Investment & Fund Management

IP Cleaning, a manufacturer of machines and equipment for professional cleaning based in Italy, faced the challenge of enhancing its sustainability practices while maintaining growth in a competitive market. The company, which operates five production plants and distributes its products in over 100 countries, recognized the increasing importance of environmental sustainability in the cleaning industry. CEO Federico De Angelis emphasized the need to manage water and energy consumption, as well as the use of detergents and chemicals, to meet the evolving expectations of clients.

In 2014, IP Cleaning was acquired by Ambienta, a European private equity investment fund focused on environmentally driven companies. This partnership was pivotal for the company, as it not only provided financial backing but also strategic business support. Ambienta assisted IP Cleaning in its internationalization efforts and the internal reorganization of its departments, aligning them under a unified vision and brand identity. This restructuring was crucial for positioning the company for growth on the global stage.

The results of these initiatives were significant. By 2016, IP Cleaning's technologies had saved energy equivalent to the annual consumption of approximately 360,000 refrigerators and conserved enough water to meet the needs of 180,000 families. Additionally, the introduction of the Black is Green product line, which utilized 75% recyclable plastics, underscored the company's commitment to sustainability. Following its successful repositioning, IP Cleaning continued to grow and was sold to new investors in 2017, reflecting its robust international expansion and the ongoing demand for cleaning solutions that enhance hygiene and quality of life.