Manchester United has signed an ‘innovative partnership’ with water, hygiene and infection prevention company Ecolab, centred around health and sustainability.

As a result of the partnership, Ecolab’s scientific solutions will be incorporated at both Old Trafford and the club’s Carrington training ground, with the Premier League side drawing on the firm’s expertise to ‘show leadership in hygiene and sustainability practices.

The agreement comes as 74,000 seat Old Trafford prepares to welcome its largest crowds for 17 months for Manchester United’s first match of the Premier League against Leeds United on Saturday 14 August, after months of fixtures with limited spectators or with entirely empty seats due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“The safety of our fans, employees and players will always be a priority for Manchester United,” said Collette Roche, Chief Operating Officer at Manchester United. “As we prepare to fully reopen Old Trafford, we recognise it is more important than ever to elevate our already high standards of hygiene and infection prevention.

“We look forward to working with Ecolab to achieve its official Ecolab Science Certified Seal, so that all visitors to the club can see our commitment to delivering a higher level of cleanliness and ensuring they receive the best possible experience.”

The partnership will see the launch of multiple new initiatives at Manchester united facilities, with the club collaborating with Ecolab to deliver high levels of cleanliness such as rigorous cleaning protocols.

Training programmes and auditing will also be enacted in order to achieve the Ecolab Science CertifiedTM seal, and the groundskeeping team will be advised on the best water quality for pitch irrigation.

Additionally, Ecolab hand disinfectant – utilised by the National Health Service (NHS) – will be equipped at both Old Trafford and Carrington, and the firm’s solutions will be integrated across seating areas, hospitality boxes, kitchens, dressing rooms, training facilities and office spaces.

Lastly, Ecolab will incorporate a customised textile care solution to enhance the quality, safety and sustainability of the Red Devils’ laundry facilities, and an in-house expert will be assigned to the team to provide advice and oversee the implementation of the new solutions and technology.

Christophe Beck, Ecolab CEO, added: “Through our partnership with Manchester United, we are looking forward to helping reconnect fans with the club they love by advancing cleaner, safer practices across the Club, and demonstrating the transformative outcomes we drive for our customers every day.

“Our ambition is to support the global economic and societal recovery by promoting more hygienic and sustainable practices. Building on our industrial, healthcare and hospitality experience and scientific expertise, we will continue to help organisations like Manchester United deliver experiences that protect public health while preserving the health of our planet.”

The agreement represents a further strengthening of Manchester United’s commitment to sustainable operations, following a deal inked last month with the Renewable Energy Group, with a core focus on raising awareness of the club’s biofuel products and encouraging positive environmental change among its fanbase.

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