*Cleanzine-logo-6.jpgCleanzine: your weekly cleaning and hygiene industry newsletter 30th October 2025 Issue no. 1184

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International News
Products

ACI COO Korie Traver named 2026 Association Trailblazer

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Korie Traver, chief operating officer of the American Cleaning Institute, the Trade Association for the US cleaning product supply chain, has been named a 2026 Association Trailblazer by Association TRENDS. Korie has been with ACI for more than six years and previously served as the organisation's chief financial officer.
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CLEEN study drives 34% drop in hospital-acquired infections

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Hospitals around Australia are starting to adopt a simple cleaning intervention that is cutting infection rates, saving money and freeing up hospital beds. The practice, based on research led by Hunter Medical Research Institute, targets shared medical equipment that is often overlooked in routine cleaning and is proving to be a cost-effective way to improve patient care.
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Chicopee and Sontara announce unified strategy under Magnera

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Chicopee and Sontara, two of the most trusted and established names in the professional wipes industry, have announced a unified brand strategy following their integration under parent company Magnera.
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Waste to Wonder Worldwide: 20 years of successful corporate 'waste' redistribution

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For more than two decades now, Waste to Wonder Worldwide has been rewriting the story of corporate waste... What began as a waste minimisation initiative has evolved into a global movement that has kept thousands of tons of office furniture out of landfill while unlocking extraordinary social impact for schools, hospitals and communities worldwide.
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Free webinar: Cost, Control, and Coverage… choosing what HR to own vs. outsource

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In today's trades and service-based businesses, Human Resources isn't just about compliance - it's about leadership, risk management and smart resource allocation.
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Europe's EcoCleans arrives in Miami - its US launchpad!

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After consolidating its success in Europe with more than two decades of industry experience, EcoCleans - a champion of ecological and sustainable cleaning - has arrived in the city of Miami, the launchpad for its business in the US.
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ISSA appoints Kim Althoff executive director as John Barrett transitions to Emeritus role

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ISSA has announced the ISSA Board of Directors' appointment of Kim Althoff as the next ISSA executive director, effective October 29th. Kim will succeed John Barrett, who has served in the role since 2015 and will transition to chairman emeritus, continuing to advise the Association for the next three years.
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New robot floor cleaners respond dynamically to foot traffic in commercial spaces

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BTek Robots has launched its innovative Realtime Responsive Robot (Triple-R) technology, which enables robot floor cleaners to respond dynamically to actual foot traffic in commercial spaces, rather than operating on 'blind' pre-programmed schedules.
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Built for big messes and bigger expectations: new Facility Pro pre-moistened Towelettes

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Professional-grade cleaning and disinfecting wipes manufacturer 2XL Corporation has released its newest innovation: 2XL Facility Pro Towelettes - designed specifically for demanding environments across commercial, industrial and retail spaces.
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Sofidel further expands its production capacity in the US

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To meet the growing demand in the North American market, Sofidel, the tissue paper group headquartered in Lucca (Italy) has this week announced a new investment to further expand its production capacity in the US.
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Smart washrooms go live at Beijing Daxing International Airport

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As a 4F-class international airport, Beijing Daxing International is a world-class aviation hub that can take the biggest planes. Designed with energy efficiency and environmental protection in mind, the terminal integrates green energy-saving technologies and modern information systems, making it a new landmark in China.
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Service robots see global growth boom: cleaning robots show highest growth

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According to findings presented this week by the International Federation of Robotics, following publication of its ‘World Robotics 2025 Service Robots’ report, the total number of service robots sold for professional use reached almost 200,000 units in 2024, marking a 9% increase, with cleaning robots – making up the third largest sector - showing the highest growth.
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BSCAI announces 2025 Clean Awards and Scholarship recipients

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The Building Service Contractors Association International has announced the recipients of the 2025 BSCAI Clean Awards, which demonstrate the best in excellence among building service contractors (BSCs) and categories. The winners were chosen by the BSCAI Awards Committee made up of individuals from member companies, and the recipients - ranging from new members to business leadership - will be recognised at BSCAI's 2025 Contracting Success (CS25), November 11th – 13th in Las Vegas.
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Navigate modern cleaning challenges with help from Tennant's free webinar series

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Tennant Company has announced a new educational webinar series designed to help facilities managers, building service contractors and operations leaders rethink how they manage large-space cleaning and explore the growing role of automation.
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Minnisota State Park has far more than ‘the bear necessities’ says Cintas

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Cintas Corporation has named Bear Head Lake State Park in Minnesota the 2025 America's Best Restroom contest winner.
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Comac Deutschland: a new subsidiary, a new beginning

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The recent CMS Berlin 2025 trade fair marked the start of an important new chapter for Comac - the official opening of Comac Deutschland, the company's new subsidiary dedicated to the German market.
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Welcome to the Cleanzine

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Southgate Global, whose news we include this week, reminded me of the consternation I felt recently when helping a friend prepare guest 'nibbles' by opening pots of shop-bought dips and hummus. I’ve occasionally bought similar when pushed for time, (my own is better!) and always keep the plastic pots which I use regularly for anything from storing leftover food or taking tea/coffee/sugar/spare batteries to festivals etc, to safely carrying home leaves, feathers, stones and the like that my toddler granddaughter collects when we're out. I wash the pots when empty again and pop them into the cupboard until they're next needed, which is always very soon…
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A perfect example, in my view, of the ‘reduce, repurpose, re-use, recycle’ mantra. I'm reducing my consumption by not buying new pots for storage and am instead making good use of something that happens to be at hand. 

  
The simple act of opening a few food pots alerted me to how some companies have opted to avoid paying as much plastic packaging tax as they might have done, in a way that has, in my view, backfired in terms of effectively reducing the use of virgin plastic - something the tax was designed to do. In case you're in the dark here, the tax was introduced in 2022 to incentivise businesses to use more recycled content in their plastic packaging, and is applied to packaging that contains less than 30% recycled content. It equates to £223.69 per metric tonne of plastic used. On paper it all makes sense, but when you consider that many companies opted to ‘lighten the load’ by ditching the lids in food packaging pots in favour of unrecyclable, lightweight, thin plastic film which - once peeled back, doesn't seal again, you can see why I used the word ‘backfired’. The lack of a proper seal allows the content to quickly dry out and thus causes extra food waste and potential spillages, and vastly reduces the repurposing options. Then there’s the need to cover the content with something, be it foil or cling-film, which will also likely end up in landfill. 
  
Add to that the accusations that virgin plastic may be being sold by unscrupulous vendors who claim that it's recycled, and you'll understand why I'm so disgruntled.  
  
My picture shows some of the pots that would have previously included a solid plastic lid, which would have enabled people like me to wash and reuse the pots over and over. It is, of course, just a small sample, but it shows how not thinking things through properly, can have unexpected consequences.

 

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Yours,

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Jan Hobbs



This Week's News

Magnera's Paul Harmon appointed to inaugural Global Nonwovens Alliance Board

* Magnera_Paul-Harmon.jpgMagnera’s chief innovation and marketing officer, Paul Harmon, has been appointed to the inaugural board of directors of the Global Nonwovens Alliance – the Association formed earlier this year by EDANA, (the European Disposables & Nonwovens Association) and INDA, (the International Nonwoven Disposables Association) with the aim of unifying the global nonwovens value chain.

Paul's appointment reflects Magnera's commitment to shaping the future of nonwovens through strategic innovation, marketing leadership and sustainable product development. His deep industry expertise and forward-thinking approach will contribute to the Alliance's efforts to align global priorities and deliver meaningful impact.
more


Southgate Global responds to Plastic Packaging Tax demands with GRS Certified product range

* Southgate-Global-Pacplus.jpegSouthgate Global is helping organisations confidently navigate Plastic Packaging Tax (PPT) requirements with the introduction of a new Global Recycled Standard (GRS) certified product range.

Originally introduced in April 2022, PPT was established to provide an economic incentive for businesses in all sectors, including packaging, logistics and manufacturing, to use more recycled plastic in packaging. By applying a tax to packaging that uses less than 30% recycled plastic, (thus increasing the cost of virgin plastic) it was hoped that organisations would be incentivised to use recycled materials and support a circular economy.
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AI brings increased visibility to improper waste removal practices

* Cappstone.jpgCappstone, a San Francisco-based commercial cleaning and facilities maintenance company, is sounding the alarm on the need for proper waste sorting. Local companies are already subject to penalties if they fall foul of sorting requirements, but these could rise if proposals go ahead to mandate recycling audits for businesses generating large amounts of waste.

The new rules could cost transgressors up to $1,000 per day in fines, says Cappstone, which helps companies navigate these regulations with proactive waste sorting solutions.
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Commercial cleaning company Mrs Buckét celebrates 20 years

* Mrs-Buckét-20-years.jpgAward-winning commercial cleaning company, Mrs Buckét, is celebrating 20 years in business this month, marking two decades of growth, innovation and exceptional service. Founded in 2005 by Rachael Flanagan when she was just 18 years old, Mrs Buckét has evolved from a one-woman operation into a highly successful business.

With its headquarters in Swansea, it is now on track to achieve a projected £11.5 million turnover in 2026, employing almost 500 staff and serving 185 commercial clients across Wales and Bristol.
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Loo of The Year Awards’ Becky Wall BEM wins two Awards herself

* LOTY-Charles-Becky.jpegHerefordshire entrepreneur Becky Wall BEM is celebrating a remarkable double success - having been named Entrepreneur of the Year 2025 at the Herefordshire Means Business Awards and also receiving a Silver Award for Lifetime Achievement at the national Best Business Women Awards 2025.

The Herefordshire Means Business Awards event took place at The Paddocks Hotel, Symonds Yat, where almost 300 guests, business friends and acquaintances gathered to recognise excellence across the county.
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Keenan Recycling sustainability update 2025: powering a circular future

* Keenan-biogas-powered.jpegFood waste recycling expert Keenan Recycling, has released its Sustainability Update 2025, showcasing major progress in the nation's transition toward a net zero, circular economy. The report highlights the company's achievements in transforming food waste into renewable energy, cutting emissions and driving positive social impact.

"At Keenan Recycling, we've always believed food waste should never go to waste," says Fergus Healy, head of strategic development and net zero. "Every bin we collect is more than waste diverted from landfill - it's clean energy, carbon savings and a contribution to a more sustainable UK."
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No drama: The Clean Space to perform for RADA

* RADA.jpegThe Royal Academy of Dramatic Art, one of the UK's most prestigious and historic drama schools, has appointed The Clean Space as its new cleaning partner across both RADA and RADA Business buildings.

The contract covers a wide variety of facilities, from rehearsal studios and technical workshops to public performance venues and administrative spaces.
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Recruitment

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Procurement Consultant

As a procurement consultant, I specialise in optimising sourcing strategies, managing supplier relationships, and ensuring cost-effective procurement processes. My experience spans across analysing spend data, negotiating with suppliers, implementing procurement systems, and aligning purchasing decisions with organisation goals. All the while incorporating operational targets and working with internal stakeholders to ensure customer demand is met while holding healthy stock level.

I have vast experience in the janitorial, catering, healthcare, PPE and work wear ranges with excellent manufacturing contacts.

I am available for part time, short or long term consultancy or projects with immediate start possible.

Feel free to mail me [email protected] or ring me on 07946183809.

Check out my Linkedin


The Cleanzine Archive Search

We keep an extensive archive of news stories and product information that have featured in past issues of The Cleanzine. If you would like to run a search of the The Cleanzine web site using the search tool below please just go ahead by entering in the name of the person, product or company or any other key words that you are looking for.

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How to contact us at The Cleanzine:

Jan Hobbs
Publishing Editor
Email: [email protected]
Tel: 07980 288 373

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Media & Communications
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Hospital Hygiene

Hospial Corridor

Our weekly updated Hospital Hygiene features current developments and product solutions cleaning and hygiene industry manufacturers are coming up with. Read More.


Recent UK News

Brain study reveals that cleaning is an unexpected mood booster!

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In an age where exhaustion, burnout and news fatigue are pushing people to chase micro-moments of happiness - whether it's sipping Chai, playing video games or scrolling through social media, a surprising new contender is emerging: cleaning.
more


Clean up volunteers find disgusting mess in Loch Lomond lay-bys

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On 25th September, 12 'Make a Difference Day' volunteers from Edrington, AECOM, Scottish Water and the 'Friends of Loch Lomond and The Trossachs' themselves (the Friends), turned out to help clean up laybys along the A82 next to Loch Lomond.
more


Wray Bros celebrates 40 years in the cleaning & hygiene industry

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Wray Bros, a family-run cleaning & hygiene business in the heart of Toxteth, Liverpool, is celebrating its 40th anniversary. From a £3,000 Prince's Trust (now King's Trust) grant, to a national leader in cleaning supplies and workwear, its journey is a powerful story of resilience, innovation and social impact rooted in community value.
more


Microsoft tips: Millions of PCs set for landfill after Windows Update, warns green tech pioneer

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A UK leader in sustainable technology warns that an estimated 400 million perfectly functional computers will become harmful e-waste thanks to Microsoft bringing in new 'arbitrary' systems requirements for Windows. The unnecessary update will render functional PCs obsolete, warns In2tec.

Microsoft announced on Tuesday (October 14th) that it will end free support for Windows 10, and Windows 11's strict hardware requirements will make millions of still useful - but unsupported - computers obsolete, according to circularity watchdog Repair.EU.
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Thank Your Cleaner Day: Recognising the essential role of cleaning professionals

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Thank Your Cleaner Day, celebrated annually across the UK and internationally on the third Wednesday of October, is an opportunity to show appreciation for the people who keep our workplaces, schools, hospitals, and public spaces safe and healthy. Today, Joanne Gilliard, CEO of Jangro, the UK and Europe's largest network of independent janitorial distributors, is calling for a shift in how we view and value cleaning professionals...
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BCC says 'better-targeted cleaning' is needed to reinforce new handwashing standards

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Industry experts are calling for clear and effective cleaning standards to be introduced across workplaces and public spaces in the UK to build on the World Health Organisation Global Handwashing Standards released yesterday afternoon.
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Cleanology's annual charity fundraiser raises record £34,000 for The Hygiene Bank

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Over 150 guests enjoyed a memorable evening at The Law Society in the heart of legal London when they raised over £34,000 to help The Hygiene Bank charity play a major role in beating the stigma of hygiene poverty.
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The unusable washroom - Tork and Publicis London spotlight barriers to inclusive hygiene

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Publicis London has launched a new campaign with Tork, to spotlight the hidden barriers to hygiene in public washrooms that impact more than 50% of people every day*.
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Genesis Biosciences continues team growth with new appointments

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Genesis Biosciences is continuing its successful period of growth with further expansion in its south Wales team. The company has welcomed Megan King as commercial and operations assistant, Lindsey Morham as marketing executive, Hannah Evans as QC technician, and Lauren McAndrew as a key account executive, all providing strength and support to their respective teams.
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Gareth David appointed as head of sales at Robert Scott

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Cleaning product manufacturer and distributor Robert Scott has appointed Gareth David as its new head of sales (external). Gareth has more than 28 years' experience in the cleaning industry with Scot Young Research and IG Group in various roles in sales, marketing and directing teams.
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Events & Exhibitions

ISSA Cleaning & Hygiene Expo
29-30th October 2025
Sydney
Website

Hygienalia
4-6th November 2025
Madrid
Spain

Website

ISSA Show North America
10-13th November 2025
Las Vegas
Website

Horecava
12-15th January 2026
Amsterdam
Website

The Cleaning Show
18-19th February 2026
Manchester
Website

Clean-Tech Expo
10-12th March 2026
Warsaw
Website

Cleaning Expo
27-28th March 2026
NAEC Stoneleigh Park
Website

INTERCLEAN
14-17th April 2026
Amsterdam
Website

The Workplace Event
28-30th April 2026
NEC
Birmingham UK

Website



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