Group’s second greenfield investment in the United States, with the construction of a brand new plant, starting from the laying of the foundation stone.

Two tissue technology machines, for a total output of 120,000 metric tons a year, will be installed in Inola together with the corresponding converting lines to make the finished product (toilet tissue and towels). The overall investment will amount to 360 million dollars over three years

(2018-2019-2020), resulting in a plant that will combine sustainability and technological innovation.

“I’m pleased to be able to announce this new greenfield investment, the second in America, following the one in Circleville, Ohio. The purpose of this new investment is to make a significant contribution to our growth in the United States, one of the most important markets for our Group” commented Luigi Lazzareschi, CEO of the Sofidel Group. “We’re going to build a state-of-the-art integrated plant in Inola to serve the South-Central and Central-Western United States, a market where we’ve had a presence since 2012 and where we’ve grown quickly, year after year.”

Work on building the plant will begin in March 2018 and will be completed by mid 2020, while the converting production lines and warehouse will already be up and running by mid 2019. Once fully operational, the new plant will employ 300 full-time workers.Source: PR Newswire

Colorado State University campus abuzz with pollinator-friendly beds


LOCAL UPDATES 9

Absolute! Building Maintenance (A!BM) is proud to announce our latest commitment to fighting illness-causing germs and keeping our clients’ facilities clean and their occupants safe. The purchase of the Clorox® Total 360® System will add an additional layer of surface protection to help create a healthier environment on behalf of our clients. The system further safeguards the environment by helping eliminate bacteria, viruses and pathogens that can leave businesses and community members impacted for days.

Just last year, in Michigan, there were 1,167 influenza-associated hospitalizations and the fast-spreading norovirus sickened

hundreds, including students at two major Michigan universities. Outbreaks and resulting building closures can tarnish businesses’ reputations, impact productivity and result financial losses and absenteeism, the impact of outbreaks can weigh heavily on businesses and schools.On average, employers report four million nonfatal, work-related injuries and illnesses annually, which can lead to devastating productivity losses. Productivity losses linked to absenteeism cost an average of $1,685 per employee totaling to $225.8 billion each year. “A!BM purchased the Clorox® Total 360® System to enhance our cleaning offerings and further safeguard against common bacteria and

viruses, including difficult-to-treat infections like Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and fast-spreading stomach bugs like norovirus – the culprit of many illnesses we saw across Michigan last year,” said John Markey, CBSE, Executive Vice President, Absolute! Building Maintenance.

“With this new technology, we can cover more surfaces, quickly and even the hardest-to-reach places that may be missed through manual cleaning, leaving illness-causing germs behind,” said Markey. “Since we began providing our services to schools, not a single school has had absences as a result of the flu.”Source: PR Newswire

Absolute! Building Maintenance goes the extra mile for its customers

HomeServe Energy Services, part of HomeServe USA (HomeServe) - a leading provider of home emergency repair service plans - was named one of three winners of the 2018 Residential HVAC Contractors of Excellence Award by Contracting Business Magazine. Contracting Business magazine annually recognizes HVAC contractors who have been in business for at least 10 years and who represent the best that the residential HVAC industry has to offer. Some of the best practices that the publication looks for include providing ongoing trainings for employees; having a formalized business plan that is clearly executed in their work; being open to new ideas and practices; and building a company around a solid philosophy. “We look for

candidates who embrace change, and who seek innovative ways to better understand and serve customers. We hope by telling their success story, other companies will have something to aspire to,” said Contracting Business’ Content Director Terry McIver.

“We selected HomeServe because the company appears to be doing everything necessary to serve customers and employ well-trained and customer-focused technicians.” With over 200 technicians, HomeServe provides reliable heating and cooling experts that service over 1,000 communities in 26 counties across New York, Massachusetts and Rhode Island. Services offered range from emergency repairs on heating, cooling and water systems

to tune-ups and installation of new equipment. HomeServe also provides service plans for year-round protection from the high cost of repairs to heating, A/C and other major home systems.

“It’s rewarding to receive this prestigious recognition of the excellent service HomeServe provides to its customers,” said Tom Rusin, CEO of HomeServe USA. “HomeServe is a company with an exceptional customer focus and a deep commitment to the development of our employees. In everything we do, we are always looking for ways to innovate and improve our business. This award is an affirmation of that commitment and our employees’ and contractors’ hard work.

HomeServe USA honored with 2018 Residential HVAC Contractors of Excellence Award


10 INTERNATIONAL UPDATES

GOJO Industries-Europe Ltd – specialist in skin and surface hygiene solutions – will be exhibiting its extensive portfolio at Interclean 2018 (stand 12.209). GOJO has a wealth of experience in the hygiene industry and carries internationally recognised brands including PURELL®, one of the most trusted brands for skin and surface sanitising, and GOJO®, its brand for specialised soaps and tough soils cleaning solutions.

Chris Wakefield, Vice President, European Marketing & Product Development, GOJO Industries-Europe Ltd said, “Interclean is a fantastic event and we are delighted to be exhibiting here once again. It offers us a great opportunity to showcase innovation and demonstrate our products and expertise face-to-face.

Importantly, the show also allows us to meet with our distributor partners.” Among the products on display, are the most recent additions to the PURELL portfolio; PURELL Surface Sanitising Spray and Wipes. GOJO has used market knowledge and insight to deliver a range of no-rinse surface sanitising products that are fast acting, highly effective and specifically designed to meet surface sanitising needs within food contact areas.

As well as exhibiting its specialist products, GOJO is sharing information on the GOJO® SMARTLINK™ Service Alerts

System, a technology designed as a preventative maintenance system and the SMARTLINK Observation system which provides feedback and delivers reports immediately for both hand hygiene and PPE compliance, saving valuable time. As a leader in infection control and skin science, GOJO is also exhibiting at the co-located Healthcare Cleaning Forum on stand: 09.107. Source: Press Release

GOJO Industries-Europe Ltd presents wide product range and expertise at Interclean 2018

Swish, one of the oldest and leading distributors of professional cleaning products in Canada, announces they have just launched a new e-commerce store on their website. Referred to as the “eStore,” according to Irina Kem, Director of Marketing at Swish, “this will be a new type of e-commerce platform, unlike any currently available in the [professional cleaning] industry.”

One of the things that makes the new eStore different is that it is designed to provide, what she calls, a “guided purchasing experience.” The site is intended to help guide visitors to specific products that can address their cleaning needs and challenges. This

is accomplished with educational, “how to” videos and traditional content. But the eStore also focuses on providing cleaning solutions. “Instead of just selecting a product to address a specific cleaning issue, we want to help our customers find long-term solutions to their cleaning needs,” she says.

“In some cases, this might mean selecting a bundle of products, all designed to work together, helping [to] keep a facility clean, safe, and healthy.” The site, which has been in the planning stages for more than a year, has also been constructed to be quick and easy to navigate. It also includes information designed to address trends in the

professional cleaning industry, such as Canada’s WHIMS program.

The Workplace Hazardous Materials Information (WHIMS) program requires that chemicals used in the workplace be updated so that they meet the requirements of the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals.

Kem adds that while the new eStore has just been launched, overall the response to it has been very positive. “We’ve had a great start and are looking forward to doing a lot more with our new eStore in the futureSource: Press Release

New Swish eStore offers “Guided Purchasing” experience


INTERNATIONAL UPDATES 11

Interclean Amsterdam, which takes place from May 15-18, will feature the Facility Inspiration Event for the first time this year. This is a daylong event organised in conjunction with consultancy company ATIR. The event is dedicated to inspiring facility managers to explore the opportunities available in implementing more efficient and environmentally-friendly cleaning solutions. The focus is on improving performance from

insight on sustainability and in harnessing new technology.

Taking place on Thursday May 17 from 10.00-16.00 at the InnovationLAB in Hall 8,the event is open for anyone to join at any point of the day that is convenient. There is no need to pre-book. Speakers include circularity guru Yvette Watson - who shares what the circular economy could mean for future working practices - and in particular the

benefits of adopting greener solutions. Then Sander Duivestein - a technology specialist and trend watcher - discusses how technology is impacting on our personal lives, our ways of working and the wider world. Finally Herman Kok, professor at the University of Wageningen, will argue that value can be generated through the often underrated and underappreciated methods of proper cleaning.Source: Press Release

Environment Minister Catherine McKenna launched a public consultation on plastic garbage Sunday as Ottawa tries to develop a national strategy to cut back on how much plastic Canadians use and toss away. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau wants to get other G7 nations to sign a zero plastics waste charter at the G7 leaders meeting this June in Charlevoix, Que., but Canada doesn’t yet have a handle on what it wants to do about the problem domestically. Speaking from the seaside community of Eastern Passage, N.S., McKenna used Earth Day to announce a public online consultation to help pinpoint ways for the country to eliminate plastic waste and reduce marine litter.

“We want to hear from Canadians about how we tackle pollution and waste,” she said, flanked by Nova Scotia Environment Minister Iain Rankin and Nova Scotian MPs Darrell Samson and Andy Fillmore. It’s not just cleaning up after the fact: it’s actually being thoughtful about how we reduce, how we recycle, how we compost.” The announcement was made shortly

before dozens of volunteers flocked to McNabs Island in the Halifax Harbour and McCormacks Beach in Eastern Passage to pick up litter as part of an Earth Day shoreline cleanup event.

According to the federal government, more than 150 million tonnes of plastic waste is clogging the oceans worldwide. It’s estimated that plastic could outweigh fish by 2050. Greenpeace Canada also used Earth Day Sunday to kick off a national campaign with a tool kit to help Canadians find ways to reduce their reliance on single-use plastics. The organization says Canadians generate about 3.25 million tonnes of plastic garbage each year, which they say could fill 140,000 garbage trucks. The campaign includes encouraging people to take their complaints about plastic-covered produce and overly wrapped food products to the manager at their local grocery store, write letters to the editor and lobby local politicians to enact anti-plastics policies.

The event was organized by

the Nova Scotia-based non-profit Ecology Action Centre, in partnership with Friends of McNabs Island, Oceans North, and Ocean Conservancy.

Heather Grant, the centre’s marine communications coordinator, said the event presented an opportunity for Nova Scotians to learn what they can do better to protect the environment. “As a coastal province, Nova Scotia obviously has a huge stake in the health of the marine environment,” said Grant. “So having people come to clean up the beaches is a great way to get local people engaged and invested in the health of the oceans that the province depends on.”

Feds launch online public consultation on plastic and marine waste

Facility Inspiration Event to take place at Interclean Amsterdam 2018


12 INTERNATIONAL UPDATES

Demand for disinfection products used in food safety, including chemical disinfectants and sanitizers, disinfection equipment, and other products such as disinfectant wipes, is projected to advance 3.9% annually to $1.7 billion in 2022. Disinfection products account for the largest share of food safety product demand, representing 35% of the market in 2017. While much of the historical growth for disinfection products has been driven by government regulations, new product developments and technological advancements will stimulate demand going forward. These and other trends are presented

in Food Safety Products in the US, 5th Edition, a new study from The Freedonia Group, a Cleveland-based industry research firm.

Demand for disinfectant and sanitizer chemicals – at the formulated (ready-to-use, or ready-to-dilute) level – in food safety applications is forecast to increase 3.2% annually to $1.0 billion in 2022. Continuing government and business efforts to eliminate contamination at the food processing level will drive gains. Additionally, consumer concerns about foodborne illness will support demand as food processors and foodservice

establishments try to prevent the fallout associated with high-profile outbreaks.

US demand for all types of food safety products is forecast to grow 4.9% annually to $5.2 billion in 2022, a slight deceleration from the 2012-2017 pace. Gains will be driven by ongoing implementation of the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA), which, although originally enacted in 2011, has compliance dates staggered through 2022. Further technological improvements will also boost efforts to increase traceability in the food supply chain.Source: PRNewswire

New York schools may soon provide students with free feminine hygiene products. The measure is expected to be part of the state budget for the fiscal year. Gov. Andrew Cuomo proposed the measure in January as part of his Women’s Agenda For New York, and lawmakers said it will be part of the budget. “No student should miss a day of school or feel ashamed because they don’t have access to tampons or pads,” Assemblywoman Linda Rosenthal, D-Manhattan, who sponsors the bills, said.

The proposal would required school districts to provide free feminine hygiene products in restrooms for girls in grades 6 through 12. Supporters of the measure said many young women may not have the money

to buy the items, which can cost between $7 and $10 a box for pads or tampons. Cuomo noted the United Nations has linked menstrual hygiene access to human rights.“New York leads the nation in championing women’s rights and breaking down barriers to equality, and that mission starts when women are girls,” Cuomo said in a statement Jan. 22.

In 2016, legislation was signed that required New York City schools, homeless shelters and jails to offer free tampons and pads to women. Last year, New York became one of nine states to eliminate a tax on tampons, pads and other menstrual products. California and Illinois require the products in schools. Rosenthal said feminine hygiene products should be considered

the same as having toilet paper in school bathrooms. There was no immediate estimate on how much the requirement will cost schools. “Toilet paper and tampons aren’t different,” Rosenthal said.“But the way we think about them is. Here in New York, we’re aiming to change that.”Source: WSA9

Demand for disinfection products used in food safety to grow nearly 4% annually through 2022

New York planning to provide free feminine hygiene products in schools


INTERNATIONAL UPDATES 13

After years of development, the non-profit organization The Ocean Cleanup will begin the process of installing its plastic capturing device in the Pacific Ocean. Founded by university drop-out Boyan Slat, The Ocean Cleanup has designed and created a unique system that will take the first steps to ridding the oceans of floating plastic. The system uses large floating tubes of durable plastic, that sit on the ocean’s surface, held in place by floating anchors. The u-shaped floating barrier is designed to catch the plastic, which is then collected.

A strong nylon screen, attached underneath, will catch some of the plastic below the surface but is designed in a way so to not snag marine life. The system will now start a long slow process of install. First, a section of the floating tube will be towed out of the San

Francisco Bay, along the coast of the Farallon Islands. This initial stage tests the tubes ability to be towed. Next, the small section will be brought back, attached to the larger section to form 2,000 feet of piping. The assembled system will be taken 200 miles offshore for a final test to ensure everything is working as it should.

Because this test zone isn’t in a

plastic accumulation zone, not much waste will be collected but how the system behaves in open water will be monitored. Once the all clear is given, the whole system will be towed out to the Pacific Garbage Patch, a journey that will take three weeks. By late Autumn a shipment of plastic will be returned for recycling. Some of the matter may be used to create consumer goods.Source: Interesting Engineering

New ocean cleaning machine to tackle the world’s plastic pollution problem

The Middle East region’s first Cleaning, Hygiene and Facilities Awards sponsored by Ecolab was recently held at the Address Dubai Marina on April 19, 2018. Organised by the region’s only magazine on cleaning and hygiene – Clean Middle East – and its sister publication FM Today, the awards were an effort to bring together all stakeholders of the professional cleaning & hygiene industry under one roof.

The awards were given to companies and individuals who had proved their excellence in products, services and implementation of those

products and services in 13 categories. From among the top categories were Best Client Contractor Partnership, Innovative Product of the Year, Industry Personality of the

Year and many more. Other international sponsors included Unilever Professional, Diversey and Kimberley Clark who have a strong footprint in the MENA region.

The GCC region’s first Middle East Cleaning, Hygiene and Facilities Awards 2018 a huge hit


14 FOCUS

Occupational hazards in the cleaning industry are not that conspicuous. But if

they are not addressed, they can pose serious threat to the health of workers. A truly ergonomic product is one that caters to all its stages like design, manufacturing, usage, and maintenance. Over the years, companies have strived to make products that are the perfect blend of aesthetic beauty and ergonomic compliancy to make the task easy for the end user.

Let’s take a look at how a few international brands have turned ergonomics to their advantage while designing their products.

International cleanliness brands prioritize on ergonomics while designing their products - By Zenifer Khaleel


FOCUS 15

KaiVac: Hands-on approachKaiVac is a US-based company providing science-based hygienic cleaning systems for more than a decade. They are the developers of the No-Touch Cleaning® system and the OmniFlex™ Crossover Cleaning system.

The company has taken a hands-on approach in designing ergonomic cleaning equipment. “What we do is look at how cleaning workers perform specific tasks and see if we can design systems that make performing these tasks less physically stressful and prevent injuries; while improving overall cleaning,” explains Marc Ferguson, International Business Development Manager of Kaivac.

Citing the case of a traditional floor mopping exercise, he explained that using a mop and bucket has several repetitive musculoskeletal disorders risk factors. When filled with water, a bucket can weigh as much as 40 pounds and the wet

mop, around three pounds more. Because of the way most buckets are designed, filling or emptying a bucket requires the cleaning worker to lift the bucket from floor level to a waist-level sink. Even if the drain area is at floor level, the worker must still bend or squat to lift the bucket for draining, risking a strained back.

The actual mopping process is also viewed as a risk factor, as it entails wringing out the mop head, lifting and carrying the mop

while it is wet, and then using repetitive motions to perform the actual mopping. Additionally, many mop poles may be too short or too long for the worker, which can negatively impact shoulders and require reaching or bending to use the mop effectively. Furthermore, a wet floor and the usage of chemicals, makes slip-and-fall accident more likely.

To combat this issue, KaiVac has introduced an assortment of smaller, interconnecting,

‘build-as-you-need’ tools to address a variety

of cleaning tasks, especially floor care.

The thought behind the concept is that the tools can be used independently or together, as needed. Often cleaning workers start with

the essential tools such as trolley

buckets with handles, making them much

more comfortable to maneuver. Then, they

add attachments that help turn the trolley bucket into a dispense-and-vacuum cleaning system. These systems also leave the floor dry in seconds, eliminating the possibility of a slip and fall accident.

“These cleaning tools and equipment reflect our product development goals: they are designed to be less stressful on the body, eliminate repetitive motions, to be lighter, smaller, and easier to maneuver; plus they match (if not improve) overall cleaning effectiveness,” says Ferguson.

A truly

ergonomic product is one that caters to

all its stages like design, manufacturing, usage,

and maintenance.”


16 FOCUS

Hydro Systems: Ergonomics & UX (user experience) Hydro Systems is one of the world’s largest independent manufacturers of dilution, dispensing and dosing systems for concentrated chemicals. For them, UX or user experience plays an important role in developing ergonomic products.

“The main criteria for me during the writing of a product specification or investigating

Vectair Systems: Easy & instinctive UK-based Vectair Systems, a leading technological innovator, manufacturer and supplier of air care and hygiene products, has been delivering sanitary solutions to over 120 countries for 30 years. According to Robert Dix, Head of Product Development at Vectair, making a product ‘easy and instinctive’ to use can make a big difference on how people perceive its worth. “Product design is very important as it gives you the opportunity to differentiate yourself from the competition. It makes the functions and features of the product appealing and gives it an edge over competitors,” he says.

Vectair’s main product line includes dispensers for air care, sanitary care and skin care. While designing products, the main consideration is given to how it is installed in the environment it is meant for. The contours of the product are made smooth with no sharp edges, to reduce the risk of people cutting themselves. Another factor in consideration is that no large force should be required to open the covers for installing refills. “If the refills are to be replaced every month, the dispensers have to be as simple and straightforward as

possible. There could be hundreds of units that need refilling at the same time. So, the installation should be in a very accessible place,” says Dix. Other parameters for design include how will the

product be used, its duration, need for replaceable parts, service requirements etc. Vectair conducts extensive market research on existing and potential customers while issuing guidelines for product design. The perfect product is a balance between functionality, performance and cost.

“You need to understand the market you are selling into and know what customers want and more importantly what they will pay more for. Making something easy and intuitive to use that doesn’t require instruction can be the best way to reach out to the customer,” concludes Dix.


17FOCUS

a concept are listening to people (Customers, Users and Colleagues), asking relevant questions and gaining their input,” says Chris Dyer, Principle Engineer of Global Advanced Development at Hydro Systems.Ergonomics plays an important role in all stages of their products’ life. “Health and safety is our first priority, and we relentlessly test the equipment to ensure

it is robust and safe, during development phase,” he says.

“Traditionally ergonomics and aesthetics were very much secondary to function and performance. Today, they are very much integral to the development of a successful product or system. UX is the latest umbrella term that includes both,” he further adds.

Hako: 70 years of cleaningHako GmbH is a manufacturer of street sweeping equipment and ultra-light commercial vehicles. For the past 70 years, they have attached a great deal of importance to product design by carrying out extensive studies and working on creating both optimal and future-oriented machines.

Ergonomics plays a key role in their overall machine concept. The most important feature of their machines is to enable several hours of fatigue-free working on a daily basis. “We design products by putting ergonomics, safety and cost efficiency right at the top of our list of priorities. For example, when it comes to the ergonomics of cleaning machines such as vacuum sweepers or scrubber-driers, we implement all the standards required to ensure maximum user-friendliness in order to protect the operator’s health. It is our aim to ensure that our products’ overall cost-effectiveness is reflected in a particularly intelligent and sustainable product design,” says Ricardo Ruiz Porath, Product Line Manager of Cleaning Technology.

While designing machines, they ensure that the quality is maintained with regard to the

machine’s entire life cycle. “We aim at providing our customers with well-functioning machines, through comprehensive real-life testing as well as stationary endurance tests. Economic efficiency provided by sustainable product concepts ensuring low battery-, water- and chemical consumption. Ergonomics studies considering the entire machine for its capability of providing an overall comfortable workplace, i.e. in terms of haptics and positioning of the operating elements,” says Porath.

According to Porath, the benefits of providing employees and clients with ergonomic products

are many. “We are putting our employees in charge of very expensive machines. Providing comfortable seating, while doing so, is likely to boost their motivation and signify appreciation for their job. In addition, comfortable working reduces absenteeism due to illness,” says Porath.

“Our one-button operating system ensures that the operator can fully concentrate on the job at hand while starting all relevant cleaning functions at just the push of a button. Implementing sophisticated electronic control systems enables us to meet specific customer requirements.


These systems allow individual programming of cleaning programmes to optimally adapt the machine to the local conditions at any given job site. There is no need for the operator to handle various different switches, levers or buttons; a single button starts all of the machine’s cleaning functions,” he adds.

Customer satisfaction is the ultimate goal of Hako products because, at the end of the day, it is the customer who makes the purchase decision. Following this maxim, Hako continuously expands and optimises its product portfolio whilst remaining in close dialogue with its customers throughout the products’ entire life cycle. Ensuring clear and unambiguous communication, they work out customer needs and requirements in a joint process between Hako and its clients.

“We use our seven decades of experience to subsequently implement these requirements into our products. We develop our products in strict keeping with the prescribed standards and therefore meet the highest

demands in terms of safety and people’s health. In addition, we have developed in-house guidelines to assess and analyse our development results in order to ensure that our products offer both maximum safety and comfort. The challenge is to develop a product for our customers that is both self-explanatory and easy to use, with a uniform operating concept used for all our walk-behind and ride-on machines to ensure that operators need only very short training to be able to handle any of our cleaning

technology products,” concludes Porath.

More than form, function plays an important role in product design of cleaning equipment. Customers across the world, demand products that are characterised by economic efficiency, and user-friendliness while providing excellent cleaning results. By catering to these demands, these companies have reaped multiple benefits in terms of customer satisfaction, increase in efficiency and ultimate cost savings.

18 FOCUS


EVENT PREVIEW 19

Event: Boma International Conference & ExpoThe event boasts a full schedule of new educational content, the latest technology and innovative solutions, and prime networking time. Date: June 23-26, 2018Venue: Henry B. Gonzalez Center, San Antonio, Texas, USAWho can attend: Property Managers, Asset Managers, Developers, Engineers, Building Owners, Architects, Leasing Agents/BrokersEntry Fee: Paid – starting from $695 for members and $795 for non-members

UPCOMING EVENTS

Event: AHE Exchange 2018EXCHANGE ideas with over 500 healthcare professionals with a stake in the environment of care.Date: September 23-26, 2018Venue: Great Columbus Convention Center, Columbus, OhioWho can attend: Environmental services professionals, infection preventionists, content experts, academics, regulatory agencies and industry leadersEntry Fee: $645 for members

Event: Cleaning Products USJoin industry delegates in the 12th Annual Cleaning Products conference.Date: October 1-3, 2018Venue: Key Bridge Marriott, Arlington, Virgina Who can attend: Cleaning & Hygiene Product ManufacturersEntry Fee: $1449, early bird until 30th June

Event: INTERCLEAN Amsterdam Gain an overview of business opportunities, the latest innovations and investment opportunities in the professional cleaning industry. Date: May 15-18, 2018Venue: RAI Amsterdam, Amsterdam, NetherlandsWho can attend: Stakeholders of the cleaning, hygiene, laundry, waste management industryEntry Fee: Online registration as of May 8, 2018 is Euro 40/- Onsite registration during the show is Euro 70/-


20 SERVICE SPEAK

SPRING CLEANING TIPS FOR EDUCATIONAL FACILITIES

There’s

never been a better time to

go green by taking a healthy and

sustainable approach to cleaning.”


21SERVICE SPEAK

As the weather warms, flowers emerge, and the trees start to green up, it’s the perfect time for a fresh start – and that means spring

cleaning. But, if you’re the facilities manager for a college, university, high school, or other educational institution, you have a bigger job ahead of you than most. Let’s take a look at some ways you can enhance the appearance of your facility after the long winter and prepare for the hot summer ahead by getting proactive with your cleaning and maintenance.

Work your way up from floors and carpetsThe winter months can be especially hard on carpets – even commercial grade floor coverings. Moisture, mud, and debris get dragged in by students all winter long on their shoes, boots, and even bicycles, then ground deep into the pile. This not only causes the carpet to look dingy, but can create long-term damage through its abrasive effects. That’s why spring is one of the best times to have your commercial carpet deep cleaned to leave it looking renewed and extend its life. Spring is also a great time for schools to schedule the annual summer maintenance of their gym floor to protect the wooden surface and make it shine.

Sitting pretty with clean furnitureDon’t overlook your facility’s furnishings in your spring-cleaning efforts. All the extra dirt and moisture that makes its way inside in the winter also impacts the appearance and life of the furniture in the faculty offices and common areas of your dorms. Whether you have upholstered or leather furniture, a professional cleaning will leave it looking vibrant. And remember to move desks, file cabinets, credenzas, and large conference tables to get rid of the dust bunnies that may exacerbate spring allergies.

Cleaning windows makes a clear differenceA film of dirt, grime, and salt has likely built up over the winter on the many windows on campus. That residue not only makes the exterior of your building look dingy, but blocks a surprising amount of natural

light from entering classrooms and offices. For best results, be sure to clean both the exteriors and interiors of all your windows to let your school pride really shine.

Wash away the last vestiges of winterAfter the final snowfall of the season, parking lots, sidewalks, and patios have a corrosive buildup of salt and sand. Spring is the ideal time to pressure wash your walkways, parking lots, and hardscaping. And while you’re at it, wash away the mold, mildew, graffiti, and bird droppings from walls and roof extensions like awnings and overhangs as well.

Check your HVAC to beat the heatAs the temperature rises, it will soon be time to turn on the air conditioning in your school, so you’ll want to perform preventative maintenance on the mechanical system to make sure it’s in top working order. Cleaning the coils and heat exchangers removes grime and oxidation film to keep units running smoothly and efficiently, and can even help extend the lifespan of your equipment. You’ll also want to clean all your vents and ducts to remove dust, mold, and even pest infestations from all those dark nooks and crannies.

Green up this springThere’s never been a better time to go green by taking a healthy and sustainable approach to cleaning. Winners of the 2017 Green Cleaning Award for Schools and Universities had a number of innovative ideas. The Grand Prize Winner, Lake Washington School District, for example, reduced the number of cleaning chemicals it uses by nearly half, and now uses just four core chemicals to perform routine cleaning. In addition, all four chemicals are dispensed as an ultra-concentrated product that reduces waste and water use.

Summer will be here before you know it, so it’s time to make your spring cleaning checklist and get scrubbing so your school is truly the top in its class!

6 top tips to ensure effective spring cleaning in schools, colleges, and universities.

By Kirk Ashley


22 TECHNOLOGY

Floor-care is one of the most important tasks in the professional cleaning industry. Nothing leaves a stellar first impression quite like a

facility’s lustrous, beautiful flooring. The duty of maintaining floors is also time consuming and labor intensive. Seasoned custodial workers are always watching for ways to accomplish their work more effectively. Comfort and safety are also important, along with reducing our environmental impact.

Fortunately, innovative floor-care solutions are on the rise. We now have more tools available to us than ever before. Here are four such tools that are growing in popularity and making a difference in the industry.

Microfiber mop systemsAlthough the conventional mop-and-bucket method is still prominent in the professional cleaning industry, a better way of mopping is on the rise: Microfiber. What makes microfiber mops so much better? Effectiveness. Microfiber is a dense, synthetic material. As its name suggests, it’s comprised of tiny fibers. These fibers can reach deep into small crevices to clean more thoroughly than traditional mops. Also, microfibers are positively charged to

quickly and easily remove dust from a variety of surfaces.

Fast and efficient. Microfiber mops pick up soils and dirt quickly. The lack of a clunky, bulky mop bucket also contributes to the speed of mopping with microfiber.

Versatility. You’ll find that there’s a wide variety of shapes, sizes and microfiber mop systems available to fit the needs of any custodial team.

Lightweight. Heavy lifting is a common health risk in the professional cleaning industry. Because microfiber mops are lightweight, they are more comfortable to use and pose less risk.Chemical reduction. Microfiber is so effective that it enables professional cleaners to use only water and no (or minimal) chemicals. This reduction in chemicals lowers health risks while contributing to a healthier environment.

Nanotechnology-based floor finishesFlooring is full of microscopic cracks and crevices that traditional floor-finish products aren’t able to fill. Because conventional finishes don’t seal these

GAME CHANGING FLOORCARE

TECHNOLOGIES

Highlighting the latest trends in innovative floorcare solutions - By Adon T. Rigg


TECHNOLOGY 23

crevices, they allow dirt and debris to embed into the floor’s surface. This is why floors become dull and require stripping and refinishing.

Floor finish with nanotechnology is a recent innovation that dramatically improves floor care. Products like X-Coat Nano and Nano PowerShine incorporate microscopic nano-particles that fill in the floor’s unseen crevices – even deep down to the molecular level. By finishing a floor so thoroughly that even its most minuscule cracks and imperfections are sealed, stunning results are achieved.

Visually superior. Nanotechnology-based floor finishes create an exceptionally beautiful luster. In fact, building occupants who enter a newly-finished facility sometimes assume a whole new floor has been installed.

Easier to clean and maintain. Custodians love nanotechnology-based floor finishes because they reduce or eliminate the need to strip the floor. These finishes also resist dirt and scuffs.

Environmentally preferable, Because these products reduce the need for harsh floor-stripping chemicals, they cause less harm to your health and to the planet.

Environment-friendly zinc-free floor finishBecause zinc helps make floor finishes more durable, this element has been included in floor-care products for generations. But zinc poses an environmental challenge: It hinders the growth of beneficial microorganisms that are needed for the treatment of wastewater.

While zinc-based floor finishes work effectively, environmentally-conscious building managers and custodial workers have sought alternative products for many years. Chemists have created several zinc-free floor finishes in the past, but they weren’t as effective as their zinc-based counterparts.

Today, much of the professional cleaning industry avoids any floor finish that doesn’t contain zinc. It’s not that they don’t care about environmental friendliness. On the contrary, almost all of us in the industry are concerned about sustainability and reducing our impact. Nonetheless, many professional cleaners pass on zinc-free products because these chemicals have a past record of ineffectiveness.

The next generation of zinc-free has arrived. The

good news is that we no longer have to avoid zinc-free solutions. Recent advancements in polymer technology have led to new products that are both effective and environmentally preferable. Examples include Rochester Midlands Novus Zinc Free Floor Finish and Omnova Solutions’ Mor-Glo®Ultra G floor finish. If you’d like to enrich your facility’s green clean program, going zinc free is an excellent way to start.

The i-Mop XL Floor ScrubberIf you can imagine the power of a full-sized auto scrubber packed into a small, maneuverable mopping machine, you can imagine the i-Mop. As stated by Tennant, the maker of this innovative product, “This machine isn’t just designed for cleaning, it is designed for the cleaner.”

Effective. The i-Mop’s two rotating brushes scrub and clean floors much more thoroughly than conventional mopping, without any extra effort for the cleaning professional.

Small and easy to handle. Because of its small size (it’s not much bigger than a floor buffer,) i-Mop can clean almost anywhere a traditional mop can.

Quiet. With sound levels at less than 73 decibels, you can run i-Mop even while your building is occupied.

Battery-powered portability. i-Mop is battery powered, but this won’t limit your run time. It can be utilized without interruption by replacing the batteries while you’re charging the used pair.

With so many innovations in effectiveness, comfort and environmental sustainability, this is a great time to work in the professional cleaning industry. Sometimes the most fulfilling aspect of our work is to learn about the latest technologies and apply them to creating clean, comfortable environments.

Besides the products I’ve listed above, keep your eyes open for further product advancements. When you see a new technology that could benefit your facility or your daily work, discuss it with your manager. The more tools you discover, the better your job will become and the happier your building occupants will be.

About the Author: Adon T. Rigg has more than 20 years’ experience in the professional cleaning industry, He is a Sales Executive with Rochester Midland, as well as speaker and creator of the professional cleaning sales academy.


24 OPINION

Keeping an umbrella and an ice scraper in the car doesn’t seem very important when

it’s a sunny day in June. But, eventually it will rain or there will be an overnight frost and having these items readily available makes these weather-related inconveniences more bearable.Having spill kits in multiple areas of a facility where spills are most likely to happen is similar to having an umbrella and ice scraper in the car. Chances are, spills don’t happen every day – but when they do, having stocked spill kits ready for response allows employees to take immediate action. This minimizes the overall time spent cleaning up a spill and reduces the likelihood that someone will slip and fall while response supplies are being obtained.

Anticipating spill areasJust as it is more convenient to have an ice scraper in the car than somewhere in the garage, it is a good idea to evaluate where spills have occurred in the past as well as the areas where liquids are stored, transferred or processed. Even though spills can happen anywhere, placing spill kits throughout the facility where liquids are most likely to leak, drip, or spill increases the likelihood that response materials will be where they are most needed.

Several different regulations require facilities to be prepared to handle spills, but it is up to the facility to evaluate their specific spill hazards and create a plan that describes what they will do to

prevent a release into the environment. Spill kits that include containment and absorbent materials are a popular and convenient way to be prepared, but some other options include installing permanent dikes, vacuuming spilled liquids and channeling spills into containment sumps.

THE IMPORTANCE OF SPILL KIT &

TRAINING IN SPILL RESPONSE

“Placing spill

kits throughout the facility where liquids

are most likely to leak, drip, or spill increases the likelihood that response materials will be where

they are most needed.”

Karen D. Hamel, CSP, WACH Regulatory Compliance Professional, Trainer and Technical Writer, New Pig


OPINION 25

TrainingNo matter how a facility chooses to respond to spills, employees need to be taught about their roles and responsibilities when there is a spill. Even employees who may not be directly involved with spill response need to be aware that response plans that are in place. They also must know what actions they need to take to keep themselves safe.

Employees who will be more directly involved in spill response need more information about the facility’s response plans, including what types of spills are incidental and can be cleaned up safely; and which spills are emergencies that need to be cleaned up by personnel who have completed OSHA’s Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response (HAZWOPER) training.

Different elements, including the specific hazards of the chemicals used at the facility, spill volume,

a spill’s location and levels of training all need to be factored into whether the facility considers a spill to incidental or an emergency. Answers will likely vary within a facility and from one facility to another.

All employees can be trained to clean up incidental spills without having to complete OSHA’s HAZWOPER training. Incidental spill response training can be included as part of hazard communication or other safety trainings.

Because spills don’t happen every day, it is important for employees to know how to determine if a spill is incidental or an emergency. For incidental spills, employees need to be taught how to protect themselves when cleaning up an incidental spill. Employees who will clean up incidental spills also need to know how to use response materials, where to take spent items and who to contact to restock used supplies.

When spills no longer meet the facility’s definition of “incidental,” employees need to be taught how they are expected to respond. Should they pull an alarm or notify a supervisor? Should they evacuate the building or go to a designated are inside the facility? Training and reviewing this information regularly during drills helps everyone to keep the information fresh in their minds if an emergency does happen.

Having spill kits available and training employees on how to response to incidental spills provides them with the tools and knowledge to quickly and safely clean them up. It can also help facilities avoid fines for non-compliance and the costs associated with injuries that result from unattended spills.


26 HOUSEKEEPING

With more than 20 years in the hotel business, I am no stranger to the

challenges of retaining talented and dedicated housekeeping staff. The work can be tough and grueling, especially at high-volume hotels. It’s physically strenuous and hard on the body. The pay is modest—most housekeeping jobs pay an entry-level wage, which comes to about $22,000 annually according to U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. And the work, though critically important to hotel operations, often goes unappreciated. Frequently, what this amounts to is frustrated, unmotivated employees, high-turnover and short-staffed shifts, which ultimately leads to a poor customer experience. And just one negative review about room cleanliness can cost a hotel owner thousands in lost revenue.

Because people spend a majority of their time at work, it makes sense good business sense to get to know them. Smart hotel owners listen to their housekeeping staff, find out what their issues and concerns are, and follow

through with solutions in the best and most appropriate way possible. When people feel safe, appreciated and valued, they’re more likely to put forth their full effort on the job and remain loyal to their employer. Make it easy for employees to deliver a great customer experience. Treat them with respect, give them the tools and equipment they need to get the job done, show them they are appreciated by rewarding them and giving them room to grow.

One of the most important ways a hotel owner can support staff is by making sure they have the tools and resources they need to be successful at their jobs. If they do not have suitable cleaning products and properly working equipment to accomplish the work that needs to be done in a safe, effective and timely manner, they’re less likely to do it right, which could mean mess or injury—neither of which is positive in the long run. Make sure to account for the life cycle of cleaning tools and equipment when budgeting. Include line items for purchasing new and better

ALL IN THE FAMILY: RELATIONSHIP BUILDING AMONG

HOUSEKEEPING STAFF

“One of the

most important ways a hotel owner

can support staff is by making sure they have the

tools and resources they need to be successful at

their jobs.”

By Bhavesh Patel, Chairman, AAHOA


HOUSEKEEPING 27

tools, cleaning supplies and high-use equipment, like vacuums, when they need to be replaced; it’s worth it. When the clock is ticking—on average housekeepers only get about 20 minutes per room—well-stocked carts mean more productivity and cleaner rooms.

And when it is time to reinvest, consider tools and equipment that will help improve workflow and efficiency. Technology plays a huge part in this. In March, AAHOA hosted its Annual Convention & Trade Show in Washington, D.C. One of the education sessions focused on technology that improves housekeeping and maintenance efficiency. Attendees got to test out some of the most technology-advanced housekeeping and maintenance

products and services currently available on the market today. Another quick and easy avenue for sourcing products and services is available on the AAHOA website. There is an easily accessible list of vendors and suppliers who provide housekeeping supplies and equipment. This is an excellent and free resource for hoteliers who need to resupply or replace aging equipment.

Creating a supportive work environment is equally important. Employees want to feel connected, empowered and valued. When they are treated respectfully, like family, they are far more likely to treat customers the same way. Invest time and energy into training, rewards, team building activities and mentoring. A peer-to-peer mentor program,

for example, could help with onboarding and boost productivity, especially for those employees for whom English is not their first language. A program like this could help them learn the job from trained and experienced employees, get the support they need and feel more connected to the organization. Even when smart hiring choices are made at the front-end, people get bored. Because housekeeping is a time-intensive and repetitive job, this is something that should always be taken into consideration. Foster growth and development by cross-training. Doing so can help boost productivity in more than one area and increase an employee’s interest and commitment to the company. Ask them what motivates them and use those suggestions to implement programs or procedures that will reinforce the fact that they are indeed valued.

Hotel housekeeping staff hold the keys to customer satisfaction. Expecting them to do one of the world’s most difficult jobs without the right tools—whether it’s an ergonomically-designed mop or a pay raise—is a fool’s errand. These employees are quite often a hotel’s most valuable asset and should always be treated as such.

Bhavesh Patel, Chairman, AAHOA


28 IN THE SPOTLIGHT

Imre Killi, Managing Director, T.L. Killis, is one of the most vibrant young entrepreneurs in the

global cleaning & hygiene industry. His passion for innovation and his products comes through every time you meet him. Editor Shanti Petiwala met him twice last year, once at the Pulire Exhibition at Verona and then at the MECTW show in Dubai, where he was demonstrating to crowds at both venues the advantages of one of the products from the Motorscrubber range. She caught up among the hustle of the MECTW show last November and spoke to him about his company, his vision for it and the Motorscrubber brand. Some excerpts…

Tell us about T L Killis’ history with the cleaning & hygiene industryMy father started T L Killi in 1964 by selling domestic cleaning machines like vacuum cleaners in Sheffield, England. Then, about 20 years ago, he ventured into the commercial cleaning equipment and hygiene business. Machines like scrubber driers and other paper products and chemicals were added to our portfolio. Gradually, he grew the company and bought another shop in Chesterfield and a warehouse

in Hamsworth, and we’ve been growing ever since really. My brother and I became actively involved in the company about 15 years ago.

What would you say has been the company’s biggest achievement in these years?That would definitely be buying Motorscrubber. We were selling the Motorscrubber brand in large numbers first in England and then in Europe for just about 10 years and were bringing in about 50% of the business. In 2015, the American owners expressed interest in selling and company and we bought it over; the machine is extremely unique – diverse and user friendly - and there isn’t anything like it even today. As a result, today, the world market has opened up to us – we do business in America, Australia, Asia, Europe, etc.

Motorscrubber is the first brand that has the potential to be sold worldwide and we were excited to buy it because there were so many modifications we wanted to make to the machine and we knew that would improve its selling value. Since then, we have had several new products and have diversified the range. We have learned a lot from the industry over the years and have identified niches in the

market that can be improved on. We are now in the position to bring our own ideas to life to improve those niche areas.

Today, companies are adopting Industry 4.0 from their manufacturing set-up till the operational phase. Where does T L Killis stand in this trend?The future will be robotics. However, our niche being cleaning and maintenance of smaller, hard-to-reach areas, Im not sure how much we can achieve with robotics. However, having said that, we are in the process of planning a robotic product, which we will introduce next year and has great potential. It is also quite different from the kind of robots you see in the industry nowadays.

“Our biggest achievement would definitely be buying Motorscrubber.”

IMRE KILLI, MANAGING DIRECTOR, T.L. KILLIS

Imre Killi, Managing Director, T.L. Killis


IN THE SPOTLIGHT 29

A lot of emphasis is also being placed on sustainability. What is your opinion? I agree that being environment-friendly is important. However, the concept of environment friendly chemicals has not taken off as well in the England as was expected. They are quite expensive and don’t do much of the job required. However, we have found that solutions such as ozone-generated water work much better. That is possibly the future of eco-friendly products.

What would you deem to be the challenges of running a company of T L Killis’ stature?My job is very varied, and being the Managing Director of the company, I have several things to do. At the moment, my challenge is putting in place a proper computer system. We need lots of advanced features and software to take our company to the next level. So that’s something I’m working on. We recently overcame a major challenge – lack of space to keep up with the demands of the market. As a result we just moved to a new unit – a much bigger production facility with more staff. As a result, my challenges change month on month, but we are keeping up with them quite well. What goes into developing the right product? At the moment, I am responsible for the R&D and design ideas at the company. Ever since I was a child, I would take things apart and build them again. When I first started with the company, I used to repair all our cleaning machines from vacuums to scrubber driers and sweepers; I learned about how they worked, their faults, how they didn’t clean properly, etc. That learning has been extremely valuable and enables me

to conceptualise a good machine today. In general, a new product from conception till it is out in the market takes about 12 months – which is not too bad. However, I am in the process of hiring an engineer who will make this task easier. I also found out recently that patenting a product is a costly and time consuming job. But if you don’t do it, it can be copied and that is a major concern. Finally, and possibly one of the most important aspects of product design - ergonomics plays a huge role in the success of our machines.

Give us an idea of the various products that Motorscrubber has on offer. The MS2000 is a battery-operated scrubbing machine that can also polish the floor. The jet is a backpack machine with a pump and chemical mechanism. We have launched the Prowash at the show this year. This innovative machine has a stainless steel chassis, 50 litres of water, 5 litre chemical concentrate, 20 m of hose and can be used for scrubbing and rinsing external surfaces, detailing work, metros, yachts, aircrafts, etc. It’s the only machine that mechanically scrubs surfaces, so its labour saving since its faster and the results are 10 times better.

What are your strategies for the next 5 years? What is the future of the company?We are looking at building a big new facility in Sheffield – which is 5 times bigger than what we have now because the company is growing at a rapid rate. I want to get more into manufacturing our own unique patented products. I have lots of ideas for products that have competition in the market. So my goal over the next few years is to make them, bring them to the market and grow our presence around the world.


30 MARKET UPDATE

From 2007 to 2009, the Great Recession spared no industry or business in the United

States from its ferocity; this includes the Jan/San industry. Distributors’ customers cut down on spending, forcefully laid off employees, and many closed their doors. Fewer and fewer product purchases were coming through on the distribution side. As a result, distributor sales sunk 6.6% ($1.7 billion) from 2006 according to SM’s Report On 2008 Sanitary Supply Distributor Sales. This period was an eye-opener, especially for an industry once thought to be recession-proof. Although, the one way the business thought it could work its way through the economic meltdown was to sell its way out of it. And that’s exactly what most distributors in the Jan/San industry did, they hired more outside sales reps to recoup lost margins. The hiring of additional outside sales reps proved to be successful since distributor sales rose 2% over 2008.

The number of Jan/San distributors in the U.S has declined significantly since the 2000s, with a few distributors going out of business entirely, while others

had no choice but to merge with other distributorships to weather the storm. Some entered other markets and added vertical service offerings, and many were bought out by stronger distributors seeking more national coverage. Increasing labour costs with rising minimum wages have caused industrial and institutional (I&I) end users to cut back on costs, which curbs spending on cleaning chemicals and/or reduced frequency of performing certain cleaning tasks. As end-users seek lower prices and value from Jan/

THE EVOLVING JAN/SAN INDUSTRY

Within the competitive

landscape in the US today, the Jan/San industry is highly fragmented with

the top 25 suppliers accounting for 55% of the total market

value.

-By Angela D’Costa


MARKET UPDATE 3131

San products, we find a growth in the private-label cleaning chemicals. Moreover, there are cycles of outsourcing and doing the work in-house among end users, such as office buildings and industrial parks.

Within the competitive landscape in the US today, the Jan/San industry is highly fragmented with the top 25 suppliers accounting for 55% of the total market value. There is a slow but steady industry consolidation towards larger market suppliers. Diversey, after being divested by Sealed Air to Bain Capital, is the leading supplier, followed by Ecolab, the leader in the foodservice sector, followed by GOJO Industries, Zep, and Spartan.

The marketInterestingly, consumption of janitorial and housekeeping cleaning products is expected to reach $5 billion at the end user›s level in 2022. Lodging establishments, fast food restaurants, and industrial facilities are expected to show the highest growth rates over the following five years. The total market value is shared among 3 broad product categories: hard-surface, hand-care, and floor-care products, together accounting for over 85%. More so, the industry is dominated by liquid products, with concentrates and ultra-concentrates being popular for the efficiency they offer end users. Foam hand soaps, instant hand sanitizers, and aerosol odour-control products show the fastest growth rates from 2014.Whereas, end-users report less spending on floor-care cleaning products either due to new construction using low-maintenance flooring surfaces or to cut costs. Pure Jan/San distributors are contracting, and many are expanding the

types of products offered to retain customers. Venerable CPG giants, such as Procter & Gamble and SC Johnson, are expanding their presence in the commercial cleaning market.

According to statistics presented by The Freedonia Group, Inc. - a Cleveland-based industry market research firm - gains for janitorial equipment and supplies will be driven by accelerating economic growth and by factors such as a rising number of business establishments and gains in non-residential floor space. While improved economy leads to better occupancy rates within office buildings, creating more customers for building service contractors (BSCs), end users in the education sector are still operating under heavy budget constraints, and healthcare end users generally have higher budgets because disinfection and sanitizing are paramount in this setting. At one point of time, local Jan/San supply distributorships were the one-stop-shop for buying professional cleaning chemicals, commercial vacuum cleaners, and other tools and equipment. But today, there are scores of options

for selecting these products in both brick-and-mortar settings as well as online platforms. In fact, e-commerce for professional cleaning products has progressed faster than anyone imagined it to a decade ago.

TrendsOwing to the aforementioned, Jan/San distributors are becoming increasingly proactive by means of ensuring continual innovation, developing new business models, expanding services, and further enhancing their ability to provide solutions―beyond products―for end customers. For example, most often dedicated distributors would meet with a customer’s cleaning crew late at night and train them on how to use a new product or piece of equipment. Not surprisingly, Jan/San distributors have unique abilities to address cleaning-specific challenges. These distributors are more involved in product innovation than their customers may realize; it is through their feedback, experimentation, testing, benchmarking, and even establishing “cleaning challenges” (such as: comparing multiple product performance and


32 MARKET UPDATE

effectiveness), distributors have become a valuable communication channel to manufacturers, helping them develop products that offer a wide range of solutions.

Not only this, distributors utilize technology to suggest product alternatives to their customers. For instance, suggesting an environmentally preferable product to replace a conventional product with similar cost and performance standards or a comparable product that is less costly or more effective. These distributors collect and interpret vast amounts of data and turn that information into insight for their customers. The following elucidate on the expansion of product and service offerings:

• Sustainable Choices: As referenced before, distributors are going beyond just offering green cleaning products and are helping customers be both green and sustainable in the long-run. In coming years, sustainability in all aspects of building operations, including cleaning, will increasingly take centre focus.

• Product Access: Distributors often have greater access to products during times of product shortages. They also may be aware of future price changes, which can help their customers save by purchasing ahead of price fluctuations.

• Streamline Purchasing: Distributors can help improve efficiencies and streamline the procurement process for their customers using modern technologies and analytical tools. Since purchasing and procurement has traditionally been time-consuming and

costly; these tools provide an opportunity to better understand exactly what cleaning-related products are being purchased, if redundant purchases are being made, and if less costly or more environmentally friendly alternatives are available.

• Click and Deliver: A few distributors allow their customers to shop online for products, which are then directly delivered to the customer or ready for pickup, whichever is convenient for them.

• Cost Savings: Typically, when we think of purchasing professional cleaning products at a reduced cost, we consider mega-retailers and some online stores. However, many manufacturers offer distributors special rebates and promotions that can be passed on to customers.

RoboticsAdditionally, with increasing R&D and rapid development of AI technology both within and outside of the cleaning industry, autonomous cleaning robots have made incredible headway. According to a study by Markets and Markets, the robotic cleaning industry is projected to become a $2.5 billion business by 2020. Unmanned floor cleaning machines are expected to make up the largest and fastest growing category. In fact, autonomous scrubbers are already quietly humming along in various airports, hospitals and office complexes across the country. Taking into consideration that the excessive costs of robotic floor care equipment is still far out of reach for smaller distributers; estimated to be slightly higher

(approx. $30,000 each) than a full-time janitor’s annual salary. Yet the idea that the machines can be programmed to cover more square footage, and clean more consistently and reliably than human workers, is an attractive selling point. Distributers believed that the collision between technological invention and rising costs of labour have resulted in a product that is practical, but also feasible for customers— especially in markets where janitors remain scarce.

In conclusion, we can expect further consolidation of the Jan/San distribution industry at a steady pace in the next few years. The industry is likely to witness the evolution of Jan/San distributors that are far more technically savvy; with successful distributors offering a variety of analytical tools and technologies, becoming stronger and viable businesses, and having access to a wider variety of products to meet evolving cleaning needs.

Will Jan/San distributors continue to play a crucial role in the professional cleaning industry? The answer lies in their willingness and ability to shift from the distributor model of the past century to the fast-paced model of the 21st century. This may make them more valuable and progressively competent in meeting challenges and changes. Many facilities across all sectors, such as– Healthcare, industrial, education, government, commercial, domestic, hospitality, and food service– rely on the products and services that the Jan/San industry provides. In fact, the Jan/San industry has the second-highest revenue growth potential of all sectors, indicating the market is ripe for expansion.

www.cleanmiddleeast.ae

CONTACT FOR ADVERTISEMENTS

Sunu S [email protected]: +971 55 823 2157


A panel discussion on how to use technology to improve housekeeping

and maintenance efficiency recently took place during the Asian American Hotel Owners Association (AAHOA) Annual Conference that was held from March 27-30, 2018 at Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center, National Harbor, Maryland. The panel consisted of Micah Green, Founder, President, and Chief Executive Officer of

BY LATHA KRISHNAN

34 FEATURE

Technology to Improve Housekeeping &

Maintenance Efficiency


Maidbot; David Mitroff, Founder and Chief Business Consultant, Piedmont Avenue Consulting; and Raman “RP” Rama, President, Sarona Holdings; with Dorothy Creamer, Editor of Hospitality Technology moderating the session. They addressed a gathering of owners of 3- and 4-star motels/hotels in the USA.

Adopting technologyCreamer began the session by pointing out that hoteliers spend about 4 per cent of their revenue on technology. The figure was based on a study survey of over 64,000 properties that use technology mainly for digital customer engagement and loyalty followed by improving data analysis. “How important is technology in achieving efficiency in housekeeping and maintenance and what are the other benefits it offers hoteliers?” she asked.

Raman “RP” Rama began by declaring that technology can help cost improvement, improve productivity and to do work speedily. This happens through good communication among hotel staff and well as guests. “Excellent

communication allows for better service. Any issue raised by clients to hotel personnel should reach the front desk to be taken care of as quickly as possible. And, after the issue is resolved the customer has to be informed of it. Technology for such a process is available today and helps in converting the bad reviews into good,” he said.

David Mitroff added, “When it comes to using technology we are looking at the tools that will be the best to use. Evaluate the current system and figure out how to improve. Every property is unique and the right tool for the particular property does exist but you have to find it. If you own 100 hotels, one

“The

informed customer knows

that he/she can use the tool that connects him/her to the hotel and can

provide whatever he/she needs.”

FEATURE 3535


system may not work for all hotels. The system best suited to each one depends on the management and the issues they face.”

Micah Green was all for using the latest technology. “Housekeeping operations need to be made efficient and using the right tools is important. Systems that worked 30 years ago may work now, but it is important that we update and implement technology that is relevant today in 2018.”

“How does the customer like using the technology?” Creamer asked. “Let the customer know about the tool. Put it on your website and inform them. It can even become your sales tool,” replied Rama. The informed customer knows that he/she can use the tool that connects him/her to the hotel and can provide whatever he/she needs.

Mitroff said that it is as simple as getting the customer to click on the link given to get the layout and services of hotels they stay. It can also ask them to tell how you can help serve them better. Green added that customers should be shown a display on how to use the technology tool which can also include a robot.

Employee education“How do we educate the hotel employees about the technology tool or robot and how best to use it and benefit from it?” was the next question. “Employees have to see the value in the kind of technology used. They should be trained to see it positively where all of you are in it to serve customers better. Educate the employees so that they take ownership and are empowered,” Mitroff explained.

“Yes, they have to be empowered,” agreed Green. Housekeeping and managing staff should come to consider the robot as a valuable assistant taking care of the tools that all of them use. “Inform the employees when there is improvement in rating or franchise score of the hotel so that they feel that their work has contributed to it. This empowers them and inspires them to put in more and better work,” opined Rama. Working together and utilising technology improves efficiency and the calibre of the employees who feel appreciated.

36 FEATURE


Staff members can be rewarded with points or stars or cash rewards according to the work they have done. They will then work to make the experience of your guest a really good one,” said Mitroff.

“You cannot put a value on the customer experience as his way of appreciating you will be him coming back to your hotel, bragging about his experience on social media or sending his friends or colleagues to your hotel because he loved the experience. So your staff members who made that happen should be rewarded,” said Rama.

“Reviewing annually their salaries and what they were getting to do and how well they did should matter in their bonuses. Some tools are not very easy to use but the benefits are many. As hotel owners you should not think that it is too much work and disregard it” cautioned Green.

“Empower the employee about the technology and if they are excited about it they can get back to the owner and say they did research on some of these tools and which company’s tool is the best. This guy will excite the others about it,” added Mitroff.

Finding the bestAll the panellists agreed on researching before choosing the technology suited to a particular hotel. “First find out the common complaints you are facing as owner/manager and then look for a technological solution that will solve your problem. Explore and narrow down your choices. Let a few companies give demos at a staff meeting. Get the input of your employees about it and they will be definitely be more willing to use that technology as they are part of the decision.

What about all the data that gets collected with the use of technology? Creamer posed. “The immense amount of data should enable us to use it to better our services. We can listen to our customers better and provide a service before the guests see it and point it out to us. That is being proactive rather than reactive. Use the data and also share data about your other properties and put that

into the system so that in a similar situation in any of the properties the computer can predict the situation and solve it,” advised Mitroff.

“Analyze the data collected and take steps accordingly. You get details of the most common complaints and address them first before going for the rare ones,” advised Green, who went on to explain the impact that technology will have in the future.

IoT the future?Robots will work in the hotel using face recognition and artificial intelligence. Some hotel jobs will be done by robots with guidance from human supervisors. Augmented reality is another thing that will make the guest experience better. “Machines will not replace human beings,” Rama hastened to add. “They will work better with humans.”

A quick demo session followed where Mitroff introduced Blueshift Message response system which provides a comprehensive solution for segmenting users by their response to messaging. Green demonstrated Rosy the robot, the first housekeeping robot for hotels, which acts like a mini self driving car, cleans and mops better than humans because every square inch is cleaned. She also collects a whole lot of data about everything from WiFi signal to mould and dust in unseen areas of the room. Keeping with the proactive than reactive theory, Rosy is easy to use and easy to train people to use her. Other demos included software applications such as Knowcross that help hotels boost efficiency, enhance guest service and increase guest loyalty.

“Staff members can

be rewarded with points or stars or cash

rewards according to the work they have done. They

will then work to make the experience of your

guest a really good one,.”

FEATURE 3737


38 INDUSTRY UPDATE38

Late last year, the market was abuzz with the news of global integrated cleaning

and hygiene solutions provider Diversey becoming a standalone entity after its release from its parent company Sealed Air. Having been passed on from big brand to bigger brand before finally being acquired by Sealed Air Corp back in 2012, the company was bought by investment giant Bain Capital in 2017. This move brings about a new era – one of independence, freshness and a new path to set for the company.

Diversey has already started making a mark in its standalone avatar. In a market that is currently witnessing some dynamic changes through several acquisitions and consolidations, Diversey has already proceeded to acquire two major companies in the UK – Zenith Hygiene & Twister - a neat addition to Diversey’s kitty.

The new Diversey has not only changed its ownership but has also had a facelift. It brings with it the originally Sealed Air food hygiene business and is now bigger than ever. Its new logo is reminiscent of the old but still adds a new sense of identity to the company. During

her recent visit to Dubai, American Cleaning & Hygiene magazine got the opportunity to speak with Dr. Ilham Kadri, President & CEO, Diversey Inc. She speaks with Editor, Shanti Petiwala about her journey in the cleaning and hygiene industry, how she has grown as a leader over the years and about how her new role spearheading Diversey Inc will take shape. Some excerpts from the interview….

How long have you been part of the cleaning and hygiene industry?I joined the industry in January 2013, and it has been a wonderful journey. I came from Dow Chemicals and was located in Dubai leading the water business in East Africa, Middle East and Europe when I received a phone call from my ex CEO who asked me to join Sealed Air to lead the Diversey business from Holland. I promptly accepted, and these years have both been a challenge and an honour.

We are elated to be an independent company today. When Sealed Air acquired Diversey they didn’t really know what to do with it. With them being a packaging company and us being a hygiene and machine

Diversey –Forging a New Path

Dr. Ilham Kadri, President & CEO, Diversey Inc.


INDUSTRY UPDATE 39

company, it didn’t make a lot of sense. As a result, we were quite restrained. So, my duty and responsibility was to transform the business and prepare it for the next level – either to separate it completely or to look for ways to be independent. Having said that, I do not mean to say that we were not happy – our Sealed Air journey gave me the best years of my career.

Tell us about Diversey’s new identity.Believe it or not, we are now independent for just the second time in our company’s history. We were founded in 1924 when we were first independent, and since then we’ve always been owned by another company – this speaks volumes for how lucrative we are as a brand - we’ve survived over 90 years! We are extremely happy to be with Bain Capital since the past 5 months, because they are serious about our growth, and this fits in with the way I like to lead my business. They have allowed us to rethink our new identity from the moment we left Sealed Air. That is important to me because that is the first thing you do as a leader - lead a new vision and initiate a new culture. Diversey is a professional

business unit now, especially with the F&B division back under our wing. So we have new employees coming from there along with new hires. When I had an offsite meeting with my leadership earlier this year, we realised that we are four groups and we want to become one team with one goal. We call it the 4x11 initiative.

But the first step was to define our new identity. We have a fabulous history of brands. Our mantra and symbol was the lotus flower, which basically cleans water. So, we took the best from our history – if you see our new logo,

the hummingbird’s wings are in the shape of the lotus. The bird

is also symbolic for taking off to new skies and a brighter

future. I would like the company and employees to embrace this agility and learn to fly forward rather than backward. We are facilitators for life and our main purpose is to take care of and protect people.

How has the new identity impacted your employees

and customers?Our employees love the new

identity. Every office around the world celebrated this transition. Our customers know the Diversey name. They like us because they have seen what we do for them. Bain’s focus on customers is also our strength. As a leader, I am inquisitive about why we are in business, why customers would buy from us and become repeat customers. And that comes through our branding.

Was it a natural shift for you to move from Sealed Air and directly become the President & CEO of Diversey? Did I expect it? Well, my sole objective was to help the business prepare for separation. We could have gone down a

“We are

facilitators for life, and our main purpose is to take

care of and protect people.”


40 INDUSTRY UPDATE

different path - IPOs or even selling the company again. But Bain Capital saw our potential and wanted us. And it was the right decision for us. For me, it was either of two choices – either I choose my employer or my employer chooses me. We took some time to discuss the agenda and to see what was there in it for both of us. At the end, the primary reason why I stayed was because I love this industry; I have faith in our people, they are best asset of the company; and had I left now, I would have had a bit of unfinished business. I think the journey to come is better than the journey we’ve had because we are going to take the company to its maximum potential. It is challenging and exciting at the same time!

How has the constant change of ownerships impacted Diversey both positively and negatively?Every person within the company and outside will agree that our biggest strength is our unique sense of resilience, which is an impact of having changed hands over and over again. The hummingbird is a unique bird – it is adaptable, agile and resilient; it can adapt to any extreme circumstances and it can actually fly forward and then backward. These qualities are in our DNA. These traits are extremely important especially in regions like this where things are extremely volatile and change very fast. Apart from this, I think our people stick with us – they love what they do and have a deep sense of entrepreneurship. The change of hands has given us a keen sense of diversity – we are the only company with chemicals, machines, equipment, etc. We

are now in the process of merely improving what we are already good at.

So while we were with prestigious brands, we were never on our own and never allowed to explore our full potential. So, now we are dreaming big!

What was the idea behind the quick acquisitions of Zenith Hygiene and Twister Pads in the UK? This is a rather exciting aspect of our tie-up with Bain Capital because it has allowed us to make more sizeable acquisitions. Twister is a fabulous addition to our portfolio. They have a track record of building leadership in chemical-free diamond pads – it is cleaning from the sustainability perspective. We are still closing Zenith as we speak since it is going through regulatory approvals – although we hope to close in Q2 of 2018. Zenith brings with it mid-segment customers within the F&B sphere that adds fabulously to our portfolio.

These acquisitions are important because these countries are important to us. Strategic acquisitions are something we will continue to contemplate. We have a good cash position, and we now have a financial sponsor who is

allowing us to investigate whether it makes sense to carry out the acquisitions. Overall, we are looking at how we can become more productive, efficient and definitely grow organically.

Overall, what is your main focus when it comes to driving the new brand globally? What are you hoping to accomplish within one year?We’ve been running the business after separation with flawless execution. The focus is on organic growth. We are also focusing on integrating our acquisitions, and we will ensure that we get the best out of these businesses. We will continue to win over our customers, give them the best of service and innovations. We have already been leaders in digitalisation. So innovation is the key for us.

I have been touring our emerging markets, and every single office has a clear agenda and growth perspective. We are in the midst of organising a new headquarters in South Carolina in the US. We will also streamline our operations around the world. We are already making several investments and modernising our infrastructure by introducing standardised work tools across all our offices. Overall, for us, it is the year of transition and I feel “Great”.

THE FM TODAY PORTFOLIO TARGETS MORE THAN 20,000FACILITIES MANAGEMENT PROFESSIONALS ACROSS PRINT

& DIGITAL IN GCC SECTOR

Sunu S NairBusiness Development ManagerE: [email protected]: +971 55 8232 157

Richa ThakwaniBusiness Development ExecutiveE: [email protected]: +971 50 2244 569


www.fm-today.com

THE FM TODAY PORTFOLIO TARGETS MORE THAN 20,000FACILITIES MANAGEMENT PROFESSIONALS ACROSS PRINT

& DIGITAL IN GCC SECTOR

Sunu S NairBusiness Development ManagerE: [email protected]: +971 55 8232 157

Richa ThakwaniBusiness Development ExecutiveE: [email protected]: +971 50 2244 569


www.fm-today.com


42 EQUIPMENT

In the early part of the 1900s, a woman named Mary Mallon worked in the New York City area

for several families. She appeared healthy, yet she was a carrier of a deadly disease and the cause of several serious outbreaks. She’s presumed to have infected 51 people, at least three of whom died. One of the reasons she spread the disease so easily is that she was a cook and didn’t believe in personal hygiene. Today, she’s better known as Typhoid Mary.

While the cleaning equipment you use is inorganic and unlikely to cause such a scenario, should you regularly clean and decontaminate it, especially after cleaning areas where pathogens exist, such as healthcare facilities, the residence of a hoarder, or where there was a serious mold contamination problem? Although medical buildings they may not look dirty, most of their carpets, flooring, and furniture have contaminates that are easily dispersed by the

Are You a Carrier?


EQUIPMENT 43

air movement caused by vacuum cleaners, dust mops or even just being brushed against. Once scattered, those contaminants can end up in and on your equipment and could potentially infect others. (For instance, most studies have shown that the flu virus can live and possibly infect a person for up to 48 hours after being deposited on a surface.)

But, what you need to be concerned about the most are mold spores. The Institute of Medicine (IOM) found there was enough evidence to link indoor exposure to mold with upper respiratory tract symptoms, cough, and wheezing in otherwise healthy people. Mold

spores travel through the air and attach to virtually everything, so they easily transfer from place to place, affecting those who suffer from allergies or asthma. For example, it’s very common for families who escape from a mold-polluted residence to cross contaminate their new place of residence to which they move by carrying the spores on themselves, clothing and possessions.You can do the same by not decontaminating your equipment.

But, cleaning equipment before leaving a contaminated job site is essential. Otherwise, the vehicle you transport it in will itself end up with mold spores. Then, even if the equipment is cleaned back at your shop or warehouse, it can again become contaminated once it’s loaded back into the same truck, and you’ll carry those mold spores on to the next job.

If your equipment has been used where the flu virus is rampant, wash the surfaces with a generalhousehold cleaner to remove grime. Then rinse with water and apply an EPA-registered disinfectant to kill germs. Be sure

to read the label to confirm it’s EPA approved for effectiveness against influenza A virus. If a surface isn’t visibly dirty, clean it with an EPA-registered product that will both clean (remove germs) and disinfect (kills germs) instead.

If there was mold contamination at your last job site, wipe down all surfaces of your equipment with a disinfectant like Benefect or Sporicidin. Be sure to also replace the filters in vacuum cleaners and any portable air filtration devices before using them again. Recovery tanks on portable carpet cleaning extractors should also be flushed out and cleaned to remove any pollutants that were picked up on the worksite.

Granted, contamination may not happen on every job. And while air movement may scattercontaminates, that same air movement also makes it very hard for microbes to grow, including mold. Since every job is different, you’ll have to make a judgment call. But it’s a good habit to go ahead and clean your equipment after all jobs anyway. Doing so no only makes the units more presentable to your next customer (After all, who wants to see dirty equipment being hauled into their home or business?), but also ensures you won’t end up becoming a “carrier”.

About the Author: Mark Gibson is freelance business writer who has 20+ years of experience selling and marketing to the disaster restoration and jan/san markets. He also writes and publishes blogs and newsletters for distributors and contractors that discuss sanitation, mitigation, sewage sucking, contents chucking, moisture probing, basement molding, smoke in clothing and many other industry related topics.

The

Institute of Medicine found there was enough evidence

to link indoor exposure to mold with upper

respiratory tract symptoms.


44 EVENT REVIEW

AAHOA is the largest hotel owners’ association in the world. The more than 17,750

AAHOA members own almost one in every two hotels in the United States. With billions of dollars inproperty assets and hundreds of thousands of employees, AAHOA members are core economiccontributors in virtually every community. AAHOA is a proud defender of free enterprise and the foremost current-day example of realizing the American dream. Thousands of hotel owners from across the United States met just outside the nation’s capital for the opening of the Asian American Hotel Owners Association’s 2018 convention. The association received a record-breaking attendance of more than 6,700 hoteliers, trade show exhibitors and industry partners from across the country, which exceeded the attendance record set at the association’s 2017 conference in San Antonio, Tx.

Citing the record number of convention-goers and surging membership numbers, Bhavesh Patel, a New Jersey hotelier and AAHOA Chairman, said AAHOA continues to take a leading role in the industry. “Every major hotel brand is represented at our convention,” said Patel. “With nearly 18,000 members who own almost one in every two hotels in the United States, AAHOA is the voice of America’s hotel owners.” March 28, 2018 marked the opening of the convention’s

general session with the first series of CEO talks in which some of the hospitality industry’s top CEOs shared their insights into the industry, and how to achieve excellence in business and in life. Jimmy Johnson, Hall of Fame football coach and broadcaster, was the day’s keynote speaker.

U.S. Secretary of Labor Alexander Acosta took the main stage on Thursday, March 29, to deliver a keynote address. Other speakers included Administrator Linda McMahon of the Small Business Administration, Homeland Security Deputy Secretary Elaine Duke, Manoj Bhargava, CEO, 5-Hour Energy, Olympic champion Sanya Richards Doss, and entrepreneur Michael Hyatt.

The trade show, one of the largest in the industry, featured more than 400 booths and 600 vendors. Continuing its commitment to professional development, AAHOA

also hosted educational sessions on Human Trafficking Recognition and Prevention, its Certified Hotel Owners program (CHO), and Certification in Hotel Industry Analytics (CHIA). “Providing our members with industry-leading educational opportunities is part of our founding mission,” said AAHOA President and CEO Chip Rogers. “Over the past year, AAHOA forged an industry-first partnership with the DHS Blue Campaign, Businesses Ending Slavery and Trafficking (BEST), and Polaris to educate hoteliers about how to identify and prevent human trafficking. We are excited to offer BEST certification to help our members make the front desk the front line in combatting human trafficking. Additional professional development programs like CHO and the CHIA program will give our members the resources they need to succeed and continue to grow their businesses.”

AAHOA’S 29th CONVENTION CLOSES ON A HIGH NOTE

Chip Rogers, President & CEO, AAHOA Bhavesh Patel, Chairman, AAHOA


WHAT’S NEW 45

Whatever types of Class III trucks are in your fleet, the NexSys® battery and charger system from EnerSys® can make your material handling operation more productive and efficient, reducing your Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) by more than 50% compared to conventional batteries*! With recharging in less than five hours, compared to 12 hours for conventionalbatteries, the system eliminates downtime. No need for watering reduces maintenance costs and eliminates

exposure to acid. And rugged construction featuring Absorbed

Glass Mat (AGM) separators provides extreme shock and vibration resistance for longer battery life. NexSys batteries are classified as non-spillable electric storage batteries.

Engineered with Thin Plate Pure Lead (TPPL) technology, NexSys batteries areconstructed with 99% pure lead to provide unmatched performance across awide range of temperatures. The system’s sealed charger makes it ideal for

outdoor delivery applications.

Maidbot, based in Texas is revolutionizing the hospitality and commercial cleaning industries by leaving dull, dirty, and dangerous tasks to robots, allowing humans to focus on more meaningful work. The company’s first product – Rosie – cleans floors autonomously while collecting invaluable data for management. Hotel operators will see an increase in productivity and profitability; healthier and happier staff; and higher guest satisfaction from consistent cleans and more flexible check-in

and check-out times. Rosie increases the hotel’s bottom line and improves cleaning efficiencies by 10-20% in rooms and up to 100% in public space cleaning. It improves hotel staff health and happiness by reducing injuries. It also increases consistency by reducing human error.

Rosie the Maidbot

Faster recharging, less maintenance, lower TCO Whatever types of Class III trucks are in your fleet, the NexSys® battery and charger system from EnerSys® can make your material handling operation more productive and efficient, reducing your Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) by more than 50% compared to conventional batteries*!

With recharging in less than five hours, compared to 12 hours for conventional batteries, the system eliminates downtime. No need for watering reduces maintenance costs and eliminates exposure to acid. And rugged construction featuring Absorbed Glass Mat (AGM) separators provides extreme shock and vibration resistance for longer battery life. NexSys batteries are classified as non-spillable electric storage batteries.

Engineered with Thin Plate Pure Lead (TPPL) technology, NexSys batteries are constructed with 99% pure lead to provide unmatched performance across a wide range of temperatures. The system’s sealed charger makes it ideal for outdoor delivery applications.

Take your Class III truck performance to the next level with the NexSys battery and charger system from EnerSys.

POWER WHEN YOU NEED IT

®

There’s a NexSys® battery for every Class III truck

* Based on conventional AGM battery life cycle expectancy of 300 cycles versus a NexSys battery life cycle expectancy of 1,200 cycles.

Classified by UL to ANSI/UL 583, “Electric-Battery-Powered Industrial Trucks”

NexSys Batteries

Tennant recently launched the new i-mop XXL Scrubbers. Combining the maneuverability of a mop with the cleaning performance of a walk-behind scrubber, the i-mop XL® / i-mop XXL® makes it possible to clean any surface with freedom of

movement and great ease of use. No borders or boundaries. This machine isn’t just designed for cleaning; it is designed for the cleaner. The product has a cleaning path of up to 62 cm for the XXL version and a 5 litre tank capacity.

i-mop XL / i-mop XXL Scrubbers


46 WHAT’S NEW

The 3M Easy Trap Duster – sweep & dust sheets are compatible with nearly all janitorial sweep and dust tools. They trap up to 8X more dust, sand, and dirt than a competitive sweeping dust cloth brand. The product glides through damp

floors and puddles effortlessly to pick up debris with ease. These disposable sheets are made with a minimum of 60% recycled content and are reversible for maximum product usage. Sheets come in rolls for 6” easy tear increments.

3M Easy Trap Duster – Sweep and Dust Sheets

The Compass™ dispenser from Betco provides reinforced training instructions for proper handwashing procedures every time you wash. The LCD screen on each dispenser guides you through

the 6-step process for washing hands as recommended by the Centers for Disease Control. Washing your hands effectively takes just 20 seconds and it is a fully customizable solution for any facility.

Visitors evaluate your business based on the standard of your washrooms. With Tork Stainless Washroom upgrade solutions you can unlock the hidden potential of your current stainless washroom solutions and offer a better experience for staff and visitors. Not to mention save money along the way. Upgrading to one of the company’s many high capacity

roll towel dispensers helps reduce maintenance costs. Ideal for busy restrooms, hands free dispensing eliminates cross-contamination and improves hygiene. Tork stainless roll towel dispensers are available in versions for recessed cabinets as well as for in-wall mounting. The Tork High Capacity Coreless Spindle Kit allows you to use Tork Advanced High Capacity

Coreless Bath Tissue Rolls, which will give you increased capacity and lower maintenance costs.

Diversey introduced its IntelliLinen™ laundry dispenser powered by Diversey’s Internet of Clean (IoC). The IntelliLinen system provides real-time and remote transparency of energy and water consumption, chemical accuracy, machine downtime and day-to-day operational costs to prevent costly disruptions and errors within laundry operations. Part of Diversey’s Internet of

Clean™ platform, the IntelliLinen dispenser connects to any mobile device to give teams visibility of the entire wash process together with actionable insights. It highlights where laundry managers can reduce water and energy consumption, where chemical dosage can be more accurate, re-wash levels can be reduced, which machines are being under used or creating bottlenecks, where hygiene compliance is compromised

and more. This in-depth insight helps minimize disruptions and improves a laundry’s wash results, productivity, budget control, sustainability and hygiene compliance.

Betco’s Compass Dispenser

Tork stainless washroom upgrade solutions

Diversey’s IntelliLinen™

Refresh your mind Innovative – product launches and seminar sessions Inclusive - the entire industry gathered in one place International - 35,000 professionals from 150 countries Professional - Your dedicated tradeshow since 1967

Register your free visit now

The world’s most advanced cleaning and hygiene show

intercleanshow.comOrganized by: Official media partner:

Advertentie Interclean 2018-210x280mm.indd 1 03-01-18 13:55

At Kärcher, we take our responsibility towards people, culture and the environment seriously. We have been producing

quality equipment for over 80 years, and we continue to work on new soltions - full steam ahead. Whatever the

cleaning task, we have the solution.

Contact us today

karcher.com/us

877-722-6555

FOR EVERY MESS, A SOLUTION.Cleaning is our job, as well as our passion.

issue2 - american cleaning hygiene · 2018. 5. 10. · issue2 . american cleaning & hygiene is...

Documents