Technology: Will news that carbon fibre can store energy in a vehicle body impact on cleaning machines?

Ed: I came across something this week that I'm thinking could potentially change the way we manufacture/use batteries for/in cleaning machines. Not being a battery expert, I may have gone off kilter; however, the technology's interesting so I thought I'd share it. I'd love to receive your comments on whether you think it could be viable.

A study led by Chalmers University of Technology, Sweden, has shown that carbon fibres can work as battery electrodes, storing energy directly. This opens up new opportunities for structural batteries, where the carbon fibre becomes part of the energy system. The researchers' vision is of vehicles where a large part of the body of the vehicle consists of structural lithium ion batteries.
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Introducing the latest in backpack vacuum cleaning technology

Wightman & Parrish has been lucky enough to be chosen as one of the leading distributors of Pacvac, the latest in backpack vacuum cleaning technology.
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RAS publishes Happy Toilets @ Preschools Booklet & Handbook to mark 20th anniversary

In collaboration with Dyson Airblade hand dryer distributor VISO Pte, the Restroom Association Singapore has developed a booklet and handbook to mark its 20th anniversary.
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Dust specialist launches most powerful gas-powered extractor to date

Removing hazardous dust on an industrial scale has been made easier thanks to the UK's dust extracting specialist launching a high performance, gas-powered extractor on the market. Dustcontrol UK's new and innovative propane-driven DC Storm LPG can last up to eight hours and doesn't require any cables, making it ideal for environments with a limited supply of electricity.
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New head of Nilfisk in Europe, Middle East and Africa boasts global profile

Nilfisk has appointed Steen Lindbo as new executive vice president for Nilfisk in Europe, Middle East and Africa.

Steen brings to the role more than 25 years' international experience from the power tool and hand tool industry, working for the US-founded company Stanley Black & Decker.
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Surface disinfectant market to grow at a healthy CAGR of 10.40%

The global surface disinfectant market depicts the presence of a highly-fragmented structure, says Transparency Market Research on the basis of a newly published report. This is mainly due to a low entry barrier present in the market that has made it possible for innumerable players to progress in this sector
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KCP champions Scott Clean workplaces to promote hand hygiene on Global Handwashing Day 2018

This year Global Handwashing Day took place on Monday, 15th October and Kimberly-Clark Professional embraced the annual event's theme 'Clean Hands - a recipe for health' by supporting facilities managers with a range of tools to help them champion hand hygiene, health and wellbeing in the workplace in relation to snacking and eating.
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CMS Berlin 2019: Record early bookings a year before launch day

With barely a year to go before CMS 2019 Berlin - Cleaning.Management.Services. opens its doors, Messe Berlin is able to report keen interest from exhibitors. Early bookings by domestic and foreign companies are at their highest level since the fair's launch in 2001.
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Avmor celebrates Its 70th Anniversary by looking forward to the next 70 years

Avmor, a leading manufacturer of professional cleaning solutions, is celebrating its 70th year in business. And while the company proudly looks back on its founding and growth over the years, its president, Mattie Chinks, says the company is primarily focused on the future.
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Cintas Xtraction floor mat captures dirt and water with ease

Snow and salt don't stand a chance against Cintas Corporation's Xtraction floor mat, which has been rolled out across North America. The mat is the latest addition to Cintas's High Performance Series, a line of superior mats.
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Changes at the top for Diversey

Diversey has announced that Dr Ilham Kadri will be relinquishing her position as chief executive officer on 31st December, 2018, to take another executive role, which will be announced shortly.
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10th Anniversary of World MRSA Day - A call to action

World MRSA Day, October 2nd and World MRSA Awareness Month, October, are annual designated awareness dates and draw critical attention to the global public health crisis. 'The ongoing MRSA Epidemic - A Call to Action' is this year's global theme.
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WHO calls for increased investment to reach the goal of a toilet for all

The world will not reach the goal of universal sanitation coverage - where every person in the world has access to toilets that safely contain excreta - by 2030 unless countries make comprehensive policy shifts and invest more funds.
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Cleaning products industry has $59 billion direct impact on US economy

The cleaning products industry has a direct impact on the US economy totaling $59.1 billion, supporting 64,000 jobs and including $8.3 billion of labour compensation, according to a new report released by the American Cleaning Institute.
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ISS divesting Netherlands non-core cleaning portfolio to Dutch contractor CSU

ISS is divesting its non-core single-service cleaning portfolio in the Netherlands to Dutch cleaning company CSU. The divestment concerns approximately 70 Dutch customers and, pending approval from the Netherlands Authority of Consumer and Markets (ACM), will see the transfer of around 2,200 employees to CSU.
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Industry giants partner to offer premium smart washroom management system

Kimberly-Clark Professional and Gojo Industries have announced that the two companies are partnering to offer a premium smart washroom management system in connected away-from-home washroom environments such as office buildings, airports and universities.
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New Clorox Disinfecting Bio Stain & Odour Remover safely deals with body fluids

Stains and odors are a distraction for people everywhere, but odours from bio accidents like faeces and vomit actually make them concerned for their health & safety, tarnishing the reputations of commercial facilities more easily than other common messes, according to a new survey from Clorox Professional Products.
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Industrial vacuum cleaner market likely to be worth $681.3 million by 2023

The industrial vacuum cleaner market is predicted to grow from USD 536.9 million in 2018 to USD 681.3 million by 2023, at a CAGR of 4.88%, by researchers involved in compiling a new market research report:

'Industrial Vacuum Cleaner Market by Type (Dry and Wet & Dry), Power Source (Electric & Pneumatic), Industry (Food & Beverages, Pharmaceuticals, Manufacturing, Metalworking, and Building & Construction), and Region - Global Forecast to 2023'.
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Christeyns acquires Clover Chemicals

International chemicals manufacturer Christeyns, whose UK headquarters are located in Bradford, has acquired Clover Chemicals, strengthening its position in the professional cleaning and hygiene sector.

Founded in 1990 and based in the High Peak area of Derbyshire, Clover Chemicals boasts a turnover of c.£8.5m and 80 employees. It produces over 200 products for the cleaning sector with a strong focus on research and development. Its range ensures consistent and high-quality cleaning results whilst maintaining a strong consideration for the environment.
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Workplaces remain dangerous environments

Every year, 8,000 people die because of exposure to carcinogens at work and 13,500 new occupational cancer cases are registered in Britain. In the EU context, the statistics are even more startling: there are 80,000 deaths from work-related cancer every year, while approximately 120,000 people develop cancer annually as a result of their work activities.

The 2018 European Week for Safety & Health at Work, which runs from 22nd - 28th October, is promoting the prevention of risks posed by dangerous substances within the workplace.
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CDC-funded study underlines benefits of enhanced UVC disinfection in healthcare facilities

A new, Centers for Disease Control & Prevention-funded analysis of the Benefits of Enhanced Terminal Room-Disinfection (BETR-D) shows that enhanced disinfection using UVC leads to a reduction of microbial contamination and a decrease in patient colonisation and infection.

The new substudy, 'Enhanced disinfection leads to reduction of microbial contamination and a decrease in patient colonisation and infection', was recently published in Infection Control & Hospital Epidemiology.
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Lucart joins Ellen MacArthur CE100 network to hasten circular economy ambitions

Increasingly committed to the circular economy, Lucart, the Italian manufacturer of tissue paper, airlaid products and MG paper, has joined Ellen MacArthur Foundation's Circular Economy 100 (CE100) network to realise its circular economy ambitions faster. This pre-competitive innovation programme was established to enable organisations to develop new opportunities and more quickly realise their circular economy ambitions.

Lucart, which has made sustainability and innovation in the environmental field its core values, is one of only three Italian organisations that are members of the CE100, along with Intesa Sanpaolo and Gruppo Hera.
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Hydro Systems launches Cloud-based IoT platform

Hydro Systems, part of Dover, has introduced Hydro Connect, its cloud-based Internet of Things (IoT) platform. Hydro Connect gives chemical providers and end users increased visibility into their operations, optimises production, reduces costs and increases customer satisfaction.

"With Hydro Connect, we aim to solve real business problems through a total solutions approach," says Serge Joris, president and CEO of Hydro Systems. "We pride ourselves on being applications experts, and connectivity is key to enabling value-added services for our customers, all the way from the time of implementation through aftersales support."
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Good results and another acquisition for Bunzl

Bunzl has this week announced its trading statement for the period since 30 June 2018, along with another acquisition.

The company says that overall performance is consistent with expectations at the time of the half year results announcement in August. Group revenue for the third quarter increased by 7% at constant exchange rates due to organic growth of approximately 4% and an impact from acquisitions, net of disposals, of approximately 3%.
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Cromwell Polythene shows it 'Leeds by Example'

Cromwell Polythene is supporting a new recycling on the go initiative for Leeds city centre - 'Leeds By Example', launched 9th October. The company, which supplies a range of polythene products to aid recycling, will provide over 20,000 bags made from recycled material to support the campaign over its six-month duration.

The project, created by environmental charity Hubbub, with the support of compliance scheme, Ecosurety, 24 major brands and retailers, Leeds City Council and local institutions, aims to boost the recycling of food and drinks packaging.
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On the other hand...?

The humble 'rubber' glove has become surprisingly sophisticated and now ranges over at least three categories, six specific and numerous more-generic international standards. There are also two competing issues - preventing moisture getting in but still allowing the hand to breathe.

The solution is, necessarily, a compromise - but a different compromise for each Category, Standard and often for specific applications. And this is where Versaperm, a specialist in vapour permeability comes in with its latest range of measurement systems.
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Monthind Clean wins contract for Norfolk's New Quadram Institute

East of England contract cleaning company Monthind, has secured a multi-service line contract at the new state-of-the-art Quadram Institute (QI) medical facility.

As CBRE Asset Services' chosen partner for cleaning and associated services, Monthind has been appointed as the provider of a range of services including cleaning, window cleaning, pest control, grounds maintenance and waste management. Monthind was also awarded via Wates Construction - the construction firm responsible for delivery of the QI - the contract to provide the post-build clean prior to its opening.
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Bio-Productions embraces 'Wear It Pink' Day

Burgess Hill-based manufacturer Bio-Productions, is widely respected for the dedicated way it looks after its team with an approach to staff relationships that goes way beyond the usual HR boundaries.

Typical of this special company culture is the support of the entire workforce for 'Wear it Pink' Day.
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Revealed: new names for recycling trucks!

Wychavon District Council and its waste and recycling collections partner FCC Environment have now sifted through over 300 resident entries for names for the 15, brand spanking new waste and recycling trucks which are taking to the roads this month.

The names are:

- Reggie Refuse
- Sir Trash a Lot
- The Incredible Bulk
- Lambergreenie
- Recyclosaurus Rex
- Jus-bin Timberlake
- The Ter-bin-ator
- Binderella
- The Flying Dustman
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Envirocall leads Emma Bridgewater post-fire clean-up

In August six fire crews tackled a blaze at the Emma Bridgewater factory site in Lichfield Street, Stoke-on-Trent. The fire caused significant damage to the factory.
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Viridor invests £3.7m in Crayford materials recycling facility to improve quality and safety

Viridor has invested £3.7 million in enhanced paper purity and fire protection systems at its Crayford Materials Recycling Facility near Dartford. The Crayford MRF receives 300,000 tonnes of co-mingled content from 28 local authorities each year.
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Environmental Cleaners laud perseverance and expertise of military forces

The Worshipful Company of Environmental Cleaners has recently held its annual Military Awards. This event shines a light on the fantastic achievements of the servicemen, women and cadets that contribute to making our armed forces one of the most respected and accomplished in the world today.
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Star Platforms raises its game with £2m investment in working at height equipment

Business is on the up at Bedfordshire-based Star Platforms, as the company invests £2 million in new working at height equipment to support the opening of its fifth depot.
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The increasingly important role of technology in the cleaning industry

Cleanhire, the St Helens, Merseyside supplier of industrial floor cleaning machines, argues the case for incorporating technology into your cleaning program...
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YPO joins CHSA as Accredited Distributor

YPO, the UK's largest public sector buying and procurement organization, has joined the Cleaning & Hygiene Suppliers Association's Accreditation Scheme for Distributors.

YPO's decision to join signifies the Scheme's importance to buyers of cleaning and hygiene products. Only by buying from Accredited members can purchasers and end users of these products be certain 'what's on the box is what's in the box'.

www.ypo.co.uk

Belfast weekend demonstrates benefits of wet cleaning

In partnership with William Clements (Chemicals) and National Laundry (NLIE), laundry chemicals specialist Christeyns has run the second of its 2018 Wet Cleaning events. The two-day open house event, held at McCall Cleaners in Belfast, Northern Ireland, showcased Christeyns' innovative AquaWave concept in combination with premium National Laundry equipment.
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Van Excellence launches calm solution for poor driver mental health

Suicide is now the biggest killer of men under the age of 45 in the UK. Many who take their own lives struggle with mental health issues and suffer in silence for fear of isolation, ridicule or lack of support from those around them.
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Brightwell Dispensers appoints Rachel Halliday as business development manager

Brightwell Dispensers has enhanced its sales team with the appointment of Rachel Halliday as business development manager.
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Cleaners in the spotlight: Thank Your Cleaner Day 2018

Cleaning is one of the most important industries in the world yet is often undervalued by those who benefit from the service.

Every day tens of thousands of skilled, hardworking cleaning staff are onsite to ensure premises, working and living environments are kept clean, safe and hygienic ensuring they are 'ready to go' for the next business day.
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New deal delivers 80% of waste to energy

More than 80% of general household waste will be converted into energy in a new contract between North Lanarkshire council and Viridor Waste Management. The contract will see 64,000 tonnes of waste from homes and Household Waste Recycling Centres treated every year.

This material, which would previously have gone to landfill, will be treated at Viridor's new Energy Recovery Facility in Dunbar, where it is converted into energy.
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Mitie Pest Control sold to Rentokil Initial for £40 million in cash

Mitie Group announced on Monday the sale of the entire issued share capital of Mitie Pest Control to Rentokil Initial for £40 million, which will be paid in cash at completion, subject to any adjustment for final completion accounts.
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Another year of washroom judging completed

The Loo of the Year Awards inspection teams have now completed the inspection of thousands of 2018 Loo of the Year Awards entrants' washrooms throughout the UK. They have travelled thousands of miles by road, sea and air have visited towns/cities from Wick in Scotland to The Islands of Scilly and Londonderry in Northern Ireland to Lowestoft in East Anglia.
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'Get a Grip' on ladder safety

The Ladder Association, a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to keeping people safe when working at height, is urging ladder users - and those responsible for managing the safe use of ladders - to take a fresh approach to ladder training.
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London Cleaning Show
18-20th March 2025
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Paris
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The Workplace Event
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Birmingham, UK
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