Cleanzine: your weekly cleaning and hygiene industry newsletter 6th March 2025 Issue no. 1152
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  International News
Products SK Chemicals to establish waste plastic recycling innovation centre in Korea
Crystal Clean on acquisition trail Premium Environmental Services and Worldwide Recovery Systems
ETW Energietechnik commissions first biomethane plant for processing landfill gas in Italy
ETW's general contractor scope of supply also includes raw gas conditioning, lean gas after-treatment with regenerative thermal oxidation (RTO), gas flaring and biomethane feed-in (gate keeper) with post-compression to 25 bar. 'Get hands on about Legionella' warns testing specialist, amid TMV-related risk
Do 'environmentally preferable', 'eco-friendly', 'sustainability' and 'green', mean the same thing?
Tackling the growing problem of discarded nitrous oxide cartridges
The new members include:
Launched in 2000, as the Steempro 2000, the brand has successively developed, selling in large numbers to a myriad of markets, including professional carpet cleaners, large FM cleaning companies, healthcare premises and prestigious environments ranging from luxury hotels to grand palaces. SC Johnson Professional announces Happy Hands Contest Top 10 finalists
All U Need pest control leadership team earns Entomology Certifications
Kärcher Professional UK launches 'Sucker for a Good Deal' promotion
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Welcome to the Cleanzine
I rarely use X, (formerly Twitter) for work, but I must have somehow misled – and as a result upset someone at some stage recently - as I was slated for not understanding the role of the cleaner and how hard these stalwarts of civilised society work. I can’t tell you what I’d said to upset him, or repeat his words here, as he’s since deleted his comment. My response to it though, was: “Bit confused... I champion cleaners & tell friends (& CZ readers) to chat to them & thank them for their crucial hard work. If cleaners downed tools, society would soon be in chaos! Qualified cleaner myself & both daughters did cleaning work 2hrs, 5 eves a week through college”.
Very little could illustrate my point more than @bordeselygreen’s comment which I’ve seen today, along with & montage of pics depicting the Birmingham refuse workers’ strike: “I’ve lent my wheelie bin to my neighbour; we haven’t had our bins emptied for 17 days now. His elderly father has incontinence and the bins are overflowing with pads. There is a public health crisis looming.” @PeterBritish shared a telling video too, accompanied by the comment: “Stinking piles of rubbish are building up in Birmingham as bin men walk out over pay and role. Can you think of a more essential service?” Says it all, doesn’t it?
Scarily, the chaos could continue long-term, after the workers voted to extend the strike over the council’s use of temporary labour to counter the action, (it’s unlawful to provide labour to replace striking workers). On Tuesday, nearly 400 began an indefinite strike over the scrapping of the waste collection and recycling officer role, which has – according to their Union - impacted 150 workers with pay cuts of up to £8,000 - although this number is refuted by the Council. “Removing the role affects the rest of the low paid workforce by leaving them without a fair path for pay progression,” argues the Union. Most Birmingham refuse workers are paid between £24,027 and £25,992 – slightly more than the £23,795 workers on the minimum wage, earn annually. The workers already accepted cuts to pay, terms and conditions to assist the Council after it declared bankruptcy. The Council says that better alternatives at equal pay have been offered; that the changes are being made to bring the service into line with national practice whereby more than 50 councils across the country operate a waste service with a driver and two loaders. Your thoughts please?
  This Week's News
France’s Lyreco strengthens UK market position; acquires Zenith Hygiene and Shorrock Trichem
Both Zenith Hygiene and Shorrock Trichem achieved profitability in 2024 and are well-positioned for continued success. By integrating their market success with Lyreco’s operational excellence, this acquisition enhances value, innovation and sustainable solutions for customers. Kärcher UK bolsters leadership team with appointment of new professional sales director
With a background in engineering and over 15 years of experience in the industrial distribution space, Chris has worked in private, public, and private-equity businesses.  BICSc experts to be keynote speakers to The Cleaning Show
Specialists from the Institute will lead in-depth discussions on the future of the professional cleaning industry, focusing on advancements in training & education at the event Churchill Support Services announces transformation to ProFM Group
This strategic brand overhaul has been designed with the future longevity of the business in mind, better reflecting the suite of services that the group can offer - laying the foundations for the expansion of future arms of the business.  Genesis Biosciences celebrates growth as team expands
The lab team, led by laboratory manager Dr Kate Ledwoch, has doubled in size, expanding Genesis’ wealth of expertise in developing products to positively impact cleaning across multiple industries and the environment. Norovirus essential strategies for prevention and control
“As Winter weather conditions persist across the UK, Norovirus - commonly known as the 'Winter vomiting bug' - continues to impact the country. Recent data from NHS England shows that on average 1,160 patients a day were in hospital with Norovirus during the week beginning 10th February 2025 - a 22% surge on the previous week (948) and more than double the same period last year (509). 
Don't worry, help is at hand! This free webinar will help you understand the nuanced realities of adopting sustainable products and help you to take informed decision that are right for your business. Veolia joins waste framework for further and higher education sector to support Zero Waste Scotland
Through optimised handling, increased recycling and management of complex waste streams, Veolia will help the education sector in Scotland to achieve its net zero targets as recycling typically saves 50% - 80% of the carbon associated with virgin material use.
Kimberly-Clark (K-C), has signed a new partnership with Independent Power Producer BNZ and announced the future start of three new virtual solar power purchase agreements (vPPAs) in Italy and Spain. The vPPAs will generate a forecasted 164 GWh of renewable electricity each year from two solar power facilities in Italy - Camposcala and Rinaldone (Lazio) - and one in Spain - Santa Catalina (Andalusia).
Reckitt Pro Solutions will be bringing the latest research results, information and best practices for cleaning and hygiene in commercial spaces. Alongside this, they will be demonstrating the role efficient and effective products have in helping create protocols that support stronger businesses. SBFM's Abigail Richards wins Pattenmakers Future Leader FM Award 2025
Abigail was awarded the 2025 Future Leader FM Award for her unwavering commitment to excellence and her leadership qualities. 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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