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BICSc and CSSA complete Future of Cleaning project
29th of September 2025In the UK, the British Institute of Cleaning Science (BICSc) and the Cleaning & Support Services Association (CSSA) have together successfully completed a project exploring the future of cleaning. The aim was to offer insight through independent trials and scientific results.
The project aimed to:
• Determine the productivity of different types of current machine ranges.
• Provide clarity on the changes to productivity brought about by robotics.
• Evidence the effect on the standard of cleaning achieved from the usage of these machines and chemicals.
• Determine whether the use of this equipment or chemical range made changes to air quality and pathogen count.
Suppliers were approached to assist in trialling different types of equipment, chemicals and processes. Numatic, Birkin, Killis, Diversey, Kärcher and Orion Eco took part.
The trials took place at the University of Surrey, with each manufacturer given six weeks to establish their equipment and/or chemicals. The BICSc Cleaning and Hygiene Audit App was used to assess changes in cleanliness.
Several challenges impacted the results, including management changes, staff engagement and external consultant recommendations. The cleaning inspection results were mixed, with no clear correlation from the starting point to the completion results. However, valuable insights were gained say BICSc and CSSA, such as the importance of engaging operatives in the process and the need for effective change management.
"The trial has shown us that success lies not just in product performance but in the readiness of people and processes to adopt it," said Paul Ashton, CSSA chairman.
"Management of change is key to the success of the process. Where staff are not engaged in the process, the installation of new equipment or processes is doomed to failure," added Denise Hanson, commercial director at BICSc.
Neil Spencer-Cook, group MD at BICSc concluded: "How we manage change needs to be the biggest consideration, whether it is technological, chemical, machinery, or even providing training. Without clear guidance, leadership and ongoing support, change will not be effective."