In the context of the green transition and energy conservation, this Martinique-based company offers a major, energy-efficient alternative to the use of chemicals and detergents in industrial and municipal cleaning. This gentle solution is gaining traction in the French West Indies and French Guiana, providing a rapid and highly effective response to the disinfection of public spaces during health crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic. We met with its dynamic team in the field: Pierric Lepetit, Jean-Philippe Mambert, and Jean-Claude Estorc.
Hygiène Antilles represents, distributes, maintains, and provides training for an innovative bio-cleaning solution: the system from the brand SANIVAP with a range of innovative products that completely eliminate the need for all chemicals commonly used in household cleaning and the disinfection of surfaces and equipment. The system consists of a powered device that heats water to 98°, allowing for the cleaning of even the most sensitive surfaces—from floor to ceiling—as well as medical equipment, using dry steam. The steam emitted is completely demineralized, which prevents oxidation or damage to delicate equipment such as electrical appliances and outlets, computer screens, etc. Furthermore, this dry steam has another benefit: it effectively removes biofilm—a film created by microorganisms such as bacteria on the surface of objects—which is resistant to chemical cleaners but disappears completely upon contact with this steam.
Pierric Lepetit, the company’s director, explains why professionals are so enthusiastic about this common-sense solution : «Initially, the equipment we sell is distributed to hospitals; operating rooms in Martinique, Guadeloupe, French Guiana, and Saint Martin are equipped with it. This is because hospital hygiene specialists no longer want chemicals in baby incubators, patient rooms, or operating rooms; inhaling chemicals is harmful to patients. As a result, the staff responsible for disinfection and cleaning in these facilities no longer have to be exposed to chemical fumes—this is a benefit both for respiratory health and skin health. Another advantage, which is fully in line with the ecological transition, is that we do not discharge chemicals into Martinique’s rivers; our only «fuel» is a little tap water and a small amount of electricity. Furthermore, we no longer import chemicals. Our market is expanding today beyond »cleanrooms” and the medical sector; all public institutions are potential customers—senior care facilities, schools, cafeterias, daycare centers, and restaurants…Our machine pays for itself in fifteen months; with a long service life and no more purchases of detergents, there are numerous economic and health benefits for users.”
Hygiène Antilles now also sells these machines to industrial cleaning companies that are developing biovapor technology. The company handles equipment maintenance and supports customers through training. Because, even though the machine is easy to learn—you can figure out how to use it in an hour—there’s a high turnover rate among cleaning staff. It’s a real game-changer for these staff members to switch from chemical-based methods to this healthier solution. Moreover, it makes their work easier since all surfaces and spaces are cleaned and disinfected at the same time—something that isn’t possible with manual cleaning. This method, which is actually very simple, uses the same principle as a steam iron, with a constant stream of high-temperature steam released for several hours in a closed room, leaving all surfaces and equipment completely disinfected.
Two engineers from Lyon, Jacques Piot and Robert Chabot, created the brand « SANIVAP », which is made in France. They are the European leader in bio-cleaning devices, meeting the European AFNOR FD72-112 standard and holding certifications, notably from the Ministry of Health. The brand is licensed, and Hygiène Antilles serves as its local representative, offering the opportunity to make significant progress in the field of public health.
And while in popular culture, cleanliness is still often associated with the smell of chemicals (bleach, ammonia, etc.), we need to break that habit because water vapor itself is odorless!
Nathalie Laulé
Contact: contact@hygieneantilles.com
