ECJ EUROPEAN Cleaning Journal

The finalists for the European Cleaning & Hygiene Awards 2026 - founded and organised by European Cleaning Journal - have been announced today, with organisations, teams and individuals from across Europe shortlisted in recognition of their achievements in the professional cleaning and hygiene sector.

Now in their ninth year, the awards remain the only pan-European platform dedicated to recognising innovation, leadership and best practice in the industry. This year's shortlist celebrates achievements across 11 categories, spanning digital transformation, sustainability, training, diversity, technological innovation, partnerships and outstanding individual talent.

The finalists were selected by an independent panel of judges following entries from cleaning industry professionals from across Europe.

The winners will be revealed during the European Cleaning & Hygiene Awards gala dinner on October 8 at Pueblo Español in Palma de Mallorca. The venue, inspired by the architecture of Spain’s towns and landmarks, will host an evening celebrating excellence and innovation within the industry.

The 2026 shortlist is:

Digital transformation
Alisea
Climex
Derrycourt Cleaning Specialists
Wastify AI

Investment in Training and People Development
B And A The Best MCC
Cleanliving
CSU
Strattos Academy
The Mount Charles Group

Excellence in Client-Contractor Partnerships
Asito & Fujifilm
Chamberlaine Cleaning Services & Chelsea Baracks
Derrycourt Cleaning Specialists & Connolly Hospital
ISS UK & NHS
JPC by Samsic & British Land
Principle Cleaning Services & Landsec
Serlimar & STEF

Sustainability Best Practice: Service Provider
CleanEvent Services
CSU
Julius Rutherfoord & Co
Peartree Cleaning Services
Principle Cleaning Services

Sustainability Best Practice: Manufacturer
Alani Higiene Profesional
Entidad Maya, Eversea
Hylab Dispensers
Tork, an Essity brand
WEPA Professional

Commitment to Diversity in the Workplace
CSU
Chamberlaine Cleaning Services
NGB Clean
Vebego

Best Initiative Raising the Profile of the Cleaning Sector
La Lucente
Loo of the Year Awards
Ryans Cleaning
Tork, an Essity brand

Technological Innovation of the Year
Ennovamark
Etrash
Foremost
Freematica España
Novosan
ToolSense

Leader of the Year
Oktay Bal, RV-Tech
Jonathan Mallon, The Mount Charles Group
Aisling Ryan, Ryans Cleaning
John Spencer, NIC Services Group
Jack Stuifbergen, Breedweer Facilitaire Diensten

Rising Star
Emily Downing, Cleenol Group
Daniel Henstock, Pearroc
Thayene Lorens, CCS Cullen Cleaning Services
Samantha Mantovan, Principle Cleaning Services
Archie Trueger, Principle Cleaning Services

Best Company to Work For
B and A The Best MCC
Breedweer Facilitaire Diensten
CleanEvent Services
CSU
Cleenol Group
Tennant EMEA

ECJ editor and founder of the awards Michelle Marshall said: "Every year, the standard of entries continues to rise, and this year has been no exception. The judging process is extremely rigorous, with every submission carefully reviewed and debated by our independent panel of industry experts. With such strong competition from across Europe, securing a place on the shortlist is a huge achievement in itself.

"Our judges were incredibly impressed by the quality, ambition and impact demonstrated by this year's finalists, from pioneering sustainability programmes and digital transformation projects to inspiring people development initiatives and partnerships that are delivering real value. Each finalist should be extremely proud to have reached this stage.

"We are looking forward to bringing the industry together in Palma de Mallorca this October for what promises to be a very special celebration. The European Cleaning & Hygiene Awards are about more than recognising success; they are about championing the progress, professionalism and innovation that continue to move our sector forward."

Tickets for the ceremony in Palma de Mallorca on October 8 are now available, visit www.echawards.com/attend to find out more.