Cleaning and hygiene technologies in hospitality

In the fast-paced world of travel, the hospitality industry has witnessed a significant shift in guest expectations over the years, fuelled by increased disposable income and the rising frequency of travel. This evolution has not only shaped the demand for high-end accommodations but has also spurred advancements in cleaning and hygiene technologies to meet the changing needs of the discerning traveller.

Changing Landscape of Travel

The surge in business and leisure travel, including medical tourism and pilgrimage, has reshaped the hospitality sector. Modern travellers expect more than just a place to rest; they demand an environment that meets high standards of cleanliness and hygiene, particularly in the post-Covid era. This shift has intensified competition within the lodging sector, prompting establishments to invest in better services to stay ahead in a highly competitive market.

Technological Advancements in Cleaning

The cleaning technologies have also seen a parallel evolution to keep up with the changing industry. The earlier days were directed by manual cleaning methods – relying on brooms and brushes along with water and a few basic chemicals which were generic in nature. These methods were labour-intensive, leaving the job perceived as a menial task. The industry has now transitioned to sophisticated, technology driven solutions. Companies have introduced solutions based on formulated chemistry, providing tailored solutions for specific cleaning needs. This move towards specialisation has also elevated the perception of cleaning roles, transforming them from menial tasks to professional careers with a sense of dignity. At Diversey, for instance, our comprehensive sustainable range of products, services and technologies combine our industry-leading expertise and 100 years’ experience with passion and the latest innovations to deliver the most effective, seamless, cost-effective, and sustainable solutions. As a solutions partner, we work alongside our customers to maximise impact and care for their assets, environments, and people.

The cleaning industry is now embracing automation as well, with a gradual shift towards robotic cleaning. This shift not only reduces the physical strain on workers but also enhances efficiency and precision. Initially dependent on imports, these technologies are now readily available in India, further democratising access to advanced cleaning solutions. 

Concentrates and Precision Dosing: Maximising Efficiency

Amongst other factors, as space becomes a premium in hospitality establishments, and attrition rates pose challenges, cleaning practices have evolved from bulk usage to concentrates and super-concentrates. The evolution of the cleaning agents can be broadly seen from water to generic cleaning agent to formulated products. With the advent of concentrated and super concentrated products, the manual dosing systems have given way to mechanised, precision dosing systems that optimise costs, reduce waste and provide complete control to the investor over the products. This shift not only streamlines operations but also addresses environmental concerns by minimising resource usage.

Towards a Sustainable Future

In today’s world of increasing resource scarcity – including water, energy, materials, and labour – we need to achieve more with less for the well-being of today’s generations and for future generations. The next wave of cleaning technologies focuses on sustainability. With a growing emphasis on being carbon-neutral or even carbon-negative, the industry is actively working towards reducing carbon emissions, minimising plastic waste and adopting recyclable materials. The products have begun to be directed by high concentration to reduce packaging, less reliance on inputs in terms of water and electricity. The narrative is shifting towards environmentally conscious practices, with a surge in demand for green products and businesses that align with sustainable industrial practices. This is also directed by the fact that the sustainable parameters have become a part of business performance evaluation. On the front end of the business as well, being green and sustainable has become a great business differentiator with the customers as well, holding significant value in the overall value proposition.

The evolution of cleaning and hygiene technologies in the hospitality sector mirrors the changing expectations of guests. From a manual, generic approach to a tech-driven, specialised one, the industry has come a long way. As the focus shifts towards sustainability, the hospitality sector is poised to continue its trajectory towards providing not just comfortable stays but also environmentally responsible and hygienic experiences for the modern traveller. 

Author Bio: Brijesh Pratap Singh Rathore is VP - Indian Subcontinent (Professional) & Global Strategic Accounts - APAC, Diversey Holdings