WASHROOM


BIN THE BULK,


IT’S SAFER SEALED


Paul Jakeway, Marketing Director at skincare expert Deb, explains the inherent risks of bacterial


contamination with refillable reservoir dispensers and highlights why sealed cartridge dispensers are the safer, more efficient choice.


the product is being used to wash hands. Therefore the risk of contamination is minimised.


In the study “Bacterial Hand Contamination and Transfer after Use of Contaminated Bulk-Soap-Refillable Dispensers” the authors come to the conclusion that “extrinsic contamination of hand soap can be eliminated or considerably reduced through the use of sealed-soap-dispensing systems”.


In contrast to the often messy re-filling procedure


of bulk dispensers, sealed cartridges are quick and easy to change. Spills are no longer an issue, and sealed cartridge dispensers require minimal cleaning. Maintenance is low – saving both time and money.


Modern dispensers have been designed to deliver exactly the right amount of a specific product at any given time – whereas bulk dispensers tend to deliver the same quantity whatever product they are filled with. This alone makes sealed cartridge dispensers the more economical option.


What’s more, sealed cartridge dispensers make it possible to use highly-effective foam soaps, instead of lotion products. Less foam soap is needed compared to lotion soap, with a standard one litre cartridge yielding over 1,400 hand washes.


“FOAM SOAPS CAN ALSO CONTRIBUTE TO


SIGNIFICANT WATER AND ENERGY SAVINGS.”


There used to be nothing but bulk, and for good reason; bulk dispensers left less mess than bar soaps and were inexpensive. But budget-driven decisions in favour of bulk systems did not always take into a consideration an issue that we now recognise as extremely problematic: bacterial contamination.


Bulk systems are “open” because they are not sealed they are potentially vulnerable to contamination from the environment (bacteria fungi or moulds), or from the hands of the person refilling the system and handling the dispenser. The widely applied practice of “topping off” dispensers – refilling them before they have been emptied out and cleaned properly – means that the old soap in the reservoir, which may have been contaminated by germs, can cause the new soap to be contaminated.


Extensive research leaves no doubt about the seriousness of the problem: in one study, 25% of bulk dispensers were found to be excessively contaminated. Further research came to the conclusion that bulk dispensers can leave hands with 25 times more bacteria after washing.


Better solutions are widely available. Sealed dispenser systems are “closed”: they are refilled by inserting into the dispenser a sealed cartridge of soap. There is no contact between the product and the environment before


22 | TOMORROW’S FM


Foam soaps can also contribute to significant water and energy savings. It has been estimated that their use can reduce water consumption by up to 45%. A range of foam formulations also carry the European Union Ecolabel Certificate, which means that they are considered to carry a reduced environmental impact, whilst retaining their primary purpose of being effective and pleasant to use.


Unlike bulk systems, which, thanks to frequent opening and cleaning requirements, could break easily, many sealed cartridge dispensers are also built to last, with some manufacturers offering a guarantee for life.


An aesthetically pleasing, easy-to-use, clean-sealed cartridge dispenser system can also make a significant contribution to increasing hand hygiene compliance. Washroom users are more likely to wash their hands with soap if the product is available from pleasant-looking, clean and tidy dispensing systems.


Sealed cartridge dispensers are safer and more hygienic than their bulk counterparts; they minimise the risk of bacterial contamination and help to prevent infections; they save companies time and money; and they ease the burden on the environment. If you take all these advantages together, they really make bulk dispensers look like a relic from a bygone era - it’s time to bin them.


www.debgroup.com/uk twitter.com/TomorrowsFM


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