Cleanzine: your weekly cleaning and hygiene industry newsletter 9th April 2026 Issue no. 1205
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 International News
Products BICSc to deliver dynamic demonstrations at Interclean
The acquisition marks Zvoove's latest step in its systematic expansion of Zvoove Clean across Europe, following the acquisition of Danish SaaS platform CleanManager in August 2025. TVH and SPE announce strategic partnership for battery charger repair in Europe
The company has reached a strategic agreement with SPE Elettronica Industriale, a leading designer and manufacturer of high-frequency battery chargers, becoming the exclusive Authorised Repair Centre for SPE in Europe. Truvox International partners with Pacvac and introduces the Valet Backpack Pro Battery
Phone hygiene is healthcare's overlooked first line of defence
Robert Scott introduces industry-first biodegradable socket mop technology
Sessions to look out for at Interclean Amsterdam 2026
Genesis Biosciences welcomes landmark EU rule change on cleaning products
MSL extends virucidal testing to help brands strengthen claims
Winners of 2nd Annual Spotless Spaces competition announced
Lucid Bots raises further $20mn to accelerate buildout of US exterior cleaning platform
EscaTEQ to introduce structured escalator cleaning framework at Interclean Amsterdam 2026
Strengthening next-generation workforce technology and AI hiring infrastructure
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Welcome to the Cleanzine
I've long thought that the way we devise salaries is skewed, and I doubt that I'm alone in my thinking. The careers many young people aspire to, such as being a professional football player or pundit, TV presenter/star, performer of some sort, or (dare I say it) influencer, pay far too well. Those lucky enough to have roles they've coveted, earn so much that they can enjoy a great lifestyle and retire while still young, whereas those carrying out more valuable, but far less glamourous work, have to toil long hours to achieve a moderate lifestyle - and, in some cases, simply to survive. I'd hazard a guess that if someone advertised any of those 'coveted' careers for a salary of, say £30K/yr, people would be queuing around the block for an interview. Those who could afford to, may well even offer their services free of charge. My view is that the likes of nurses, carers, teachers etc., and - yes - those working at the sharp end of our industry, deserve to earn far more than they currently do. I only wish there was a sensible and acceptable way to even things up. Our national living (minimum) wage increased again last week, by 50 pence to £12.71/hr for those aged 21 and over, by 85p to £10.85/hr for 18 - 20yr olds, and by 45p to £8.00/hr for both 16-17yr olds and apprentices. Since its introduction in 1999, the idea's been to gradually increase it to two-thirds of median hourly pay so that all working people can earn enough to be able to live comfortably. On the face of it, all's going well, as the adult rate's grown faster than median hourly pay - and its real value's said to have increased by more than 75% since 2009. However, there is a downside. As well as minimum wage rises, businesses are having to deal with increases in business rates, national insurance and statutory sick pay, whilst facing rapidly rising costs elsewhere just like the rest of us. Indeed, there's been a marked 'tightening of belts' with less money being spent on non-essentials. Businesses rely on our spending, so how are they going to manage to comply with the law? Many don't have anything left in the pot and I fear things are going to become far worse, with staff being laid off. As an example, friends of mine have owned a pub for many years. The rising cost of living means that there are fewer punters and those who do still visit, drink and eat far less whilst there than they used to. Staff were let go. The cleaner retired and as they couldn't afford to replace her, one of them is now doing the cleaning. They’ve just decided to close for good. I'm sure decisions like this are being made all over but I'm unsure what we can do to reverse the rot.
This Week's News
Europe's tissue industry: supporting jobs along with hygiene
The European Tissue Symposium - the leading industry association representing tissue paper producers and national associations across Europe - has carried out a new socioeconomic impact analysis, and has found that the tissue industry: 
According to the figures collected and compiled by EDANA, overall nonwovens production in Europe declined by around 2.2% in 2025, reaching 2,919,000 tonnes.  Services union stages European Public Procurement Summit this month
“Every year, more than €2 trillion in EU public spending flows to private contractors,” says Uni-Europa. “Yet procurement decisions are still overwhelmingly driven by lowest price - fuelling a race to the bottom in wages and working conditions across sectors and undermining the European social model.” 
 Louisiana jail sees 62% reduction in infection complaints within 30 days of disinfectant switch
Between January 14th and February 15th, medical staff at the West Baton Rouge Parish Jail reviewed 385 inmate medical ‘tickets’.  Vast majority of drivers fear accidental ULEZ fines
Just 23% of respondents said they were very familiar with ULEZ charges, while 47% did not correctly identify that drivers need to check their status and pay manually if required. Meanwhile, 79% said they were concerned about being fined by mistake because of unclear rules or a lack of reminders. 
The contract covers cleaning services across a diverse and evolving estate, including public-facing areas such as the theatre auditorium, restaurant, bar, coffee shop and washrooms. 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
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BCC 'extremely disappointed' at Apprenticeship defunding - a statement
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