The inaugural Industrial Cleaning Conference (ICC) organised by Clean India Journal brought together key stakeholders and sector experts from facility management, manufacturing sectors, corporate houses, service providers and the cleaning industry. The one-day conference, held in Pune, concluded on a high note with participants from leading segments, including pharma, automotive, food processing, sugar and others. Here’s a brief report on the highly interactive sessions
Setting the tone of the conference on a different note, the sessions began with delegates raising distinct concerns about their facilities and their need to attend ICC to seek solutions.
Jagtap Anil Nagnath, Manager–Facility Maintenance at Baramati Agro Ltd, highlighted that most of the sugar factories have been working as cooperative societies and now, are shifting to the private sector. In most cases, floor cleaning is still being performed manually. Further there is “need to treat the waste generated from condensers.” In response, Shaji Khan, Director, Vikr Bioscience Pvt. Ltd, recommended using bio-based enzyme solutions to address both problems. Enzyme-based products, when used in their natural form, are highly effective and help neutralize waste, reducing sewage and sullage loads.
The science behind enzymes and their mechanisms of action was a helpful intervention for many in the audience unfamiliar with this approach. India has made significant progress in cleaning technologies, but these solutions “have not yet reached the users at large.”
From enzyme-based floor solutions to AI-powered safety systems, from redefining FM’s role to launching next-gen hygiene products, the Industrial Cleaning Conference 2025 laid the groundwork for cleaner, safer, smarter industrial spaces. The industry is clearly ready to move beyond conventional practices — and this event was the push it needed.
“Cleaning Is a Science” – From Concept to Collaboration
Shany Jalal, MD, Service Care Ltd, emphasized that “cleaning is a science.” The major challenges in maintaining industrial spaces for her as a service provider, emerge out as clear awareness gap.
At the leadership level, there is understanding and interest in products and technology, but the operational workforce also needs training to ensure results. She noted, “The mathematics has to work” when proposing new products to clients. Often, there is hesitation in adopting new technologies. “Technology is available. Please let us use it. We must collaborate — man plus machine — to get there.”
Automation & Robotics in Industrial Cleaning
Pankaj Patil, Head–Regional Asset Management, Siemens Ltd and Sandeep Rawal, Deputy GM, Motherson Automotive Technology & Engineering, explored how technology is transforming facility management.
Pankaj, reflecting on his 23 years in the maintenance domain, stressed the importance of dust control: “Dust is the enemy of electricity.” He shared specific metrics — if dust levels increase at HVAC inlets, the blower’s power consumption spikes due to higher static pressure. In compressed air systems, an increase in pressure drop reduces air filter efficiency. Dust in the power panels pose fire and short-circuit risks, reducing equipment reliability. These statistics were backed by Bureau of Energy Efficiency data.
Sandeep discussed automation in shop floor cleaning, especially with limited staff availability. “Even vacuum cleaners and scrubbers need manual operators,” he said. This led to the birth of robotic cleaning machines — “like toy cars” that perform vacuuming and wet scrubbing autonomously.
He noted that while western countries are embracing robotic cleaning in food and pharma sectors, in India, the abundance of manpower still limits automation. “Hazardous zones like nuclear reactors and boilers should not have manual cleaning, but we are still following conventional practices.” He emphasized safety and accuracy, stating, “Though it comes at a cost, automated cleaning ensures safety and near-100% accuracy.”
Vedant Matta, Director-Sales, Charnock Equipments Pvt. Ltd, added four key considerations for mechanised cleaning:
1. Are you serious or just curious about mechanized cleaning?
2. Embrace SLAM – Simultaneous Localisation and Mapping
3. Adopt adaptive cleaning – machines that auto-calibrate based on dirt levels, brush pressure and chemical dilution
4. Explore predictive cleaning – systems that anticipate and act proactively.
Shaping the Future of FM in Manufacturing Facilities
One of the important sessions that defined the future of facility management in industrial spaces, was discussed by Amber Chandratre, Director–Global Integrated Services–Facilities, Cummins India Region; Ralph Sunil, Senior VP–Administration, JSW Steel; Vishal Mhatre, Head–Admin & Facilities, Serum Institute of India Pvt. Ltd and Nilesh P Gokhale, Regional FM Lead–Central AMEA, Mondelez India Foods Pvt. Ltd.
FM professionals often gain importance only during a crisis. It is time to recognize janitors, technicians and FM staff. Further FM is a specialised job and has a bright future with AI tools, dashboards, sensors and robotics.
Speaking on ESG goals, Vishal emphasized that “We do not just want to be part of ESG; we want to lead it. Leadership helps drive that change.” He underlined that investments in people and tools are equally critical.
Ralph pointed out the need for educating FM professionals through certified courses in educational institutions. “Training and communication are key. We often fail to present our proposals effectively to the board. Let us fix that.” He reminded the audience that 42 verticals fall under facility management.
Safety & Security, Compliance & Best Practices
Col. Ripu Daman Singh, Sr GM–Security and Systems, Deepak Fertilisers and Petrochemicals Corp. Ltd and Lt Col Ajaydeep Singh, Country Security Manager, Michelin, addressed this critical segment.
Col Ripu spoke about the importance of personnel tracking using AI, facial recognition and visitor management systems. “This is critical during emergency evacuations. Knowing where every team member is makes all the difference.”
Lt Col Ajaydeep stressed that safety must not be an afterthought. He cited the example of workers cleaning façades without proper safety checks. “Without increasing investment, we must align all stakeholders to uphold security and safety protocols. Training of FM staff is essential.”
Smart Waste Strategies: Driving Circularity in Industrial Operations
Water Reuse & Recycling
Dr Shyam Raja, Joint VP, Praj Industries Ltd, addressed water conservation. “Industries generate 360 billion m³ of wastewater annually, but only 52% is treated and just 10-18% is reused.” He highlighted technologies that can convert wastewater from food and beverage industries into reusable process water. “Water stress is real. Recycling is no longer optional.”
Reduction, Reuse & Repurposing
Rahul Juware, Director, Social Lab Environmental Solutions Pvt. Ltd, shed light on plastic waste from cleaning products. “Most cleaning solution manufacturers use plastics that are rarely recycled.” He outlined upcoming regulations for plastic waste management in India and their implications for the cleaning industry.
Tiding Over Challenges of Industrial Cleaning
Vedant Matta returned to discuss practical industrial cleaning strategies. “Focus must be on shop floor cleaning — whether wet, deep, or dry mopping, as well as washroom hygiene. Washrooms, often neglected, are major infection hotspots.”
He discussed dust control and sweeping solutions for parking lots and internal roads and introduced Charnock’s equipment portfolio tailored for diverse conditions.
Test Your Knowledge
Sahil Jain, MD and Dheemanth CR, General Manager, columbus, hosted an engaging session with real-world examples. Dheemanth shared how streaks on a shop floor were chemical stains. Switching to microfiber cloths and water resolved the issue — a reminder of how simple changes can deliver big results.
Sahil stressed the importance of customising solutions based on client needs rather than offering generic fixes.
This was a unique session with more contribution coming from the delegates with columbus providing insights and expertise.
Product Launch
Urine Hygiene Bar by
Vikr Bioscience Pvt. Ltd
One of the highlights and an exciting part of the event was the launch of Urine Hygiene Bar by Vikr Bioscience Pvt. Ltd. The product was unveiled by Vishal Mhatre, Head–Admin and Facilities, Serum Institute of India Pvt. Ltd.
Bharat Panchal, Director of Vikr Bioscience, highlighted the need for an innovative and cost-effective solution for urinals. Designed for high-traffic zones, the bar supports up to 2,500 urine shots.
“The screen contains enzymes and is antibacterial,” he explained. The enzymes break down urine, neutralise odour and reduce infection risks by preventing cross-contamination. “Constant cleaning of the urinal is not required!”
Urinal screens, commonly made from non-recyclable plastics like PVC or polyethylene, contribute significantly to plastic waste, especially in high-footfall facilities where they are typically replaced every 30 days.
Each screen weighs around 30 to 50 grams and a large establishment with 100 urinals can generate approximately 48 kg of plastic waste annually. Extrapolating this to 10,000 such facilities across a country results in an estimated 480 tonnes of plastic waste per year from urinal screens alone.
Given their single-use nature and limited recyclability, this silent contributor to microplastic pollution underscores the urgent need for eco-friendly alternatives such as biodegradable or enzymatic solutions.
The demand for such a product was evident when industry participants placed orders on-the-spot.