Sustainability and cleaning: how to choose the right machine?
Sustainability is a hot topic! Every action counts. And not just yours, but those of your partners too. That's why we're dedicating this blog series to creating a sustainable supply chain, with particular focus on selecting and using cleaning machines. Looking for a new cleaning machine and want to make a sustainable choice? Ask yourself the following questions.
Does your cleaning machine have a CFI certificate?
Unlike cleaning agents, some of which have certifications like Cradle to Cradle, machines don't come with any widely recognized label or certification. This makes it difficult to identify the most sustainable machine at a glance. That's exactly why the Carbon Footprint International initiative was created. This umbrella organization oversees and regulates national initiatives, ensuring long-term credibility. With a CFI certificate, manufacturers demonstrate that they've measured their carbon footprint and are taking systematic steps to reduce it. And since measuring is the first step toward understanding, the CFI certificate is a solid starting point for truly sustainable product development.
What material is the machine made of?
What's the connection between energy savings and recycled plastic? It's real, and it should guide your choice when selecting a new cleaning machine to reduce your carbon footprint. For instance, choose a vacuum cleaner made from recycled materials. Making products from recycled materials emits 75% less CO2 than manufacturing new, virgin materials.
What are you going to use your machine for?
It's important to choose your machine based on its application and the space it's intended for. Don't choose a machine that's too heavy if you only need to clean a few square meters, for example. And above all, make sure you get the right advice. BOMA has developed a practical machine calculator to help you out. It recommends the ideal machine based on the type of space and the surface area you need to clean.
How much energy does the machine use?
It goes without saying that the sustainability of your machine depends heavily on how much energy it consumes. "But wouldn't it be better to do everything by hand?" you might ask. The answer is no. Just think about the labor required to clean an area that a machine could handle in under an hour. Manual cleaning involves extra movement, as well as higher consumption of water, chemicals, and various materials. Meanwhile, those materials wear out much faster than a machine. Tip: check whether the machine you're interested in has an eco mode.
How much water does the machine use?
A machine's level of sustainability also depends on how much water it consumes. That's why the latest models are designed to deliver excellent results with minimal water usage. The new Lionsbot LeoScrub and Lionsbot R3 robots, for example, are particularly water-efficient, using no more than 6 liters per hour. That's 8 times less than the average floor scrubber. So when comparing two machines, it's a good idea to check their water consumption.
Where does the machine come from and what is its social impact?
In addition to our environmental impact, we are also placing more and more attention on the social impact of our choices worldwide. So don't hesitate to check where your machine comes from. Was it manufactured in Asia? If so, under what working conditions? Was an audit carried out? BOMA manufactures its green machines in Italy. That way, you can rest assured that the working conditions comply with European legislation. But that's not all. Many machine manufacturers support social and solidarity-based initiatives around the world. One of the best-known projects is Made Blue, which has the notable support of i-team. Thanks to this initiative, every liter of water you use with your i-Mop is converted into the same amount of drinking water for developing countries.
Get started today!
Today, sustainability is much more than a box to tick in a public tender or a buzzword used in marketing. It's time for action. The good news is that it's easy to help reduce our environmental impact. You can even start today by choosing the right partners. So, what are you waiting for?
Want to create a more sustainable logistics supply chain? Feel free to get in touch with our experts!