Ecolab claims its latest launch - which was kept top secret in the run-up to Interclean - is set to revolutionise the cleaning industry.

The Maxx Synbiotics range, due to hit the market later this year, has been formulated using a combination of probiotics and prebiotics.

"Probiotics are highly effective, but it can take a while before the micro-organisms in them start to take effect," says Ecolab marketing manager Johanna Weber. "The prebiotics give them the sugars they need to enable them to start working immediately. And once that happens, they keep on working for up to five days."

Maxx Synbiotics, developed in partnership with Heiq, is a patented solution that is exclusive to Ecolab. The products can be used in various sectors such as offices, healthcare and long-term care environments and the range includes products for cleaning surfaces, glass, floors and washrooms.

Each bottle contains around 50 billion microbes said to be able to actively break down the sources of odours while also removing substances that could become future smells. Once they have been applied they help to maintain a natural microbial balance and are claimed to have a positive impact on the environment.

"Our new product will revolutionise the industry because it is based on ecological sustainability and offers all the benefits of probiotics - while also taking away the negatives," said Weber.