Facility Management (FM) is no longer just about keeping spaces clean; it is about creating sustainable, efficient, and user-friendly solutions that align with modern demands. With rising environmental concerns, cost pressures, and the need for technology, innovation in FM products has become a necessity. Clean India Expo 2024 showcased groundbreaking solutions that address these needs head-on, offering tools and ideas that promise to redefine how FM professionals deliver value. Nandakumar Marar of Clean India Journal caught up with some of the ideators behind these innovations to get a deeper understanding of their offerings.
Innovation is the spice of life; a new thought, a new direction which brings out the smiles on the faces of both ideators and consumers. For the Facility Management sector, a new way to get routine things done can be refreshing and rewarding. Customers’ requirements can shift, depending on what they perceive as possibilities around them. Striking the balance between offering something new and useful & unique products and services.
The Facility Management sector, today, is grappling with challenges such as sustainability, cost-efficiency, and the growing demand for advanced technology. Against this backdrop, the Expo brought forth innovations that cater to these pressing needs.
Revolutionising Road Sweeping
Sumedh Bhoj, co-founder of Spruce Up Industries, explained the journey of designing Stratus EVO2, a road-sweeping machine with a unique design and special features. Teaming up with co-founder and CEO Abhishek Shelar as 25-year-olds, the duo detailed the step-by-step emergence of India’s first road sweeper. This innovation comes packed with features like an onboard pressure washer, a litter picker, instant video technician software called Spruce Up Genie, and a redesigned engine placement for easy maintenance.
Sumedh shared: “A year and a half back, we started exporting to the USA, Japan, Australia, and New Zealand. Many clients came back to us requesting a solution for road sweeping. After five years of R&D, working with industry experts and clients, we incorporated four key points: multi-functional capabilities, easy maintenance, durability, and value for money.” Manufactured in Pune, Stratus EVO2 is equipped with Spruce Up Trainpro (regional language videos for operator training) and Spruce Up Genie, which enables instant video diagnosis and minimizes downtime. These advancements address the critical need for mechanized, efficient, and reliable road-sweeping solutions.
Precision in Cleaning Chemicals
Sankha Mitra, Zonal Manager (Sales & Marketing) at Dynachem India, introduced Dynacap, a handy innovation aimed at ensuring precise chemical dosage. The cap, available in nine colour codes for different cleaning applications, is designed to fit onto water-filled bottles. A twist releases the exact amount of chemical needed, ensuring consistency in dilution and reducing wastage.
Mitra noted: “Overuse of cleaning chemicals leads to wastage and higher costs, while under-dilution compromises performance. Dynacap ensures the perfect balance, making it easy for cleaning staff to achieve optimal results every time.” Dynachem plans to start local production in a Faridabad factory by 2025, catering to the Indian market. This innovation resonates with institutions requiring accurate chemical usage, reducing both costs and environmental impact.
Sustainability in Washroom Hygiene
The urinal block from Praras Biosciences was another standout innovation. Viboli Lepto described the bio block as a game-changer for men’s washrooms. “This is a bacterial-based block that eliminates the need for flushing after every use. It removes yellow stains and odours caused by uric acid, reducing water usage significantly.”
The product addresses environmental concerns by saving water and preventing the production of ammonia, which causes washroom odours. Additionally, the bio block minimizes liquid sewage volume, easing strain on wastewater systems. Designed for high-footfall venues such as hospitals, airports, and offices, this innovation underscores the importance of sustainable hygiene solutions.
Efficient Escalator Cleaning
Vedant Matta, Sales Director at Charnock Equipments Pvt. Ltd, showcased an escalator cleaner with a vertical cleaning attachment. “Escalators are a pain point for facilities, particularly in malls and metro stations, where dirt accumulates on both horizontal and vertical surfaces. Our machine not only handles wet/dry cleaning but also cleans vertical portions with ease,” he explained.
The machine’s brush pressure control allows tailored cleaning, while its compact design suits various facility needs. Currently imported, the company plans to assemble the machines in India by 2026, making them more accessible to the domestic market.
Vision for the Future
As the FM sector continues to evolve, such innovations enable service providers to deliver smarter, cleaner, and more sustainable solutions.
The journey does not end here. Innovations are a promise of a future where technology and sustainability go hand in hand, ensuring that the industry stays ahead of the curve.