ECJ EUROPEAN Cleaning Journal

Worldwide industry association ISSA is organising a comprehensive educational seminar programme at ISSA/INTERCLEAN.

Running on May 10 and 11 it includes topics as diverse as opportunities created by the circular economy, how to make the most of advances in data gathering, adapting to changes in the industry supply chain and growing profitability against a background of downward cost pressures. Other sessions will look at the benefits of leasing rather than purchasing equipment and how quality cleaning improves safety while lowering risk and cost.

The seminar programme also includes a series of industry trend updates taking place in the InnovationLAB. These are 15-minute rapid-fire presentations designed to bring visitors quickly up to date with a range of industry trends and will run from 12.00 to 14.30 each day.

Dr Hugo-Maria Schally - head of unit Eco-Innovation and Circular Economy, directorate general for the Environment, Directorate Green Economy of the European Commission, will lead the session titled ‘Redefining Innovation - Opportunities of the EU Circular Economy Package' on May 12.

As a leading advocate of sustainability in Europe Dr Schally will provide attendees with an overview of the Circular Economy Package and, in particular, its potential to impact the cleaning sector by improving global competitiveness, fostering sustainable economic growth and generating new jobs.

Following the keynote speech, Reinhard Schneider, a passionate eco-entreprenuer and CEO of Werner and Mertz, will discuss what it takes to turn the dream of 100 per cent post-consumer recyclable content into a reality. As leader of a private, family run business, Schneider will explain how companies needn't be international conglomerates to successfully meet circular economy goals.

Wrapping up the session will be a panel discussion with leading figures from the professional cleaning, chemical, equipment, and facility service sectors including Markus Asch of Kärcher, Michele Redi of IPC, Anette Timmer-Larsen of Tarkett Group, Joost Brinkhuis from Asito, and Frank Vancraeyveld from Werner and Mertz, moderated by Dianna Steinbach, ISSA's director of EMEA Services.

In announcing this high profile session Steinbach commented: "We are thrilled to welcome Dr Hugo-Maria Schally as a keynote speaker at the Amsterdam show. Like ISSA itself, Hugo-Maria is an energetic evangelist for eco-friendly solutions and environmentally responsible waste management strategies. The topical and compelling content of his keynote which will provide immediate and beneficial takeaway actions, means this session should be marked as unmissable in attendees' plans for their time at the show."

All seminar sessions at the ISSA/INTERCLEAN exhibition will be free to attend. The ‘Redefining Innovation - Opportunities of the EU Circular Economy Package' seminar will take place between 14:00-15:15 on Thursday May 12 at D201 (RAI Elicium).

For information visit www.issainterclean.com

•ECJ is the official media partner for ISSA/INTERCLEAN Amsterdam. Visit us on stand 01.100 at the show to pick up your free copy, or click here.