How our contract cleaning business switched to sustainable cleaning products – and why it’s important
Orian’s decision to switch to sustainable cleaning products right across our contract cleaning business is already delivering measurable benefits for people, planet, and performance.
At Orian, we’re always looking for ways to make our services smarter, safer, and more sustainable, not just for our own teams, but for the customers and communities we serve.
That’s why we made a significant shift in our commercial cleaning operations, moving from traditional cleaning chemicals to a streamlined, local and environmentally responsible product range.
Working in partnership with Odorbac, part of BCHS Sustainable Solutions, the move reflects our continued commitment to innovation, sustainability, and operational excellence.
Why Change Was Needed
Every day, our teams work across hundreds of sites, including schools, offices, warehouses and healthcare environments, using large volumes of cleaning products. Over time, this had resulted in:
· A complex mix of products to train on and manage
· High volumes of packaging and plastic waste
· Increased lorry miles from multiple deliveries
· Challenges in tracking sustainability data
Recognising this, our team set out to simplify the process and reduce environmental impact, without compromising on hygiene standards or cleaning performance.
Cleaner, Safer, Smarter
Orian’s management team made the decision to roll out Odorbac as our lead product across operations.
This innovative solution replaces numerous traditional products with a single, high-performance cleaner that’s effective across a wide range of surfaces and cleaning applications.
The results have been immediate and impressive:
· Fewer products – Reducing complexity, storage needs, and training requirements
· Reduced risk – Safer handling and dosing for cleaning operatives
· Lower costs – Less waste, simplified logistics, and improved cost-in-use
· Smaller environmental footprint – Fewer deliveries and less packaging
· Higher efficiency – Faster cleaning with better results
· Improved consistency – One product, one process, every time
Odorbac’s multi-purpose capabilities mean it can be used in trigger sprays, mop and bucket systems, extraction units and scrubbing machines, performing brilliantly in each setting. That versatility means less clutter in cleaning cupboards and a more efficient, unified approach across sites.
Real Environmental Gains
The scale of change is significant.
· Previously, Orian FM used around 712,547 litres of cleaning products per year, generating over 1.5 tonnes of single-use plastic packaging.
· By transitioning to the new Odorbac system, we’re dramatically cutting down on both the volume of chemicals used and the plastic waste generated.
· Fewer deliveries also mean fewer lorry miles on the road — directly reducing our CO₂ emissions and supporting our drive toward a lower carbon footprint.
· Supporting Sustainable Decision-Making for our contract cleaning clients
Orian’s sustainability journey doesn’t stop with product selection. Working alongside our supply partners, we’ve introduced a comprehensive sustainability assessment framework that evaluates every stage of a product’s life cycle.
This framework considers four key areas:
· Producer – Supplier wellbeing, charitable initiatives, and environmental impact.
· Production – How products are manufactured and sourced.
· Product – The chemistry, formulation, and dosing efficiency.
· Packaging – Material choice, recyclability, and end-of-life impact.
By applying this structure, we’re ensuring that every decision we make, from procurement to usage, supports our long-term sustainability goals and those of our contract cleaning customers.
Transparency Through Reporting
One of the standout benefits of this new system is the ability to track, measure, and report sustainability performance at individual customer sites.
This powerful reporting tool allows us to share clear data on:
· CO₂ reductions
· Plastic savings
· Waste reduction
· Efficiency gains
Our customers value this transparency. It helps them demonstrate their own environmental progress and gives them a measurable benchmark at review meetings.
Cleaner Future, Brighter Tomorrow
Our shift to more sustainable cleaning products is about operational efficiency and leadership in an industry that’s changing fast.
By simplifying our processes, empowering our teams and reducing our environmental impact, Orian is setting a new standard for responsible, results-driven commercial cleaning and facilities management.
Ready to learn more about Orian’s sustainable approach to professional contract cleaning? Get in touch to see how we can help your organisation achieve cleaner, greener, more efficient operations.
info@orian.co.uk
01228 404 777