Northern Train highlights success of chemical-free cleaning system

Credit: Northern

In November 2023, Northern had introduced Clean Zero, a chemical-free cleaner developed through a seven-stage filtration process that re-engineers water. One year later, the company has praised the move as a success, noting a significant reduction in waste, fewer hazardous chemicals, as well as cost savings.

The Clean Zero system, created by global innovator 2San, delivers a cleaning standard that meets the strict cleanliness requirements of food preparation areas and medical operating theatres. It has been installed in 32 locations across Northern’s network, replacing traditional cleaning chemicals with this advanced water-based solution.

As a result, Northern reports a reduction of 9,000 single-use plastic bottles, the removal of 14 hazardous chemicals from its cleaning protocols, and significant savings on cleaning products.

Richard Holt, Head of Train Presentation at Northern, expressed satisfaction with the results, highlighting improvements in cleanliness, waste reduction and cost efficiency. He stated, “We’re really pleased with the results we’ve seen in the first year since switching to Clean Zero – not just in terms of the standard of cleanliness on our trains, but also the reduction in waste, the removal of chemicals from the cleaning process and the cost savings. All in all – a clean sweep all round.”

Northern operates cleaning services at 42 sites, including four major TrainCare Centres in Allerton, Newton Heath, Heaton and Neville Hill. Each year, Northern‘s train presentation teams conduct around 695,000 carriage cleans, using thousands of cleaning supplies such as microfibre cloths, sponges, toilet tissue and hand soap. The transition to Clean Zero has been a key part of Northern’s efforts to enhance both environmental sustainability and operational efficiency.