ISSA launches Safer Choices Forum to promote sustainable and health-conscious cleaning

ISSA Launches Safer Choices Forum to Advance Sustainable and Health-Conscious Cleaning Practices

The cleaning industry is undergoing a significant transformation, increasingly prioritising sustainability, health, and operational efficiency. Within this evolving landscape, facility managers and cleaning professionals play a pivotal role in safeguarding the built environment, particularly through the management of indoor air quality (IAQ) and surface cleaning. In response to these challenges, ISSA—the global cleaning industry association—has established the Safer Choices Forum, a community of practice (CoP) designed to connect and empower cleaning professionals with the resources and knowledge necessary to drive safer and more sustainable cleaning solutions.

Community of Practice: A Collaborative Approach

A community of practice is a collective of individuals sharing a common interest or concern, collaborating to achieve both personal and group goals. ISSA’s Safer Choices Forum aims to bridge cleaning with health, safety, and sustainability by fostering education and shared expertise among its members. This initiative responds to the growing demand for informed decision-making in facility management by providing a platform where professionals can exchange best practices and develop innovative solutions.

Aligning with Facility Management Trends for 2025

The Safer Choices Forum reflects key facility management trends expected to dominate in 2025, as outlined by industry observers such as BradyPLUS:

1. Sustainability as a Business Imperative: Organisations are committing to safer cleaning products that align with environmental goals and enhance customer experience.

2. Health and Wellness Focus: Cleaning strategies prioritise IAQ, surface hygiene, and floorcare with products that limit exposure to toxins, allergens, and pollutants.

3. Technology-Driven Efficiency: The adoption of autonomous cleaning robots, IoT-enabled devices, and data-driven cleaning schedules supports resource optimisation and productivity gains.

4. Cost-Effective Cleaning Strategies: Employing bulk purchasing, multifunctional equipment, and streamlined processes helps maintain high standards while controlling expenses.

5. Training and Workforce Development: Continuous education ensures a skilled professional workforce capable of implementing advanced cleaning protocols.

Resources and Networking to Support Safer Cleaning

Participants in the Safer Choices Forum will gain access to a comprehensive suite of resources including case studies showcasing the benefits of sustainable cleaning, educational and training materials to upskill workers, and practical guidelines ensuring compliance with evolving health and safety standards. In addition, the forum seeks to standardise cleaning terminology to clarify distinctions among routine, deep, and terminal cleaning.

The CoP also facilitates discussion on emerging topics such as automation technologies, AI-driven cleaning systems, and strategies to optimise water use and minimise harmful chemical exposure. Regulatory updates form another crucial area of focus, keeping professionals informed about changes in laws and sustainability protocols.

Driving Industry Transformation through Collaboration

The Safer Choices Forum aims to serve as a catalyst for change in the cleaning sector. According to market research firm Smithers, environmentally friendly cleaning products are expected to reach a market value of US$109.7 billion by 2026, growing at an annual rate of 8.5%, outpacing the overall cleaning products market. The forum will assist purchasers in identifying genuinely safer products by highlighting reliable ecolabels and dispelling misconceptions around vague product claims such as “eco safe”.

Moreover, it advocates for the adoption of smart cleaning technologies that leverage data and IoT connectivity to enhance efficiency and reduce environmental impact. Recognising that knowledge gaps and resistance to new procedures present challenges, the forum emphasises education and change management as essential components to successful transitions in cleaning practices.

Engaging with the Safer Choices Forum

Cleaning and facility management organisations are invited to join the Safer Choices Forum by contacting ISSA via [email protected]. Membership offers a dynamic environment of peer networking, live events, and continued learning—all aimed at fostering a healthier, more sustainable future for industry professionals and the facilities they manage.

For executives and decision-makers within associations, confederations, and trade bodies, ISSA’s community of practice represents an opportunity to support members in navigating the complex intersections of sustainability, regulatory requirements, and technological innovation in cleaning. By facilitating access to practical tools and a collaborative network of experts, the Safer Choices Forum positions itself as a vital resource in the sector’s ongoing evolution.