Gone are the days of relying on harsh chemicals to clean commercial buildings and public spaces. Biotechnology has ushered in an innovative alternative that has changed the cleaning industry forever. Microbe-based technology provides a deeper, more effective clean while reducing environmental harm. And due to the long-term cleaning effects of microbial products, you can also lower operations costs. Goodbye, bleach! Hello, beneficial microbes. The future of cleaning is here.

What are microbes?

Microbes are tiny living organisms essential to maintaining our planet’s ecological balance and include bacteria, viruses, fungi, algae, and protozoa. These organisms can be found in water, soil, air, and even the human body.

These microorganisms have three main functions – fighting pathogens, providing plants with nutrients, and breaking down organic matter. At Enviroplus, we’re most interested in bacterial microbes because these are the ones that are most effective in cleaning products.

But wait, isn’t bacteria bad? Some are bad, i.e. bacteria that cause diseases, but others are essential to the environment and human health. They’re also helpful in breaking down bad bacteria – helpful for cleaning the environment. The intersection of nature and science does wonderful things.

Enter microbe-based cleaning technology. Microbe-based cleaning technology is part of a broader concept called bioremediation, which harnesses biological systems to combat environmental pollutants. And this is where cleaning products come in!

Microbes: Tiny living organisms, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, algae, and protozoa, essential to maintaining ecological balance.

Biotechnology:

Uses biology to solve problems and make innovative products and solutions.

Bioremediation:

Leverages living organisms to remove unwanted substances (pollutants) from soil or water.

Microbes:

Tiny living organisms, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, algae, and protozoa, are essential to maintaining ecological balance.

How does microbe-based cleaning technology work?

To truly understand the power, innovation and importance of microbe-based technology, it helps to delve into the world of science.

The process of colonisation

Bacterial microbes thrive on organic matter. Once applied to a surface, they begin to populate. Bacteria reproduce through a process known as 'binary fission,' where one cell divides into two. This can happen incredibly fast – as quickly as every 20 minutes under ideal conditions.

During the process of metabolising organic material, bacteria secrete enzymes. These enzymes are crucial in the cleaning industry as they break down complex organic compounds, i.e. dirt, grime and odours, into simpler substances, facilitating their removal.

The bacteria “feed” on these simpler compounds and use them for energy and growth. The more bacteria present, the greater the production of enzymes over extended periods, making the process more effective.

Enzymes:

Proteins that catalyse biological reactions.

Biofilm:

A protected layer of microorganisms is attached to a surface.

Specific enzymes for specific targets

Enzymes are not living entities but proteins that catalyse biological reactions. There are different types of enzymes, and each is highly specific, targeting only certain types of organic compounds. What does this mean for our microbial cleaning technologies? We can tailor microbial technology for different cleaning purposes.

Examples of enzymes and what they break down:

• Amylase (starch to simple sugars)
• Cellulase (cellulose to simple sugars)
• Lipase (fats to fatty acids and glycerol)
• Protease (proteins to amino acids

Biofilm formation

A biofilm is a layer of microorganisms attached to a surface within a protective layer of film called a polymer matrix. The film allows the bacteria to thrive and continuously degrade organic matter. When it comes to cleaning, biofilms keep your surfaces clean for long periods.

Free enzymes

Benefits of microbe-based technology

So now you know how microbes work, let's dive into why microbe-based cleaning is not just an innovation but also a necessary shift in your cleaning practices.

Deep cleaning action

Microbe-based formulas work at a microscopic level, which means a deeper, more effective clean. They reach into nooks and crannies that chemicals might miss.

Long-lasting cleaning effects

Microbe biofilms continuously produce enzymes that break down dirt and grime. This ongoing action means they clean long after application.

Eco-friendlier and sustainable

Microbe-based cleaning products are biodegradable and free from harsh chemicals, making them greener than traditional cleaning.

Enhanced safety

Microbial cleaners minimise exposure to toxic chemicals, reducing the risk of skin irritations, allergies, or respiratory issues associated with traditional cleaners.

Odour elimination

The enzymes produced by the microbes don't just mask odours; they break down the organic matter causing the odour, removing the source of the smell – perfect for smelly bathrooms!

Cost-effective in the long run

Microbial-based cleaning products might be more expensive than traditional cleaning products, but their long-lasting cleaning effects mean you use less product and save on labour. They become more economical cleaning alternatives for consumers over time.

Versatility in applications

Microbial cleaners are effective in various settings and can be used for different cleaning tasks, industries and needs, from deep cleaning and stain removal to general maintenance and odour control.

Case study: Eliminating odours with an Australian airline using microbial technology

A leading Australian airline using traditional cleaning products was dealing with persistent bad smells in the men's bathrooms of their airport lounges and was receiving multiple complaints. Despite trying to mask the issue with urinal screens and air fresheners, they couldn’t improve the state of the bathrooms. The airline contacted Enviroplus to see if they could help. After a four-week trial in Sydney using Enviroplus microbial technology, the bad smells were eliminated, and the overall cleanliness improved.

Our microbial range

We have partnered with microbiologists and chemists to identify enzyme strains that target specific cleaning functions and enhance commercial cleaning. You can reduce your environmental impact without sacrificing performance.

e-Washroom X

Microbes (lipase, protease, uricase) colonise washroom areas, produce enzymes and establish self-renewing biofilms. This cleaning product often goes deep inside inaccessible surfaces, providing residual cleaning action and long-lasting, effective odour control.

e-Z-Kleen X

Combining free lipase enzymes and plant-derived surfactants, e-Z-Kleen X provides a heavy-duty and fast-acting multi-surfactant degreasing system to quickly lift and emulsify soils, dirt and grease.

e-Odourize

Free protease enzymes quickly penetrate porous surfaces and fabrics, accelerating the breakdown of hidden organic deposits, ensuring immediate and long-lasting odour control and optimal stain removal.

High-performing formulas for seriously smart cleaning

Microbe-based

Selected formulas contain active microbes designed for penetrative and long-lasting cleans.

Innovative

We partnered with innovative chemists that harness the power of biotechnology and other low-toxicity formulas.

Concentrated

Consolidate your cleaning needs and products, use less solution per clean and save money in the long run.

The cleaning game has changed

Traditional cleaning agents often provide a one-time cleaning effect. High-performing microbial formulas continue to work long after initial application. This means your workplace environment is cleaner and you will save money over time.

Moving the market away from traditional cleaning products and services that contain harsh chemicals, these microbial technologies create and maintain healthier environments and are safer for cleaning industry professionals to use.

As we consumers embrace this next generation of microbial revolution, we consumers today are not just adopting a new cleaning technology; we consumers are taking a significant step towards a cleaner, greener, and more sustainable future.

Join the movement of smart businesses making a clean change.