Hydro Systems @ Interclean 2022
At this year’s Interclean, Hydro showcased two sector innovations from its connected dispensing portfolio - the Multi-Washer 3000 Series and the DMX - along with the EvoClean, the dispenser that helped transform the laundry industry. All three are powerful allies for any business looking to keep utility costs to a minimum, but without any compromise on operational efficiency and reliability.
The Multi-Washer 3000 Series
Hydro’s Multi-Washer 3000 Series with EvoClean provides reliable chemical dispensing for on-premise laundries. It’s a single system that delivers the accurate dosing of the EvoClean dispenser across all the washers in a facility. The system combines the benefits of a Multi-Washer - one setup, one calibration, and less wall space - with the capabilities of the EvoClean, to ensure less maintenance, faster installation and improved dosing reliability.
The Multi-Washer 3000 Series feature PCB-based control. Using the EvoClean’s venturi dosing technology it can deliver precise doses under 30ml /1oz and is easy to configure and maintain. It does not utilise squeeze tubes that negatively impact accuracy, and is not subject to degradation like other peristaltic technologies.
The Multi-Washer 3000 Series is available for three washers with four, six or eight products. It enables real-time statistics and remote configuration changes through Hydro Connect from any global location with an Internet connection. Users can reduce maintenance costs by adding a formula, changing a dosing amount or switching the dosing mode without traveling to a site.
Improved transparency gives chemical providers and end-users increased visibility into their operations.
The DMX dispenser
With the durable, safe and easy-to-use DMX dispenser, commercial kitchens can look forward to accurate and reliable dispensing of solid or liquid detergents, rinse aid or sanitizer. Designed to work anywhere in the world on most high- or low- temperature door, conveyer and flight-style machines, there are numerous optional upgrades available to enhance its functionality.
The unit’s pre-wired power, signal and conductivity cabling saves time and money, while enhancing safety and reducing the need for costly site visits. The improved data visibility on productivity (racks washed), chemical usage, costs, and task alarms, via Hydro Connect, also helps ensure compliance to the Food Code. In addition, an inductive probe prevents nuisance reactive calls related to probe scale build up.
By using the Hydro Connect mobile app the DMX speeds up installations - reducing time needed by as much as 30% - with the setup-by-file option, and also reduces the training time required. It’s more intuitive user interface and a comprehensive reporting capability are also compatible with Hydro Connect.
To improve reliability, the unit has a redesigned race and motor that extends tube life, even in busy kitchens with flight-style dish machines. Optional depletion wand connections, to detect out of product events, and optional temperature probes - to detect low rinse or tank temperature - complete this Hydro innovation.
The EvoClean
The EvoClean’s venturi technology guarantees dilution accuracy for multiple products - the system is available in four, six and eight product configurations with either low or high flow rate. This ensures the right amount of chemicals are dispensed consistently. Optimal performance is delivered in terms of a single cycle and over the course of continuous operation for laundry that is washed to the highest standard.
The EvoClean eliminates the routine maintenance requirements of some competing peristaltic systems to remove concerns over deteriorating performance from worn tubes. It has no moving parts and contains an integrated flush manifold and a low-level alarm. With chemical dispensing technologies making a direct impact on running costs, the EvoClean monitors specific trends over time. Its in-built technology includes an automated formula select (AFS) control, which correlates a certain formula against each wash type conveying how much each wash is costing, as well as what the overall cost is.
The software also monitors any events, alarms and disturbances to the system, offering the user complete security. Hydro’s technology means that there is no chemical drop-off and all of the necessary equipment is already built-in. The EvoClean comes pre-wired from the factory to save time on installation.
Cleaning efficacy and sustainability - finding the balance
Customers are increasingly demanding cleaning products that are sustainable but going green doesn’t have to mean compromising on efficacy, as James Law, commercial director at 2Pure Products, explains.
‘Green cleaning’ has become a bit of a buzz term in the industry over the past few years, as the sector does its part to reduce its impact on the environment. But with customers looking to their suppliers to support them in their carbon reduction efforts, ‘going green’ is now a vital part of the purchasing decision.
In recent years we have seen an influx of eco-cleaning products enter the market, with mixed reviews. However, those that go the distance are the ones that successfully balance efficacy with strong sustainability credentials. These are the products that offer a high standard of hygiene, whilst minimising the impact they have on the environment. This extends beyond the raw materials used, to the whole manufacturing and distribution process, and end-use of the product.
This balance is something that we strive to deliver to our portfolio of clients. From only using ingredients that are safe for people and the environment, to ensuring all our bottles and containers are made from 100% recycled plastic, our OdorBac Tec4 product (a multi-purpose odour control and all surface cleaner) aims to revolutionise the way we clean and maintain our world, safely and ecologically.
Reviewed by independent bodies, it has been classified as non-irritant, non-hazardous and 100% biodegradable. Our trigger sprays and containers are also made from 100% recycled plastic and, in partnership with our distribution partners, we can assist customers in reducing single use plastics to zero through closed loop recycling. 2Pure Products has created a closed loop system, which will see the used 100% recycled plastic container returned to the 2Pure factory, washed, refilled and returned to the loop on the next scheduled delivery.
One customer that can testify to its green credentials is Care UK, one of the UK’s largest independent care providers. It operates more than 150 homes around the country offering expert residential and nursing care, and is a specialist in dementia, respite and end-of-life care. Care UK was one of the first major companies to adopt our revolutionary product and today, every Care UK home uses OdorBac Tec4 as its main cleaning product. Sustainability was an important consideration for Care UK when selecting a new cleaning product. Thanks to 2Pure Products’ green commitments, Care UK has saved 3690 kilograms of C02, and has prevented 2775 kilograms of virgin plastic being produced, over the past year.
By offering a high-performance product that has been manufactured in the most sustainable way using 100% renewable energy, we can support our customers in achieving their own green cleaning ambitions.
The importance of dosing systems in today’s cleaning sector
With the continued increase in popularity for chemical dosing systems, and the large scale of systems on offer, it can be a difficult market to navigate. Deciding which is the best option for your company can be a tough decision with advantages to both self-dosing and wall mounted systems. Jamie Grainger, commercial director at PPS, discusses some of the key points to help choose between self-dosing and wall mounted systems, and the benefits of investing in these solutions.
Dosing systems ultimately save the user time and money. They standardise the amount of chemical used, which cuts out wastage. However, we still experience customers being resistant to dosing systems because they either don’t understand them, don’t know which one to use or are worried about them breaking and having down-time.
Before determining which dosing system would be best for your business, let’s take a look at what a chemical dosing system is. Essentially a chemical dosing system is a dispensing unit which doses or dilutes chemical solution at the point of use by the end user, providing accurate measures each time. As businesses are required to use a number of chemicals for various applications, it is essential that dispensers and dosing bottles come with clear, colour coded signage to provide a clear visual on which area this chemical should be used.
All workplaces can be hectic at times so it is paramount that the chemical dosing system you choose provides clear and easy to use instructions for the end user. Clear, colour coded signage on the units and bottles, signage providing information such as areas of use for each chemical, dilution rates and additional products required for application are also essential. Making instructions as clear and easy-to-read as possible eases the process in fast-paced environments.
With the current price volatility in all markets, chemical dosing systems not only maximise cleaning performance, but also provide cost savings compared with traditional cleaning methods. When reviewing potential dosing systems, a key point to take into account is the dilution rate of the solution as some highly concentrated options will provide superior cost in use.
An additional area to research which is often overlooked is the pre and post customer support programme your supplier of choice offers. Initially, guidance will need to be provided to ensure the equipment you are looking to install is the correct option for your requirements. Once installed, although dosing system units are robust in design, issues can still arise which is where a post customer support programme comes into place. Support is offered through some suppliers to ensure any issues are resolved quickly to minimise downtime post-install, should any issues arise.
If wall space is limited in your workplace and wall mounted systems are not an option, self-dosing systems could be the best solution. They are another popular choice which essentially work in the same way, providing accurate measurements each time, but do not have to be mounted on the wall. Doses have to be added manually but are still measured out accurately to save time.
Although dosing systems are all about chemical dosages, they can still help towards reducing negative impacts on the environment with new ranges featuring 100% PCR (post-consumer recycled) plastic whilst also moving away from harmful petrochemicals. Dosing systems can assist a company in a number of ways, but they ultimately save time and money in fast paced environments that require quick solutions delivered efficiently.
Hygiene dispenser recycling initiative underway
Recycling end-of-life plastic waste has never been more important, and within the facilities sector this is no different. The Dis-Cycle initiative pioneered by Upwood Cleaning & Hygiene is an in-house scheme designed to enable the recycling of old, end-of-life hygiene dispenser systems and re-use their plastic foundations to manufacture new products.
How does the process work?
While new hygiene dispenser systems are being installed at the client’s facility, Upwood collects the old, dismantled dispensers and transports them to its proprietary recycling centre where the disused hygiene dispensers are shredded into fibrous granules and reused to manufacture new products.
Kirsty Powell, sales director at Upwood Cleaning & Hygiene, said: “We are fully committed to working in partnership with our customers to reduce, reuse, recycle, and cut waste. Sustainability is high on the agenda in every organisation - as a supply chain partner of choice, we have a responsibility to support our customers to meet their environmental and legislative obligations, by offering added value services that go beyond just selling eco-friendly cleaning products.”
The in-house dedicated recycling facility in the East Midlands uses waste plastic as the core component for manufacturing new products by a thermoset compression moulding process. The fibrous plastic granules are heated into a viscous material before being set by a mould on a hydraulic press, forming a new product, ready-for-market. The manufactured products at the facility include feet and weighted ballast for fence systems to name but a few.
Why is dispenser recycling important?
We’re all well versed on the global and national plastic problem, with an estimated 17% of waste plastic being sent to landfill according to The British Plastics Federation and an estimated 46% being incinerated - a major source of air pollution. The importance of recycling schemes for plastic waste at end-of-life has never been greater and those responsible for business premises have a duty to ensure that plastics are disposed of in the most environmentally responsible way. Plastic hygiene dispenser systems are no exception, which is where the Dis-Cycle scheme from Upwood comes in.
What dispensers can be recycled?
The recycling scheme works for all hygiene dispenser systems where plastic is the primary material including bulk fill soap dispensers, paper product dispensers, cartridge system dispensers, and more. Any residual metal within the dispensers is separated by powerful magnets during the process and eventually melted to ensure maximum integrity of the final product.
World Environment Day – protecting our planet
Sam Greaves, MD and fourth generation owner of The Cleenol Group, a manufacturer and supplier of commercial and industrial cleaning and hygiene products, reports.
On 5 June it was the UN’s World Environment Day. While this day is marked every year by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), this year marked a particular milestone as it is 50 years since the United Nations conference on the Human Environment was held in 1972, in Stockholm, Sweden.
World Environment Day has been held since 1974 and is the largest global environment platform, with over 150 countries participating. Its purpose is to engage individuals and organisations around the world to raise awareness of environmental issues and to celebrate actions taken to protect the environment. This year, to mark the 50-year anniversary, the event was once again hosted by Sweden.
This year’s ‘Only One Earth’ campaign called for ‘collective, transformative action on a global scale to celebrate, protect and restore our planet’. The UNEP called on individuals, organisations, celebrities, and businesses to get involved to raise awareness and spread the word.
At Cleenol, we’ve a long history of sustainability in business and have been ISO14001 accredited since 2010, meaning we manage our environmental responsibilities in a systematic manner that contributes to the environmental pillar of sustainability. We also operate an environmental management system, ensuring compliance with statutory and regulatory requirements relating to environmental aspects of our business activities, products and services.
In 2014, we launched our Envirological range, featuring only products that included no unnecessary raw materials, dyes, perfumes, or harmful additives, were phosphate-free, septic tank safe, and packaged in reusable or renewable containers.
We’re also committed to striking the right balance by ensuring that users of our products understand how to use them safely and avoid under-dilution, which can have harmful effects on the environment, or over-dilution, which wastes water. This is why we adhere to the principle we call ‘the Right Dose’. All of our products are carefully formulated to ensure that when used correctly, at the right dilution with the right equipment, the environmental impact is kept to a minimum and remains safe for people. In addition, our Easidose range is super-concentrated, meaning it’s compact, uses minimal packaging and is easily transportable - all of which helps to drive a lower carbon footprint. And all of the packaging is recyclable and, where possible, reusable.
Going further to help protect the environment
Yet, as the effects of climate change and the human impact on the planet become ever more apparent, we can always do more. Concerns around sustainability and the environment are ever-increasing and businesses must continue to strive to do things better. That’s why we developed our new comprehensive environmentally friendly product range, edencleen. The range delivers the same performance as the rest of our product ranges, contributing to a cleaner, safer world, without compromise. The products in this new range have been developed around the following principles and ingredients: RSPO certified palm oil derivatives; no animal derived products/cruelty free; no parabens, formaldehyde, CMI/MIT, triclosan, phosphates, chlorine bleaches, optical brighteners, or quaternary ammonium compounds; VOC free and phosphate, EDTA, NTA free; 100% bio-based surfactant made by using bio-based ethylene oxide, manufactured from biomass ethanol; uses bioethanol, naturally derived acids, sugar-based surfactants, bio-based solvents and low impact preservatives; minimal petrochemical derived products; and recyclable/recycled packaging.
This new range range includes washroom cleaner, multi-surface degreaser, all-purpose sanitiser, toilet cleaner, laundry liquid detergent, fabric conditioner, washing up liquid, and window and glass cleaner.
Controlling cleaning costs – the case for dosing platforms
The COVID-19 pandemic forced businesses to reassess their cleaning and hygiene processes. Behind the scenes the priority has been to protect staff while the overriding requirement front-of-house is to protect and reassure customers and guests. In most cases that led businesses to introduce additional and stricter measures.
One of the most important tasks for any business is surface cleaning. Disinfectants or sanitisers remove pathogens and break a major link in the chain of infection. Businesses that remained open during lockdown, or reopened later, naturally wanted simple and effective products - perhaps with additional infection prevention properties - to enhance their existing routines. They also wanted to clean more frequently - and visibly - to provide additional reassurance to their customers that they were in a clean and safe environment. For many the quickest answer was ready-to-use products: they are convenient, easy to introduce and readily available.
Ready-to-use products can be ideal for temporary use and occasional tasks but in the long run costs can mount up, especially when they are used frequently. This is why many businesses utilise ultra-concentrated products in conjunction with dosing or dilution equipment. Cleaning solutions are prepared accurately and consistently on-site by adding water to a reusable spray bottle, wash bucket or sink. The cost is much less than using ready-to-use products. For example, a spray bottle of kitchen surface cleaner prepared this way might cost tens of pence while the same size ready-to-use equivalent could easily be £2-3.
Diversey offers a complete range of ultra-concentrated surface cleaning products. These are designed for use with its dosing and dilution control platforms including Smart Dose and Divermite. The range includes products tested to meet the EN14476 virucidal standard and products meeting this standard are effective against enveloped viruses like the one that causes COVID-19.
A business using 100 cases of six 750ml single-use spray bottles could reduce plastic waste by up to 125.6kg (99.6% reduction) and up to 26.6kg less cardboard (98.9% reduction) by switching to Diversey’s ultra concentrates and re-usable bottles. Changes like these also reduce supply chain burdens because fewer cases need to be bought, transported and stored to support any given operation.
There is, however, an up-front investment required with any dosing or dilution system. This can include the cost of the equipment and training staff. Nevertheless, this investment is repaid by the savings made with lower cost-in-use and reduced wastage. Reputable suppliers like Diversey will offer detailed projections to show how and when their products return on the investment. It is often much quicker than businesses expect.
Ready-to-use products have offered an excellent solution to the immediate challenge of providing additional infection prevention measures during the pandemic. In the longer term, solutions based on professional ultra-concentrate formulations and accurate dosing and dilution equipment offer better economy and lower overall costs for cleaning and hand hygiene. However far into the future the pandemic continues they can make sound commercial sense.
