There are growing demands on commercial cleaning companies to be proactively transparent about sustainability and offer green cleaning solutions to support compliance and live up to the increasing regulatory demands of their clients. Sustainability has become crucial for businesses to remain relevant and competitive. Malene Thiele, VP, Global ESG & Sustainability at Nilfisk, gives her perspective on the upcoming sustainability trends in the cleaning industry.

Sustainability is a license to operate
If you, as a professional in the cleaning industry, haven't already started focusing on sustainability, this is your last call. Large companies in the EU (+500 employees) are already required to submit ESG reports in accordance with the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive. The energy consumption from cleaning machines will be part of the customers’ scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas emissions, and consequently we will see increased demands for reporting and documentation of climate impact. If you can't deliver this data, it may have a significant impact on your business.

At Nilfisk, we don't see ourselves merely as suppliers. We aim to be a trusted partner, supporting our customers every step of the way. Also, when it comes to delivering data on sustainability.

Be a part of the solution 

For cleaning companies, there is a competitive advantage in leading the way in sustainable development. Being a frontrunner in sustainability may open doors to new markets and new customers while also strengthening the company's ability to recruit and strengthen its employee satisfaction and retention. Survey shows that when the company moves from being part of the climate problem to becoming part of the solution, employer branding will improve*

Be mindful when you clean
We must be mindful of our consumption of resources – also when we clean. Water, energy, and detergents are unavoidable elements in the cleaning process. As one of the world's leading manufacturers of professional cleaning equipment, we see it as our responsibility to lead the way with new innovative solutions that help preserve water, save energy, and use less detergent without compromising cleaning standards and efficiency.

New tech paves the way
At Nilfisk, we maintain a constant focus on developing technologies aimed at conserving resources – such as EcoFlex™ technology. This advanced feature controls the amount of water and detergent used during the cleaning process, preventing overuse, and ensuring maximum efficiency. In fact, EcoFlex™ saves up to 40% in water, 20% in energy, and up to 60% in detergent, all while maintaining effective floor cleaning**. It's a win for both the environment and your business. Our next-generation products will come with EcoFlex settings by default. For instance, the new SC550.

Another crucial point is the importance of serviceability. We design our machines to be intuitive and easy to maintain and service, which extends the product's lifespan. And every machine kept operational due to timely maintenance and service is one less machine going to the landfill and fewer virgin resources being used for manufacturing. On top of reducing the environmental impact it reduces risks of costly major repairs and negative impacts from machine downtime.

From linear to circular economy
To minimize waste and improve recycling, we will see a shift towards refurbished machines. In the US, Nilfisk have already developed a take-back program to refurbish cleaning equipment that has been leased or rented by customers, giving it new life as fully functional second-hand products. We are working on the take-back program, and the interest in the market is growing as more and more businesses are looking to rent or buy high-quality secondhand equipment.

Another future trend in the industry will be the use of recycled materials in the manufacture of new equipment. Our new VP300 R is a prime example. Crafted with 30% post-consumer recycled plastic, the VP300 R represents a significant step forward in our commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility. While some companies rely on post- industrial recycled plastic (PIR), we use post-consumer recycled plastic (PCR) which underscores our dedication to doing our share to solve the global plastic challenge.

We all share a responsibility
At Nilfisk, we are working more intently than ever to make it easier for our customers to achieve their desired sustainability targets through data and documentation. As a commercial cleaning company, you must increasingly be prepared to meet sustainability demands. It goes beyond simply reporting. It entails a more holistic outlook that encompasses all aspects of cleaning operations. It’s not just about what we do but also how we do it, and this realization will become a gamechanger in most industries, not the least our industry.

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