Group-f commits to sustainable future

Sustainability has long since ceased to be a trend, but a necessity. Especially in the hotel sector, where experience and quality are key, sustainability is increasingly becoming a decisive factor when choosing a cleaning partner. Group-f, market leader in hotel cleaning, understands this like no other. Besides impeccable service, the company is fully committed to ecological and social responsibility. "Sustainability is a journey, not a final destination. Step by step, we make impact," says Group-f's Stefanie Van Steenlandt.

When you choose Group-f, you choose quality, flexibility and a tailor-made service. As a specialist in hotel cleaning, Group-f knows exactly what a hotel needs: impeccable service, friendly and well-trained staff and a team ready 7/7. "We take the worries out of the hands of hotel operators, so they can fully focus on the ultimate experience for their guests," says Stefanie Van Steenlandt, Quality & Education Manager at Group-f.

Besides standard hotel cleaning, Group-f offers a wide range of additional services, such as carpet cleaning, window washing, scenting and even guest washing. "Every hotel is different and deserves a tailor-made approach," Van Steenlandt explains. Group-f's Hospitality Academy is also a great asset. Here, cleaning staff receive thorough training before moving to their permanent workplace. This not only teaches them how to work efficiently, but also how to respond knowledgeably to the specific cleaning needs of hotels and their guests.

Sustainability: more than a buzzword

Sustainability has been a focal point within Group-f for many years. The company takes numerous initiatives to reduce its ecological footprint. "We make conscious choices in terms of products, materials and working methods," says Van Steenlandt. "For example, we mainly use eco-labelled cleaning agents and cradle-to-cradle products. This requires good basic training, as these products are less aggressive compared to traditional cleaning agents. That's why we invest so heavily in training, so that our employees achieve the same results with eco-friendly products."

Group-f's cleaning trolleys are also completely recycled. "We use 100 per cent recycled work trolleys from Greenspeed," explains Van Steenlandt. "In addition, we recently acquired a new supplier for workwear, which fully recycles old, worn-out garments. As we provide some 2,500 employees with clothing, this is a huge ecological gain."

CO2 reduction and EcoVadis certification

In addition to existing initiatives, Group-f is now taking a big step forward with a comprehensive sustainability project. The company is currently mapping its CO2 emissions and working on targeted reductions. "Our biggest impact is not on customers, but within our own operations," Van Steenlandt explains. "The transport and mobility of our employees are important factors. That's where we can still make a lot of gains."

An important part of this journey is the collaboration with EcoVadis, an internationally recognised platform that assesses companies for sustainability. EcoVadis evaluates performance on the environment, human rights, ethics and responsible sourcing. "This certification allows us to measure our progress and take our efforts to the next level. Eventually, we would like to achieve gold certification, but we are starting with bronze. Step by step, we are making progress," Van Steenlandt said.

Group-f is working with an external partner for this purpose. The process will be phased, with the aim of already making significant improvements by 2025. "The future starts now."

Sustainability as a standard in the hotel sector

Hotels are increasingly demanding sustainability. A cleaning partner that is environmentally aware is therefore a must for many hotels. "Sustainability is no longer a bonus, but the norm," says Van Steenlandt. "Our customers expect it, and we want to meet that expectation and if possible even exceed it."

With a thoughtful vision and concrete actions, Group-f is committed to a sustainable future. From ecological cleaning products to CO2 reduction and circular workwear: every step counts. "Sustainability is a process, not an end goal," Van Steenlandt concludes. "We keep looking for ways to reduce our impact and offer our customers the best, most sustainable high-quality cleaning service."