The commercial cleaning industry, long reliant on plastic-heavy packaging for convenience and safety, is now facing growing pressure to eliminate single-use plastics in response to global sustainability goals. According to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), over 300 million tonnes of plastic waste are produced globally each year, and nearly 50% of this is single-use plastic. The cleaning sector plays a significant role in this footprint, particularly through the packaging of detergents, disinfectants, and other hygiene products.

Within this landscape, the shift towards sustainable alternatives is no longer optional—it's urgent. Research by the Ellen MacArthur Foundation shows that only 14% of global plastic packaging is collected for recycling, while the rest ends up in landfills, incinerators, or oceans. Cleaning products packaged in single-use containers contribute to this problem, especially in sectors like healthcare, hospitality, and commercial facilities where hygiene demands are high and packaging turnover is rapid.

In response, cleaning manufacturers and service providers are stepping up by adopting circular packaging models, switching to post-consumer recycled (PCR) materials, and introducing refillable systems. From "bag-in-box" containers to bulk chemical dosing systems, the industry is seeing a wave of innovation aimed at reducing plastic waste while maintaining performance and safety standards.

As governments introduce stricter regulations on plastic use and businesses align with Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) commitments, the cleaning industry’s ability to phase out single-use packaging is becoming a critical part of the global fight against plastic pollution. This article explores how key players in the cleaning and hygiene sector are embracing sustainable packaging solutions and what challenges still lie ahead.

We spoke to 4 expert speakers to understand how the cleaning industry is tackling single-use packaging and plastics.

Ralph Bianculli, CEO of Emerald Ecovations

Single-use plastics have long presented environmental challenges across industries worldwide, particularly commercial cleaning. As awareness of plastic pollution grows, global cleaning providers are leading efforts to eliminate or dramatically reduce their plastic footprint by embracing innovative solutions and circular economy principles.

According to the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, globally only 14% of plastic packaging is currently recycled, highlighting the critical need for more sustainable solutions. Additionally, a UN report estimates approximately 400 million tonnes of plastic waste are generated annually worldwide, emphasizing the vital role commercial sectors, including cleaning, play in driving substantial environmental change (UN Environment Programme).

One of the most effective strategies adopted by commercial cleaning companies globally is the shift towards concentrated and refillable cleaning solutions. Rather than distributing diluted cleaning agents in single-use plastic containers, companies like Diversey and Ecolab now offer concentrated formulas that significantly reduce packaging requirements. For instance, Diversey's SmartDose technology ensures accurate dosing, reducing chemical consumption by up to 60% and packaging waste by up to 70%.

Biodegradable and compostable packaging solutions also present a critical step toward sustainability. Leading industry players are working with packaging suppliers to develop alternatives that reduce environmental impact without compromising product safety or quality. For example, SC Johnson Professional recently introduced packaging made from post-consumer recycled (PCR) plastics and continues to explore compostable options.

Investments in bulk dispensing systems are enabling commercial cleaners to eliminate single-use packaging altogether at the point of use. These systems provide a viable, long-term solution by dramatically cutting down plastic consumption, waste generation, and associated logistical emissions.

An interesting innovation in the consumer space is implementing closed-loop systems, where plastic containers are either replaced or systematically collected, cleaned, refilled, and reused, effectively minimizing waste and reinforcing a circular economy. A notable example is the Loop initiative, spearheaded by TerraCycle in collaboration with global brands, to reduce single-use plastics through reusable packaging solutions.

At Emerald Ecovations, we are committed to reducing plastic pollution by providing sustainable solutions. For instance, we offer both compostable trash liners and trash liners that are made from recycled plastic. 

Every choice matters, and collaboration between commercial cleaning providers and their suppliers is pivotal. By integrating recycled content into new packaging, companies reduce the demand for virgin plastics, simultaneously decreasing pollution and promoting a sustainable economic model. This collaborative innovation fosters significant advancements toward environmental objectives while enhancing brand credibility and consumer trust.

Collectively, these progressive steps in concentrated solutions, compostable packaging, closed-loop systems, and bulk dispensers demonstrate that commercial cleaning providers are crucial stakeholders in the global fight against plastic pollution. Their strategic adaptations are not just beneficial for the environment but are reshaping industry standards toward a sustainable future.

Mohammed Ziada, LA Suites

At LA Suite Dubai Hotel, we believe that true hospitality services for our guests should never come at the cost of the environment. As part of our commitment to sustainability, we’ve taken strong steps to reduce and eventually eliminate single-use plastic across our hotel operations. The cleaning industry, by nature, relies heavily on plastic for packaging—especially for chemical products that require strong, durable containers. While plastic offers convenience, it poses long-term environmental challenges, taking centuries to degrade and causing harm to ecosystems.

We’ve made it our mission to lead by example, showing how the hospitality industry can adapt to more responsible practices without compromising guest experience.

What We're Doing at LA Suite Dubai

1. Glass Water Bottles in Guest Rooms
   We’ve completely phased out plastic water bottles in our guest rooms. Instead, we use elegant glass bottles filled with filtered water—bottled right here at the hotel. This small change has helped us eliminate thousands of single use bottles each year.
2. Sustainable Bathroom Amenities
   We’ve replaced individual plastic amenity bottles with stylish, refillable dispensers in all guest rooms and public washrooms. From shampoo and shower gel to hand wash, everything is now in eco-friendly bulk dispensers. Dry amenities such as shaving kits, dental kits, and combs are now provided in recyclable or biodegradable packaging. Slippers are available on request and offered in reusable bags to avoid unnecessary waste.
3. No More Plastic Bin Liners
   In guest rooms, we’ve eliminated plastic liners in trash bins and introduced reusable laundry and shopping bags. For those who prefer a bag, paper options are available upon request.
4. Goodbye to Single-Use Plastics
   Plastic straws, stirrers, and cutlery are a thing of the past at LA Suite Dubai. We now provide reusable alternatives made from sustainable materials like bamboo, glass, and metal.
5. Raising Awareness
   We’ve placed recycling bins in key areas including the lobby, guest floors, pool, and gym to make recycling easy and visible. Guests are also encouraged to use our gym’s water dispensers instead of bottled water. Awareness videos play in guest rooms and public areas to share our journey and highlight why sustainability matters.
6. Eco-Friendly Cleaning Practices
   Our housekeeping team uses steam-cleaning machines to reduce chemical use and packaging waste. We also use eco-friendly chemicals with controlled dosing systems to avoid overuse and limit plastic consumption.

At LA Suite Dubai, we’re proud to be part of a cleaner, greener future—one step, one bottle, one guest at a time.

Nadeem Saleem, Cluster Executive Housekeeper, Bahi Ajman Palace Hotel and Coral Beach Resort Sharjah

As sustainability becomes a core pillar of modern hospitality especially at Bahi Ajman Palace Hotel and Coral Beach Resort Sharjah, we are proactive in further movement to this.  We are not just maintaining the cleanliness, but we housekeeper lead the green shift on fighting against single-use plastics.

Apart from this, my housekeeping team is using zero-plastic amenities in the guestrooms.  Traditional plastic amenity bottles have been replaced with elegant, refillable dispensers and biodegradable alternatives, eliminating the single-use items.  Every product, from toothbrushes, to shower caps, now comes in sustainable plastic-free packaging. 

“We touch every room, every day, and that gives us power to make a big impact.  Swapping single-use items for refillable or compostable alternatives isn’t just good for the planet, but it’s good for business.”  

In a bold move forward environmental responsibility and sustainability, we launched several innovative initiatives, such as Discarded linen upcycled into Tote Bags.  The old linens are no longer waste, our inhouse tailor transformed it into reusable tote bags to replace single-use plastic carriers.  These were distributed to staff across all departments for them to use instead of plastics. 

Bahi Ajman Palace Hotel has launched Air-to-Water Technology that extracts humidity from the air and converts it into clean and safe drinking water, eliminating the need for plastic water bottles in guestrooms and public areas.  The state-of-the-art bottling plant produces an impressive 365,000 litres of pure drinking water annually by harnessing atmospheric moisture.  By producing 365,000 litres of drinking water from air and eliminating 431,304 plastic bottles, Bahi Ajman Palace Hotel achieves an annual carbon footprint reduction of 33.58 metric tons of CO₂e.  This initiative also eliminates the need for plastic production, long-haul transportation, and reduces landfill waste

On the similar initiative, Coral Beach Resort Sharjah introduced advanced water filtration technology purifying and bottling water in reusable glass bottles.  The initiative significantly reduces plastic waste by providing reusable glass bottles, preventing approximately 300,672 plastic bottles from entering the environment annually.

With housekeeping at the forefront, Bahi Ajman Palace Hotel and Coral Beach Resort Sharjah are proud to show that innovation, comfort and sustainability can work hand in hand, delivering a cleaner planet and better guest experience.

Stephen Ashkin, CEO and President of The Ashkin Group

The environmental toll of single-use plastic packaging has long burdened the cleaning industry. But that’s changing. Companies and facilities are adopting new strategies that cut plastic waste, lower emissions, and save money.

Eliminating Packaging with On-Site Generation

One of the most transformative innovations is on-site generation of cleaning products. Systems that produce stabilized aqueous ozone and other compounds convert tap water into a powerful, non-toxic cleaner—generated on demand. This approach eliminates traditional plastic bottles, cardboard boxes, and the environmental impacts of ingredient extraction and shipping.

On-site generation is especially useful in high-volume settings like schools, airports, and hospitals. These systems reduce packaging waste, chemical use, and storage needs while offering long-term cost savings.

Some manufacturers have taken this a step further, introducing compact, quart-sized spray bottles that generate stabilized aqueous ozone using the same technology. These refillable units allow individuals to produce cleaning solution at the point of use, making the system ideal for smaller facilities and mobile crews.

Using Concentrated Formulas to Cut Waste and Costs

For organizations still purchasing cleaning products, concentrated formulas offer a major sustainability advantage. The more concentrated the product, the less packaging is needed—and the smaller the transportation footprint. Highly concentrated products ship in lightweight containers, reducing plastic use and shipping volume.

From both environmental and financial perspectives, the more concentrated, the better. But accuracy is key. Using portion control devices ensures proper dilution and prevents waste or overdilution. With the right systems in place, concentrates deliver strong performance and cost efficiency.

Flexible Pouches Replace Rigid Bottles

As more companies move to concentrates, many are also replacing rigid bottles with flexible refill pouches. Pouches use significantly less plastic, cost less to ship, and take up less storage space. Paired with concentrated formulas, this format greatly reduces packaging waste.

Many European manufacturers are leading the way—offering concentrates in pouches along with precision portion control equipment. These complete systems make it easy for end users to adopt more sustainable cleaning solutions without sacrificing ease or performance.

Conclusion

The cleaning industry is making real progress in moving beyond single-use plastic. Through on-site generation, ultra-concentrated formulas, and flexible pouches, companies are cutting waste, lowering costs, and reducing environmental impact. These innovations benefit the planet—and the bottom line.