Last week, we spent the day at Interclean in Amsterdam. It was a great opportunity to see what’s happening across the cleaning industry and where things are heading next. One thing was immediately clear. Sustainability is no longer a niche topic. It is front and centre.
Sustainability Becoming The Standard
From the scale of the event to the number of suppliers focusing on environmentally responsible solutions, the direction of travel is obvious. The industry is moving away from traditional, less sustainable methods and towards smarter, cleaner alternatives.
Interclean even had a dedicated sustainability stage. That says a lot!
This is no longer about a handful of suppliers offering greener options. It is a full shift in mindset across the industry. Manufacturers, distributors and service providers are all looking at how they can reduce impact while maintaining performance.
And importantly, the solutions are getting better.
What We Saw
There was a huge range of products and innovations on display, all focused on improving sustainability without compromising on results.
We saw a wide variety of cleaning products that are both hypoallergenic and biodegradable. These are designed to reduce environmental impact while also improving air quality and safety within buildings. There were also some great examples of waste reduction. Compostable tacky cloths were a standout. Simple, effective and far more environmentally responsible than traditional alternatives.
Many suppliers are now using recycled materials, with a noticeable reduction in unnecessary plastic. Air quality is another area that is evolving quickly. Zero emission air fresheners were a great example of this. They offer a cleaner, safer approach without the need for harmful chemicals.
For businesses, it means there are now more sustainable options available without compromising on quality or performance. It also means greater alignment with ESG goals. More clients are looking closely at their supply chain and the partners they work with. Cleaning is a key part of that. There is a growing expectation around transparency. Clients want to understand what products are being used and the impact they have. The industry is responding.
Looking Ahead
At Edwards, this is something we have been working towards for some time.
Our visit to Interclean reinforced that we are on the right path. It also gave us new ideas and opportunities to continue improving what we do.
Sustainability is not about one big change. It is about a series of smaller, practical decisions that add up over time. The products we choose. The systems we put in place. The way we operate day to day.
Exciting times ahead!
