Automated Cleaning Technologies to Reduce Cost and Labour in the Region by 2020

The regional cleaning and hygiene industry is expected to grow exceptionally over the coming decade with two most important gulf countries officially named to host the Expo 2020 and FIFA World Cup 2022. Reports in media suggest that Dubai will add 100,000 hotel rooms by 2020 while Qatar aims to add 60000 rooms to fill the demand by 2022 for FIFA World Cup.

The demand for cleaning equipment and technology is poised to grow further as labour in the cleaning industry accounts to 80% of the cost. Hospitality remains one of the most important sectors boosting the cleaning industry’s growth, and with hotels increasingly adopting eco- clean policies, the use of green cleaning products and procedures is a trend to watch out for in the region.

The GCC is also seeing the arrival of automation technologies in the cleaning industry. One of the major breakthroughs in this direction was the Hands-Free Cleaning HydroBot demonstrated at Dubai Festival City Mall in 2015, which uses a perceptive sensor and pre-programmable routes to clean floors. It was one of the robots within the series of the ‘Intellibots’ launched by US-based supplier Sealed Air. Evidently, the cleaning industry is seeing the introduction of solutions that reduce labour costs and utility consumption, as well as environmental pollution.

Commenting on the recent trends in the cleaning sector, Mr. Vishal Hegde, Portfolio Lead – MENA at Sealed Air, said, “We have seen an increase in demand for automated technology; a few years ago, it was hard to convince clients about our automated solutions, whereas now the clients approach us for innovative solutions that are effective and efficient to reduce total operating costs. Our latest innovation is the 'Internet of Clean'; as pioneers in the industry, we aim to create automated technology that is easy to use and cost effective.” 

He added that some key trends in the cleaning industry include improved sustainability through the adoption of green solutions that reduce CO2 emissions; there is also increased demand for a one-stop-shop solution provider for cleaning needs, as well as an increased interest in advanced innovations in the industry. 

Speaking about Sealed Air’s participation at MECTW 2016 Mr. Vishal Hegde said, “We will showcase our latest innovations at MECTW 2016. The market today is looking to reduce total operating costs, CO2 emissions and increase efficiency and effectiveness. As pioneers in the industry for automated cleaning technology, we have many easy-to-use yet sophisticated technologies. We aim to educate customers on how our innovations can improve performance, productivity, and reduce total operating costs.”

The Middle East Cleaning Technology Week (MECTW) in 2015 had projected steady growth across the cleaning industry including commercial laundry and car wash services. Organised by VIS Exhibitions and Conferences, MECTW will be featuring new pavilions dedicated to waste management, sewerage and sanitation, and specialised cleaning for the year 2016.  MECTW brings together all facets of the cleaning industry under a single umbrella and houses three platforms such as Gulf Laundrex and Linen Care Expo and Gulf Car Wash and Car Care Expo along with Clean Middle East Pulire. The event will be held at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre on 13 – 15 November this year.