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By Corinne Zudonyi, Editor-in-Chief
The global cleaning industry is undergoing major changes driven by sustainability initiatives, advanced technologies, and the need for improved efficiency.
During the Clean Buildings Conference and NFMT trade show earlier this year, Daniëlle Inostroza from RAI sat down with Corinne Zudonyi, Chief Editor for the Cleaning Market, to share insights from Interclean Amsterdam, the world’s largest professional cleaning and hygiene trade show, that reveal how European trends are influencing U.S. cleaning practices.
Robotics have become a major focus, with dedicated sections at events highlighting autonomous equipment and AI-driven technology. These innovations address growing labor shortages by reducing manual workload, improving consistency, and cutting operational costs. Robotics are not new to Europe but are gaining serious momentum in the United States, particularly as technology costs decline and equipment capabilities expand.
Sustainability remains a dominant force shaping the future of cleaning. European businesses are mandated to meet strict government regulations on environmental performance, pushing for biodegradable products, ultra-concentrated chemicals, and advanced waste management strategies. Smart sensors, an example of Internet of Things applications, further enhance sustainability by optimizing cleaning schedules based on real-time traffic and supply usage data, reducing waste and conserving resources.
Another rising trend is the adoption of VR and AR technologies for staff training. These tools offer safer, more engaging ways to train workers on cleaning procedures, chemical handling, and hazard response, leading to higher knowledge retention and improved safety outcomes.
As global innovations continue to shape cleaning practices, North American companies have an opportunity to accelerate adoption of sustainability-focused and technology-driven solutions. Listen to the full conversation to learn how embracing these changes can enhance service quality, reduce costs, and create safer, more efficient cleaning environments.
Corinne Zudonyi is the Editor-in-Chief of the commercial cleaning market, including Sanitary Maintenance magazine, Contracting Profits magazine, Facility Cleaning Decisions magazine, CleanLink.com, and the Clean Buildings events. Sanitary Maintenance is the North American media partner for Interclean Amsterdam.
posted on 7/30/2025
