How the i-dose system is changing the cleaning game
- As the focus on sustainability and efficiency grows, i-team Global has launched an innovative product that is transforming the cleaning industry: the i-dose system. This modular dosing solution optimizes cleaning processes and enhances safety, making it a game-changer for professionals in the field. We had the opportunity to chat with Edwin Prijden, Ambassador of Business Development, about the i-dose system and its benefits for both users and the environment.
- Let’s start with this: how does the i-dose system work exactly?
The i-dose system is designed to work seamlessly with the i-mop, one of our most popular cleaning tools that has already gained much recognition for its efficiency. By adding a single i-dose pod to the i-mop’s water tank, users achieve an optimal cleaning solution tailored for various types of flooring. You can store up to 10 pods in the i-mop’s designated space, ensuring the right solution is always on hand. Given the limited time available for cleaners, this saves valuable time in the cleaning process. It eliminates the guesswork involved in measuring dosages, thereby minimizing waste and enhancing safety.
Currently, the i-dose family comprises three distinct formulas:
• ID-3: Specifically formulated for cleaning sanitary areas, ensuring a hygienic environment.
• ID-5: Ideal for the daily maintenance of hard floors, providing effective dirt removal without damaging surfaces.
• ID-7: Designed for more heavily soiled surfaces, delivering a powerful clean where it’s needed most.
In the near future, i-team plans to introduce ID-1, which will contain a concentrate of enzymes that remain active on surfaces even after cleaning. Our goal is to develop a i-dose pod for every repetitive cleaning task, ensuring that every cleaning need is met efficiently.
- How does i-dose improve cleaning processes compared to traditional methods?
Using the i-mop with just water results in much cleaner, faster, safer, and less physically demanding cleaning compared to traditional mopping methods. In labor-scarce environments, maximizing a cleaner’s time is essential, and the i-dose system facilitates this. Using i-dose in combination with the i-mop maximizes efficiency, cleaning about 20 m² per minute compared to 6-7 m² with a traditional mop.
Also, traditional cleaning methods often involve letting the chemical (soap) sit on surfaces to work, which isn’t feasible during intensive cleaning sessions where quick drying is necessary. Dosing always presents challenges in the cleaning industry, as many products lack clear instructions, risking ineffective or excessive mixtures that can leave streaks and expose users to harmful chemicals.
i-dose pods are specifically formulated for the i-mop, ensuring optimal dosing without direct contact, enhancing safety. The system prevents direct contact with the liquid, making it completely safe. Even if the liquid comes into contact with skin, it poses no risk, because plant-based formula is gentle, reducing corrosive risks and preventing injuries.
- What specific environmental benefits do i-dose pods offer?
There are so many great environmental benefits. To start, i-dose pods are fully plant-based, making them one of the most sustainable cleaning options available. I-dose is made from plant-based materials like coconut oil, sustainably produced palm kernels (RSPO), citric acid, sugar beet, sugar cane, and corn. Traditional cleaners often use harsh chemicals with extreme pH levels, which harm the environment and generate waste from spills or incorrect dosing.
The pod packaging is made from recyclable PET and the sleeve packaging is made from recycled paper. Now, while developing this we aspired to use bio or biodegradable materials for the packaging, but the liquid’s nature prevents this. The plant-based formula would actually dissolve a biodegradable material. We’re still dedicated to making this happen, one day.
- Have you received user feedback? What have they experienced?
i-dose has been available for four years now, distributed through a network of partners. We haven’t directly spoken to the end customers using the i-dose systems yet, as our partners are wholesalers selling to local cleaning companies. However, some users have expressed enthusiasm and stated they wouldn’t want to go back to previous systems. Changing long-standing practices takes time, especially considering the influence of established chemical suppliers, as many cleaning companies have used the same suppliers for years. But we look forward to changing people’s view, mind set and cleaning systems!
- Can you share examples of changes made to your products based on user input?
Feedback from i-mop users has greatly shaped the i-dose system. Initially, using only water led to microorganism growth in non-sterile tanks. We addressed this by installing antimicrobial tanks, which reduced odor and growth by 99.99%, though some issues persisted. The i-dose system further minimizes microorganism growth, preventing these problems
- How does the i-dose system align with the sustainability goals of i-team Global?
With i-dose, we believe we have one of the most sustainable and safe solutions on the market that doesn’t compromise on cleaning effectiveness. This aligns perfectly with our philosophy of cleaning faster, cleaner, greener, safer and better. Being green is currently trendy, but unfortunately, many organizations misuse or misrepresent their sustainability efforts—a practice known as greenwashing. At i-team, we are pursuing various sustainability initiatives not out of obligation, but because we genuinely want to make a difference. We only have one planet, and we must take care of it. Using i-dose contributes directly to this goal.
- What specific sustainability goals do you aim to achieve in the next 3-5 years with i-dose?
Ideally, I would like to see every i-mop user transition to the i-dose system and replace their old tanks with those designed for the i-dose pods, allowing us to recycle the old ones. However, due to the conservative nature of the market, I don’t expect widespread adoption. While the product is still relatively new, I anticipate a double-digit growth in the coming years.
- What sustainability certifications do you pursue for i-dose products, and why are they important?
The current i-dose products are certified to the EU Ecolabel standard. This is now the most significant certification for our green liquids range, especially with our focus on the European market.
In the future, we may pursue the Nordic Swan Ecolabel, which is highly regarded in some markets, such as the U.S. Its stricter requirements would further enhance our credibility. In a landscape filled with greenwashing, reliable certifications like the EU Ecolabel and Nordic Swan Ecolabel are crucial. They assure customers that our products are genuinely eco-friendly.
- What inspired you to focus on sustainable cleaning solutions like i-dose?
I am relatively new to i-team Global, so it feels like too much credit to associate the development of i-dose with myself. However, i-dose’s sustainability and the overall sustainable mindset of i-team resonate with me. As a parent, I feel strongly about ensuring a better planet for the future generations. My love for the outdoors and nature also drives my commitment to sustainability.
- How do you look at the future of cleaning products, especially regarding sustainability?
While I believe i-dose is currently leading in sustainability, other companies will need to catch up and offer more eco-friendly and innovative products. Regulatory demands and user expectations are shifting; sustainability is becoming a prerequisite in tenders, making it a more significant factor than price. As the labor market tightens, the voice of the cleaner will also gain importance. It’s essential that cleaners know the safety and health implications of the products they use.
I think chemical cleaning products won’t disappear entirely, but prices of greener alternatives need to decrease to attract consumers. Some supermarkets, especially Albert Heijn, are already taking the lead in this area.
- What challenges have you faced in developing sustainable cleaning products, and how have you addressed these challenges?
Developing effective cleaning solutions is fundamentally different from manufacturing cleaning machines, which has advanced significantly. The complexity of creating eco-friendly products often requires collaboration with specialised chemical suppliers. To tackle these challenges, we adopt an entrepreneurial mindset, continuously test new ideas, and seek impactful solutions. Leading by example is crucial; while investing in sustainable innovations may have higher upfront costs, we believe they will result in long-term benefits. Integrating sustainable product manufacturers into our portfolio is a potential next step.