Green cleaning has shifted from niche initiative to industry standard across much of North America and Europe, and 2025 is the year the rest of the world is catching up.
According to CEO and president of The Ashkin Group and one of the most recognised global voices in green cleaning Steve Ashkin, countries in Asia, Africa and South America are now adopting sustainable products and practices at speed. He says the change follows the same trajectory seen in the US and Canada two decades ago, driven by four key forces.
The first key force is health. Green cleaning safeguards building occupants and the broader environment, while protecting cleaning teams from unnecessary exposure to chemical irritants. The second force is performance. Facilities using green-certified processes report cleaner air and fewer irritants – supporting focus, mental clarity and well-being. This leads to measurable gains in productivity for staff and cleaning teams alike.
The third driver is environmental responsibility. More manufacturers now accept it is their duty to protect workers, clients and the communities they serve. The fourth is cost-effectiveness. Today’s green products are highly concentrated and multipurpose, helping teams work faster with less product, cutting both usage and purchasing cycles.
Ashkin says the global shift is prompting more contractors and facility managers to seek out education and training. “It reminds me of my early days in advocacy, when much of the work involved building a foundation of knowledge and offering practical ways to bring green cleaning into everyday routines,” he says.
Australian market momentum mirrors global shift
For Australian facility managers, the parallels are clear. While the local market has been an early adopter in sectors such as education, healthcare and government, there is now momentum in commercial property, hospitality and large-scale events. National certification schemes and procurement frameworks are making it easier for cleaning providers to align with sustainability goals, while state-based waste and chemical management regulations are pushing the industry to lift standards further.
Ashkin notes the process is simpler now than it was a generation ago. Well-established certification standards give organisations a clear benchmark, and advanced products and equipment – some shaped by artificial intelligence – deliver stronger results with less environmental impact.
For Ashkin, this is the realisation of a long-term vision: cleaning methods that protect people, respect the planet and deliver strong operational outcomes. With more regions making the move, he believes a shared global commitment to green practices is within reach – and Australia is well-placed to be among its leaders.
A longer version of this article first appeared on the ISSA website.
