In today’s fast-paced commercial environments, the margin for error in chemical handling is shrinking. Facility managers are being asked to reduce environmental impact, improve workplace health and safety (WHS) outcomes and maintain clinical-grade hygiene – all without increasing operational complexity. To meet these demands, cleaning providers are embracing smarter systems, intuitive packaging and data-driven decision-making.
From automated dilution systems to real-time usage tracking, the sector is proving that sustainability and safety can go hand in hand.
Clarity in a bottle
Clear labelling and packaging design are frontline tools in preventing accidents, misuse and overuse, particularly in large teams or multilingual workforces.
According to Bunzl Facilities Management’s national business development manager Liam Fitchett, the days of murky drums and manual guesswork are over.
“Gone are the days of cupboards full of 20-litre drums,” says Fitchett. “With innovations like Ecolab’s Ready Dose tablets, sites reduce plastic, manual handling risks and shelf space. One product now does the work of three and still meets TGA certification. That’s the kind of practical shift that sticks.”
Microguard CEO Jade Flack agrees that the shift needs to go deeper than surface-level labelling. “Too many businesses still rely on outdated habits: using four or five products on one site, mixing manually or overapplying just to be sure the job’s done. Not only is this inefficient, it raises safety risks, increases waste and puts unnecessary pressure on staff.”
Pre-portioned formats like tablets or pods reduce packaging waste and eliminate dilution errors. QR-coded safety data sheets and colour-coded trigger bottles are becoming standard as small interventions that make a big difference on the ground.
Automated control, human confidence
Automation is playing a pivotal role in reducing both human error and chemical waste. Closed-loop dosing systems, wall-mounted dilution stations and smart dispensers are now commonplace in facilities that prioritise both compliance and cost control.
“We’re entering an era of intelligent chemical use,” says Bunzl’s cleaning chemicals and equipment category manager Malcolm Barclay. “That means closed-loop dosing systems, refillable packaging, QR-coded SDS and real-time usage tracking. These upgrades make compliance easier, reduce waste and boost efficiency. It’s a shift from just using less to using smarter.”
Flack adds that a smarter system also empowers more people to operate confidently. “Your business should be asking: What chemicals are we using, can we reduce the amount and how are we managing them on-site? The best operations are building systems that reduce complexity and put safer chemical use in everyone’s hands.”
She points to dilution control and concentrated chemical systems as game-changers. “A diluted product only works if it’s mixed correctly. Technologies like wall-mounted dispensers take the guesswork out and ensure chemicals are used effectively. Bulk or concentrated formats also cut down on transport emissions, packaging waste and storage needs.”
That shift is being felt across sectors, especially where WHS compliance and ESG reporting intersect. For operators, fewer spills and simpler procedures mean less risk. For managers, centralised systems offer visibility and control across multiple sites.
Training that sticks
Chemical safety has evolved into a proactive commitment to smarter systems, stronger compliance and low-impact solutions that protect people and the planet.
Fitchett has seen strong results where clients integrate product demonstrations and refresher sessions into onboarding and toolbox talks.
“Our clients are looking for safer, low-impact solutions that still perform,” he says. “We’re leading with innovations like 3M’s Scotchgard, which replaces frequent, hazardous strip-and-seal processes. Two coats, low maintenance and hardly any chemical input.”
Flack believes training should go beyond theory. “When your people know the ‘why’ behind every task, they’re more likely to deliver consistently,” she says. “It’s not about having the biggest shelf of products, it’s about building smart systems that empower your team and protect your clients.”
Less fragrance, more function
The push for safer chemical handling goes beyond procedures. It’s also about what’s inside the bottle – and what’s being left out.
“There is a growing demand for dye- and fragrance-free chemicals like Diversey’s Sure range,” Fitchett says. “Plus, bio-enzymatic products that break down organic waste without harsh actives. These aren’t fringe options anymore. They’re core to how we futureproof cleaning practices.”
For frontline workers exposed to chemicals on a daily basis, gentler formulations can reduce allergic reactions and respiratory irritation. In sensitive settings like aged care or education, eliminating unnecessary fragrances also enhances occupant wellbeing.
Compliance without the paper chase
Documentation and compliance tracking have long been pain points in chemical management. However, suppliers are now providing support that goes well beyond safety data sheets.
“More clients want ethical, locally manufactured, GECA-certified products,” Barclay says. “They’re focused on ESG goals, waste reduction and making sure product claims stand up. Bunzl partners with suppliers that meet those standards and we provide the compliance support to back it up.”
Flack advises staying ahead of regulation, rather than scrambling to catch up. “Audit your systems quarterly, not just annually. Regulations change – and so should your documentation and training. Subscribe to updates from your state’s WHS authority, and reassess whether there are newer products or smarter techniques available.”
Digital dashboards, cloud-based SDS libraries and standardised audits mean facility managers can demonstrate compliance without drowning in paperwork. Some systems even generate environmental impact reports or tie into broader ESG platforms.
Fit-for-purpose thinking
One of the key drivers of chemical safety is compatibility. Using the right product for the right surface, soil load and setting isn’t just about performance – it’s about minimising unnecessary exposure.
“True sustainability means more than reducing chemical use,” Barclay says. “It’s about effectiveness with minimal inputs – chemical, water and labour – and the full lifecycle impact of each product.”
As Flack puts it, “It’s no longer about relying on a select few to manage risk – your whole team needs the right tools and knowledge to work safely and confidently.”
Future-fit, not fragile
As supply chains shift and ESG standards tighten, chemical handling is moving into the spotlight as a focus of innovation. It’s where operational efficiency meets human-centred design.
“These aren’t fringe options anymore,” Fitchett says. “They’re core to how we futureproof cleaning practices.”
Flack agrees. “Chemical safety and sustainability aren’t optional extras anymore – they’re central to doing the job well. The more proactive you are now, the better positioned your business will be in the future.”
That future is fast approaching. And the industry leaders won’t be those chasing the next green label – but those investing in systems, training and technologies that make safety the default, not the exception.
This article originally appeared in the Inclean magazine print edition. Order your free copy here.
