How to Reduce Plastic Waste in Commercial Cleaning

Did you know that unfortunately the cleaning industry is responsible for a significant proportion of the country’s plastic waste? 94% of janitorial supplies and commercial cleaning products packaging are made from plastic! A report shows the contract cleaning industry in the UK was estimated to be responsible for approximately 2.7% of the country’s total plastic waste generation.

In this blog, we will discuss the pressing issue of plastic waste within the contract cleaning industry and provide a product-led guide to reducing single-use plastics in cleaning processes. We will also discuss the many eco cleaning solutions that are great alternatives for the single-use plastic cleaning products.

Why is it Important to Minimise Plastic Waste in the Contract Cleaning Industry?

• Cost Savings: Reducing plastic usage can lead to significant cost savings by decreasing the need for single-use products and waste disposal.
• Environmental Impact: Plastic waste poses a severe threat to our environment, particularly marine life and ecosystems. By minimising plastic use, the industry can contribute to a cleaner, healthier planet.
• Sustainability: Embracing eco-friendly practices not only benefits the environment but also enhances the industry’s long-term sustainability. Clients are increasingly seeking responsible contractors.
• Regulatory Compliance: Many regions are implementing stricter regulations on plastic usage and waste disposal. Staying ahead of these regulations ensures compliance and avoids potential fines.
• Reputation and Client Attraction: Companies that actively reduce plastic waste tend to attract environmentally conscious clients and maintain a positive reputation.

Ditching Plastic Waste in the Contract Cleaning Industry: 3 Eco-Cleaning Products

These sustainable alternatives offer cleaning companies practical solutions to reduce their plastic waste, promoting environmental responsibility and contributing to a cleaner, greener future for the industry and the planet as a whole.

Nitrile Biodegradable Gloves

The cleaning industry commonly relies on disposable nitrile gloves for convenience and hygiene benefits. However, the widespread use of such gloves presents significant environmental challenges. Most of them are manufactured from non-biodegradable materials like polyethene or polyvinyl chloride (PVC), which can persist in the environment for hundreds of years.

To address this environmental concern, the introduction of Biodegradable Nitrile Gloves offers an effective solution. These gloves offer the same level of protection and comfort as regular disposable gloves, but they have a crucial advantage – they are biodegradable.

Within just 90 days, these gloves degrade by an impressive 82%, leaving no lasting trace on the environment. Additionally, they come in 100% recyclable packaging, promoting minimal waste to landfills and reducing the production and usage of single-use plastics.

Refillable Trigger Spray Bottles

The cleaning industry has long relied on pre-diluted chemicals packaged in single-use bottles for their convenience and ease of use, particularly in fast-paced commercial settings.  However, the extensive plastic waste generated from these bottles contributes to the global plastic pollution crisis, harming wildlife, and contaminating water bodies. Additionally, the transportation of pre-diluted products increases carbon emissions, exacerbating climate change.

To address these environmental concerns, the cleaning industry is gradually adopting more sustainable alternatives. Concentrated cleaning solutions, which can be diluted on-site, reduce the reliance on pre-diluted products and minimise plastic waste.

Swap Traditional Plastic Mopping Buckets for ECO Buckets

Traditional plastic mopping buckets used in the cleaning sector pose a significant challenge in the fight against plastic waste. These buckets are  often constructed from cheap and fragile plastic materials, have a short lifespan and frequently end up discarded after cracking or breaking with regular use. Consequently, vast quantities of these non-biodegradable buckets are added to the already mounting plastic waste, which has severe environmental consequences.

To address this issue, a shift towards more sustainable alternatives is essential. A great solution to this is to opt for ECO buckets made from durable materials like recycled plastics. The Kentucky ECO Bucket is a perfect example of this – Made from 92% recycled plastic, this durable bucket saves 4840 grams of plastic waste from ending up in landfill. In addition to this, its robust and ergonomic design provides a long-lasting solution for cleaning commercial settings.

At Castle, we are passionate about shaping a better future for the generations to come. That is why we place sustainability at the core of our business.

By continually challenging ourselves and our partners, we can optimise our sustainability through new initiatives and innovations to become more efficient, less wasteful, and positively impact the environment.

Our range of commercial and household cleaning solutions are all manufactured with the environment in mind. By using our products, you can achieve a deeper clean without causing harming your health or the planet.

To learn more about how we can help you achieve your environmental goals, contact a team member at Castle.