Is hand hygiene still a priority as we move beyond the worst of the pandemic? The pandemic changed our behaviour, with governments around the globe encouraging citizens to take steps to prevent the spread of the virus. Mask-wearing became mandatory, we were forced to socially distance or isolate, and take extra measures around hygiene and sanitisation to protect ourselves and the most vulnerable in our communities. As we emerge from the worst of the pandemic, we are finally able to enjoy a level of normality and relax a little. But the virus hasn’t completely disappeared and we may yet face future spikes in case numbers. So, while we may breathe a sigh of relief hoping that the worst of it is over, are we remembering the things we can do to prevent any further spread of Covid-19, or any future virus spreading in the way Covid-19 did? A YouGov behaviour changes tracker, shows a clear trend of relaxation in people’s attitude towards the virus. It has been charting people’s approach towards improving personal hygiene (such as hand washing and using sanitiser) in relation to Covid-19 since February 2020, when the virus started spreading around the world. It records a significant downward trend in participants actively improving their personal hygiene, most prominently in Europe and the Americas. For example, in the UK, the tracker shows us that 77% of participants were taking measures to improve hygiene in April 2020, whereas in July 2022, this has fallen to just 29% and in the US a reduction from 69% down to 40%. Hand wash, creams and sanitisers are important to limit the transmission of, not just Covid-19, but other illnesses and viruses as well, to keep ourselves safe from bacteria and germs. Our extensive range of hand hygiene products will help you, your employees, customers, and clients to do that. Our Senses hand wash is designed for frequent use. It can be used to refill a wall-mounted soap dispenser and is available in three scents – Rose Lily, Peach, and Green Apple. Or if you are looking for a more luxurious range, try our Ast & Greaves products. Our carefully balanced, lightly perfumed hand washes are available in Jasmine & Apple Blossom and Black Pepper & Ginseng. We also provide a range of hand sanitiser products. Our 70% Alcohol Hand Sanitizing Gel or Spray, kill 99.99% of viruses and 99.999% of bacteria. Or if you are looking for a sanitiser that is kinder on the hands, try our Senses Alcohol-Free Hand Sanitizer designed for frequent use. It dries more slowly than alcohol-based sanitisers meaning you get better coverage (you rub your hands together for longer) with a more durable resistance on your skin. Find out more about how we are helping to prevent the spread of bacteria and viruses: contact our sales team today, sales@cleenol.co.uk

Cleenol is delighted to be one of the key sponsors supporting Cleanology's initiative, bringing some of the biggest names in the cleaning and FM industry together to support the launch of a spectacular new annual fundraising event in aid of The Hygiene Bank. In September 2021, Cleanology held its first charity event which raised over £14,000 for The Hygiene Bank, a national charity that alleviates poverty by providing hygiene products to those in need. Due to the enormous success of that event, the wide publicity generated, and the amount of money raised through the raffle and auction, CEO of Cleanology, Dominic Ponniah is looking to make a bigger impact this year and will be hosting a higher profile networking event aimed at the cleaning and FM sectors to raise even more awareness and funds for The Hygiene Bank. The event has been backed by 6 of the biggest names in the industry: Bridge Recruitment, Cleenol Group, Darwin Clayton, Liberty Hygiene, Truvox International and Zep will join Cleanology to welcome industry representatives to the Private Dining Room of the prestigious Ivy Restaurant in central London on 27 September 2022, where guests will enjoy networking, drinks & canapes, a lively auction and raffle. Cleanology CEO Dominic Ponniah said: “Last year was our first fundraising event, and we managed to raise a staggering £14,000. This year, with these fantastic sponsors on board, we plan to make an even greater impact. I am incredibly grateful to all our sponsors for getting behind this important cause.” Tom Poynter, UK Chairman of The Hygiene Bank, said "We are thrilled to be working with Cleanology again to raise vital funds to tackle hygiene poverty. With the cost-of-living crisis pushing more of us to make increasingly tough decisions, these partnerships with brands and corporates are more important than ever. Cleanology champions this collaborative approach to tackling hygiene poverty, enabling and empowering brands and corporates of all sizes to make a real difference to communities throughout the UK." Ponniah welcomed the support of the sponsors, saying: “This commitment brings valuable extra funds, but we are also excited to be able to work collaboratively to tackle such an important issue. Figures show that one in three people have to go without hygiene essentials and, sadly, as the cost of living rises, we can only expect to see this number increase. The Hygiene Bank is really on the front line in supporting people through real crisis, and we welcome any companies that would like to join us to fight hygiene poverty.” Tickets are £38 +VAT each and available on Eventbrite, with all profits donated to The Hygiene Bank: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/383940886527

Food safety affects everyone without exception. From production to packaging and transportation to retail, cooks and chefs all the way to the end consumer, no-one is untouched by the need to uphold good food safety standards. Indeed every single one of us is a consumer so we all have an interest in the ensuring good levels of food hygiene. In 2018, the World Health Organization launched Food Safety Day which is held each year on 7th June to raise awareness of food safety and to ‘inspire action to help prevent, detect and manage foodborne risks’[1]. What are the risks around poor food safety? Poor food safety can result in foodborne diseases, which can range from mild illness, to severe disease and even death. Globally, one in every ten people fall ill from contaminated food each year[2], but this, for the most part, is preventable. The quality and state of food itself is of course important to prevent foodborne diseases because food must be in a state that is fit to be eaten in the first place. But it goes further than that. Proper hygiene and safety measures must also be upheld at every stage of the supply chain. So it’s not just about the food itself. It’s also about how it’s stored, transported, cooked and prepared. How, with what, and by who. The hygiene of the surfaces, prepping and cooking equipment, and even people the food comes into contact with, at whatever stage of the process, is also essential. Helping to uphold food safety best practice There’s an easy and practical way to ensure food safety best practice is upheld. That is, by implementing and adhering to an effective cleaning and hygiene regime, and by using the right products to support this. Since 1948, Cleenol has been a leading provider of hygiene and cleaning products. As our business has evolved, so have our products. We have a comprehensive range of cleaning products, developed specifically to help our customers achieve the optimum level of cleanliness and hygiene, including for the food and beverage sector. Our Virabact range for example, includes antiviral and antibacterial multi-surface cleaners, ready-to-use surface cleaners and sanitisers, as well as concentrated surface cleaners and sanitisers. We also have an extensive range of hand sanitisers, antibacterial foam soaps, ice machine cleaning kits, alcohol wipes and non-rinse floor degreasers. And our range of hand wash products, is perfect for kitchens and washrooms. If you’d like to find out more, contact our team today. [1] https://www.who.int/campaigns/world-food-safety-day/2022 [2] https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/food-safety

Marking World Environment Day on 5th June to protect and celebrate our planet On 5th June it’s the UN’s World Environment Day. While this day is marked every year by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), this year marks a particular milestone as it’s 50 years since the United Nations conference on the Human Environment was held in 1972, in Stockholm, Sweden[1]. What is World Environment Day about? 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 since the first conference was held, the event will once again be hosted by Sweden. Only One Earth campaign This year’s Only One Earth campaign calls for ‘collective, transformative action on a global scale to celebrate, protect and restore our planet’[2]. The UNEP is calling on individuals, organisations, celebrities and businesses to get involved to raise awareness and spread the word. Our approach to sustainability 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 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. Plus, 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. edencleen puts the environment first without compromise Our new edencleen range delivers the same high-quality 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 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. So whatever your cleaning or hygiene needs, if you’re looking for high-performing products that are kind to the environment, contact our team today. Trust Cleenol, for a safer, cleaner world. [1] https://www.un.org/en/conferences/environment/stockholm1972 [2] https://www.worldenvironmentday.global/get-involved/get-involved

Striking the right balance with our professional cleaning supplies At Cleenol, we’re committed to contributing to a safer, cleaner world, and we also prioritise reducing waste. We know it’s critically important to get the right balance between the products we provide, their efficacy, and the environments they are used in. Using the right product at the right concentration level – The Right Dose Cleenol manufactures, warehouses and distributes a wide range of high-quality cleaning products to customers, paired with our efficient and personal service. We continually strive to minimise cost and the impact on the environment, while achieving professional results. We provide solutions across a range of industries from restaurants, catering and food production to gyms, schools, laundries and healthcare. Each of our products is carefully formulated to industrial strength for the professional market. In order to attain the professional results that our customers need, while trying to minimise harmful chemical footprints in doing so, we’ve carefully tailored our solutions to meet the demands of the industries and environments they are  used in. Choosing the right product range for your environment is the first step, and we help our customers to do that. But it doesn’t stop there. For example, we’ve carefully calculated dilution levels for concentrates to make our products go as far as possible and keep our customers’ costs low, while supporting safe use and respect for our environment. Respecting the environment during challenging times Cleenol has been helping to create a cleaner, safer world by providing cleaning products and services since 1948, so we’re no stranger to the needs of the industries we serve. But the Covid-19 pandemic has brought about a massive increase in the need to sanitise and disinfect on a global scale. While being mindful of the need to keep people safe, we need to consider the environment and the impact we have on the natural world. That’s why we’re committed to the prevention of over-consumption. Cleenol’s commitment to preventing over-consumption At Cleenol, we aim to prevent the over-consumption of cleaning, sanitising and disinfectant products via: The production and provision of cleaning products specifically tailored to the industries they are used within Clear instructions regarding product use across our range Specific dilution instructions for concentrates to ensure optimum performance while reducing waste or chemical overuse Training and development to ensure correct product use The provision of safety data sheets to support safe product use for storage, transportation and usage Information on ecological considerations such as toxicity levels, as well as safe disposal instructions A personal service to help customers make the right product choices for their industry areas Finding the right balance for the right industry Cleenol’s wide product offering includes a range of environmentally friendly cleaning solutions. To support our sustainability ethos, we ask that you please use our products responsibly at the recommended dilution levels. That way we can all contribute to a safer, cleaner world while minimising our impact on the environment.

World Health Day and how we’re contributing to a cleaner world and a healthier future Not only have we experienced a global pandemic for over two years, we’re also challenged by climate change, air pollution, water shortages, and an increase in adverse health conditions such as asthma, cancer and heart disease. Poor decisions made by individuals, and commercial and political entities are contributing to the health and climate crisis we are facing. The World Health Organization estimates that over 13 million deaths each year are attributable to “avoidable environmental causes” and considering 90% of the global population breathes polluted air[1] it's time to do things differently. The WHO World Health Day will be held on 7th April this year and its objective is to promote a healthier planet for both humans and the planet at large. A world where clean air, water and food are available to anyone, no matter where they are on the planet. It aims to raise awareness and make us think about our actions and how we can contribute to a healthier tomorrow. How can we contribute to a healthier future? We need to be responsible about the decisions we make and think about ways we can change how we live and work. But depending on the lifestyle we have, or the industry we operate in, these don’t necessarily need to be major. Changing the products or chemicals we use, the amount we consume, and the toxins we put into the air or water systems, can collectively help to achieve a healthier world. Committed to a cleaner, safer and healthier world Cleenol has been producing cleaning products with a contained environmental impact since the 1990s. We understand the effects that chemicals can have on indoor air quality and aquatic toxicity levels amongst other areas. As we’ve evolved over the years, we’ve seen the effects the human footprint has had on our planet and each other’s health and wellbeing, and we know we can do things even better. That’s why we’re once again evolving our product range to be kinder to both health, and the environment. A cleaning range that’s kind to our health and the planet All of our products are engineered to provide the best solution when used as directed, including the use of cold or warm water and diluted as instructed – more chemical isn’t always directly correlated to better performance.  Indicative of our commitment to the environment, we are on the cusp of bringing a new range to market that is entirely dedicated to the protection of the environment. edencleen will be launched at Interclean in May, so watch out for news closer to the event. Contact our team today [1] https://www.who.int/campaigns/world-health-day/2022

Cleenol has a long history of bringing new products to market, and as part of our recent refresh, we are looking back also at some of our early solutions that in todays world have new meaning and relevance. Cleaning and Hygiene Today recently featured our recently launched Easidose. Click here to read more

Another year, another successful certification that shows our commitment to our customers and the quality and standards of our products and processes.

Understanding the difference between various cleaning and hygiene terms was never more important than over the last couple of years. As we move towards a status of living with the virus, remembering what we learned remains key. Click here to find out more.

As a responsible manufacturer of cleaning and hygiene products, safety has always been one of our highest priorities both to the user and where the product is used. We've taken it a step further by ensuring that all of our manufactured products do not contain the below 14 common allergens: Cereals containing gluten (Wheat, Rye, Barley, Oats, Spelt, Kamut) and products thereof; Crustaceans and products thereof; Egg and products thereof; Fish and products thereof; Peanuts and products thereof; Milk and products thereof; Nuts (Almond, Hazelnut, Walnut, Cashew, Pecan nut, Brazil nut, Pistachio nut, Macadamia nut, Queensland nut) and products thereof; Soya and products thereof; Sesame and products thereof; Celery and products thereof; Mustard and products thereof; Sulphur Dioxide and Sulphites and products thereof; Lupin and products thereof; Mollusc and products thereof. We also confirm that the site area where Cleenol products are prepared and packed is free from these allergens or any derivatives thereof.

Ever wondered what would have happened if you would have continued your chemistry education beyond the school laboratory and the Mentos/Coca-Cola experiment? Or go to law school in the likes of Tony Blair and Kim Kardashian? Well, you can thank your lucky stars as our own Sarah Davy has done both – and agreed to unveil what it's like working as a Regulatory Chemist at Cleenol. Q: Hi Sarah! Can you tell me about the core responsibilities and objectives of your current role? Sarah Davy: Within regulatory chemistry I do lots of different jobs such as create and maintain product Safety Data Sheets (SDS), help notify products to the relevant regulatory bodies as well as amend and approve new product labels. Q: What would you do during a typical day? SD: A typical day involves carrying out lots of regulatory compliance work. This can include updating various product documentation and researching any new chemical regulations which affect the cleaning and hygiene product industry. For example, with the finalisation of Brexit at the beginning of this year, there are lots of new rules to keep up with. My team develops new formulations in the Cleenol laboratory, performing tests to measure quality and performance before the findings are reported to the rest of the company. Once suitable products are found the process is scaled up to production next door. A typical day may also include liaising with customers in order to determine what they require from a product, and also with suppliers to determine what ingredients they can offer which may be suitable for a given project. Q: How did you get into this industry? SD: Following university and a postgraduate course in IP law, I started out as a production/developmental chemist. During this I picked up some of the regulatory aspects such as creating SDS, which led to my job here at Cleenol. Q: What was your first impression of Cleenol? SD: I've been at Cleenol for 7 months now. It was an interesting start going immediately into a lockdown after my first day, but, it has been interesting to see the company grow as the lockdown restrictions have slowly lifted. Q: What do you enjoy most about your job? SD: I enjoy the challenges the job provides as most projects require a problem-solving approach. I also enjoy working with a wide variety of people, from my colleagues in the lab and those working in production through to working with customers and suppliers. I like that at Cleenol we are always looking for that next opportunity, whether it be simply gaining new customers or creating bespoke products for particular customers. Q: Do you have any interests outside of work that you would like to share with our readers? SD: I enjoy photography, whether it be taking photos of landscapes or going to track days and getting action shots of bike racing. Occasionally I will use these to sketch from, in either pencil or ink.

Employee Spotlight: Ken Moss, Technical Business Development Manager Cleenol’s laundry expert Ken Moss has dedicated his career in helping businesses perfect their laundry results. From optimising chemical dosing and analysing wash results, to training and programming custom wash cycles for levels of soiling and water hardness, Ken’s engineering experience spans across five decades. Willing and Able Equipped with an insatiable hunger to establish himself Ken started working at the tender age of 13. “I spent Saturdays learning about engineering and machine repairs. On weekdays I would rush to work at a local butchers’”, he reminiscences, “Those days a degree was not an imperative, I was willing to learn and work so they took me on.” A few years later Ken moved on to work with a company that manufactured dishwashers and glasswashers. “The work was fast paced but rewarding”, he recalls. “We would build the machines in the morning, sell them at night and fit them to the client’s premises by the next morning – we could not shift the stock fast enough!” The Virtues of a Family Business Ken joined the Banbury-based family business Cleenol as a resident laundry expert in 2013. “My first impression was that the company felt family-centric – you are classified as an individual, rather than just a number”, he reflects. “I felt there was a real opportunity to move the laundry offering forwards and get my ideas across to the rest of the company.” Over the years he has been trading in laundry chemicals across the UK as well as traveling the world to visit customers in destinations such as Dubai and Abu Dhabi. “It always surprises me how culture affects the purchasing behaviours of laundry chemicals – religion and culture can affect how cleanliness and fragrances are perceived. For example, fragrances that are from or imitate foods – such as fruit scents – are not popular in the Middle East!” The Need for Speed In his spare time Ken Moss is a motor racing fanatic, with Formula 1 holding a special place in his heart. “Recently I even built a VR racing car simulator in our house!”, he rejoices. “I just love the adrenaline and thrill I get from racing, whether it’s on the track or in a virtual environment.”