DUBAI — The Middle East’s cleaning sector is set for major disruption with technology advances transforming the once labr-intensive industry into an automated arena for a more hygiene, greener and cost-effective environment, according to leading sector players.

“Technology is now an essential element in the competitiveness of both cleaning suppliers and the sectors they serve, including facilities management,” explained Abhishek Dalal, Project Manager of Messe Frankfurt, which organises the Clean Middle East Expo, a part of Middle East Cleaning Technology Week, running at the Dubai World Trade Centre on October 15-17.

Clean Middle East Expo alongside Gulf Car Wash Car Care Expo make up Middle East Cleaning Technology Week. Gulf Laundrex, presented by Texcare, will take place on October 17. This conference under the theme ‘Laundry turning 4.0’ will discuss the best-in-class laundry products, equipment, services and technologies.

“The industry is experiencing an increase in the use of robotics, quieter, multitasking machines and more effective and eco-friendly alternatives as well as tracking apps. Massive change is underway as end-users look for longer equipment life cycles, improved filtration systems, heightened reliability, lower operating costs to achieve optimum cleaning at improved cost-life cycle value.

Given the renewed emphasis on power and water conservation, new systems to save on energy and utilities while seeking out recycling and intelligent waste initiatives will be high on potential inventories.”

Yet while the industry is innovating, Dubai’s Blitz Blank Cleaning Equipment FZ-LLC, showcase the new Origo 2 Trolley, with its tablet-integrated work processes at Clean Middle East Expo.

“Adjustments and savings are the biggest impact and challenges in various business fields. We have to be very convincing and raise the awareness at purchase departments that with the little higher investment in a high-quality product in the beginning, the end-user will benefit from and extended lifespan, which ultimately increases profitability in the long run and of course a happy customer” explained the company’s GM Melanie Schindler.

A key example says Schindler is the new Vileda Professional cleaning app ‘iQonnect’ which will be introduced at the show. “This platform is serving everyone in the Facility Management world. It helps to optimise cleaning processes, monitor activities, reduce administration and improve communication. It has more than 60 functionalities, which can be used in different packages – so again this app can be customised to each client’s need.”

HygieneTech UAE believes the country can be seen as an innovator by using hi-tech cleaning solutions to advance its sustainability credentials. “At Middle East Cleaning and Technology Week, we aim to solidify our position as a leading suppliers of “away from home” green air care and hygiene products as well as a wide range of eco-friendly heavy-duty cleaning machinery,” said the company’s Chief Executive Officer, Issam Hauranieh.

The transformation the cleaning sector is undergoing will be in keen focus at Clean Middle East Expo, according to Messe Frankfurt’s Dalal.

“As the Middle East aims for smart, sustainable, clean and hygienic cities, the products and services showcased at will provide sector-changing solutions for the region. The whole gamut of the industry will be addressed from the latest technologies to the best practices with a focus on green and sustainable solutions. These are the tools and practices that will define the trends for several industries, including hospitality, healthcare, food processing, manufacturing, catering and more,” explained Dalal.

Given the breadth of the cleaning and hygiene industries impact, Clean Middle East Expo has been sub-divided into nine product streams giving visitors a direct path to their area of interest. These are: cleaning equipment and machinery; commercial cleaning; floor care and cleaning equipment; general cleaning chemicals; household cleaning products; janitorial equipment; kitchen hygiene; washroom care and waste care.

“Sub-divided into eight sessions, the conference, which will also feature live demos, will explore the entire remit of automization and digitalization in the laundry and dry-cleaning sectors including smart wash process, new technologies and future trends,” explained Dalal. “Delegates will leave with a wealth of knowledge on how to maximize efficiency, optimized hygiene, reduce energy and water bills and tips on new methods of cleaning linen and designer Asian clothing.” — SG