FEATURE
Emily Downing: The Rising Star making her mark
In the first of a series of features from the Cleaning and Hygiene Suppliers Association (CHSA), we find out more about the winner of the CHSA Excellence Award for Rising Star 2026, Emily Downing.
Emily Downing joined Cleenol Group just 18 months ago as the most junior member of the technical team. Today, she is the winner of the CHSA Excellence Award for Rising Star, reflecting her technical expertise and her remarkable maturity, initiative and commitment to the wider industry.
The CHSA Rising Star Award recognises exceptional performance, impact, rapid growth, innovation and professionalism. Emily’s journey at Cleenol demonstrates all these qualities in abundance.
From the outset, she looked beyond the immediate task in front of her. Rather than simply focusing on product formulation, she developed an understanding of the wider commercial, regulatory and customer implications of product development. This broader perspective has delivered tangible results for the business.
One of her most notable achievements came while working on a new hard surface cleaner project. Emily identified an opportunity to apply an active ingredient in a way that would enhance an existing product and support valuable biocidal claims in both the UK and European markets. After identifying the opportunity, she led the necessary testing, documentation and compliance processes required to bring it to market. The result was the relaunch of the product as Mould and Mildew Remover, which sold out in its first week and delivered a sales increase of more than 65%.
It’s this combination of scientific understanding and commercial awareness that's set Emily apart. Her ability to challenge assumptions, ask insightful questions and identify new possibilities has made her an increasingly influential voice within Cleenol’s product development activities.
Her progression within the business has been equally impressive. Within just three months of joining Cleenol, Emily was representing the technical department in meetings with customers and suppliers, delivering training and helping solve technical challenges. More recently, when Cleenol’s Lead Chemist began maternity leave, Emily stepped up. Rather than recruit temporary cover, the
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company placed its confidence in Emily, recognising her reliability, technical knowledge and leadership potential.
Beyond her core responsibilities, Emily has become a driving force for innovation and continuous improvement. She's led reviews of raw materials, to ensure alignment with the company’s sustainability philosophy, investigated alternative manufacturing partners and worked closely with the marketing team to improve technical education. Her ability to translate complex scientific concepts into accessible language has helped customers better understand Cleenol’s products.
Learning and development are central to Emily’s approach. She regularly attends industry seminars, exhibitions and networking events, continually seeking opportunities to expand her knowledge. Whether participating in specialist fragrance training, researching new product categories or engaging with peers across the chemical sector, she demonstrates an enthusiasm for learning that extends far beyond her day-to-day role.
That same passion is evident in her commitment to supporting others. Emily tutors young people in STEM subjects, represents Cleenol at careers fairs and helps inspire the next generation of scientists and technical professionals. She also plays an active role in employee engagement initiatives and contributes to the company’s wider community and charitable activities. Last year, she completed the Oxford Half Marathon, raising more than £700 for charity as part of Cleenol’s Day to Make a Difference programme.
As the cleaning and hygiene industry continues to evolve, it’s clear Emily represents the next generation of technical leaders. Her achievements over the last 18 months would be impressive at any stage of a career. For someone only just beginning their professional journey, they are nothing short of extraordinary.
www.chsa.co.uk x.com/TomoCleaning
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