What prompted the evolution from a vending solutions provider to a hygiene solutions brand strategist?

One of Empire Industries Limited's shining stars is Grabbit+: Premium Vending Solutions, which has not only revolutionised the vending industry in India but also paved the way for the emergence of EMPERIA 1900.

We recognised the scarcity of basic necessities during the pandemic and ventured into creating EMPERIA 1900 to offer innovative and effective hygiene care solutions. We realised the importance of safe and effective products to maintain hygiene, therefore all our products are carefully formulated to meet the highest standards of quality and safety. Our team of experts has years of experience in the hygiene care industry and is committed to providing exceptional customer service.

We not only provided vending services to essential organisations but also assisted institutions in maintaining health and hygiene. Our offerings include cleaning and disinfection solutions, degreasers, kitchen cleaning supplies, personal care products and a variety of other necessities.

What cleaning techniques do you employ, and what sets them apart?

As technology continues to shape industries, EMPERIA 1900 is poised to capitalise on this transformation, which is why one of the distinctive selling points of its vital housekeeping collection of products, i.e. the Volume Series and Kitchen Pro Series, i.e. K-Pro, is integrated with Smart Micellar Technology (SMT).

SMT is one of the most effective mechanisms for cleaning surfaces, as the micellar structure encapsulates soil particles, reducing the soil particles' interaction with the surface, and disintegrates into microscopic, fine particles as soon as the surface is rinsed. An aspect that is truly recognised is the meticulous attention to detail that goes into its comprehensive collection of products, ensuring efficacy and safety.

SMT sets a new standard for cleaning effectiveness. This cutting-edge approach leverages smart action techniques to deliver unparalleled cleaning and disinfecting results. This techno-enabled surfactant is smart enough for all stains, dirt and soil types.

Similarly, ARMSX™ – A Broad Spectrum Multipurpose Disinfectant, a highly concentrated cleaner and deodorant, was developed on 5th Generation Quaternary Ammonium Chemistry. This potent quaternary ammonium compound comprises cationic charge carrier molecules that help in easy application on surfaces, resulting in rapid and efficient disinfection.

What are your unique selling points, and how do you ensure compliance with the industry standards?

The goal is to be the preferred choice for hygiene solutions across diverse sectors like facility management, HORECA, hospitals, institutions, corporations, and industries.

Comprehensive training sessions are provided to the housekeeping staff, equipping them with the necessary skills and knowledge to maintain a clean and organised work environment.

As part of our commitment, we supply and install equipment like auto-dilution pumps, dispensers, and measuring cups, to automate certain processes and simplify operations. We offer product demonstrations showcasing our wide range of products.

Furthermore, we do a detailed analysis to discover any gaps or areas for development that require attention in order to maximise efficacy.

We maintain a rigorous quality control system throughout our processes, including validating high-quality ingredients, ensuring optimal formulation, and testing for stability. Our commitment extends to adhering to top industry standards in research, formulation, and manufacturing. We also conduct thorough performance trials and use high-grade, chemically inert polymers for packaging, ensuring safe transport and storage.

What are your growth and expansion plans for the next five years?

With a steadfast commitment to innovation, our plan is to continue shaping the hygiene care industry and capture a substantial market share in sectors like facility management, HORECA, hospitals, institutions, corporations, and industries.

This journey will be fuelled by a dedication to quality, innovation, and a customer-centric approach.

In a world that demands greater attention to hygiene and health, we stand tall in providing leading hygiene solutions and creating a healthier and safer world, which is both inspirational and impactful.

As we continue to embrace technology, foster innovation and serve society responsibly, the future looks brighter and cleaner under the banner of EMPERIA 1900.

Guided by our vision to improve public health and hygiene with innovative solutions and a customer-centric approach, we are dedicated to taking housekeeping professionals through a comprehensive training module that enables them to elevate their skills and maintain a clean and sanitised environment. These training modules can help optimise resource usage, leading to reduced consumption and lower costs. This would also educate them about safety measures, to maintain their well-being as well, therefore, in the near future, we are committed to training one million professionals at no cost.

Given the global emphasis on green chemicals and sustainability, how is your company adapting its product line to contribute to a greener future in the hygiene sector?

Viewing hygiene as the essential pillar of public health, we recognised that the mission is incomplete without sustainability at its core. Over the years, we have built a portfolio that includes broad-spectrum disinfectants, cleaning solutions for housekeeping and kitchens, as well as personal care products. Yet, I knew this journey could only be truly complete by embracing green chemistry, making sustainability the bridge that connects hygiene and public health for a safer, future-ready world.

This is why we introduced bioenzyme-based solutions. These work at a molecular level to break down organic matter, providing deep and long-lasting cleanliness. The challenge, of course, was in developing products that were not only effective but also affordable and stable. It took time to arrive at the right balance. We sought eco-friendly products that could match the performance of conventional chemicals without becoming inaccessible due to high costs. This ensures accessibility not just for premium organisations but also for businesses and institutions across the market, where being economical is key.

Our green range is now taking shape as the foundation for the future. These products are designed to perform consistently, last longer and minimise their environmental impact. My conviction is that true progress lies in uniting sustainability, affordability and professional-grade effectiveness.

"Awareness is as important as access to quality hygiene products — only when both go hand in hand, can we build a healthier, safer and more sustainable India."
— Sandeep Jain

How do you plan to expand your role beyond products to actively influence hygiene awareness and public health nationwide?

True change begins not just with great products, but with awareness and empowerment. I believe that education and training are just as essential as the solutions themselves. Across workplaces, the people who handle hygiene daily are often the most neglected — the housekeeping professionals. They are the ones mixing chemicals, cleaning floors, disinfecting washrooms, yet many of them have never been trained on safe handling or given proper protective equipment.

During the pandemic, the importance of hygiene became visible to everyone. Hand hygiene, infection control and surface cleaning were suddenly national priorities. What struck me most during that time was how vulnerable the cleaning staff were. Improper handling of chemicals, absence of protective gloves or masks and poor practices were not only endangering them but also increasing the risk of spreading infections.

This is why we launched structured training programmes. These cover how to use protective equipment, how to handle chemicals safely and how to follow hygiene practices that protect both the professional and the wider community. For me, this is more than a compliance exercise. It is about the dignity of housekeeping professionals and about ensuring that the people who work on the frontlines of hygiene are themselves safe and respected.

Our aim is to expand year on year, reaching more industries and institutions and creating a culture of hygiene awareness across the country. It is not only about keeping spaces clean, but also about building healthier communities.

What new initiatives are you implementing to prepare for future market opportunities?

The hygiene sector is constantly evolving and to stay relevant, we have to anticipate what the future will demand. One area where we have invested is packaging. We have introduced designs that meet the highest industry standards — chemically inert, high-grade polymers with balance indicators and high load-bearing strength. This makes handling, stacking and transportation safer and easier.

Another initiative is automation at the point of use. We have introduced dilution pumps, dispensers and measuring tools so that every solution is mixed at the correct ratio. This avoids the two common problems: overuse, which increases costs and underuse, which compromises cleaning effectiveness. It also makes life easier for housekeeping staff, who can focus more on the quality of work and less on guesswork with chemicals.

On the product side, our green bioenzyme range is expanding. We now have multipurpose cleaners, odour neutralisers, air fresheners and even waterless urinal solutions. At the same time, we are looking at sectors that are underserved when it comes to hygiene standards and tailoring solutions for them.

A major step ahead will be moving into the direct-to-consumer space. Until now, most of our work has been with institutions, but the need for sustainable, professional-grade hygiene is just as strong in households. By next year, we plan to make these solutions available for everyday consumers.

What unique strategies and value-added services does EMPERIA 1900 provide to differentiate itself while maintaining high standards of safety, sustainability and performance?

This is an industry where effectiveness, safety and compliance are non-negotiable. Many companies offer products with similar claims, so the real question is how you create value beyond the product. My approach has been to treat hygiene as an ecosystem rather than a single service or product.

We begin by studying the site in detail. The requirements of a hospital, for instance, are very different from those of a shopping mall or a factory. Seasonal variations, surface types and visitor footfall all play a role. Once we understand these dynamics, we design hygiene programmes that are specific to that site. These programmes optimise usage, improve efficiency and include measurable benchmarks for audits and compliance.

Equally important is training. If the people using the products are not confident or well-informed, the results will never match expectations. That is why we work closely with teams, training them on safe and efficient usage.

Our product development process is also rigorous. Every product goes through research, trials and performance checks to ensure it matches or exceeds professional standards. Even in packaging, we innovate to reduce waste and improve ease of use.

What differentiates us, in my opinion, is this holistic approach — combining science, training, safety and sustainability. With Empire Industries' legacy of more than a century, my goal is to take this strength forward by constantly innovating, especially in green chemistry. That is how we will continue to stay relevant and impactful in a very competitive landscape.

Central to the discussions was the vision of founder Mr Sandeep Jain of transforming EMPERIA 1900 into a well-being–driven organisation. This vision extends beyond products, focusing on the people who power the industry, especially cleaning and housekeeping staff. Initiatives such as 'Sparsh Life – A Hygiene Training Initiative' were showcased as structured programmes aimed at skill development, professional growth, and dignity of work, redefining the role of frontline hygiene professionals.

The unveiling of GREENVERSE, the brand's eco-conscious hygiene range, marked a significant milestone. Designed to deliver high-performance cleaning with a reduced environmental footprint, GREENVERSE reflects EMPERIA 1900's commitment to sustainability without compromise.

The event also celebrated excellence through a formal awards ceremony, recognising the contributions of individuals, channel partners and key collaborators. This moment of acknowledgment reinforced a culture of appreciation and long-term partnership.

Beyond the Event

The success of the Meet was reflected in the momentum it generated beyond the event itself. Channel partners responded with equal enthusiasm, leading to stronger collaboration and expanded business opportunities. The shared vision and clarity established during the meet enabled more strategic engagements and long-term alignment.

A Defining Step

The Meet was a defining moment that brought together strategy, people, and purpose. By aligning its ecosystem around innovation, sustainability, and human-centric growth, EMPERIA 1900 continues to strengthen its position as a forward-looking leader in the hygiene solutions space.

Addressing the media, John Panichella, CEO, Solenis, said that globally an increasing growth trend is visible across four key parameters — water treatment, infection prevention, protection of food supply, and fibre-based packaging solutions — and that Solenis is set to capitalise on these trends with targeted initiatives.

"Solenis' priority for India in the next three to five years is to achieve a higher double-digit growth. This ambitious growth will be achieved through timely investments in R&D, new manufacturing plants, and key acquisitions," he said. "We expect that our expertise in fibre-based packaging solutions and opportunities in coating will play a significant role in driving the growth in India and globally."

Somer Gundogdu, President of Emerging Markets and TASKI, stated: "Amongst the emerging markets, India is one of the important markets for us where we have a differentiated market position. Adding to the growth trajectory is the expanding Indian economy, which will pave the way for us to scale the business significantly."

On the plans for launching new products in 2024, Brijesh Rathore, Vice President, South Asia (Diversey Institutional) and Global Strategic Accounts APAC, said: "With the fast-developing IT sector, there is a requirement for special floor cleaning chemicals, which is being developed by us."

"Solenis, about an $8 billion company, is driving to achieve 25 to 30% of its sales from new products less than five years old. We are investing in R&D at our global centres to drive technologies that solve customers' problems. This is our goal," added John.

"We are going to launch a new technology into this market. It is a concentrated liquid in a dissolvable pouch that can be dropped into a spray bottle — shake it, it dissolves and is ready to use. This one container can be used multiple times," he explained. This eliminates transportation challenges and large storage space requirements.

While hospitality will be the focus segment for Diversey, "the sector we are very excited about is healthcare. We are developing solutions to meet the needs of this sector," said Brijesh.

Emphasising the need to study hospital-acquired infection (HAI), Brijesh elaborated that HAI figures in India could vary from 7% to 88%. "This 88% who acquire infection at the hospital is the area we are focussing on, given our global expertise."

The plans are strong to pursue the "Presumer" vertical, focusing on enhancing asset life and the health of occupants.

"The biggest area where we have a very strong presence is the building service contractors, which is fast growing. With the manufacturing segments fast increasing in India, outsourcing to BSCs will increase too. This is another focus area for us," added Brijesh.

Brijesh also elaborated on India's growth story, emphasising Diversey's dedication to giving back to communities through initiatives like GARIMA, a skill development programme, and sustainability initiatives such as Soap for Hope™ and Linens for Life™, which repurpose discarded soaps and linen to reduce the carbon footprint and promote hygiene.

However, pool maintenance has been a tough and complex job as many of the factors involved are dynamic in nature. Weather conditions, different types of users, the chances of chemical imbalance and the need for regular monitoring of water parameters all add to the complexity.

As per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines, the chlorine level has to be maintained between 1–4ppm (parts per million) and the pH in the neutral range of 7–8.

Manual treatment of pool water and a lack of available technology in automation and specialty chemistry has held the industry back from managing pool facilities to the right standards.

The most common cause of pool-related outbreaks is Cryptosporidium (Crypto), a chlorine-resistant parasite. Other causes include Legionella and Pseudomonas, bacteria that can cause illnesses such as Legionnaires' disease and hot tub rash.

Between 2015 and 2019, the CDC reported 208 outbreaks linked to recreational water venues. These outbreaks resulted in over 3,600 cases of illness and 13 deaths during this period.

Diversey's Intellipool Solution

Diversey Solenis brings its globally successful Intellipool programme to India. Intellipool is an intelligent platform which works on sensing, detecting and acting in tandem with specialty chemicals. The system can adapt to the changing dimensions of weather, microbial load and pollution, and act with precision.

Features and benefits

1. Intelligent system: no need for manual involvement to add chemicals, or for manual testing and measuring. Complete peace of mind can be achieved.
2. IoT-based platform: monitoring and record keeping.
3. Lower water intensity: less need for makeup water, helping facilities reduce water intake.
4. Better and visually appealing pool.
5. Good user experience.
6. Health and safety.