What is red diesel?

Red diesel is a term for gas oil which is typically intended for use other than as fuel in road vehicles. Generally speaking, all vehicles using the road must use fully duty paid petrol or diesel at all times. Red diesel has to be marked with red dye (hence the name), as well as other chemical markers to prevent misuse in road vehicles. The dye stains the fuel tanks and other components red so it’s clear that it’s rebated, red diesel which has been used, and has therefore been subject to less fuel duty than normal. This has been the case since 1961. 

Who could use red diesel before the Government changes in April 2022?

Before April 2022, red diesel could be used across a number of sectors and for a number of reasons. Essentially, it could be used in any machine provided it was not a road vehicle and was being used for off road purposes. For example, it could be used to power things like mobile generators on construction sites and it could be used in non-road mobile machinery, such as cranes and bulldozers. 

What are the changes to red diesel use?

At Budget 2020, the government announced that it was removing the entitlement to use red diesel from most sectors, except for agriculture (as well as horticulture, forestry and fish farming), rail and non-commercial heating, effective from 1st April 2022. Those sectors that are permitted to continue using red diesel after April 2022 are listed below:

• vehicles used to propel passengers, freight, or maintenance vehicles designed to run on rail tracks.
• fuel for heating and electricity generation in non-commercial premises. This includes the heating of homes and buildings such as places of worship, hospitals, and town halls, off-grid power generation, and non-propulsion uses on permanently moored houseboats.
• fuel for maintaining community amateur sports clubs as well as golf courses.
• fuel for all marine craft operating in the UK (including fishing and water freight industries), except for propelling private pleasure craft in Northern Ireland.
• fuel for powering the machinery (including caravans) of travelling fairs and circuses.

However, the government has said it will continue to review the use of red diesel across these permitted sectors, especially as alternative fuel and power sources become available. In other words, that list could be getting even smaller in the future! 

What are the potential problems with the changes to red diesel usage?

Changing over from red diesel to white diesel will have a cost implication for many businesses. Here’s what you need to know:

• White diesel has a fuel duty rate of 57.95 pence per litre. 
• Red diesel is entitled to a rebate of 46.81 pence per litre, effectively giving it a duty rate of 11.14 pence per litre. 

For businesses who are making the switch from red diesel to white diesel, this means that for every pence per litre used, they would incur an additional 46.81 pence cost. 

This results in businesses paying five times as much duty as before, and it will have a significant impact on costs as well as cash flow for many businesses. Furthermore, if businesses are caught using red diesel after April 2022 when they’re not permitted to, it will be a criminal offence and perpetrators can be prosecuted and face heavy fines or even jail time if found guilty. 

What are the benefits of the change?

The government’s goal to drive down the use of red diesel is good news for the environment. The intention behind restricting the use of red diesel is to try and reduce the damaging environmental impact of fossil fuels, and the change was brought in to help meet the UK’s target of becoming carbon neutral by 2050. 

Removing the red diesel rebate for most users will raise taxes, which the government will reinvest into greener solutions. It will also serve as an incentive for businesses to move towards using cleaner energy sources that still do benefit from lower tax rates, and to eventually encourage more businesses to move away from using diesel as a fuel source altogether. 

Here’s where we can help with the switch from red diesel

We know many businesses rely on pressure washers to keep anything from their work areas, building exteriors, equipment and machinery clean and in pristine condition by effectively and efficiently removing grime and dirt, which accumulates over time. But where businesses would have been able to power an engine driven pressure washer with red diesel before the changes in April 2022, today they would be required to use white diesel to power the same machine. 

For many businesses the added expense of using white diesel to power an engine driven pressure washer in addition to other costs is not a viable option. That’s where our electrically heated pressure washer comes in. These pressure washers use 100% electricity for everything, from their controls, running the pressure pump and to heating the water. Not only do they deliver a first class clean, but their low running costs means they’re an excellent solution to the increased costs now associated with engine driven pressure washers. So if you’re thinking about making the switch to a greener and more cost effective cleaning solution, our experienced and professional team here at Fleetclean are on hand to guide you through the process. 

Electrically-heated pressure washers are an incredibly versatile, environmentally friendly tool with a wide range of uses. They’re essential for keeping anything from building exteriors, outdoor areas and external surfaces in tip top condition by effectively and efficiently eliminating dirt, grime (and even graffiti!) which can easily build up over time. They’re also capable of removing tough grime, mud and debris from machinery, which ultimately helps to maintain the performance and the appearance of equipment. Whatever the job, they make light work of many cleaning tasks. And they really couldn’t be easier to use. Provided there’s a power source, an electric pressure washer is good to go!

What makes electric pressure washers environmentally friendly?

Electrically-heated pressure washers use less water than a standard hose when completing the same jobs, which is great when it comes to reducing your water usage and therefore your overall water bill. At Fleetclean, we offer an emission free pressure washer with low running costs, but without compromising on high performance, which is great considering that many businesses are becoming increasingly aware and wanting to reduce their environmental impact.

What makes electric pressure washers so versatile?

Compared to their petrol counterparts, electrically-heated pressure washers are substantially quieter and can be used indoors or in enclosed spaces, as there’s no fumes to worry about. This makes the electric pressure washer an effective tool when it comes to cleaning a wide range of locations! To achieve optimum results when using an electrically-heated pressure washer, it’s always a good idea to think about what it is that needs to be cleaned. For example, pressure washers equipped with specialised nozzles can be used to effectively clean and remove debris from industrial pipelines, sewers and drainage systems.

Pressure washers are also brilliant when it comes to cleaning hard surfaces such as factory, warehouse or commercial garage floors, and they’re ideal for cleaning areas where there’s stubborn dirt and stains which are tough to shift (such as oil). They’re also highly effective at removing debris and dirt in agricultural settings, as well as removing cement residue and cleaning vehicles on construction sites. Fortunately, we have a comprehensive range of cleaning equipment to suit many different cleaning requirements as we know having the right tools for the job is essential for getting the job done both efficiently and effectively.

Whether it’s cleaning floors, agricultural equipment or commercial vehicles, in order to achieve the best possible finish, it’s well worth using the right detergents for the job. At Fleetclean, we offer a full range of high quality chemicals, which suit all of our cleaning equipment. So whether it’s machinery, flooring or building exteriors in need of a clean, our range of cleaning equipment paired with our specialist detergents will ensure a thoroughly deep clean is achieved.

Where can electrically-heated pressure washers be used?

• If you work in construction, pressure washers can be used to remove cement and mortar residues from equipment, as well as clean construction vehicles.
• Pressure washers can be used to clean machinery in agricultural settings, and they can also be used to clean farm buildings and animal enclosures of dirt, debris and manure.
• In factories and warehouses, pressure washes are incredibly effective when it comes to cleaning floors, walls and any equipment/machinery.
• Pressure washers are also used in manufacturing processes in order to clean parts and equipment which have been used in production.
• In the food industry, pressure washers are used for cleaning processing equipment, conveyor belts, and production areas so that high hygiene standards are maintained and also serve to prevent contamination.
• Electrically-heated pressure washers are often used by transportation companies in order to clean trucks, buses and other commercial vehicles in order to maintain their appearance.

At Fleetclean, we have a range of reliable, high quality pressure washers, with both short and long term hire options available to suit your specific cleaning requirements. So regardless of what it is that needs cleaning, our knowledgeable team is on hand to help you hire the right equipment to match your cleaning and financial requirements.

It’s undeniable that industrial green cleaning is the way of the future. Whilst industrial cleaning can have a significant impact on the environment, it is an essential component of sustaining a safe and healthy workplace and that’s why it’s essential to adopt trends and concepts that can assist in making industrial cleaning practices as green as possible. Thankfully, environmentally friendly industrial cleaning products and methods of cleaning can be just as effective and even cheaper than traditional methods, leading to increased efficiency and productivity for industrial companies. So, if you’re interested in what industrial green cleaning can do for your business, check out some of the most significant green industrial cleaning trends to embrace in 2023…

1. Using Industrial Green Cleaning Products

The utilisation of eco friendly industrial cleaning products is on the rise as we move through 2023. These cleaning products are designed to be less harmful to human health and the environment because they are made from natural and renewable resources. Additionally, these environmentally friendly industrial cleaning products are just as efficient at disinfecting and cleaning industrial areas, as their traditional counterparts. That means switching to eco-friendly industrial cleaning products is a no brainer for many businesses as they can all the environmental benefits with no decrease in cleaning performance.

2. Investing in Water Conservation

Industrial cleaning can significantly deplete our water supply, which is a precious resource and that’s why, in the industrial sector, water conservation is becoming a top priority for many industrial businesses. There are a number of different ways to do this including making use of industrial green cleaning products and equipment that help to save water, like steam cleaners and high-pressure washers. Businesses, like ours, are also looking at ways to recycle water from other business processes, to reuse it in cleaning practices.

3. Using Energy-Efficient Industrial Green Cleaning Equipment

Another long-lasting trend for industrial green cleaning in 2023 is using energy-efficient cleaning equipment. This sort of equipment utilises less energy to work, and therefore decreases the carbon footprint of modern cleaning processes. Organisations can also investigate sustainable power sources, for example, solar and wind power, to power their cleaning equipment. Even we have hopped onto this trend, as we now offer our revolutionary electrically heated pressure washer range. Built & designed to meet the demands of the modern workplace where a cleaner environment is required, without the downside of a large carbon footprint. Our electric pressure washer range delivers low running costs, high performance and zero emissions, meaning there has never been a better time to go electric and get your hands on this environmentally friendly industrial cleaning machine..

4. Reducing Waste and Recycling

Reducing waste and recycling are essential components of green industrial cleaning practices. Organisations can carry out reusing programs for materials like paper, plastic, and metal. They can likewise decrease waste by utilising refillable eco-friendly industrial cleaning products too.

5. Embrace Industrial Green Cleaning Practices

In the end, businesses can reduce their impact on the environment by adopting green industrial cleaning practices like those listed above. This also includes scheduling cleaning in a way that uses as few resources as possible, like cleaning during off-peak hours, when there is likely to be less disruption to the cleaning process. They can also put policies into place to make sure that cleaning equipment is kept in good working order, which will cut down on waste and the need for new machines. And of course, encouraging employees to use environmentally friendly industrial cleaning products should also be a key action.

Companies can contribute to a more sustainable future for everyone and create a healthier and more sustainable workplace by implementing these practices and investing in environmentally friendly industrial cleaning products. Read more about green industrial cleaning trends for the last few years in another one of our blogs.

How Fleetclean is supporting businesses towards embracing green cleaning, going electric and reducing plastic waste.

After the emphasis that the Covid-19 pandemic placed on hygiene and cleaning, it should come as no surprise that the industrial and commercial cleaning industries have experienced a huge amount of demand, change and scrutiny. That’s why, as we move into 2022, we thought we’d take a look at some of the biggest cleaning industry trends set to take off this year.

1. Embracing more green cleaning

One of the biggest trends in the cleaning industry this year, is the move towards embracing more green cleaning. This has a number of considerations for businesses such as trying to reduce plastic, using more recycled products and investing in more reusable products. It also factors in using cleaning products and procedures that are safe for the environment and don’t cause pollution.

Here at Fleetclean, green cleaning solutions have been a key priority for a number of years already and there’s more than one way we’re working towards being more sustainable and environmentally friendly.

Like many companies in the tanker, IBC and industrial cleaning industry, our cleaning processes generate liquid waste which enters the sewer system. To make sure this is safe, we have to pre-treat the effluent we produce using a Dissolved Air Flotation Plant or a DAF as they are more commonly known. This process in turn creates another waste product: sludge (and yes that is the technical term).

The necessary production of all this sludge got us thinking about ways we could make disposing of this sludge more environmentally friendly and so, in late 2020, we took delivery of a Screw-type Sludge Press. This press essentially de-waters the sludge (you can read a little bit more about that here) and turns it into a lighter, more transportable “cake” which we then send off to an anaerobic digestion plant, which turns this sludge into bio-gas, which is then converted to electricity. Not bad for a waste product!

2. Stem cleaning for disinfection

Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, it’s probably no surprise that steam cleaning has gained popularity over 2020 and 2021 and this looks set to continue through 2022. Steam cleaning is a reliable (and generally green) method of sterilising and sanitising equipment and surfaces. It’s effective at destroying micro-organisms that are capable of causing infections and it’s also great at deodorising too.

Steam cleaning machines are great because they only use a small amount of clean water which is heated in a boiler making it fast, efficient and cost-effective, as well as eco-friendly and effective. Here at Fleetclean we have a wide range of commercial and industrial steam and carpet cleaning machines available for sale today. Our experts are also available to offer independent advice on commercial steam cleaners from the world’s biggest brands, so we can help you choose the right machine for your cleaning requirements.

3. Battery powered equipment

Similar to the move towards embracing more green cleaning, another big trend for the cleaning industry in 2022 is investing in more battery powered equipment. This green energy, battery powered category of machines eliminate polluting exhaust fumes. They are safe to use indoors without the need to invest in expensive flue arrangements and they will make a positive contribution to reducing your carbon emissions and making your business more environmentally friendly.

At Fleetclean we are confident that this is the future of cleaning procedures like pressure washing and that’s why we have already invested in all-electric hot pressure washers and are proud to offer the Mac International Plant Master range for sale or hire. If this is something you’re interested in investing in for your business, call us today to speak to one of our experts about battery powered and all electric cleaning equipment.

4. Reducing plastic waste

Keeping on the environmental and green cleaning trend is number four on our list, the move towards reducing plastic waste. This is a concern globally and not just within the cleaning industry however, in 2019 the CHSA (Cleaning and Hygiene Suppliers Association) made their Cleaning Industry Plastics Pledge and this really helped make reducing plastic waste in the cleaning industry, an industry-wide priority.

Luckily, there are a number of ways businesses can tackle this problem and embrace the trend for reducing plastic waste. First and foremost, you can focus on resource-efficiency. This means looking at the lifespan and lifecycle of the plastic containers or packaging you do need to use. Look out for plastic items made from recycled materials and plastics that are responsibly produced and make sure plastic containers are well made, high quality and appropriate for continued, sustained and regular use, so they need replacing less often.

IBCs or Intermediate Bulk Containers are a fantastic example of high quality, reusable plastic containers which, with the right care, maintenance and IBC cleaning, can last for years. You can also buy reconditioned IBCs if you don’t want to buy new and they can be recycled too, making them well worth the investment and highly likely to reduce the plastic waste you’re sending to landfill. Here are Fleetclean, looking after IBCs and keeping them clean is a core part of what we do. We’re fully certified IBC cleaning providers and we have over 30 years’ experience repairing and maintaining IBC tanks, meaning we can help you maximise the resource-efficiency of your IBC containers.

5. Increased cleaning frequency and visibility

The last prediction on our list of cleaning trends for 2022 is another result of the Covid-19 Pandemic. That crisis saw cleaning placed at the forefront of virus prevention, hygiene, sanitisation and sterilisation. This in turn saw consumers demanding more information about how the businesses they interacted with, cleaned and maintained their spaces.

This visibility of cleaning procedures and the frequency of cleaning is not predicted to ease in 2022. Consumers continue to want to know that places are clean, safe and hygienic and they want to see the evidence. This means businesses will need to maintain frequent cleaning regimes that are noticeable. This could mean cleaning during active working hours or more commonly, cleaning before and after business hours to refresh the space for the next day.

Businesses will also need to be more transparent about what these cleaning regimes are and how they are done, potentially even sharing the equipment and cleaning products used to do it. If you’re cleaning procedures and equipment aren’t up to scratch, now could be the perfect time to invest in new cleaning machines and best practices. For expert advice on the best cleaning equipment to suit your business, contact our experts today.

Like many companies discharging liquid waste to sewer, we have to pre-treat the effluent from our cleaning process by using a Dissolved Air Flotation Plant, or DAF as they are known in the trade. The DAF plant then produces sludge, which we would then have to tanker away for off-site treatment, which is an exceptionally costly exercise.

Late in 2020 we took delivery of a Screw-type Sludge press following a 4 week trial of a pilot unit which had worked well. The Press takes the sludge we produce from the DAF plant and de-waters it using a bit of magic involving some polymer additive and a mechanical screw-press action. The results are astounding.

Water is removed from the sludge, leaving a “cake” which is then collected in a skip. This cake is then collected from site and taken to a processing plant where the waste is processed through an anaerobic digestion plant, producing bio-gas which is then converted into electricity. This process helps us keep our operating costs at an acceptable level and forms part of our environmental strategy for the reduction of carbon emissions, and the generation of green energy.

Not many people know that its now possible to get clean-energy all-electric hot water pressure cleaners. These machines don’t use diesel fuel to heat the water, but use electricity instead, so they produce no polluting exhaust fumes and are much cleaner to use. This means they can be safely used in indoor wash-bay environments without the need to install costly and cumbersome flue arrangements.

They work on the principle of having a hot water reservoir (which means they need to be switched on a little while before use) and then draw on this reservoir whilst heating the incoming cold water so there is a constant flow of hot water for cleaning. Modern heating and insulation methods ensure that the water is always hot enough for most regular cleaning activities. Most cleaning operatives will let go of the lance trigger many times during the cleaning operation, and these “off” periods provide the necessary additional heating time to ensure continued operation at optimum temperature.

The technology has improved dramatically since the days of electric machines that used to run cold after no more than 5 minutes’ operation and means that these machines are suitable for most cleaning applications. Whilst the capital cost may be higher than the traditional oil-fired burner units, they are cleaner and cheaper to run, and will suit any company looking to reduce carbon emissions improve its positive contribution to climate change.

So, if your business is interested in reducing your carbon emissions and making a positive contribution to climate change, get in touch with our cleaning equipment experts today for full details.