The perception of hygiene in the manufacturing sector is undergoing a profound shift. Once viewed merely as a necessary evil, hygiene is now recognized as a strategic asset that significantly impacts operational efficiency, brand trust, and long-term viability. This change is particularly palpable in food and beverage production, where the stakes are high.
Davide Gagliardo, Business Development Manager at Nilfisk, has a front-row seat to this evolution, working closely with manufacturers to navigate challenges such as combustible dust and allergen control.
In a recent discussion at the EATS show, Gagliardo elaborates on how hygiene practices are evolving in manufacturing settings—from adopting dry collection techniques to enhancing containment measures.
Engaging Conversations on Hygiene Trends
Davide Gagliardo: Conversations around combustible dust and allergen containment are particularly vital for manufacturers this year. The understanding of hygiene is shifting away from being a regulatory burden toward recognizing its inherent value in enhancing operational processes.
Seeing Hygiene as Competitive Advantage
DG: The idea that hygiene slows production is diminishing. Manufacturers are increasingly appreciating that investing in hygienic processes upfront leads to reduced waste, less cleaning time, and enhanced operational efficiency.
Reframing Hygiene in Core Business Strategies
DG: In the past, departments responsible for quality assurance and health were often sidelined. Today, their insights are becoming crucial, allowing for timely interventions when safety issues arise—making them integral to business strategy.
Driving Change Through Fear of Recalls
DG: The primary motivators for this change are the fears associated with product recalls and contaminated goods. By embedding hygienic practices, manufacturers not only safeguard their products but also enhance efficiency and operational integrity.
Recent Innovations in Industrial Cleaning
DG: Advancements in automation, ergonomics, and sustainability are reshaping the industrial cleaning landscape. For instance, pneumatic conveyance systems reduce exposure to contaminants by utilizing a closed system for transferring materials.
Furthermore, dry vacuuming minimizes water and detergent usage, aligning with sustainability goals while ensuring cleaner work environments and better air quality.
Transforming Operations Through Innovation
DG: These innovations result in cleaner production floors, minimizing contamination risks and rethinking traditional hygiene methods. Approaching hygiene as an integral aspect of operational design ensures that it isn’t an afterthought.
Addressing Risks and Enhancing Worker Safety
DG: The hazards of combustible dust are not to be underestimated, with significant repercussions for both worker safety and company integrity. Utilizing appropriate filtration systems enhances air quality and reduces exposure risks for employees.
Opportunities for Strengthening Resilience
DG: Identifying and tackling recurring operational issues related to hygiene are crucial steps toward enhancing resilience. A systematic approach allows manufacturers to create effective cleaning protocols that lead to long-term benefits.
Understanding Financial and Reputational Risks
DG: Businesses often underestimate the potential fallout from hygiene failures, which can lead to catastrophic consequences, including product recalls, lawsuits, and irreversible damage to reputation.
Aligning Cleaning Operations with Sustainability Goals
DG: There’s a growing trend among businesses to optimize cleaning operations to align with sustainability initiatives, such as employing vacuums to remove waste before washing and significantly diminishing water and detergent usage.
Partnerships for Long-Term Success
DG: True partnerships involve keeping manufacturers informed about evolving standards and challenges. Such collaborations are centered around providing solutions tailored to specific operational pain points.
Future Vision for Hygiene Innovation
DG: The next wave of hygiene innovation will likely revolve around automation, better data utilization, and AI. These technologies have the potential to enhance efficiency and minimize resource waste significantly.
Conclusion: A Call to Action for Leaders
DG: As manufacturers navigate the complexities of hygiene compliance and safety, focusing on combustible dust management and proactive risk assessment is vital. By taking ownership of these challenges, businesses can realize tangible benefits that contribute to their overall resilience and efficiency.
