behind that of many other sectors. It is the management of water resources which should be controlled – it is that which threatens global economies, human life, health and natural ecosystems.
Technology providers
Innovation in water technology – everything from supply (including desalination) to industrial efficiency (more efficient water usage) to agricultural technologies (including crop protection and irrigation controls) – could play a major role in closing the supply-demand gap. Many of the solutions on cost curves developed for each country imply the scale-up of existing technologies, which requires expanded production on the part of technology providers.
A high percentage
Currently there is an annual growth in the region of 3-7% in industrial water demand, equating to a similar level of growth in the need for expensive water treatment. Approximately 50% of all water abstracted in one year is used by businesses in the UK. This equates to just under 7bn cubic metres per annum.
The Waste and Resources Action Programme (WRAP) is an organisation dedicated to producing positive economic and environmental action. Research conducted in 2013 identified the food and drink industry, including manufacturing and hospitality, as the highest industrial water user outside of energy and waste, not including water used within finished products.
“Improving the efficiency of water use within industrial and municipal sectors is critical, and the cleaning
industry has a responsibility to promote this.”
WRAP’s 2013 report – Water Minimisation in the Food & Drink Industry (available as a PDF here) – states that cleaning can account for as much as 70% of a site’s water use and that, whilst the overuse of water is common, it is possible to reduce water without compromising hygiene. Their recommendations include using automatic floor cleaning equipment and pressure washers as well as carefully considering flow rates, pressure and chemical usage. Staff training, professional cleaning schedules and the re-use of waste water was also cited.
It is clear that improving the efficiency of water use within industrial and municipal sectors is critical and the cleaning industry has a responsibility to promote this – but the question is, how do we do this?
Focus on water reduction R&D
Whilst some cleaning equipment manufacturers are embracing the issue of water reduction, others are certainly behind the curve. Initiatives from the Nilfisk team include SmartFlow, where the solution flow of water and detergent is automatically controlled by the speed of the machine. This simple yet highly effective system significantly reduces water consumption and also prevents splashing.
The Nilfisk EcoFlex system has also been a game changer within the range. The system carefully controls water and chemical usage, enabling a temporary boost of water, detergent and brush pressure for more aggressive spot cleaning. It provides complete consumption control without compromising on cleaning performance and, importantly, it also allows for chemical-free cleaning. Tests have shown that using the EcoFlex system on a professional scrubber dryer results in an average detergent saving of 50%.
So, what of the future?
The Food and Drink industry alone has set a target for water reduction of 20% from the 2007 baseline by the year 2020, but will they make it? All efforts must be increased if targets are to be met and cost reductions are to be utilised.
Further developments in autonomous cleaning will undoubtedly change the face of cleaning as increased productivity, data driven insights and the conservation of resources become key drivers for innovation and new product development.
www.nilfisk.co.uk
www.tomorrowscleaning.com
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