Celebrating its 21st birthday, ISSA/Interclean Amsterdam attracts more international visitors than ever

Reinforcing its position as the cleaning industry's biggest, most exciting and truly international trade show, ISSA/Interclean Amsterdam, held earlier this month, presented products from 631 exhibitors from 40 countries. The show is always well attended and this year was no exception, with a grand total of 23,923 visits, (unique visitors) from all over the world recorded by close of play. The organisers say that the quality of the visitors was exceptionally high too: over one third were authorised to take decisions on the purchase of products within the business for which they worked.

There was a clear increase in the ratio of international visitors: while 58% of all visitors were from outside the Netherlands in 2006, the figure at ISSA/Interclean 2008 has risen to 68%. The grand total number of visits went slightly down (23,923 compared to 25,294 in 2006), which was caused by a decrease in visitors from Holland, as the number of international visitors went up.

Rob den Hertog, Senior Product Manager ISSA/Interclean explained: "We made the strategic decision some years ago to position ISSA/Interclean Amsterdam as an international tradeshow and knew and accepted - with regret - that some Dutch visitors would therefore decide to stay away. This year national attendance went down, especially since the show coincided with a national school holiday."

Well - as far as Cleanzine's concerned, they missed out on yet another truly brilliant event. There was so much real innovation on display and so many people to meet that it made the swollen feet, aching legs and even the odd blister well worthwhile. I only wish that the show could last an extra day or two, to allow me to talk to all those I need to catch up with and visit all the stands I've not managed to get onto.

John and I are now familiar faces at the show and the after-show parties, John with his camera taking pictures and mini-movies to use in our Show Dailies and later issues of Cleanzine. Unfortunately, this time due to an upgrade in equipment, we were unable to download the images to the computer during the week. Happily though, the technical hitch has now been sorted, and the movies and images - plus lots of snippets and stories we didn't have room for previously, can now be seen in this review, so even if you have already seen the Dailies we sent direct from the show each day, do make sure you have another look at them as they now contain much more information and some good images and movies!

It was nearing the end of the show and John and I were really flagging when the name on the side of a large piece of equipment caught our eye and made us chuckle. I can't remember which of us said: "Well - we're gluttons for punishment" as we headed over to the stand representatives' smiling faces. Feeling somewhat revived by the icy cold beers that were thrust in front of us, we asked about the company - 'Glutton'!

This family business, which has been in existence for 18 years, manufacturers large cleaning equipment from its base in Belgium, for distribution throughout Europe and further afield. As you can see from our movie (just click image left to play), this electric machine, designed for eco-efficiency, has such strong suction it can devour even one litre bottles and cans. "Everything you can find in a city," Yvo (pictured) told us. "Even dog mess". He said that what makes it so popular - as well as its low noise levels, (at just 59 db(A) - is that it's narrow enough, at 75cm, to fit through normal sized doors. Plus, as it's able to operate for 16 hours without charging, it can do a double shift with ease. It's so easy to empty too - there's a wheelie bin on the back. When he told me I could push it with just one finger I didn't believe him... until I tried it. John and I weren't the only ones to be impressed. Managing Director Christian Lange said there had been "worldwide interest" and everyone thought it was "absolutely incredible."

As you can see from our mini-movie (click image right) of these telescopic waterfed poles, Unger's new HiFlo Advance Poles are ideal for cleaning with pure water systems up to 33 feet. Lightweight, strong and easy to operate, they're great for lighter applications such as residential cleaning and on windows, awnings, billboards and signs etc. They come complete with rectangle brush and angle adapter and their inner tube connects easily to the water supply. Users can choose from fibreglass or hybrid material (carbon and fibreglass) and there is a variety of brushes for various applications. Solid flip-lock clamps allow for quick height adjustment.

Although we were actually looking for Unger UK's John Sobucinski and Asha Sahota on the stand, we ended up having an interesting chat with European General Manager Carsten Best who told us that European employment law is a real bugbear when it comes to selling equipment into different countries... And I thought we were meant to be getting closer to one another!

According to Brian Tanner and Clive Damonze of the South African National Contract Cleaners Association, who we spent time with next, there are 340 contract cleaners in South Africa and a number of company representatives had attended the show to see what was around that could enhance the services they offered. We met Supercare's Dave Reynolds, Sector Education and Training Authority's Senisha Moonsamy, and African Cleaning Review's Johann van Vuuren, who all agreed that the South African cleaning industry seems to have the same challenges as we do in Europe. They found their time at the show "very busy and very worthwhile". We're pleased to say that Cleanzine will be carrying some of their news in future issues, as the consensus was that an exchange of information might help us to learn from each other.

ESP'S Carl Theakston, who was visiting the show on Thursday and Friday, told us that he had now fully recovered from his Atlantic Rowing Challenge that took place over Christmas and through which he and his team were raising money for homeless charities. He was making his way through the halls to visit Brightwell Dispensers' Neale Pybus who'd generously swelled the charities' coffers by making a personal donation of £3,000.

I think that what made the show so much more difficult to walk around on the final day was that, as well as the fact that we must have covered - literally - miles over the preceeding three, we'd spent the previous evening and most of the night dancing in one of Amsterdam's 'Dutch bars' with Thomas Stuecken and the teams from OspreyDeepclean, Contico, Frank and Spot Shot - my goodness they were all such good fun and great dancers too! I was amazed in particular by Contico's Derek Wick's agility on the dancefloor, bearing in mind how hard he'd been working all week. Having dined with a group of exhibitors who came from various European countries and indeed many other parts of the world, and having spent much of the meal arguing about the rights and wrongs of the EU with a Frenchman and a German, (it's interesting to learn of others' points of view!) it was especially good to let my hair down and see that indeed we really do all have a great deal in common.

There's much that I love about Amsterdam and I know I'm always singing the praises of the Dutch and their hospitality and friendliness, but does anyone know of a nightclub in England where the locals join in with a large bunch newcomers of all ages and from all parts of the world, sing and dance with them, explain what the songs mean and generally create a party atmosphere? Perhaps we have something to learn from our European partners after all...

This year the show expanded to 'new' halls. A bright orange walkway from one part to the other, meant that visitors had no problems finding their way to the other side of the venue. Hilke de Vries, Product Manager ISSA/Interclean explains: "Before the show, some exhibitors had concerns about moving to the other side of the building, but the layout and signage made it very accessible." Although it was a 15 minute walk, the rebuilt venue for the future will overcome this separation.

Ian Mattocks from James Briggs ITW, one of the UK exhibitors located in the new halls said: "ISSA/Interclean gave us the opportunity to introduce our 'Nilco' cleaning range and system to many potential distributions and customers. It also allowed us to discuss possible private label opportunities as well. We had enquiries from India, South Korea, Italy, Austria, Czech Republic, America, Bosnia, Romania, Netherlands, Belgium, Belarus, Ireland, France, The Gulf States and of course, England."

Another company trying the new hall for the first time was Contico. Here, the company's Paul Sherrington and Emma Hinkins proudly show off the new range of disposable microfibre cloths and mopheads on the first day of the show.

"Whatever your cleaning, janitorial, spraying or hygiene requirements, Contico has the answer," they said. "From mopping systems to dust control, trigger sprayers to pump dispensers, washroom to window cleaning, we supply high quality products, utilising the very latest designs, innovations and technology to ensure that when you order from us, you will receive the very best products that money can buy."

Contico's Denis Cannon, Paul Sherrington and Mike Hall (right) pose by more of the company's portfolio.

"Do you all have to be the same height to work at Contico?" asked John.

"No!" thundered Derek Wick who towers even over John.

Around the corner from Contico was sister company OspreyDeepclean whose Barry Wilmot (in the left on our picture) was presented with the company's 'Salesman of the Year' trophy by UK Sales Director Mike Osiadacz. Barry, who was on the flight back with us, told us he was "absolutely delighted" that his efforts had been recognised in this way. He wasn't so delighted though when officials at Schiphol airport removed the prize bottle of champagne from his hand luggage and threw it in the bin "for security reasons"... although we have to say we thought he took it really well. We're sure he must have been wondering if the concerned looks of other travellers were because he'd lost his champagne, but we'd noticed before him that some joker had scrawled "granny's ashes" on the cardboard box in which the trophy was housed, and the stares of his fellow flyers as he proudly carried his trophy onto the flight were more likely to have been looks of concern that he might wish to scatter "granny's ashes" over the channel...

Peter Alsworth of Cleenol Group described the show as "its best show ever" and Olivier Arnould of Service Management Systems stated that "ISSA/Interclean brings us the whole world of cleaning in four very exciting days and the quantity and quality of visitors was excellent."

Pedal power! Something of a tradition now as Vermop Salmon GmbH's ever game Helmut Schmidt demonstrates for Cleanzine. This time it's the company's ecologically-sound way for cleaners to travel from site-to-site - or indeed around large workplaces. Everything needed for manual cleaning is, cleverly, on the back of the bike. Lucky you don't need a scrubber drier today, Helmut!

UltraClean's inventor Avi Kafzan talks us through how his Innovation Award winning equipment works, revealing that it took him six years to come up with the final design.

And here he is, showing off his much-deserved, (and incredibly heavy... hope he's not flying Easyjet!) Award. UltraClean colleague Rafi Babiacki said: "We had a great show! Due to the winning of the award the interest in our product was tremendous, giving us immediate worldwide exposure. Our competitors came to our booth time after time looking at the miracle we developed in Israel. We turned our product from low tech into high tech, all within a reasonable price to the customer."

Henk van Houtum (pictured right) shows off his company's category-winning design - the Satino Towelex. This is a concept for the disposal of paper hand towels without the need to ever empty a bin. The system re-uses waste water from wash basins to process used hand towels into a flushable paper substance which is then flushed out through the existing sewage connection. It reduces both internal and external waste handling by reducing labour, cost and transport emissions.

Louise Wonnacot (pictured left) says Vectair Systems' new V-Air odour control system provides up to 60 days fragrance in a
completely environmentally friendly manner, operating without the use of batteries or harmful propellants. A choice of high quality recyclable fragrance refills are available as standard.
Dispenser available in white, bright chrome or black finishes. The company was also showing its new range of Touchless faucets/taps which complements almost every type of environment and décor and its new automatic Blast hand dryer, which simultaneously blows water off hands and evaporates residual moisture, drying the hands completely in approximately 10 seconds! Using 1/6th of the energy used by conventional hand dryers, the Blast is extremely environmentally friendly, costs up to 95% less than paper towels and compared to a conventional warm air dryer is 80% less to run.

Chemspec Europe's Richard Sudall talks a potential customer through his company's range of carpet cleaning chemicals. Off picture, colleague Julie Roberts presents the new Chemstractor SC machine, which offers an exceptionally low moisture method of carpet cleaning. It is said to use 54% less cleaning solution than conventional wet extraction methods, to remove as much soil as the most efficient truck-mounted units, with faster drying times.

Chris Barsby proves he really does work at Brapack and that he wasn't just taking a rest on the stand while Sally Ayres wasn't looking! The team there believes that with their 'creative chemistry' the Xola products can really make a difference, by drastically cutting down the number of products used, thus avoiding confusion and rationalising stocks held. Chris said that the company's Hyflex floor treatment, which is applied as a seal on most hard floors and then simply cleaned and maintained, eliminating the need to use floor finish and stripping cycles, was attracting a lot of interest.

Italian manufacturer Tecno Trolley System's Sangar Vedovato had hired a magician (she can put a spell on me, said John...) to demonstrate the many configurations that could so quickly be achieved by those using the newly launched modular trolley system - a one-person workstation conjured up as if by 'magic'. Every Magic trolley can be transformed into four different versions: Basic (completely open); Professional (completely closed bag-holder); Safety (completely closed storage department); Elegance - where the trolley is completely closed to meet specific requirements of hygiene and safety standards in areas such as hospitals.

So is this how they get around the drink driving laws in Amsterdam? ISSA's Mark Armitage and his wife arrive at the Apollo Golden Tulip hotel, where the ISSA's reception was held. We didn't have the heart to tell them we'd already drunk all the beer...

Bay West's Diane Storer shows that washroom dispensers don't have to come in white or chrome. Just before this picture was taken, she'd seen a movie of husband Trevor climbing onto the back of distributor Ad Burgman's, (of Burgman Supply) Harley for a ride home, she was laughing so much she had trouble standing still.

Bol found a great way of adding interest to the products on its stand, by painting everything in unusual colours and then covering it with flowers!

Everything you might ever need for a ride on cleaning machine, from the seats to the smallest accessories and pieces of equipment could also be found in the halls...

Selden Research also had a busy show, launching a range of custom designed dispenser soaps. Managing Director Mark Woodhead said that there are currently a limited number of opportunities for exclusive import agreements on this product range together with an exciting and new concept in concentrates due for launch in 2009. He also revealed that there are lots of exciting new products destined to come on line over the next 12 months. Watch this space...

Veronique Filip (pictured left) of Newell Rubbermaid talked us through the benefits of the newly launched Pulse controlled release floor cleaning system. This portable microfibre system has the capacity to clean 850 square feet per fill. It carries 0,6 litres of cleaning solution on-board and is refilled automatically with the Rubbermaid Pulse Caddy. The Caddy (a 7.6 litre capacity receptacle that represents 12 refills) enables the user to clean up to 900 square metres in one go, utilising Clean-Connect technology - a one-step click-connection which stops automatically when full - meaning no spills and no exposure to chemicals or their vapours.

This 'pearl' of a stand (right) belonged to Alpheios, one of the Innovation Awards candidates in the Management and Training Solutions category.

Hako Machines used the show to launch Aqua Force, a high performance cleaning system which takes advantage of all the properties and benefits of demineralised water and cleverly applies them to a cleaning application. With patents pending on this new development, Aqua Force eliminates the need for costly chemicals and banishes all the environmental impacts and various health and safety risks as well as protecting the lifespan of floor surface.

Managing Director Stuart Taylor told us: "Normal tap water contains hydrogen and oxygen, but it also has chemical elements such as calcium, chlorine, iron and copper present. Therefore, if you clean with untreated tap water and leave the floor to dry, chemical and mineral residues are left on the surface which leaves streaks and other water marks once the hydrogen and oxygen have evaporated. The same problem remains when adding cleaning chemicals or detergents, with the surface residue only attracting more dirt over shorter periods which increases the need for cleaning and diminishing the aesthetic appearance of the floor. By removing all the chemicals and minerals within the tap water prior to cleaning, the demineralised water strives to return to its natural impure state by actively absorbing all dirt, chemicals and minerals it comes across. As demineralised water is softer than untreated water, it washes across the floor and dissolves the dirt particles as well as penetrating the surface so it can reach and clean the smallest areas or abrasions on the floor. The floor dries quickly and to a perfect finish, dissolving the dirt and without leaving smears or residues. It is also more resistant to dirt once cleaned as there are no residues from chemicals, soaps and detergents for the dirt to adhere to and with continued use, leaves a totally sterile surface."

Ionic (left) was another company praising the benefits of cleaning with demineralised water.

Dutch firm Greenspeed had picked a great spot - just inside the hall next to one of the main entrance areas, to show off its Floormop Injection Tool. Making sure visitors didn't just wander past there was also a familiar face - that of ISSA's Mark Armitage's son (pictured right), who now works for them and who showed us their bike unit and the Floormop Injection Tool.

The beauty of the Floormop Injection Tool is that it incorporates a battery operated device which controls the amount of moisture applied to a flat mop. It prevents the same flat mop from being re-entered into the bucket and thus used twice, therefore ensuring cleanliness and efficiency. It is simple to use, has a reserve of 15 mops and three dosage levels and a battery with sufficient capacity and ease of exchange to allow the device to be used continually for long periods of time in areas where no electrical outlets are available. The mopheads are of 'specially split' microfibre.

So why the bike? you ask. The bike had a carrier for cleaning products and was just a means to get through busy streets or pedestrian-only areas, and particularly for recreational park cleaning such as in holiday chalets etc.

Technical Concepts reported a record number of visitors to its Complete Washroom Solution stand. Global Marketing Manager, Joanne Snowden told us, "This year's ISSA Interclean was an excellent event. We noticed an increase in numbers from previous years and were delighted with the number of new enquiries we received. From the moment the doors opened on 6th May, we were kept busy presenting our Complete Washroom Solutions and demonstrating how our products and technologies can build business opportunities. Once again ISSA Interclean has proved to be the cleaning industry's best event for launching new products and systems, for networking with suppliers and buyers and for doing business with our customers."

The company reported that visitors were most interested in the new wall-mounted TC AutoFoam Skin Care system with its undisputed cost-in-use benefits, and the five new TCell Continuous Odour Management fragrances and eight new Global Fragrances for the Microburst 3000 Air Care system.

Bearing in mind we'd not been able to get onto the Kennedy Hygiene stand at all over the duration of the show, we weren't surprised - when finally bumping into Ceris Burns who's responsible for Kennedy's marketing - that the company was delighted with its decision to use the show to launch its high capacity Savona Wopa 2.5 litre soap dispenser for both commercial and industrial environments. Ceris told us that she and the team had really enjoyed the event but that they were all looking forward to being able to sit down and rest their weary feet.

Hygienex showed the latest in urinal sanitation design, Ureco.

"The concept of the Ureco is that it is fitted into gents' urinal bowls and basically provides various urinal bowl remedies," the company's Richard Page and Simon Rice told us. "It saves huge amounts of water and money for customers and - importantly - it prevents those all too familiar foul odours from entering the washroom. The enzyme within the cap of the Ureco helps to prevent blockages. It allows the company/individual to reduce the water flow to the urinal bowl to its very minimum - basically two flushes per day. This can potentially save thousands of pounds in water bills a year. It also protects the environment and of course improves urinal appearance. We've patented the technology."

The Ureco is environmentally friendly from start to finish: it is made of a special biodegradeable plastic, and the active ingredient is an enzyme that feeds off of uric salts, therefore no chemicals and no fears about safe disposal at the end of its life.

We were impressed when US floor machine manufacturers NSS's UK-based Brigitte Garner (r) and Tracy Muir (l), suddenly switched to languages other than English. Not something you normally expect the British to do is it?

Although Cleanzine didn't have time to attend any of the seminars, the organisers tell us that the programme organised was very well received. Attendance went up almost 50% compared to 2006. The national seminar organised by NVZ, OSB, SVS, VSR, ISSA in cooperation with Amsterdam RAI, accomplished all its targets. One of the organisers' goals - to give knowledge exchange and innovation a central place at the exhibition - was thereby achieved and appreciated by the visitors. Wetrok SA's Pieter de Beer found the seminars of great interest and is keen to get hold of some of the presentations, so if anyone can help out, please do get in touch with Cleanzine and we'll pass the information onto Pieter. The missing presentations are:

Green and Clean - Confusion - Too much or too little?

How can the cleaning industry take the lead in infection control?

A global perspective of the cleaning industry in the next five years

The profitability of sustainable cleaning

Nanotechnology in the cleaning industry - threat or opportunity?

The next ISSA/Interclean Amsterdam will be held from 4th through 7th May 2010.

22nd May 2008