Words: Helen Morgan
Implementing sustainable operational and manufacturing practices in the cleaning and hygiene industry is no longer seen as an ‘if’ but a ‘when’. However, committing to sustainably mindful practices necessitates more than just investing in eco-friendly products.
Sustainability demands systemic change, industry-wide collaboration, inclusive and philanthropic workplace practices, smarter product design and a realignment of priorities. INCLEAN speaks to industry figures and unpacks the limitations of a tokenistic and solely product-focused approach to sustainability.
Cleanstar key account manager Ginny Bebbington believes a true commitment to sustainability in cleaning and hygiene involves systemic – and even epistemological – change.
“At Cleanstar, sustainability means rethinking the entire lifecycle of our products,” she says.
Bebbington recognises the validity and importance of product-focused sustainability efforts, such as plant-based ingredients, biodegradable packaging and non-toxic formulas, yet she implores companies to pursue more robust and rigorous solutions, such as policy reform and workplace culture shifts.
“The industry must widen its scope if we want lasting impact,” she says.
JLL head of workplace supply chain and procurement Henri Fadli echoes Bebbington’s belief in the importance of meaningful sustainability initiatives.
“A holistic approach addresses both environmental sustainability and social responsibility in cleaning services,” Fadli says.
The global real estate company joined forces with vendors, industry organisations and subject matter experts to develop The Green Standard for Cleaning Services. The guide instructs retail sites and corporate offices on how to achieve and sustain the minimum requirements for sustainable cleaning practices across the entire supply chain.
“Cleaning plays a pivotal role in achieving broader sustainability goals,” Fadli says.
Replacing disposable thinking with repairable thinking
Bebbington says companies would be wise to prioritise developing products that are repairable and future proof. She resents the inclination of people who view buying machinery as a throwaway decision.
“A repairable product is a sustainable product, extending its life, which reduces manufacturing demand, waste and cost to the customer,” she explains.
Cleanstar has made the Right to Repair a core focus by providing greater in-house and distributor training to allow machinery to stay in operation for years rather than months.
“Businesses that proactively embrace repairability in products will benefit from lower waste costs, stronger brand loyalty and a genuine reduction in environmental impact,” Bebbington says.
For businesses that are unsure where to begin with manufacturing repairable products, Bebbington recommends starting with thoughtful product sourcing and partnering with like-minded suppliers.
“We choose suppliers who can provide long-term parts support and build machinery that’s designed to be serviced,” she shares.
Essity head of B2B marketing for Australasia Rochelle Lake says TORK shares Cleanstar’s focus on a holistic approach to sustainability. TORK mindfully sources materials and improves access to hygiene while also advancing water and energy efficiency, encouraging responsible chemical use and disposal and considering the full lifecycle of every product.
Governed by four sustainability focus areas – materials and packaging, waste and usage, carbon footprint, and hygiene – TORK is pursuing a target of 100 percent sustainably sourced wood fibres in products, in addition to carbon reduction by 2030.
“We’re always looking to see if we can source materials responsibly and increase the use of recyclable materials and natural ingredients,” Lake says.
Think beyond the product
Although Bebbington is encouraged by the industry’s sincere willingness to elevate sustainability initiatives, she fears the focus is still too narrow, as some companies exclusively opt to deliver ‘green’ chemical formulations, which usurp important opportunities such as circular economy design.
“The focus is often too narrow, locked on chemical formulations while overlooking larger opportunities like circular economy design,” Bebbington says. “Without repairability and resource reuse, sustainability remains partial.”
Enviroplus responds to Bebbington’s rallying cry for sustainable commercial cleaning to move beyond the product and into social and cultural sustainability. The company partners with the Indigenous Literacy Fund and subsequently donates a portion of sales to providing books to remote Australian communities, alongside receiving GECA and Global Green Tag certification for all products.
Simple and achievable steps
For cleaning businesses eager to embark on a ‘green’ and sustainable journey yet immobilised by overwhelming choice, Bebbington says, take small steps.
“Start small, but start now,” she advises. “Sustainability is achievable if you start by adding one repairable product line, offering parts and servicing alongside sales and training staff and clients in maintenance.”
Lake says holistic sustainability initiatives can be simple but effective and achievable.
“If you choose dispensing systems that are designed to take less, that’s a very cost-effective thing to do, or even composting waste such as hand towels can reduce the carbon footprint by up to 50 percent across the whole lifecycle,” she says.
Sustainability is the long game
Businesses must remain accountable and nimble to change by regularly reevaluating practices and customs.
“The best thing is to regularly report on targets and get independent recognition of the work you are doing,” Lake says.
She also emphasises the importance of investing in sustainability consultancy and partnering with dedicated subject matter experts.
“You need time to dig beyond the surface and understand the material issues, the independent verification and the improvements are being made, and that takes time, so it can be hard for people to have the right resources to do it.”
Every step, no matter how small, is a win, Bebbington says, as it advertises to customers that sustainability is more than a marketing ploy.
“If we can shift from disposable thinking to repairable thinking, we’ll move into being truly sustainable,” Bebbington says.
This article first appeared in the July/Aug print edition of INCLEAN Magazine
