Sustainability has become a central focus across industries. In the cleaning sector, the term can sometimes be used loosely or overused to the point where the meaning is lost.
Defining what sustainability truly looks like in modern cleaning practices is critical to making informed, responsible decisions. In simple terms, sustainability is about understanding the full impact of choices, from manufacturing and materials to performance and end-of-life disposal.
Look beyond marketing
Sustainability has become one of the most used, and misused, words in marketing today. According to recent research from the Governance & Accountability Institute, a record 99% of S&P 500 companies now publish sustainability reports. That trajectory reflects the market demand but also raises the question of what the word actually means.
In cleaning, the answer is grounded in operations, not marketing. True sustainability means minimizing environmental impact while maintaining high standards of cleanliness, health and safety. This includes reducing waste, conserving resources, lowering emissions and selecting products designed with longevity and recyclability in mind. It means measuring outcomes, not just intentions.
A product can check every “green” box on paper and still fail the sustainability test in practice. A cleaning tool that claims to be eco-friendly but doesn’t perform effectively forces staff to replace the tool more frequently, which generates the very waste and emissions the product is meant to reduce. This eliminates any environmental benefits the product claims to have. True sustainability strikes a balance between environmental responsibility and operational efficiency.
Avoid greenwashing
As demand for sustainable products grows, so does the risk of greenwashing. Greenwashing is the practice of making exaggerated or unsubstantiated environmental claims. This practice can show up through vague terms like “green” or “natural,” misleading imagery or selective disclosure of information that paints an incomplete picture. A recent study revealed 82% of companies do not clearly communicate their sustainability efforts, and 54% of U.S. consumers report encountering misleading claims about a brand’s environmental efforts.
Avoiding greenwashing starts with asking the right questions: Are a product’s environmental claims clearly backed and defined by data? Is the manufacturer transparent about ingredients, sourcing and production processes?
It’s important to look beyond individual products to evaluate a supplier’s overall approach to sustainability. Companies that prioritize responsible manufacturing, minimize packaging waste and invest in long-term environmental initiatives, such as third-party certifications, are more likely to deliver meaningful impact than those relying primarily on marketing claims.
Consider third-party certifications
One of the most reliable ways to cut through vague or misleading claims is by looking for credible third-party certifications. These certifications provide an objective, science-based evaluation of a product’s environmental and health impacts, giving buyers confidence the product meets established standards.
Certifications such as UL ECOLOGO® and the Environmental Protection Agency’s Safer Choice take a closer look at what’s behind a product, evaluating factors like biodegradability, packaging, energy use and overall lifecycle impact. Rather than relying on broad or unclear claims, they provide verified proof that a product meets specific environmental and health standards. With strict criteria and regular review processes in place, these certifications give buyers greater confidence that the products they choose are delivering on their sustainability promises.
For facility managers, selecting products with recognized certifications can simplify procurement decisions and help ensure compliance with internal sustainability goals or external regulations. It also demonstrates a commitment to verified environmental stewardship, which is increasingly important to customers and stakeholders.
Take a rounded approach to cleaning
Sustainability in modern cleaning practices goes beyond product selection. It includes implementing efficient cleaning protocols, training staff on proper product usage, reducing water and energy consumption and making intentional investments in durable tools that minimize waste over time.
High-quality, long-lasting equipment plays an important role in this approach by reducing the need for frequent replacements. This not only helps lower operational costs but also minimizes the environmental impact associated with manufacturing, transportation and disposal. It makes durability a key, although often overlooked, element of a sustainable cleaning program.
Education and training further strengthen these efforts, with 59% of employees reporting that training improves their overall job performance. When cleaning teams are properly trained on how to use tools correctly and follow best practices, facilities can minimize product overuse, achieve more consistent cleaning results and better support long-term sustainability goals
Moving forward with confidence
Defining sustainability in cleaning doesn’t have to be complicated, but it does require a thoughtful, informed approach. By prioritizing third-party certifications, questioning unsupported claims and adopting a complete view of cleaning practices, facilities can move beyond surface-level “green” initiatives and make decisions that deliver real, measurable results.
As the industry continues to evolve, one thing remains clear. Sustainability is not a trend, it’s a responsibility. With the right strategies in place, sustainable practices offer an opportunity to create cleaner, healthier environments while protecting the Earth’s resources we all depend on.
