ECJ EUROPEAN Cleaning Journal

Professional cleaning exhibition CMS Berlin will take place from September 23-26 - the international trade fair promises innovations in cleaning equipment, hygiene technology and chemical products. This year's focus reflects key structural shifts in the industry: increasing digitalisation, automation, sustainability, regulatory compliance and a pressing shortage of skilled workers.

The German building cleaning trade, representing the largest skilled labour sector in the country with approximately 658,000 employees, continues to show growth. Employment subject to social security contributions now accounts for 67.8 per cent of the workforce - a figure that has grown by over 40 per cent since 2008. Turnover surpassed €27 billion in 2024, confirming Germany's position as Europe's largest market in this field. The Federal Guild Association of Building Cleaners (BIV), representing around 2,500 member companies covering 85 per cent of the market, remains a central stakeholder.

Despite the industry's expansion, personnel shortages continue to present a major challenge. According to BIV data, over 50 per cent of service providers report vacancies of up to 10 per cent, while more than 20 per cent estimate staffing gaps as high as 20 per cent. Against this backdrop, the BIV is advocating for reduced bureaucracy and lower non-wage labour costs-currently at a record 42.3 per cent.

In addressing labour shortages, digital and automated solutions are gaining traction - BIV highlights the role of AI and robotics in enhancing efficiency and operational flexibility. CMS Berlin will be a platform for dialogue on these themes.

Cleaning machinery manufacturers reported stable performance in 2024. While foreign sales showed upward momentum, domestic demand remained flat, mirroring the broader economic landscape. Scrubber and sweeper sales declined slightly in Germany, though rental equipment registered modest growth. For 2025, manufacturers maintain a cautious optimism, buoyed by anticipated government infrastructure investments. However, geopolitical uncertainty and the US administration's trade policy are sources of concern, particularly given the sector's high export ratio.

Digitalisation is viewed as a key growth lever. According to Frank Ulbricht, chair of the cleaning systems trade association within VDMA, automation and building data integration are increasingly relevant for client operations. Demand for intelligent, autonomous machines continues to rise, driven in part by labour market pressures. Digital tools not only improve process efficiency but also contribute to more ergonomic and attractive working conditions.

The chemical sector also shows signs of recovery following pandemic-related stagnation. The Industrial Association for Hygiene and Surface Protection (IHO) reports nearly 10 per cent growth in 2024 across product categories such as maintenance and sanitary cleaners. One in five products now carries environmental certification, reflecting market interest in sustainability. However, exponential regulatory developments, particularly concerning substances like ethanol, pose risks. The IHO plans to address these issues at CMS Berlin, with a focus on regulatory guidance and product innovation.

For more information visit www.cms-berlin.de

• Read ECJ's special preview of the CMS Berlin in the September edition.