Cleanzine: your weekly cleaning and hygiene industry newsletter 7th May 2026 Issue no. 1209
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 International News
Products Industrial & institutional cleaning chemicals market projected to hit USD 108.6 billion by 2033
WFBSC’s Global Executive Congress 2026, Las Vegas; registration now open
Pudu Robotics inaugurates US HQ in Dallas, accelerating long-term growth in the Americas
Genesis Biosciences launches next-generation concentrate
Northwood relaunches Leonardo Washroom brand
Nilfisk joins Freudenberg following takeover completion
ECHA SEAC on REACH PFAS restrictions consultation explained
Why lone working is one of the cleaning sector's biggest safety blind spots
Why AI integration is an opportunity we have to get right in cleaning
"Artificial Intelligence is seemingly now everywhere in the working world, present across almost every sector and aspect of modern life. J36 professional cleaning robot explores new possibilities for retail and commercial floor care
Interclean Amsterdam 2026 closes on a high as global cleaning industry comes together
New modular spray system facilitates mobile and efficient equipment and plant sanitation
Miller Environmental completes acquisition of Haz-Mat Environmental Services and Canco
Safety professionals worried about mass adoption of AI, reveals new report
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Welcome to the Cleanzine
As well as feeling sad for the families of those who’ve lost their lives, I really feel for all the poor folk quarantined on the MV Hondius cruise ship, who must be horribly scared that they might catch – and possibly die from, Hantavirus. Their predicament brings back memories of our own lockdowns during the pandemic, doesn’t it?
But back then, at least the majority of us were at least able to spend the time at home, collectively looking after ourselves and those living/sharing with us, going out of our way to ensure that we kept one another safe and doing our best to avoid becoming ‘stir crazy’.
Those on the ship are at the mercy of the doctors, along with the ‘hospitality’ team: the cleaners, the cooks and other kitchen staff along with those who are replenishing the disposables and bringing food and drinks to the cabins. I wonder how many passengers are reluctant to eat in case those involved in their meals’ preparation and delivery are carriers who’ll infect them? I’m sure they’ll be wondering: “Are they infected, how’s their general hygiene & have they washed their hands properly?”
You couldn’t really devise a better advertisement for World Handwashing Day, which was marked this week, could you? Although it’s in year 18 and for many of us learning proper handwashing skills from toddler age was the norm, for others it’s still something that’s ignored or forgotten – and we mustn’t forget those who simply don’t have the facilities or the products required to do a proper job.
The talk regarding the ship’s outbreak is that ‘twitchers’, who visited a landfill site in Argentina to take photographs of birds, may have been to blame in bringing the virus onboard. Now I love birds but I can’t imagine wanting to visit a landfill site just to be able to get that bit closer to some rare birds and take a few good pictures, can you?
The UK Health Security Agency says that Hantaviruses are a group of viruses carried by rodents such as mice and rats, which are transmitted by their droppings and urine, and that infections in humans tend to occur in places where people and rodents coexist. This is most commonly in rural, agricultural settings along with cleaning sheds, barns and holiday homes where rodents might have nested. I hadn’t been aware of that and will take extra care to clean my hands even more thoroughly in future, whenever I’ve had to rescue a frightened mouse from my cats!
I do hope that everyone still onboard the MV Hondius manages to keep this Hantavirus at bay and can return home safely, very soon…
 This Week's News
Sodexo named Employer of the Year at British Business Awards 2026
While everyone else chases AI, real money is still made with a pressure washer…
His new book: ‘Filthy Rich: Building Wealth in the Pressure Washing Boom’ is a ground-level blueprint for entrepreneurs who'd rather build something tangible than chase the next digital trend.  Deadline extended for entries for BICSC Awards 2026
Companies and organisations are invited to nominate those from the cleaning community who deliver excellence and are dedicated to raising standards across all sectors. Every year, nominations for the BICSc Awards prove phenomenally popular as the calibre of entries excels. Winners will be announced at a glittering awards ceremony being held on Thursday, 17th September 2026, at Whittlebury Hall & Spa, Whittlebury, Northamptonshire. Danish cleaning industry day gains momentum as digital transformation accelerates
What began as a series of smaller seminars, has developed into a full industry day and an established meeting point for decision-makers in the Danish cleaning industry. The event brings together cleaning managers and heads of department from private companies and municipalities, alongside larger cleaning sector providers and technology specialists.  Hako to launch new generation of walk-behind machines
With optimised operation and ergonomics, technical features for greater safety and efficiency, and reduced resource consumption, the Scrubmaster models B35 and B50 will ensure even more comfortable and economical cleaning of medium-sized areas from mid-2026. City of Philadelphia launches Summer cleaning Initiative
Now in its third year and fourth iteration, the program continues to build on significant progress, delivering more than 350,000 quality-of-life services citywide - and advances Mayor Cherelle L Parker's vision to make Philadelphia the safest, cleanest and greenest big city in America with access to economic opportunity for all.  Tennant expands outdoor cleaning portfolio with Z50 Citadel to tackle demanding environments
The Z50 Citadel combines mechanical and vacuum sweeping technologies to deliver powerful, consistent cleaning performance across a wide range of debris types, from fine dust to heavy, bulky materials. ISS extends and expands contract with the Fulham Road Collaborative
Under the contract, ISS will deliver a broad range of integrated services across three major hospital sites. These include the Chelsea and Westminster site, which is rated 'Outstanding' by the Care Quality Commission - the independent regulator of health and social care services in England - as well as The Royal Marsden, a world-leading specialist cancer centre. 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. How to contact us at The Cleanzine:
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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
New chair appointed to lead CHSA into next phase
SOAPBOX: call for the wider use of reusable gloves in cleaning & FM
SBFM ranked third in Ward Hadaway Yorkshire Fastest 50 list
OCS extends and expands soft services partnership with British Land
Leadership changes strengthen alignment across Ramon Hygiene and EGL Group
Ramon Hygiene has been part of the EGL group since its acquisition in 2015, a move that has supported the company's position as a leading UK manufacturer of traditional cleaning products, supplying distributors across the professional cleaning and janitorial sectors. Prepare for Euro van tachograph deadline, advises Logistics UK
BICSc to lead industry innovation sessions at The Workplace Event
Simon Humphrey appointed sustainability director at OCS UK & Ireland
Peartree Cleaning achieves EcoVadis Gold for second year as ESG strategy delivers results
TSA announces Westminster cross party meeting focusing on the laundry industry
Free H & S year planner from Croner
Events & Exhibitions ISSA Show Asia Cleantex Interclean Shanghai ISSA Cleaning & hygiene Expo ISSA Show North America WFBSC Global Executive Congress |
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