Core Products Co., Inc. Reduce Waste And Increase Efficiency With Bio-based Products T The U.S. Department of Energyʼs Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory (PPPL) uses cutting-edge technology and innova-tion relating to magnetic fusion research — but did you know the facility is also a benchmark for efficient green cleaning? Eighteen months ago, Margaret Kevin-King, the building and grounds supervisor for PPPL, was tasked with finding cleaning products that were not only biodegradable, but were also plant-based, eliminated unnecessary waste and were efficient. She found that many products with a biodegrad-able claim also happened to have a petro-chemical base. King found the added fragrances over-whelming, and hard surfaces seemed to retain a residue, even after cleaning. “In our search for alternatives at the National Recycling Coalition Conferences in Denver, Colorado, while networking, we learned about healthy, clean bio-based products,” noted King. Working through the PPPL procurement division, small business liaison, Arlene White, Stan Halpern was brought on board. King contacted Halpern, an environmental cleaning consultant, to recommend bio-based products that work and also meet the agencyʼs stringent green objectives. King was skeptical about finding green alternatives that could really perform. Halpernʼs first recommendation for PPPL was to use Core Products Co., Inc.ʼs low-toxicity, Green Seal ™ certified multi-pur-pose cleaner, Hydroxi Pro ® Concentrate. “Before using Hydroxi Pro ® Concentrate with a dispensing system, we used several different, bio-based and biodegradable cleaners,” says King. For most of the occupants of PPPL, the consensus is that the natural fragrance derived from the bio-based cleaners is “clean;” thereʼs no buildup or harsh smell. Another immediate result was a reduction in packaging waste and inventory, when purchasing products were reduced. King says that with the dispensing system, thereʼs no second guessing or operator override about how much product to use or how to measure out, so products are used more efficiently. Since PPPL has begun using Hydroxi Pro ® Concentrate and implemented green cleaning methods, waste has been reduced. The process has contributed to the PPPL transitioning from two, six-cubic-yard dumpsters to two, four-cubic-yard dumpsters in one of its collection areas. When asked whether PPPL has recom-mended a different approach to cleaning in light of the recent Methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and H1N1 influenza (Swine Flu) alerts, King says no. “In addition to the Hydroxi Pro Concentrate, we have been using a disin-fectant made from thyme oil to disinfect restrooms and fixtures. According to Healthy Clean, this product is 100 percent bio-based,” says King. PPPL continues to place sanitizers at main entrances for staff and visitor use. “We are sticking to our routine mainte-nance schedule of cleaning bathrooms thor-oughly, just once a day,” although King admits seeing office workers using pump hand sanitizers on their desks and in central designated areas. She is a firm believer that the current program is effective but is always seeking ways to continuously improve the PPPL facilityʼs approach to cleaning. Halpern, who has used other hydrogen peroxide-based products, believes that “Hydroxi Pro ® Concentrate is by far the best hydrogen peroxide cleaner on the market.” Hydroxi Pro ® Concentrate uses a food-grade orange oil, and combined with superior packaging, ensures the integrity of the product along the way from the manu-facturer to the distributor and ultimately the end user. CM Circle Product Information no. 152 This content was provided by Core Products Co., Inc. as part of a paid advertisement. For more information, please contact Core directly at 1-800-825-2673 or www.coreproductsco.com. www.cmmonline.com 21
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