How was 2024 for Rubbermaid Commercial Products?
2024 has been an exceptional year for Rubbermaid Commercial Products (RCP), marked by growth and meaningful connections across Australia and New Zealand in the cleaning and hygiene industry. Our commitment to advancing the health and aged care sectors led to strong partnerships and tailored solutions that addressed specific market needs.
One of the standout initiatives of the year was the global rollout of ‘Behind the Scenes of Clean – Thank Your Cleaner Day’, where RCP celebrated the often-overlooked contributions of cleaning professionals. This initiative highlighted the vital role they play in maintaining health and hygiene standards while fostering appreciation and recognition within the industry.
The year has been a testament to our dedication to delivering quality, performance and value while staying attuned to the evolving needs of our customers.
What do you see as your main focus for 2025?
In 2025, our main focus will be to continue building on the momentum of 2024 by deepening our presence in Australia, New Zealand and the broader APAC region. We aim to strengthen our support for the health and aged care sectors by expanding tailored solutions and fostering long-term partnerships. This strategy is aligned with our strategic ‘Where to Play’ and ‘How to Win’ choices, ensuring that we prioritise the right markets and deliver impactful solutions to drive growth.
We are excited to see the launch of our HYGEN™ RFID Microfibre product range, which will further enhance operational efficiencies for our customers and reinforce our commitment to innovation and excellence.
What trends do you see in the cleaning industry?
The cleaning industry continues to evolve rapidly, with several key trends shaping its future. Sustainability remains a major focus, with increasing demand for environmentally friendly products and solutions that reduce waste and conserve resources.
Another significant trend is the adoption of smart technologies and data-driven solutions. Tools like RFID-enabled products, Internet of Things (IoT) devices, and robotics are enabling greater operational transparency, efficiency and precision, particularly in large-scale facilities. Autonomous cleaning robots, for instance, are being increasingly integrated into cleaning routines to tackle repetitive tasks, allowing staff to focus on more complex and valueadded responsibilities.
What are the biggest challenges facing the cleaning industry right now?
The cleaning industry is currently facing several significant challenges. Ongoing supply chain disruptions have resulted in delays and increased costs for materials and equipment, directly impacting the timely delivery of services and overall profitability. Rising operational costs, driven by inflation, have further strained businesses. While the adoption of advanced technologies such as robotics and IoT devices offers potential efficiency gains, many companies face difficulties in integrating these tools, especially when lacking the necessary resources or expertise.
Additionally, the growing demand for environmentally friendly practices is pushing businesses to invest in sustainable products and processes. However, balancing these investments with profitability remains a particular challenge. Addressing these issues requires strategic planning, investment in technology and training, and a strong commitment to sustainability to ensure long-term success.
What role does sustainability play in your plans for 2025?
We are working to embed sustainability practices in everything we do. In 2024, we have done foundational work to build a sustainability strategy based on facts that respond to our stakeholders’ expectations. Sustainability is a cornerstone of our 2025 strategy onwards. We’re focused on several key areas:
• Product innovation: Developing more sustainable products with recycled content, durability, reduced environmental impact and consideration for their end of life.
• Greenwashing-free communications: Making communications with robust, factual and substantiated information to fight greenwashing.
• Operational excellence: Enhancing energy efficiency in our facilities, minimising waste throughout our operations and obtaining third-party certifications.
• Responsible value chain: Collaborating with upstream and downstream stakeholders to promote sustainable and ethical practices.
These initiatives align with our commitment to a more sustainable cleaning industry and reflect our understanding of the growing importance of environmental stewardship in our industry.
What does good leadership mean to you?
Good leadership is about inspiring and guiding a team toward achieving shared goals while fostering a positive and inclusive environment. It involves clear communication, accountability and the ability to adapt to challenges with resilience and innovation. Good leadership is not just about achieving results but about empowering others, cultivating trust and leaving a lasting positive impact on the people and organisation they lead.
What is one thing you want people to know about the cleaning industry in 2025?
The cleaning industry in 2025 is no longer just about maintaining cleanliness – it’s about driving innovation, sustainability and health outcomes in every sector it touches. It’s an industry that is evolving rapidly and deserves recognition for its critical impact on the future.
