Abdul Basit
Dubai – Internet of Cleaning, automated laundry, robotic cleaning and green zone were the key highlights of the 5th edition of Middle East Cleaning Technology Week (MECTW), which concluded on November 9 in Dubai.
The three-day show hosted over 130 exhibitors from 15 countries and attracted over 4,000 attendees. The exhibition was 10 per cent bigger in size this year, with exhibitors delighted with the quality of the visitors, according to its organiser VIS Exhibitions.
Speaking to The UAE News Taher Patrawala, chief executive officer of VIS Exhibitions & Conferences informed that new thing this year is a dedicated ‘Green Zone’ that showcased eco-friendly products from 18 companies.
Eco-friendly products, green cleaning and sustainable development have become the key topics of discussion for the cleaning industry, here in the region and globally. Industry experts expect the global market for sustainable cleaning products to be valued at $51 billion by 2021.
Talking about the challenges to the industry, he said most of the important challenge is awareness of cleaning and hygiene. He mentioned that there are different requirements of products for property owners and hotel operators.
He said there is a new buzz of Internet of cleaning like Internet of Thing. It’s a cloud-based system and while sitting in a room you can operate and manage the cleaning machines, he added. “In terms of innovation, we have got robotic cleaning technology at the exhibition,” he informed. The show organiser also recognsied the services of city cleaners by giving away cash prizes and certificates to city cleaners of Dubai, Sharjah, Abu Dhabi and Umm Al Quwain.
Exhibitors introduced interesting products to create a sustainable environment in a cost-effective way. Exhibitors and visitors hailed the show a resounding success, and expressed their confidence in the Middle East as one of the key growth markets for cleaning products and services.
AL TAJ AL FIDDI ANTISEPTIC TRADING LLC, one stop for the laundry machine, chemical and accessories, showcased the only professional cleaning solution, RevitaPoint, in the Gulf for shoes, bags, helmets, carpets and child seats. RevitaPoint washes the dirt with active foam, rinses with conditioner, dries and sanitizes to eliminate odour and then gives a final touch that revives the colour and the look of the shoes, helmets etc.
Xeros laundry systems showcased polymer washing system that has high speed and is easy to load and clean. It has powerful data capturing capabilities and uses up to 80% less water, 50% less chemicals, 50% less energy and 83% less carbon.
Introducing their new product in the Middle East, Coen Verhelst, CEO meclean, professional cleaning machines company, said “This year we have introduced meclean high-pressure cleaner in the Middle East. It is a multi-functional machine that can be pushed up to 200 bars to release high steam pressure and can remove stains of chewing gum, bad odour, graffiti and even oil spills without the use of any chemicals. We are selling this product in Europe for about a year now but this is a new addition to the Middle East market.”
Schutzen Protection, leaders in car and bike care products showcased eco-friendly and fluorocarbon free product at the exhibition. Raj Tanna, Founder & Director, Schutzen Protection, said, “Paints and glass sealants are usually of two types: wax-based, that dries out quickly but has low durability, and the other has a ceramic coating that is durable but is also very expensive. The Schutzen Paint & Glass Sealant fills the gap between the two. Our innovative formula is re-paintable, dries in 15 minutes, and is priced up to only a tenth of any competition, with durability of up to 6 months.”
“We are overwhelmed with the response of visitors this year. It has equally been a good experience for the exhibitors, industry leaders and professionals from the cleaning, car wash and laundry sector. This year we hosted knowledge sharing conferences that primarily focused on the growing need for innovation in the cleaning, laundry, and car care industries. We believe that the overall exhibition has proved to be productive in generating awareness about the existing and future opportunities in the cleaning sector within the region. We are now excited to further expand this exhibition in 2018,” commented Jayaraman Nair, Chairman of VIS Exhibition.
A visitor at the show, Zain Ul Zeb, owner of Good & Well Cleaning Services LLC, said, “We came to the exhibition in search of new models for steam cleaning machines to further upgrade our existing machinery. Since we are currently providing cleaning services to the residential flats, we are looking for portable and easy to operate machinery.”
Evangeline Castillo, Cleaning coordinator, Khadamat Facilities Management LLC, another visitor at the exhibition said, “Our company is based in Al Ain and we are looking for cleaning equipment that can remove prominent stains. The offerings at the exhibition are widespread and I am glad I came here to attend this event.”
The Middle East Cleaning Technology Week played host to a number of live product demos and industry-specific conferences for cleaning, car wash and laundry sector. The last day of the exhibition ended with Excellence Awards that embraced individuals who make the surroundings more liveable and sustainable. – abdulbasit@theuaenews.com
