Regional Spotlight: Latin America's cleaning and hygiene market developments

In this article we zoom in on Latin America, to explore the current state of the cleaning and hygiene industry. We spoke with Gabriel Quintero of Latin press and Cleantec Show.

How would you describe the current state of the cleaning and hygiene industry in Latin America?

The cleaning and hygiene industry in Latin America is experiencing a period of growth and transformation. In recent years, particularly following the pandemic, the importance of hygiene, disinfection, and the quality of spaces has become significantly more relevant in both the public and private sectors.

Today, we see a market that is moving towards greater professionalisation. Companies are no longer focused solely on keeping spaces clean; they are also looking to optimise processes, improve operational efficiency and adopt international standards that ensure safety and well-being for users.

In this context, interest has also grown in events and platforms that allow for the exchange of knowledge, innovation and industry trends. Initiatives such as Cleantec Show have emerged precisely to connect manufacturers, distributors, service companies and industry professionals across Latin America, contributing to the development and modernization of the sector in the region.

What are the 2–3 main trends shaping your market right now?

Currently, we identify three very clear trends in the Latin American market:

• The first is sustainability. More companies are adopting environmentally friendly chemicals, water-reduction systems and cleaning processes that minimise environmental impact. 
• The second is automation and mechanisation of processes. Equipment such as automatic scrubbers, high-performance industrial vacuum cleaners and, in some cases, cleaning robots are becoming increasingly common in large spaces such as shopping centres, airports and corporate buildings. 
• The third trend is the professionalisation of the sector. There is growing investment in training, certifications and process standardisation, which demonstrates that cleaning is increasingly being recognised as a strategic component within organisational operations.

Are there any standout innovations or technologies being adopted in Latin America?

Yes, and interest in innovation is growing rapidly. More and more companies are seeking solutions that help optimise resources, improve efficiency and ensure higher hygiene standards.

Among the technologies generating the most interest are smart dispensers, digital systems for monitoring cleaning tasks and automated equipment capable of covering large surfaces more efficiently.

We are also seeing increased adoption of digital platforms for cleaning operations management, where data is used to plan tasks, optimise resources and improve service quality control.

Which sectors are driving most of the demand for new solutions? Why?

In Latin America, several sectors are leading the adoption of new cleaning and hygiene solutions:

• The healthcare sector is one of the most demanding, as it requires high levels of disinfection, infection control and strict protocol compiance. 
• The hospitality and tourism sector is also driving innovation, particularly in destinations where the customer experience is critical. In these environments, the perception of cleanliness and safety has a direct impact on brand reputation. 
• Retail and shopping centres represent antother major driver of demand, as they seek to maintain safe, attractive and comfortable spaces for visitors. 

Likewise, infrastructures such as airports, corporate buildings and large public facilities are increasingly investing in equipment and technologies that allow them to maintain high cleaning standards with greater operational efficiency.

Are there any local policies, certifications, or recent regulations impacting the industry?

Across several countries in Latin America, we are seeing progress in regulations related to sustainability, responsible chemical management and waste management.

At the same time, many organisations are adopting international standards and environmental certifications that promote more responsible and efficient cleaning practices.

This is encouraging companies within the sector to modernise processes, invest in training and adopt technologies that allow them to meet these new requirements.

We are also observing growing interest from visitors across Latin America, reflecting the region’s increasing engagement with industry developments and global best practices.

What would you recommend visitors not miss when attending Interclean Amsterdam?

For professionals from Latin America, visiting Interclean Amsterdam represents a unique opportunity to explore the global trends shaping the future of the industry.

We particularly recommend exploring the innovation, automation and sustainability areas, where many of the technologies that will likely become increasingly common in our region are showcased.

It is also highly valuable to participate in conferences and networking spaces, which allow attendees to exchange experiences with professionals from around the world and build new partnerships.

Many of the insights, technologies and ideas that emerge at Interclean Amsterdam later find opportunities to be presented and adapted to the regional market at events such as Cleantec Show, contributing to the continued development of the cleaning and hygiene industry in Latin America.

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