As the cleaning industry rapidly evolves, driven by technological advancements such as automation, robotics, and eco-friendly innovations, Indian manufacturers are stepping up to meet both local and international demands. The emphasis is now on adopting sophisticated technologies that not only enhance efficiency but also address sustainability. In this cover story, Clean India Journal interacts with some of the Indian manufacturers and international exporters to gain insights on the growing potential of India moving towards becoming a manufacturing hub for cleaning products.
We have evolved from producing machines with 50% Indian components to 95%, with only 5% imported. This is a true example of indigenisation of our joint venture with Borghi, Italy.”
– Rajiv Sanghavi
Indian manufacturers are no longer limited to traditional methods of production; they are actively integrating next-generation technologies to cater to a rising demand for smart, efficient, and environment friendly cleaning solutions.
At the forefront of this transformation, leveraging AI, automation, and robotics to enhance supply chain management and product delivery, leading equipment suppliers and manufacturers have made significant strides in providing advanced technologies through mechanised cleaning.
“We are focusing on building eco-friendly, high-performance products,” says Vivek Mata, Managing Director, Charnock Equipments Pvt. Ltd. “Our trolleys made from recycled eco-plastics and the cleaning chemicals are bio-based”, which meet the global goals set for sustainability and net zero. Use of technology extends beyond products, like incorporating automated processes that reduce costs, the delivery time and maintain high-quality standards. These are some of the key drivers that sets India as a potential partner in the global cleaning products market. “These collaborations are vital in ensuring that Indian manufacturers have access to the latest technological advancements and global expertise.”
Earlier we never used to mention ‘Made in India’, but now customers insist. This is a big achievement.”
– Debtosh Chatterjee
As a leading manufacturer in India, Roots Multiclean Ltd has been one of the market leaders in Make in India, contract manufacturing for international brands and for the export market. In terms of meeting international quality standards, Varun Karthikeyan, Managing Director, states that “we manufacture quality machines and there is no differentiation in the process. Specialising in floor care machines, we are supplying to the global markets and across India.”
As India strives to become a self-reliant hub for manufacturing, its cleaning industry is embracing the shift towards advanced technologies. From robotics and AI to eco-friendly innovations, Indian manufacturers are gearing up to meet the increasing demand for better, more sustainable cleaning solutions. These companies are not just adopting technologies but are driving innovation that positions India as a key player in the global market.
As the Indian market matures, the demand for robotic cleaning solutions and AI-enabled devices is also on the rise. “There’s growing recognition that robotic solutions are the future, and we are preparing for this technological shift by incorporating more automation into our production and service models,” Varun adds.
We export to nine or ten countries at the rate of two containers per month. Our target is to double this to four containers.”
– Anjana Vij
Motor is one of the major components for cleaning equipment and manufacturers are largely dependent on international markets for quality products. Rotomag Motors & Controls Pvt. Ltd, a key player in the design of specialized motors for use in floor care equipment like scrubbers and other machines. These motors are customised not only for a specific country but also for specific clients who have unique design elements. This calls for intensive design knowhow to understand the needs and configure products to meet expectations. “Product development can extend even to a year for a motor. It involves designing of prototypes, testing at the client end and integrate it with the machine followed by incorporating feedback on refinement wherever required. “Our custom-designed motors are built to handle the specific needs of international clients, and while the supply chain is a challenge, India’s low labour costs and growing talent pool make us optimistic about our role in this emerging space,” says Umesh Balani, Managing Director.
“With the kind of talent, we have in India, the low labour costs, and following the strengthening of the supply chain, going forward, India could be a good destination for manufacturing not only for the local market but for others too. We are mainly exporting to European countries like Italy, Germany, France, Switzerland as well as the US. If the manufacturing industry grows then probably the use of machines for cleaning will also grow. The awareness is there,” he adds.
One area where 90% of the product is Made in India is in the cleaning tools.
The ideal distributor has to be service-oriented and have a consultative approach rather than only focusing on selling and pricing. In addition, product, application and competitors’ knowledge are a must.”
– Umesh Balani
Borghi India, a joint venture, that specialises in brush-making machines has made deep inroads across India. Rajiv Sanghavi, Managing Director, explains that Borghi has moved towards fully automated production systems. “Our evolution from semi-automatic machines to continuous production has made us more capable of meeting the growing demand for high-efficiency, low-cost cleaning tools.” A fast consumable with wide applications in the cleaning processes, brush making machines not only sets the roadmap for “Atmanirbhar Bharat” but also offers a business proposition for start-ups.
Speaking of tools, two of the manufacturers in India are growing exponentially year on year in the export market. Debtosh Chatterjee, Managing Director, Mrinmoyee Supply Pvt. Ltd, a manufacturer of cleaning tools, highlights the importance of collaborations with global companies. “We’re seeing increasing interest from international players in joint ventures that allow us to scale up and meet the growing demand for advanced, non-European, non-US made products.” There is a bigger demand for small products in the international market today.
With inhouse R&D team for new product development for cost effective and sustainable production of dispensers, we also do private labelling. The products are also sold directly to customers across countries.
– Inpreet Singh Sahni
“The positive change towards international companies extending hands rather than getting into branding and supplier model is where we can strengthen the economies of scale, using Indian materials and our understanding of the business. Our production is most economical as we get the best raw materials, labour cost, maximum working days in a year, good port connectivity and political connections.
“India is signing a lot of treaties with other nations for tax free trade, numerous trade councils and high commissions are promoting our products,” Debtosh adds.
As a confirmation to this growth, Debtosh has almost doubled his exports over the last few years and is now supplying globally.
It is only in the mindset of the customer that sustainable products are not as efficient at the harsh chemical ones. Only two to five per cent of the customers actually care to use green and sustainable products. Others need to be educated.”
– Sajid Jaffer
At the same time, Kibble Enterprises, which is leading in the production of cleaning tools, is making headway in both the US and European markets. Besides catering to the domestic demands for quality tools, Kibble has expanded into the MiddleEast, Europe and other markets. “Mechanized cleaning is taking off in Europe, and our high-end brushes, especially those for pharma and food industries, are seeing strong demand,” says Anjana Vij, Founder & CEO. Kibble’s focus on sustainability extends to their biodegradable plastic products, which cater to environmentally conscious consumers.
With a booming economy, favourable trade policies, and strong government initiatives, India is well on its way to becoming a leader in the global cleaning industry. By embracing cutting-edge technologies, manufacturers are making the country a focal point for future growth in the cleaning sector.
Many manufacturers are adapting global innovations to meet the specific demands of the Indian market. Acme Techplast, for instance, is using advanced technology to improve its soap dispensers while reducing production costs. Founder & MD Inpreet Singh Sahni notes, “Our goal is to create sustainable, cost-effective dispensers that align with the increasing demand for hygiene solutions across industries like railways and hospitality.”
Companies like British Clean are focusing on reshaping perceptions of sustainable products. “We’re integrating nanotechnology into our cleaning solutions, enabling them to cover larger areas with smaller quantities,” explains Sajid Jaffer, General Manager. This move reflects the industry’s shift towards technologies that optimize resource usage while delivering results comparable to chemical-based alternatives.
AS WE MARK OUR 25 TH ANNIVERSARY THIS YEAR, WE ARE WORKING ON PLAYING A PIVOTAL ROLE TOWARDS MAKE IN INDIA BY DEVELOPING ECO-FRIENDLY AND EFFECTIVE CLEANING PRODUCTS TO MEET THE DEMANDS.
– Vivek Mata
Just to quote one of the international manufacturers who are suppliers of dispensers to the international markets, and is looking at entering the Indian market, “while we are not sure yet but we might look at partnering for servicing in India. We are looking at the B2B market for companies which will buy our product, provide the chemical and the service. India has the technology and the labour for manufacturing.” Many international manufacturers are looking at gaining a foothold in India, and are open to engage with able partners to expand their market into this fastest growing economy.
In conclusion, as Vivek Mata puts it, “Indian manufacturers are well-positioned to lead the cleaning industry’s evolution through a combination of strategic advantages. Lower labour and operational costs enable them to produce competitively priced solutions, especially for price-sensitive markets. This allows Indian companies to expand into emerging regions like Africa, Southeast Asia, and the Middle East, where demand for cost-effective, quality products is rising. By forming partnerships with global brands, Indian manufacturers can integrate international expertise while capitalizing on local production capabilities. Moreover, government initiatives like “Make in India” provide vital support, further empowering Indian firms to compete on the global stage. Together, these factors are propelling India’s cleaning industry towards a future of innovation, growth, and global competitiveness.
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