When Nottingham-based restaurant Alchemilla opened its doors in August 2017 to critical acclaim, head chef and proprietor Alex Bond set out to do things differently with a clear focus on creating a sustainable operation strategy for his business.<\/p>\n
Speaking to suppliers, Alex requested a limit on all unnecessary packaging such as cardboard boxes and plastic wrapping. Alchemilla\u2019s stock is delivered in plastic crates which are taken away after each delivery to be reused. The restaurant is also driving down its single-use plastic consumption by removing straws and other unnecessary supplies from both front and back of house areas.<\/p>\n
When looking at cleaning and maintenance, Alex was keen to find a system that would reduce the use of chemical products across the board.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt makes very good business sense for a restaurant. Cleaning chemicals are one of the only products which come in through the back door, that can\u2019t be sold out of the front door; there\u2019s no profit to be made so it\u2019s sensible that we try and reduce our usage where we can,\u201d he explains.<\/p>\n
Alex was introduced to the Toucan Eco disinfecting and cleaning system which has been developed to offer customers a product that significantly reduces the use of traditional cleaning chemicals, while also providing a cost-effective and more environmentally sustainable cleaning alternative by drastically reducing the plastic waste produced by chemical containers and packaging.<\/p>\n
The Toucan Eco system uses electrochemical activation (ECA) technology \u2013 the most effective, money-saving and environmentally-friendly disinfectant and cleaning alternative to synthetic chemicals currently on the market.<\/p>\n
It has only two components \u2013 water (straight from the tap) and salt (sodium chloride), which is dissolved in the water. The components are activated using a form of electrolysis whereby a small electrical current is applied to the solution using a specialised electrolysis cell.<\/p>\n
This produces hypochlorous acid, which is a powerful and safe disinfectant, and sodium hypochlorite solution, an effective cleaning agent. Together, they create a powerful, naturally-occurring disinfectant, cleaner and sanitiser that\u2019s safe, non-toxic, non-allergenic, environmentally friendly and low cost.<\/p>\n
Research by EU accredited independent laboratories and universities have also shown it is highly effective against all types of bacteria, viruses, cysts, protozoa, algae and spores, eliminating all forms of microorganisms in water supplies, on work surfaces, fabrics and materials. The solution kills up to 99.999% of microorganisms, including pathogens, with a very fast contact time and virtually no regrowth.<\/p>\n
The 3,500 sq. ft, 60-cover restaurant installed the Toucan Eco cleaning system in January 2018 and now uses it to clean all areas of the front of house including table tops, glassware, windows and mirrors, fridges, furniture and restroom facilities.<\/p>\n
In the kitchen, the system is also used to clean benches and worktops, and while chemical degreasers are still required on areas such as ovens, floors and the extraction canopy, Alex has seen an average total saving of \u00a3200 per month on the cost of chemical cleaning agents, as well as a huge saving on the volume of plastic waste.<\/p>\n
For the front of house areas, the product is applied with microfibre cloths while centrefeed is used in the kitchens and food preparation areas where it must be disposable to comply with health and safety regulations.<\/p>\n
Alex continued, \u201cWe had the confidence to try a new product and we were well aware of the benefits the Toucan Eco system offered. One of the best results we\u2019ve seen is on our glassware, windows and any reflective surfaces as the finish is entirely streak-free and spotless. The approach of the cleaning system married with our intentions for the restaurant, so installing a more environmentally sound, cost-effective alternative made complete sense from the start.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe staff have found the system easy to use and incredibly timesaving, which always helps at the end of a long shift. The results have exceeded our expectations and knowing we\u2019re using considerably less chemical product and further reducing our plastic waste output is exactly what we set out to achieve,\u201d Alex added.<\/p>\n
The results we\u2019ve seen at Alchemilla are extremely positive for Alex and his team, and more widely as an encouraging example for the hospitality industry.<\/p>\n
There has been a reduction in the use of man-made synthetic chemicals in the restaurant, which has proven beneficial for the health and safety of both staff and customers. There\u2019s also been a reduction in the volume of chemical and plastic waste which is of huge benefit. Alchemilla is thinking responsibly \u2013 thinking about its people and the wider environment.<\/p>\n
It\u2019s no secret that our industry is experiencing a green revolution, with new products and materials coming to market designed to reduce plastic waste and lessen the impact on the environment. We also need to address the public\u2019s growing concerns around the use of harsh chemicals in cleaning, which will only increase as more long-term, evidence-based research into the effects of chemical use come to light as we\u2019ve seen recently.<\/p>\n
Alchemilla has installed the Toucan Eco Active system, which is ideal for small to medium-sized facilities. One single activation will produce 10 litres of disinfectant and cleaning solution equivalent of around 16 x 600ml spray bottles. The system includes a generator, 10 litre tank, brine salt dispenser, discharge tap and shelf.<\/p>\n
The solution is perfect for busy environments which demand a quick, effective cleaning regime such as cafes, hotels, restaurants and any areas of public dining space, but especially where green credentials are important. Or where harsh cleaning products aren\u2019t suitable for the environment, or those using it.<\/p>\n
While it does require a certain amount of capital expenditure upfront, once installed the only consumables needed to generate unlimited quantities of the solution are salt, water and minimum electricity.<\/p>\n
The system is also virtually maintenance-free and requires no specialist skills to operate. Plus, with no COSHH requirements or costly health and safety training, Toucan Eco is both a sustainable and simple choice for the hospitality sector.\u201d<\/p>\n