Greenspeed shares the naked truth about microfibre: dimensional stability has been depending on very thin, kilometre-long wire for 25 years
22/06/2020 - Floor Loos
On the day Greenspeed celebrates its 25th anniversary, the pioneer in cleaning innovations shares the naked truth about microfibre. Environment, health, quality guarantees, distinctiveness, the human dimension and safety - are all covered in Greenspeed's second monthly online knowledge event. The presentation duo, international key account managers Damian Armitage and Jay Smit, present the backgrounds, truth and news about the microfibre technology and cloth to the camera. A summary.
"The synthetic fibre has a linear density of less than 1 denier, which is 100 times thinner than a human hair. One denier equals 1 gram per 9 kilometres of wire", begins Damian. The melting and spinning of the two raw materials polyester and polyamide and the split fibre appear to be the three essential ingredients for the successful "cloth", which Greenspeed Launched in the Benelux 25 years ago.
Pick up dirt instead of taking it with you
Who doesn't know about the microfibre cloth yet? And who doesn't know that - provided that the microfibre cloth is of good quality, is used properly and washed at 60°C - the clever and thus hairthin technique with split yarns, a nylon point picks up cake shaped protrusions of dirt and does not take the dirt with it, as with a normal cloth. Or in fancier terms: due to capillary action, the dirt is absorbed and not carried or moved from A to B, as is the case with an ordinary cloth.
Great confidence
Using a five-point spray method and the triple folding method, Damian and Jay demonstrate how to use the microfibre cloth wet, effectively and efficiently. After all, a damp and well-folded microfibre cloth can absorb a lot of dirt. And there is a great deal of confidence in this: more than 50% think that the Greenspeed microfibre cloth absorbs at least 90% of dirt.
To clean or disinfect?
Especially during these times of coronavirus, where there is a fear of contamination among building users and cleaners who want to work effectively and efficiently, this question is vital and crucial: how does a microfibre cloth clean? Jay explains that the capillary action, i.e. suction power, of the Greenspeed microfibre cloth can achieve more than 90% absorption of dirt and 99.9% uptake of microorganisms (3-log reduction). But please note, however, that the uptake of microorganisms is not the same as disinfection. Whether to clean or disinfect is a common question. Damian and Jay's advice: "First clean thoroughly with a microfibre cloth for the absorption of dirt and microorganisms. Then disinfect the contact surfaces with a disinfectant to kill viruses, bacteria and fungi".
What is its positive impact on the environment?
Huge! By using the microfibre technique, 90% less water and detergent is used compared to the traditional bucket/water abrasive method. The Greenspeed microfibre cloth has been found to last twice as long and can be washed at least 600 times. Jay makes a comparison: "The quantity of synthetic fibres in clothing and the emission of microplastics, which end up in the natural environment through washing clothes and washing machines, is huge. We commissioned a study to be conducted in Germany at Weber & Leucht into the impact of the microfibre cloth on the environment in terms of microplastics. This study showed that the Greenspeed microfibre cloth produces little to no microplastics and achieves an A+score, and scores up to 10 times better than other microfibre knitted cloths - and the number is even higher than non-wovens."
Greenspeed was also the first in the professional cleaning market to obtain the Nordic Swan certification. This ensures an environmentally responsible production chain and a minimum of toxic ingredients, waste water pollution and air contamination. For further reassurance, the impact on health of the Greenspeed microfibre cloth is also minimal, due to the lack of harmful substances and the absence of carcinogenic dyes.
Microfibre and the human perspective
"We care about ergonomics. We realise that there are fewer and fewer "hands" available, so we need to be economical with our cleaning staff. That's why we offer materials that are lightweight and easy to hold, so you don't have to soak up or wring, don't need to scrub and you can remove stains three times faster". Greenspeed also looks at the front of the process: production. "Greenspeed follows the International Labour Organisation (ILO) standards, and has its product sites audited in accordance with the Sedex 4-pillar. This is a social audit of working conditions", explain Damian and Jay.
Greenspeed guarantees quality
Through the three pillars of the quality guarantee - cleaning power, absorbency and service life - we achieve dimensional stability, which Greenspeed microfibre cloth has been offering for 25 years: stability in every aspect. The minimum requirements, for example for rapid and complete dirt pick-up are certainly met: Nordic Swan demands 85%; Greenspeed achieves 93-95%. "Our distinctive character is based on our many years of expertise, optimum composition and separation, the use of weft knitting and the excellent finish. We are extremely proud to have been around for 25 years. And for supplying Greenspeed Original for 25 years now".
But... the best way to know whether a cloth is of good quality is to get started and test it yourself in practice.
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