FEATURE
FEA- TURE
A Clean Sweep Here we learn about 50 years of innovation from Harrison Wipes and Chicopee.
Harrison Wipes, a pioneer in the UK wipes industry, is proud to celebrate over 50 years of partnership and cleaning innovation with Chicopee, marking a significant milestone in the history of the iconic J-Cloth: a product that not only revolutionised the cleaning sector, but has grown into a household name in the UK and beyond.
From its humble origins as a simple woven dishcloth alternative to the modern J-Cloth Compostable, Harrison Wipes has seen the evolution of the J-Cloth alongside its customers — and is honoured to have been part of the journey every step of the way.
The J-Cloth, distinguished by its iconic blue and white striped design, first emerged in the UK during the 1970s where it quickly ascended to market dominance. Its journey from a simple cleaning alternative to a symbol of quality and reliability is a testament to the power of continuous innovation, strategic partnerships and the foresight of key individuals at Harrison Wipes.
The story of the J-Cloth began in Holland, where it was first developed by Johnson & Johnson, the original parent company of Chicopee. Johnson & Johnson sought to introduce the J-Cloth to the UK market, beginning the endeavour with a sampling campaign in a Fleet Street newspaper – after which they were left with a significant amount of leftover material and no plan for how they might get rid of it.
The turning point came when Norman Harris, a seasoned Harrison Wipes salesman with deep connections in London’s East End, saw the potential of the product and asked for a portion of the leftover stock. After selling his portion in a single weekend, and witnessing his contacts – and their customers – intrigued with the innovative wipe, Norman asked for more. It was this foresight and Harrison Wipes’ subsequent partnership with Johnson & Johnson that led to the widespread adoption of the J-Cloth in the UK.
60 | TOMORROW'S CLEANING
Under the guidance of Seymour Harrison, a third-generation family member, the company embraced this opportunity and began shifting its focus from traditional textiles to non-woven wipes. This strategic pivot not only transformed Harrison Wipes into the UK’s leading distributor of the J-Cloth but also positioned the company as a market leader in non-woven products, shaping the future of cleaning solutions across multiple sectors, from healthcare to hospitality.
As Harrison Wipes celebrates this remarkable legacy, the company remains firmly committed to innovation, with a particular focus on sustainability. In response to growing consumer demand for eco-friendly products, Harrison Wipes has introduced the J-Cloth Compostable – the first fully certified compostable colour-coded wipe on the market. This new product, made from 100% PEFC-certified viscose, represents a significant leap forward in reducing environmental impact while maintaining the high standards of performance that the J-Cloth is known for.
Looking ahead, Harrison Wipes is preparing to launch another groundbreaking product: the 100% plastic-free J-Cloth. This forthcoming innovation will further reduce the environmental footprint of the J-Cloth by eliminating plastics from the manufacturing process, aligning with the broader industry shift towards Net Zero credentials.
As Harrison Wipes continues to drive forward with innovations, the company remains deeply rooted in the values that have guided it for over a century: a commitment to quality, a dedication to meeting customer needs and an unwavering focus on sustainability. The story of the J-Cloth is not just a tale of a product’s success; it is a reflection of Harrison Wipes’ enduring legacy of innovation and its ongoing mission to create products that make a difference.
www.harrisonwipes.co.uk twitter.com/TomoCleaning
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