The ISSA Interclean 2024 show was impressive, featuring hundreds of exhibitors, thousands of attendees, and an extensive lineup of educational sessions focused on the professional cleaning industry. The event provided the opportunity for cleaning suppliers, distributors, redistributors, building service contractors (BSCs), and service providers to connect, exchange insights, and explore the latest innovations shaping the industry.
Sustainability remained a central theme at this year’s ISSA Interclean show. Laura Mahecha, Director of Kline’s Professional Cleaning vertical, delivered an insightful presentation titled “Cleaning for a Greener Future: How Sustainability is Shaping Professional Cleaning Habits”. Drawing on findings from Kline’s latest surveys with thousands of end-use decision-makers responsible for purchasing industrial and institutional cleaning wipes and kitchen cleaning supplies across key sectors like foodservice, healthcare, education, and retail, Mahecha shared valuable insights into the industry’s evolving priorities.
The Growing Importance of Sustainability in Cleaning Product Choices
According to Kline’s Foodservice Cleaning Products USA survey, 90% of respondents reported that sustainability initiatives are increasing in their facilities, with 70% adopting products that featured greener chemistry and 75% focused on reducing plastic waste. Many also expressed a willingness to spend more on green cleaning solutions, reflecting the growing importance of sustainability in purchasing decisions.
Green Cleaning Solutions in Focus as ESG Goals Take Priority
Building on this momentum, the event featured a dedicated sustainability hub showcasing green cleaning products and solutions. These included plant-based and botanical ingredients, biodegradable packaging made from post-recycled content plastics, and insightful presentations from EPA representatives on the implementation of Safer Choice standards for new products. With 2025 and 2030 ESG building standards just around the corner, sustainability remains a top priority for facility operations managers.
Among the featured products were Clorox Pro’s EcoClean Disinfecting Wipes, made with citric acid and a 100% plant-based substrate, using 38% less plastic than traditional wipes. Dial Professional Hand Soap also stood out for its improved packaging, now packaged in bottles made from 100% PCR plastic.
Cleaning Smarter and Faster to Address Labor Challenges
The event’s innovation hub also addressed another pressing challenge for the industry: staff shortages and high turnover rates. To help cleaning teams maintain safety and efficiency with fewer staff members, the hub showcased the latest advancements in automation. Featured products included the Nilfisk SC25 Autonomous Scrubber, which operates at the touch of a button to free up resources while ensuring consistent, reliable cleaning. Another standout was CenoBots L50, an AI-Powered Scrubber Dryer designed for demanding environments such as healthcare, education, retail, and office buildings.
Other innovations focused on energy efficiency, such as Georgia Pacific Pro’s enMotion Paper Towel Dispenser with ECON mode. This battery-saving feature extends battery life from four to five years and enables 20% more towel roll throughput, highlighting how innovation is optimizing both cost and performance.
Advanced Cleaning Formulations for Long-Lasting Protection
Other notable products on display were Reckitt’s Professional Lysol Disinfectant Bathroom Cleaner, featuring new polymer technology that creates a protective layer on restroom surfaces to prevent soap scum buildup. Faultless Professionals’ Multi-Task Probiotic Biosurfactant All Surface Cleaner also stood out as a low-foaming, pH-neutral solution that effectively removes surface soils and eliminates odors. This cleaner leaves a residual probiotic barrier, providing ongoing cleaning and protection.
The professional cleaning industry continues to innovate, ensuring that buildings remain clean and occupants stay healthy and safe. For more information on how Kline’s Professional Cleaning solutions can inform your business strategy, please connect with an industry expert.
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