ECJ EUROPEAN Cleaning Journal

Most cloths and wipers are sold in to the customer as part of a system that also incorporates a purpose-designed dispenser. But how much value does this dispenser actually add to the
mix? ECJ asks manufacturers their views.

Wiper companies tend to make a big deal about the dispensers in which their products are housed. To listen to their advertising pitches one could almost be forgiven for inferring that the box, pouch or carton containing the wipers is actually more important than the cloths themselves.

But does the dispenser really make that much difference to a wiping system? Surely the quality of the product is all-important – much more so than the box in which it is contained?

A good dispenser has three main benefits according to Kimberly-Clark Professional’s senior product manager Andrew Gardner. “Firstly, it will protect the wipers from external contamination and make the supply last longer when it is not in use,” he said. “Secondly, it controls dispensing which saves on costs and reduces wastage.

“And thirdly it provides convenience and versatility because a dispenser can be mounted on a wall, placed under a bench, on a desk, table, trolley or on the floor.”

The protective function of the unit is particularly important he says. “A dispenser provides an enclosed environment that will shield the paper or non-woven wiper from external hazards and ensure the products either stay dry – or fully saturated, if they are pre-impregnated - for long periods of time,” he said.

“A good dispenser should also have a controlled nozzle or plate that allows the sheets to be dispensed one by one. Increasing numbers of customers are seeking this benefit to avoid free-flow dispensing - when someone pulls out a long length of wiper that is not required for the job in hand.

Using less paper of a better quality saves both time and money and also has a positive sustainability impact.”

He says the function of preventing cross-contamination is crucial. “This is particularly important in environments where hygiene can’t be compromised,” he said. “Contamination can cause health issues in a hospital or could damage the preparation process in a food production line. And it could also generate unplanned downtime in a sensitive manufacturing production site.”

Kimberly-Clark offers a range of wall-mounted and floor-standing dispensers along with units that may be placed under a bench either vertically or horizontally. When equipped with a dispensing nozzle these are said to cut paper consumption by up to 25 per cent. New from the company is the Midi Roll non-woven solution which is claimed to combine consumables and a dispenser in one.

Essity’s communications director Jenny Turner agrees that protecting the wiper before use is an important function of any dispenser. “It will also reduce waste caused by spillages or contamination,” she said.

Consumption control

“A good dispenser will have the further function of controlling consumption of the product which will offer cost and sustainability benefits. And it helps to create a tidy workplace and contribute to a safe working environment, while also ensuring that wiping materials are easily identifiable and always accessible close to the point of use.”

A recent study carried out by Essity revealed that 74 per cent of machine operators regularly take more wipers than they need in order to avoid having to walk back to the wiping source to fetch more, she said.

“Our research also showed that a large number of machine operators are interrupted at least 20 times during their working day by having to fetch or dispose of wiping and cleaning products,” she said.

“Having a convenient dispenser source close to hand can save time and prevent operatives from taking more than they need.”

Close to hand

She added there are a number of sectors in which having the right wiper nearby is particularly important. “Sustaining hygiene compliance is critical in food and healthcare environments, for example,” said Turner. “And in manufacturing environments unprotected wipers could cause damage to machines which might result in lost production time or damage to products resulting in rejected stock and lost output.”

Tork offers a wide range of wiping and cleaning products designed for industrial environments. These come in Tork Performance dispensers which can be supplied in a portable format or wall mounted with the aid of magnets, screws, wall brackets or suction cups.

“In a business that is under constant pressure to increase productivity and streamline processes, downtime can have a significant negative impact on quality and delivery,” said Turner.

“Efficient and effective dispensing solutions play a number of important roles in supporting operations.”

The primary function of a dispenser is clear from its name, says Andrea Susanne Dold from Hagleitner’s public relations department. “Its job is to distribute various items such as paper towels, tissues, cloths and wipes,” she said. “This is important because when a dispenser is at arm’s length, it is easy for staff to grab a sheet and quickly wipe down a surface. And this ultimately leads to a cleaner, safer and healthier environment.”

A dispenser will also prevent contamination from sticky fingers and help to control consumption, she said. “Every wet wipe is valuable which means waste is expensive,” said Dold. “Dispensers are designed to reduce waste by giving out one wipe at a time rather than allowing operatives to accidentally pull out a bunch of them in one go.

“The dispenser will also protect the wipes from drying out before use which means they will stay effective for a longer period.”

Most dispensers today can either be mounted on a wall where staff will know where to find them, or housed on a floor stand which allows for flexible placement, said Dold. “Either way the wipes are always close at hand,” she says.

More efficient

“Incorporating dispensers into various settings can lead to enhanced operational efficiency, faster service and increased productivity. And this is particularly relevant for restaurants, hotels and manufacturing facilities.”

A further advantage is the fact that dispensers create a more organised working environment, she adds. “This is beneficial in areas with limited space such as commercial kitchens, crowded retail environments or busy fitness centres.”

Hagleitner claims its XIBU 2WIPE hybrid to be the world’s first automatic dispenser for wet disinfectant wipes. This uses a patented sealing system to keep the wipes moist and protect them from contamination. The product features a shelf-life monitor which is said to be crucial in hospitals where the efficacy of sanitising wipes is compromised if they are past their expiration date.

Contamination protection

A good dispenser will protect cloths from becoming dirty or contaminated in the workplace, says Vileda’s global application manager Paul Harleman. “In the case of pre-wetted wipes, it will also prevent them from drying out,” he said.

“Dispensers can be strategically mounted to the wall at point-of-use locations or on a trolley, which will reduce the time spent by operatives on searching for wipes. And although the main driver leading to over-consumption is human behaviour, a dispenser can also help to reduce it.”

A dispenser needs to create “obstacles” to achieve this, he says. “For instance, a dispenser that gives out only one cloth at a time and obliges the user to wait before the next cloth is presented will act as a deterrent to most operatives, reducing the risk of them taking out multiple cloths.”

Other functions

Dispensers fulfil many other important functions he adds. “A well-designed dispenser will harmonise with the interior while a durable, mounted dispenser will prevent the theft of wipes,” said Harleman.

“Wipes can also be pre-moistened inside the unit. And if a dispenser is internet-connected it can provide valuable data and enable optimised inventory management, cost control and other valuable improvements.”

Dispensers offer particular advantages in environments where hygiene is important because they ensure the continual availability of clean wipers, he said. “However in industrial settings, they can also help to manage dust and dirt and protect the wipes from contamination.”

Vileda offers a dispenser concept called SafePlus in two versions: SafePlus Mini and SafePlus Maxi. These allow the user to take out a cloth and moisten it manually or pre-impregnate the entire contents inside the unit with the fluid of their choice.

So, is there ever a situation in which a dispenser is not strictly necessary? Kimberly-Clark’s Andrew Gardner is unable to think of one. “Every dispenser is developed with both the customer and the application in mind,” he said. “Specific tasks need specific solutions - and that includes an appropriate dispenser.”

Location-appropriate

Essity’s Jenny Turner concurs, but adds that all dispensers should be suitable for the location concerned. “Having mobile dispensers - and a choice of dispenser fixing options - will ensure that the use of a dispenser does not slow people down,” she said. “And in food processing areas where wash-downs are a critical part of the hygiene routines, waterproof dispensers that can remain in place throughout the process will help to streamline operations.”

However, Vileda’s Paul Harleman says a dispenser is not strictly necessary when using durable cloths. “For disposables, on the other hand, I think a dispenser is useful in any situation,” he adds.