TIME TO COME CLEAN
Technological advances, legislation and environmental concerns are changing the development and implementation of commercial hygiene practices
In an era when catering industry operators are looking for cleaning and hygiene products that get the job done quickly, yet effectively, while considering both the environment and the bottom line, it’s easy to see why the market is often described as competitive, if not cut-throat.
However, the industry’s outlook remains bright, both globally and regionally. According to a report produced by the Middle East Facilities Management Association (MEFMA) in 2014, the region’s hygiene industry is expected to grow by 275 percent by the end of the decade. Major regional events, such as the FIFA 2022 World Cup in Qatar and Expo 2020 in Dubai, will provide a significant boost to business.
A competitive environment means innovation will continue to play a key role, driven forward by new technologies and methodologies, say experts. Easy-to-use equipment is expected to remain a demand, alongside products that meet ever-rising industry standards and tightening legislation.
Innovation, and its part in improving sustainability and resource efficiency, was high on the agenda at the fourth edition of the Middle East Cleaning Technology Week (MECTW), a major industry event which took place in November at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre.
“We are seeing technological advances in every vertical of the cleaning and hygiene industry, with companies focusing on reducing human labor, and aiming to increase efficiency in cleaning operations,” said Jayaraman Nair, chairman of VIS Exhibition, organizers of the event.
While industry players inevitably continue to look for cost effective solutions, providers warn of the dangers of focusing too heavily on keeping down costs. “Hygiene is expensive, but bad hygiene is more expensive,” warned Joseph Mundackal, managing director of Bio Detergents & Disinfectants Trading (Biodubai), distributors of Zenith Hygiene products.
Mundackal highlighted the importance of education and training on issues such as application, dilution, storage, Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH), and first aid. “Ensuring that employees are given adequate training is as important as having the right products,” he said.
Finding a balance between performance and environmental concerns is another industry focus. Biodubai’s detergents include a range based on natural, sustainable low impact raw materials, designed to minimize environmental impact.
Green Touches, meanwhile, hopes to take environmentally-friendly cleaning services to another level. The firm uses only green cleaning techniques and products, which are non-toxic and biodegradable, but can still tackle dirt, stains, and grime. Adrienne Doolan, Green Touches’ CEO, believes that the tide is turning in favor of eco cleaning. “People are curious; they are aware change is coming,” she said. “If the big players get on board, then prices will begin to come down.”
Jayaraman Nair
VIS Exhibition “We saw a lot of new technologies that require little or no human effort, and solutions that focus on staff ergonomics. Moving forward, the Internet of Things [a phrase to describe smart or connected devices] is expected to transform the commercial cleaning industry in the region. It is having a profound impact on daily services, where ordinary, everyday objects, such as waste bins and soap dispensers, are networked and connected to each other, and to the cloud. In the region, the Internet of Things can make cleaning and waste management more efficient for healthier, more livable cities.”