Top Trends Shaping HI&I Cleaning in 2025
As we step into 2025, the Home, Industrial & Institutional (HI&I) cleaning industry continues to evolve, driven by consumer demands, regulatory shifts, and groundbreaking innovations. Let’s explore the key trends shaping the industry this year and beyond.
- Water Savings: Concentrates, Tablets, and Sheets
The focus on water conservation is fueling the rise of highly concentrated cleaning products. Tablets, sheets, and other low-water formulations are becoming staples, reducing packaging waste, saving on shipping costs, and aligning with eco-conscious consumer values. These products enable precise mixing, minimizing waste while ensuring effective cleaning. Blueland, Tru Earth, and the Grove Collaborative are testing some examples of standout water savers. If you’re interested in product development of these type of unit dose options, Barentz has recently updated our technical solution center in Boca Raton to better support these applications. - Environmental Certifications Lead the Way
Consumers increasingly seek products with credible environmental certifications. Labels such as Safer Choice, Carbon Neutral, ECOLOGO, Green Seal, Leaping Bunny, USDA BioPreferred, and the Natural Products Association are essential in helping buyers identify sustainable and ethical options. Brands like Seventh Generation and Method are embracing these certifications to demonstrate their commitment to environmental stewardship and consumer trust.
- Mild and Non-Toxic Formulations
Safety for pets, children, and the environment is a major driver of product innovation. Companies like Puracy and Babyganics focus on non-toxic, plant-based formulations that offer powerful cleaning without harsh chemicals. This trend also reflects a shift toward holistic well-being, with a blurring of categories such as cleaning, beauty, and personal care—particularly in laundry and dish care applications. The demand for cleaner formulations “free from” harmful ingredients further amplifies this movement. Contact our technical sales team for formulation support and to learn more about our full product portfolio. - No-Plastic Packaging and Reusability
The transition away from single-use plastics is transforming packaging design. Reusable containers, refillable systems, and no-plastic packaging alternatives are moving from niche markets to mainstream adoption. Companies like Grove, Cleancult and Blueland appeal to eco-conscious consumers eager to reduce waste and embrace sustainable living practices. This evolution in packaging also impacts ingredient choices for formulations. If you’re thinking of making the move to plastic-free or reusable packaging, the Barentz team can support you with re-formulation assistance. - Ingredient Transparency and Education
Transparency around ingredients is redefining consumer relationships with brands. Tools like SmartLabel QR codes and simplified ingredient lists on packaging empower consumers to understand the science behind the products they use. Brands like Persil (features SmartLabel QR codes), Mrs. Meyer’s Clean Day and ECOS that prioritize ingredient education are standing out, earning consumer trust and loyalty in a competitive market. The Barentz technical and marketing teams regularly educate consumers and customers on ingredient information through dynamic marketing initiatives.
- Community and Localism
Community-focused sourcing and small businesses are gaining traction, with brands emphasizing local ingredients and manufacturing tied to regional identity. This strategy supports local economies while fostering deeper consumer connections. The appeal of “local” as a sustainability narrative continues to resonate with environmentally conscious buyers. Common Good, a sustainable home and personal care brand, focuses on using locally sourced ingredients whenever possible to support their community and reduce their carbon footprint from transportation. - Linked Lives: Digital and Physical Integration
The merging of digital and physical spaces is reshaping how consumers discover and engage with products. Social media, online communities, and in-store experiences are creating “linked lives” where seamless interactions are expected. Innovative brands, like Branch Basics, are excelling in this space by leveraging educational resources, real-time consumer engagement and dynamic marketing strategies.
- Artificial Intelligence in HI&I Cleaning
AI is emerging as a transformative tool in the cleaning industry. From enabling predictive maintenance and optimizing cleaning schedules to delivering real-time consumer insights, AI is unlocking new efficiencies. While still evolving, AI-driven solutions from companies like Ecolab promise to revolutionize supply chains and enhance customer experiences.