Jangro returned to Manchester this year to exhibit at The Cleaning Show, a key date in the industry calendar, not just for product launches, but for open and honest conversations about where the industry is headed.
Across the two days, we met with prospective customers and long-standing partners, including manufacturers, distributors, facilities management professionals and cleaning operatives from across the UK, to discuss topics like ESG, compliance demands, workforce development and innovation.
On our stand, the team showcased a range of sustainable, high-performance product developments. We were also proud to bring back our fully recycled Airstream trailer, rescued from landfill and repurposed as our exhibition space, as a visible reminder of our commitment to sustainability. We also had our own spin-the-wheel competition, which proved a real talking point, drawing visitors throughout the show.
Our CEO, Jo Gilliard, and sustainability and innovations director, Ross Osborne, also contributed to the speaker programme. Jo joined a panel exploring how we can future-proof the cleaning and facilities management sector by attracting the next generation of professionals. While Ross took part in a discussion on ESG and the responsibilities facing today’s cleaning and FM industry.
Advancing circularity with a closed-Loop paper towel scheme
At this year’s show, we unveiled the launch of a closed-loop paper towel initiative, marking the latest step forward in our Circular by Jangro programme and reinforcing our commitment to reducing waste across the cleaning and hygiene sector. The principle of the scheme is simple – used paper towels are collected, processed and remanufactured into new paper products. It is designed to help customers cut waste and make measurable progress towards their own environmental targets.
Circularity can’t sit in a sustainability policy document, it has to function operationally. That’s why we focused on demonstrating to visitors on our stand exactly how the system works, from on-site collection through to remanufacturing, along with guidance on how the scheme can be implemented at scale across multiple locations.
This latest development builds on the success of Circular by Jangro’s established closed-loop plastics programme. This initiative facilitates the collection of used plastic mop buckets and A-frame safety signs, which are then processed and transformed into new recycled products. By promoting like-for-like replacement and reducing reliance on virgin plastic, the initiative supports a more responsible, resource-efficient approach to product lifecycle management.
Spotlight on sustainability: The ntrl range
Alongside the circular initiatives, we spotlighted our ntrl range, a sustainable, environmentally safe product portfolio designed to help organisations lower their environmental impact without compromising on hygiene performance.
One key area of discussion was accreditation. In a market where environmental claims are under increasing scrutiny, independent verification matters. Products within our ntrl Paper with Purpose range have achieved EU Ecolabel accreditation. This independent certification provides assurance of the products’ environmental credentials, giving customers confidence that sustainability and quality go hand in hand.
For us, sustainable product development isn’t about marketing positioning. Instead, these innovations demonstrate how Jangro is continuing to embed circular principles and responsible sourcing into the heart of its product offering, helping the industry move towards a more sustainable future.
Attracting the next generation of talent
Beyond our exhibition stand, Jo sat alongside other industry experts to discuss a key conversation throughout the show – how we attract and develop the next generation of professionals. With only 11% of the workforce currently under 25, retaining long-term talent is an important issue in the sector and something that Jo is passionate about addressing.
Jo emphasised that simply encouraging young people to consider careers in cleaning and hygiene is no longer enough. The industry must take a more proactive approach to apprenticeships and recruitment, development and long-term talent retention.
Today’s cleaning and facilities management sector extends far beyond traditional perceptions. It encompasses technology, data analytics, ESG strategy, sustainability, marketing, compliance and leadership. Yet too often it is still framed narrowly.
To tackle workforce shortages and attract new talent effectively, we must better communicate the reality of modern careers in the sector and the scale and diversity of opportunities available.
Changing perception requires consistency, in messaging, in leadership visibility and in how we engage with education providers and apprenticeships. Jo recently spoke about this and tackling the skills shortage in cleaning and FM in Cleaning Hygiene Today – you can read the full piece here.
ESG in a modern and vibrant cleaning and FM sector
ESG was another dominant theme across the speaker programme. Ross joined industry peers to explore the role of ESG within today’s cleaning and facilities management landscape. A central theme throughout the discussion was the need to embed ESG principles within core business strategy rather than treating them as standalone initiatives.
Ross discussed how strong ESG performance is built on meaningful partnerships, investment in training, fair pay and responsible operational practices. He highlighted that transparency is equally critical, with organisations needing to communicate their ESG commitments and progress openly to build credibility and trust throughout the supply chain.
At Jangro, sustainability and responsible business practices are integral to how we operate. From product development and circular initiatives to supplier partnerships and training programmes, we are committed to supporting our customers in meeting their environmental, social and compliance objectives.
You can read more about Jangro’s ESG commitments within our official policy here.
Continuing the conversation
The conversations in Manchester reflected a sector that is becoming more accountable and more ambitious. Circularity is gaining traction, workforce development is rising up the agenda, and ESG performance is becoming a competitive differentiator.
The opportunity for our industry is significant. Cleaning and hygiene underpin public health, operational continuity and environmental responsibility across every major sector in the UK. The businesses that lead on these key themes now will shape what the next era of the industry looks like.
We will be exhibiting at the London Cleaning Show in March 2027 and look forward to building on the discussions started in Manchester.
If you were unable to visit us at the show but would like to learn more about our sustainable product ranges, ESG strategy or training support, you can get in touch with a member of the Jangro team who will be happy to help: https://www.jangro.net/contact-us