ISS Spain is implementing a sustainable, eco-friendly cleaning service for work spaces based on the ground-breaking system of water-soluble tablets from Baula, resulting from the technology the start-up has developed at its lab at the Barcelona Science Park and patented in over 140 countries. The workplace-management company, part of Danish multinational ISS Group, has already begun using this cleaning and disinfecting system in the branches of two main Spanish banking institutions.

The deal with Baula is part of ISS policy to reduce its use of water, energy and raw materials, and cut production, plastic waste and chemical products, through alliances with suppliers using innovative tools and processes to help limit the environmental impact.

Baula is a technology-based start-up that is committed to the environment, with a business project based on R&D. After seven years of intense research at the Barcelona Science Park, the company has developed an innovative technology to manufacture green cleaning products, in a single-dose water-soluble tablet, in order to reduce single-use containers and cut the generation of plastics by 90%.

The tablet format reduces the product’s volume, holding up to 30 times more than conventional cleaning containers. This makes them easier to store, reducing delivery frequency and, as a result, carbon footprint. CO₂ emissions for transporting one pallet are under 500 grams, compared to over 36 kilos for conventional cleaning products. This innovation is also Ecocert certified.

Photo: Baula.

ISS Spain, which has been present in this country for over 20 years, is committed to creating more efficient, sustainable work environments to contribute to people’s wellbeing and adapt to their needs.  With a team of over 30,000 people, the company is a leader in integrating services, providing cleaning, technical and workplace services for clients in various sectors, both public and private.

In its OneISS strategy, and through its commitment to connecting people and places to help bring about a better world, innovation and sustainability are two key pillars of the ISS Group environmental policy. In collaboration with its clients, the Danish multinational corporation strives to reach this goal through a unique combination of data, know-how and excellence in service for offices, industries, hospitals and other spaces around the world.

“Our greatest challenge is to be more efficient in our use of resources and cut down on waste, including plastic contamination. This new line of products, from Baula, helps us offer a more eco-friendly service for our clients,” explains Ana Jimeno, ISS head of Quality, Environment and Workplace Health and Safety.

ISS Spain has already implemented the new green cleaning plan in the branches of two main Spanish banking institutions. This will save up to 12 tonnes of plastic, thanks to the reusable containers, and up to 40 tonnes of CO₂ in transport each year.

Photo: ISS Group.

The new ISS cleaning process also helps improve its employees’ health and wellbeing, as it doesn’t produce chemical fumes that affect the respiratory tract, like other detergents. The tablet format also helps decrease the risk of injury from carrying and lifting products.

“With this system, we give our clients more sustainable processes, which are more and more in demand, but also offer safer work conditions for our employees,” adds Jimeno.