The Global I&I Industry: 5 Important Trends to Know About


Though it’s always been a major player in the global manufacturing sector, the industrial and institutional or I&I cleaning industry’s relevance has recently been magnified by events such as the COVID-19 pandemic, which brought unprecedented attention to cleanliness and hygiene in industrial and institutional settings. As a result, the sector has seen a shift towards more efficient, eco-friendly, and cost-effective solutions. From the increasing demand for green cleaning products to the adoption of automated technologies, these trends reflect a broader commitment on the part of I&I companies to operational excellence and environmental stewardship.
Businesses navigating this evolving landscape need to understand these changes and adjust their operations accordingly in order to succeed and ensure the best outcomes for their clients. This article aims to explore the latest trends in the I&I cleaning sector, offering business owners and decision-makers in the industry a comprehensive view of current market dynamics and future directions.
1) Green Cleaning
In light of current environmental crises and the attendant boom in public concern for sustainability around the world, it’s no surprise that the emphasis on green cleaning has emerged as a major trend in the I&I cleaning industry. This approach aims to prioritize environmental friendliness and simultaneously safeguard the health and safety of users and occupants.
Notably, cleaning products incorporating natural ingredients have gained popularity in the I&I sector for their lower toxicity levels and reduced environmental impact. Coconut oil, for instance, is rapidly becoming a highly sought-after ingredient in the industry due to its natural cleaning properties. Any business seeking to improve its ecological footprint would benefit from working with a reliable coconut oil supplier that sources its products from sustainable coconut plantations. This shift both supports ecological sustainability and also resonates with consumers’ growing preference for natural and safe cleaning solutions.
The green cleaning trend extends beyond just the choice of ingredients, however. It’s also concerned with the entire lifecycle of cleaning products, from manufacturing to disposal. Other concrete steps businesses can take toward greener cleaning, for instance, include the following:
- Developing concentrated formulas that reduce the need for excessive packaging
- Reducing or eliminating harsh chemicals and synthetic fragrances in products
- Using packaging that either incorporates recycled materials or reduces plastic usage
2) The Impact of Inflation
Like any other industry, the I&I cleaning industry is vulnerable to the economic fluctuations that impact global markets, such as inflation. In recent years, the rising costs of both supplies and labor have pushed businesses to adjust their service offerings and pricing strategies.
To mitigate the impact of these increasing costs, many companies have begun using private-label cleaning products. These products often come at lower price points, which makes them attractive options for businesses looking to maintain quality cleaning standards within a reasonable budget.
In response to inflation, some businesses have also altered their approach to cleaning. This includes prioritizing high-impact cleaning areas and adopting more efficient cleaning techniques to reduce labor and material costs. For business owners, adapting to these economic challenges requires a careful balance between cost management and maintaining high standards of cleanliness and hygiene.
At this juncture, it’s crucial to emphasize that the shift towards cost-efficiency does not necessarily mean a compromise in quality. Innovations in the industry have led to the development of products and tools that deliver effective cleaning results using fewer resources. Examples include microfiber cleaning cloths and mops, which are highly effective at trapping dirt and require less water and cleaning solution than traditional materials. Concentrated cleaning solutions are another example; these products are diluted on-site, reducing transportation costs and packaging waste.
3) Labor-Saving Products and Tools
In the post-pandemic era, many industries have had more difficulty hiring and retaining staff, and the I&I cleaning industry is no exception. Businesses in the sector have begun working around manpower shortages by employing products and tools that require minimal labor to operate.
Noteworthy innovations include advanced cleaning equipment like autonomous floor cleaners and robotic vacuums. These technologies are designed to run with minimal human supervision, which reduces the need for large cleaning crews. Smart dispensing systems, which accurately measure and dispense cleaning agents, are another salient example that helps companies save time and reduce waste.
In addition, I&I companies have explored using ergonomically designed tools to reduce physical strain on cleaning staff, thereby enhancing productivity and reducing the likelihood of injuries. Tools equipped with sensors and IoT (Internet of Things) capabilities, on the other hand, provide real-time data on usage and maintenance needs that can help further streamline the cleaning process and make it more cost-efficient overall.

4) Smart Technologies and Automation
Automation solutions and smart technologies driven by IoT have also enabled the I&I cleaning industry to ascend to new heights of efficiency and effectiveness in recent years. IoT largely figures into innovations like IoT-enabled dispensers that monitor and control the use of cleaning chemicals and supplies. The I&I industry utilizes automation, on the other hand, in the form of sophisticated equipment like programmable pressure washers and scrubbers. On top of improving cleaning efficiency, these automated technologies may also come with valuable data analytics features that enable facility managers to optimize their cleaning schedules and their allocation of resources.
Integrating IoT technology in cleaning equipment allows for real-time monitoring of machine performance and maintenance needs, which in turn reduces downtime and extends equipment life. In the same vein of increasing efficiency, automated solutions have become particularly beneficial in large facilities like hospitals, schools, and industrial complexes—all of which require consistent and thorough cleaning. When they adopt both smart and automated technologies, I&I businesses are better poised to achieve higher cleaning standards, reduce labor costs, and respond more effectively to the dynamic needs of their facilities.
5) Changes in Flooring
The trend towards different types of flooring materials in industrial and institutional settings is influencing the demand for specific cleaning products and methods. In particular, more facilities around the world are opting for resilient, hard-surface, and concrete floors.
These floor types require different maintenance routines compared to traditional carpeted floors. For instance, resilient and hard-surface floors often need less frequent, but more specialized cleaning that involves specific detergents and machines like high-speed burnishers and auto-scrubbers.
Concrete flooring, which is increasingly popular for its durability and industrial aesthetic, demands its own set of cleaning tools and chemicals, particularly those that can handle its porous nature and tendency to accumulate dust and debris. The shift in flooring types requires businesses in the I&I sector to stay informed about the latest products and techniques suitable for these materials, all so that they can maintain the flooring and maximize its longevity.
These dynamic shifts in the I&I cleaning industry demand more operational efficiency and concern for the environment, as well as clients’ values, from modern businesses in the sector. The goal should be to stay attuned to these changes, adapt swiftly, and become a leader in the industry when it comes to both cleanliness and sustainability.
People call me Cath! Living the minimalist lifestyle and love minimalist style, beauty and wellness especially YOGA. So hardly support mental health matter of insecurities.