The cleaning industry’s most dynamic and vibrant business platform, the 20th edition of the Clean India Show, concluded on a high note in November 2024. Buzzing with energy and opportunity, the event exceeded all expectations by delivering unprecedented success — record-breaking contracts signed, a high inflow of quality leads, game-changing business deals, and countless new connections. One common statement that most exhibitors voiced –
“We got atleast 100 and more meaningful enquiries on each day of the exhibition… we can’t say if we missed any sector coming to our stall – pharma, hospital, hotel, automobile, malls, warehouses…”
Organized by Virtual Info Systems Pvt. Ltd and Messe Frankfurt Trade Fairs India Pvt. Ltd, CIS2024 set the stage for the transformative growth envisioned in LQ2024 and FY2025. The Clean India Show was inaugurated by Government and Industry professionals, including Sanjay Katkar, Municipal Commissioner, Mira Bhayandar Municipal Corporation; Vivek Mata, Managing Director, Charnock Equipments Pvt. Ltd, Manoj Parekh, Managing Director, OCS Group – India, Ulhas Parlikar, Global Consultant, Waste Management, Circular Economy, Policy Advocacy & Co-processing; Johannes Schmid-Wiedersheim, Director Texcare International / Brand Management Textile Care & Cleaning, Messe Frankfurt Exhibition GmbH, Jayaram Nair, Chairman, VIS Group; J.P. Nair, Managing Director, VIS Group; Chandresh Mehta, Director/Promoter, Rustomjee, Rohit Arora, Chief Growth Officer-Support Services, Compass Group; Suresh Bhatia, President, DLAI; Blake McKeown, Commercial Director-AMEA Region, Reckitt Pro Solutions; Nitin Nagrale, Founder, Hospitality Purchasing Managers Forum; Ashish Jain, Founder, Indian Pollution Control Association; Winston Pereira, Executive Director, Messe Frankfurt Trade Fairs India Pvt. Ltd; Mohanalakshmi M, Editor, Clean India Journal; Nimish Ajmera, Director – Purchase, Architecture – Sustainability Projects and IT Division, Ajmera Realty & Infra India Limited.
The primary goal of this exhibition is largely achieved – exploring innovative solutions for better cleaning of our stations and trains. Railway delegates attending the conferences are taking home new concepts and ideas like drone technology and advanced cleaning methods. Special focus is on coach interiors and those areas often overlooked during routine cleaning.”
Manu Goel, Additional Member (EnHM), Ministry of Railways, Railway Board
Exhibitors and visitors alike experienced a showcase of innovation and possibilities, with the Clean India Journal team capturing the pulse of the industry through the trends and enquiries. From a robust set of cleaning equipment and specialized tools to advanced chemicals, cleaning solutions, washroom hygiene products, external cleaning technologies, laundry and dry-cleaning systems, and sustainable waste and wastewater management solutions — the event spotlighted every facet of cleaning excellence.
Insights gathered from the segments of visitors, their geographic origins, specific requirements, and discussions reveal an evolving pattern of demand for cleaning solutions in multiple emerging regions across the country. Collectively, these indicators point to a significant growth trajectory for the industry over the next two years.
The Clean India Show demographics reveal essential growth in demand for professional cleaning products in newer commercial places engulfing across all four extremes of the country. The influx of visitors, especially distributors, from two and three tier cities from States – Maharashtra, Gujarat, Karnataka, and several parts of Northern India – are strong indicators of infrastructure and industrial growth leading to cleaning demand. Some of the exhibitors confirmed having received distributorship & product enquiries from cities like Sangli, Jalgaon, Karad, Solapur, Morbi, Mehsana, Ludhiana, Jabalpur, Raipur, and others.
In all, over 10,000 visitors and delegates came in from 288 cities across India and from 26 countries.
Visitors were seeking innovative methods to clean escalators and maintain solar panels, with self-cleaning solar films gaining traction. Specifically, the edges where most of the dirt settles and does not come out easily while cleaning mechanically.
I travelled from Warangal to find solutions for maintaining buses and bus stations in the transport sector. Innovative methods, like liquid sprays for bed bug removal — used even in airplanes — have replaced older fumigation techniques, reducing downtime from 48 hours to just one. Solutions for glass cleaning, deodorizing interiors, chemical seat washing, and mopping are transforming cleanliness at TSRTC facilities, contributing to a Clean India. Waste management innovations, including plastic disposal and water management, and technologies like engine driers, are promising steps toward a sustainable future.”
G Madhava Rao,
Deputy Group Head, Telangana State Road Transport Corporation
Buyers were looking for cleaning high factory areas, requiring advanced equipment to reach heights of 30-40 feet. The demand for PPE brushes tailored for the food industry highlights the need for targeted cleaning products. These trends reflect a shift towards innovation as infrastructure and specific industry requirements grow.
Genuine interest in robotics came as a surprise to the exhibitors, especially when it was coming from sectors, including commercial and retail laundries, chemicals & warehousing industries. These inquiries primarily came from Southern India, particularly Hyderabad and Kerala.
The interest was unexpected as traditional machines and chemicals dominate these industries. While leads from commercial laundries have been received, robotic laundry solution manufacturers are looking at working on products that include solutions for retail laundries, and smaller hospitals.
Talking of robotics, the façade cleaning drone was a showstopper that drew the attention of one and all who visited the show.
India predominantly has been a market that is open to both specialised chemicals and all-purpose chemicals for different surfaces. The sudden rise in demand for green cleaning solutions, bio-product and enzyme-based solutions confirms changing preferences of consumers. The eco-friendly product exhibitors were elated to the response received from buyers.
The search for sustainable solutions was experienced across all the four shows – Clean India Show, Waste Technology India Expo, Laundrex India Expo and Autocare Expo.
Inaugurating the Clean India Show, he said that such expos come with a lot of technologies which help in providing solutions for various requirements of the industry and society. Enumerating the technologies that has enabled the Mira Bhayandar Corporation to implement successful waste management, he said, “we have introduced a digital waste management system to ensure efficient and sustainable operations. Public participation is crucial, and our recycling app enables daily waste recycling to be tracked and regulated effectively. With 85% of waste segregated daily, supported by GPS tracking and fixed collection timings, we minimize travel distances and reduce air pollution. Additionally, four processing plants have been set up across the city to streamline waste processing and enhance environmental outcomes.”
Sanjay Katkar, Municipal Commissioner, Mira Bhayandar Municipal Corporation
There has been many leading trends observed at the laundry end. Some of the exhibitors received people primarily from the commercial dry cleaning segment and also individuals interested in starting their own laundries. More than hospitality, they observed visitors from healthcare and railways besides commercial laundries.
Laundry has been one of the fastest growing start up and visitors have come seeking turnkey solutions for their projects, including consultation services and maintenance for existing machines.
One interesting buying pattern noticed at the retail laundry level was enquiries received for carpet cleaning machines & chemicals and shoe cleaning machine besides washers & dryers. Noticeably exhibitors emphasised on receiving buyers more from South India, especially Kerala and Tamil Nadu.
There was an increased demand for wastewater treatment solutions and laundry professionals were looking for solutions at the Waste Technology India Expo.
At the machine end, tunnel washer enquiries were received from Surat and the Railways.
STPs, wastewater treatment, road sweepers… the list of enquiries at the Waste end kept all the exhibitors on their toes. Many of the exhibits were new launches which caught the attention of visitors.
To sum up, the industry stakeholders and professionals across cleaning, waste, laundry and autocare segments observed the following points:
• Increased focus on sustainability to highlight eco-friendly products and solutions
• More options for organic detergents and sustainable cleaning chemicals
• Greater emphasis on energy-efficient and water-saving technologies
• Increased inclusion of robotics and IoT-enabled systems for efficiency
• More innovations like drones for façade cleaning and automation in various sectors
• Latest advancements in pest control systems
• Options for landscaping maintenance & equipment
• Solutions for niche requirements like landfill odour management and dry powder carpet cleaning
• Enhanced offerings in the laundry segment, including wet cleaning and enzyme-based cleaning products
Transforming Cleaning & Hygiene with Innovation
From innovative drones for façade cleaning to IoT-enabled systems and sustainable practices, the show provided a platform to explore, network, and redefine the future of the industry. Here’s what some of the visitors had to say about their experiences and takeaways from this transformative event.
Rohit Arora, Chief Growth Officer, Compass Group, is into support services for Integrated Facilities Management for India. He enjoyed the diversity of products and the innovation available across various stalls, with ‘Make in India’ being a prominent theme. His company’s agenda is to revolutionize the way facilities management is provided. There is a keenness towards automation, robotics, and technology. Specifically, KTV’s drone for façade cleaning was really good. He expects further shows to focus on technology and robotics pitched together for efficiency and not vanity.
Kunal Jasani, Assistant Vice President, Supply Chain Management, Dusters Total Solutions Services Pvt. Ltd, a facilities management company based in Bengaluru, was excited about new products and innovations in the show, including IoT-based solutions and sustainability products. He recommended having a complete section on sustainability to help businesspeople from the service and procurement sectors. Specifically, KTV’s drone for façade cleaning was highly appreciable as it reduces the need for manpower.
Bharathi Kamath, Founder & MD, Carewel Facilities India Pvt. Ltd, has seen the Clean India Show since its inception. Every visit has brought to focus more companies and stalls. This is the only show in India with the kind of stalls seen here with various products that seek our attention and force us to make a change. The number of mechanized cleaning companies has increased along with their equipment. This allows for usage in other verticals of the cleaning industry, which is a new avenue of business. Future shows should focus on pest control systems and the quality of products used.
Chinmay Desai, xpertcarcaremumbai, liked the multiple avenues like laundry and waste besides car care for exploration. Recycling was out of scope but was interesting. Water management and the latest innovations in auto care are definitely interesting. He was there at the show to explore waste industry-related products and solutions.
Mayur Kishnani, General Manager, Corporate Communications & Marketing, and Tushar Saksena, Business Head – South and West, Tenon FM India, had a great experience at the Clean India Show and the DigiFM conference 2024. Talking about the visibility and networking opportunities, Mayur elaborated that it is great as they get to meet the core professionals of the cleaning industry and FM fraternity. Tushar felt this was a beautiful platform where like-minded people gathered to share ideas. They get a lot of inquiries after the conference as this is the only place where they can meet, exchange ideas, and build relationships. Not just a platform for service providers but also for clients to understand their offerings in the long run. Clean India Journal is doing a great job of integration across like-minded people. It helps as people from all geographies unite and join. They can get true value from the conference.
Ungerna Toy, Proprietor, The Dhobi House, Nagaland
Attended the show and specifically the LaundrexNet discussion to gain valuable insights into laundry and cleaning. Particularly impressed with drone technology and the sanitary pad incinerator, among other innovations. Suggests including a greater variety of organic detergents in future exhibitions.
Chandresh D. Mehta, Director, Rustomjee
Explained the company’s strong emphasis on green initiatives, encompassing processes, construction materials, and design elements that promote sustainability. Discussed the use of additives made from thermal power plant waste, energy-efficient equipment like HVAC systems, and water recycling. Mentioned that energy-efficient buildings are cost-effective for residents. Detailed sustainable landscape designs featuring local flora and fauna and building orientations for optimal natural light. Shared plans for insulating materials in controlled spaces to reduce electricity usage. Over the next five years, sustainability will remain a top priority, followed by cost and time efficiency.
Bharti Kalappa, Head of Facilities, Noida International Airport
Appreciated the façade drone cleaning technology showcased at the event. Praised the variety of solutions available, including cleaning agents and waste management products. Expressed a desire to see more advanced facility management technologies in future editions. Found the show valuable for networking and discovering products under one roof.
Pancham Narkar, Head of Housekeeping, Jio World Centre, Reliance Industries Ltd, found the show fabulous with more machinery in laundry and waste management. It is a great platform for housekeepers. The machinery, tools, equipment, and laundry under one roof are the best thing to have. The drone technology is superb for high-rise buildings. One of the machines is performing eco-based carpet cleaning using a dry powder. This is great for housekeepers as it is dry shampooing, and the area is ready in 15 minutes. Wet cleaning in laundry at the Clean India Show is a good learning opportunity for all our laundry managers to put into place. Housekeepers are not well-trained with enzymes. Comparison across chemicals is unknown. Enzymes involve biotech and sustainable cleaning, and it is the way forward, but we do not know if we are going the right way or are suitably trained about them. Housekeepers in smaller hotels do not get an opportunity from vendors for a demo. By coming here, they are presented with the opportunity.
Sumathi Arora, Services Head, Delhi Public School (Pune, Patna, Ludhiana, Coimbatore) and Takshila Educational Society
Impressed by the latest technologies, aesthetic stalls, and innovative products– specifically praised Excel’s auto-scrubber with 360-degree rotation and highlighted excellent products by Charnock and Tennant Company. Suggested featuring more garden equipment as in previous shows. Found washing systems, vehicle maintenance solutions, and drone-based façade cleaning particularly useful. Also noted the utility of scooters for basketball grounds and garden sprinklers. Called the event a one-stop solution for building, vehicle, and restroom needs.
Sitanshu Shekhar Singhdeo, Vice President, Facility Management, Brigade Group, Bangalore
Appreciated the insightful and interactive panels at the DigiFM conference and highlighted audience interest in ESG and BIM topics. Pointed out the need for detailed understanding of ESG concepts for newcomers and stressed the potential of BIM for building management. Encouraged Indian adoption of BIM, applauding the government’s support for infrastructure projects incorporating BIM. Advocated for collaboration across industry departments rather than siloed operations. Excited about innovations like façade cleaning drones, robotics, and other cleaning technologies.
Manoj Parekh, Managing Director, OCS India, puts it, “We are thrilled to share our positive experience at the Clean India 2024 Show. The event was an outstanding platform that brought together industry leaders, innovators, and stakeholders committed to promoting cleanliness and hygiene across India. The array of exhibitions showcasing cutting-edge technologies, sustainable practices, and innovative solutions was truly impressive. The networking opportunities were invaluable, enabling us to engage with fellow professionals and explore collaborations that can drive further advancements in the Integrated Facilities Management space. Overall, the Clean India 2024 Show was a resounding success, and we are honoured to have been a part of it. We look forward to participating in future events and continuing our journey towards a cleaner India.”
“Incredible Response, Unexpected Footfall”
The Clean India Show proved to be a phenomenal platform for exhibitors, with an unprecedented response from visitors across various sectors. Exhibitors shared their experiences and successes, emphasizing the unmatched opportunities the event provided for networking, business growth and market visibility. Here’s what some of the key exhibitors had to say about their participation:
Vedant Matta, Director-Sales, Charnock Equipments Pvt. Ltd
“We experienced a great footfall at the show from varied clients, from facility management companies, hospitals, government organisations, malls, airports to name a few. Prospective buyers included those just starting in the cleaning industry to retail commercial, industrial clients. We have had five new launches, including aesthetically designed backpack vacuum cleaners, including one with a lithium battery to increase run time, reduce charge time. We are celebrating our 25th year this year — growing from strength to strength.”
Saleel Kodambadan, Sr. Manager-Training & Business Operations,
IPC Cleaning India Pvt. Ltd
“We received a diverse range of visitors, from emerging cleaning service companies to leaders of major facility management firms, along with professionals from industries eager to adopt sustainable cleaning solutions, automation, and smart technologies. These attendees were primarily focused on discovering innovative products and services to enhance operational efficiency, improve cleaning standards, and meet sustainability goals. The event underscored a clear shift towards sustainable, automated, and data-driven cleaning solutions, with industries increasingly adopting technologies to reduce costs, improve efficiency, and meet the evolving demands of cleanliness and sustainability. We received a very good footfall from segments, such as healthcare, pharma, and automobile among others.”
Vinay Kumar, Director, Adachi Svipegreen Pvt. Ltd
“We’ve had superb response at the show for our new TiGreen product to treat wastewater. We are excited about our new technology, which is innovative and ground-breaking. We are getting more leads from customers across various industries. We have had walk-ins from the laundry and chemical industries as well.”
Kapil Maheshwari, Sector Head, Rossari Professional
“People are moving towards sustainability by adopting tools and solutions designed to reduce environmental impact. There are safety concerns and costs to consider for additional machines and applications you deploy in your cleaning services. Buyers are looking for solutions to reduce manpower dependency and achieve effective cleaning.”
Ramawatar Inani, Director and Jakub Straczek, VP, Challenger Sweepers
Pvt. Ltd
“We are very delighted to be part of the show. On the very first day, we had over 100 visitors at our stall, and the trend continued on the second day as well. This was unexpected. We are looking forward to converting these footprints into business. This platform is beneficial to us and the industry too. We are manufacturing road sweepers for city roads, heavy industries such as steel, ports, aluminium industry and others.”
Sumedh Bhoj, Co-founder, Spruce Up Industries
“We have had a great response to our products in this show. Our latest machine STRATUS EVOR road sweeping machine has been designed specially to cater to FM service providers, automotive companies, cement factories, ports and airports. We are having a great response this year. We are looking forward to participating in the next show as well.”
Sahil Jain, Managing Director, columbus Cleaning Machines Pvt. Ltd
“We are participating for the second time in the Clean India Show and have had a very good experience. Everybody in the cleaning industry make it a point to be at this show. We have had a very engaging discussion with prospective clients and dealer network. We thank Clean India Show and Clean India Journal for giving us this opportunity and we are very happy to be part of this event.”
Rajesh Mahajan, General Manager, Marketing & Sales, Pudumjee Paper, Hygiene Division
“People are looking for tissue products, to be used in washrooms, most of the demand coming in is for eco-friendly, sustainable products. Customers are also looking for bamboo tissues or bagasse tissues.”
Mikhil Kotak, Director, KTV Drone India
“The show has been absolutely exceptional. The interest has been incredible. There have been people from the corporate world, from the aviation industry, from the government… People are excited and open to this opportunity to work with KTV. We come with a lot of experience of running drones in Australia and are introducing this product in India for the first time at the Clean India Show.”
Benjamin Alexander, Director-Sales, Schevaran
“This is a good show. We are seeing a good crowd and new people as well. We are launching a completely autonomous robotic cleaning machine at this show. It is going very well, and we thank you for all the support.”