Since labor is the largest expense, the industry has invested in labor saving devices. From automatic dispensing machines that dose the right amount of water with the right amount of soap, to automated building maintenance units that clean outside windows, to the development of maintenance systems that evolve from cleanliness to health and environmental management introducing a new range of chemicals. The search for innovations is concentrated in automation systems and in chemistry, making the load on the workers lighter.

Prof. Dr. Wilhelm Barthlott, Director of the botanical gardens at the University of Bonn (Germany) started mapping biodiversity around the world, he became fascinated with (1) carnivorous plants; and, (2) the self-cleaning properties of biological surfaces. The first passion lead to one of the world's largest collections of carnivorous plants, the second passion let to the development of self-cleaning surface technologies in cooperation with industry. This effect has become known as "The Lotus Effect", which is based on hydrophobicity (water repellent) combined with nanoscale surface design that dramatically reduces adhesion of particle. This removes dirt by minute water droplets, as little as morning dew. This implies that one not only reduces the labor input, but the business model eliminates the regular use of chemicals. One day this could put car wash companies out of business, since the car will be rendered clean the day it rains.

The self-cleaning of lotus flowers has been described in Chinese and Japanese literature for hundreds of years. The field of self-cleaning has interested academia in Asia for decades. Prof. Dr. Emile Ishida, as Chief Technology Officer of INAX,  Japan's second largest producer of sanitation ceramics, observed how water flows through seashells, processing hundreds of liter without ever getting dirty on the inside. He studied snails, maintaining their inside clear. He identified another nanoscale surface design, different from the lotus flower, but as effective. This lead to the development of a surface coating for the inside of toilets that secure a spotless look. Actually, most toilets bowls get stained over time, not from contact with human waste, but rather from the harsh chemicals applied to provide a clean look and smell at low temperature without any friction. Physics, and physical chemistry replaces chemistry and automation equipment. Unfortunately, most of the applications that emerged still rely on fluor chemistry. More innovations are needed to make this breakthrough truly sustainable.

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