Foodservice needs clean-and-dry that works — A new rinse aid speeds up drying of reusable plastics in professional kitchens

The EU Single-Use Plastics Directive from 2019 is pushing the industry towards circular solutions like reusable plastic. For restaurants, event venues, and large-scale kitchens, this shift brings new demands for dishwashing processes especially regarding drying and hygiene. In practice, there have been significant operational challenges for foodservice businesses, as materials like polypropylene, polyethylene, and polycarbonate are often difficult to dry efficiently in professional dishwashing.   

"All washed plasticware must be dry before reuse or storage, since residual moisture can increase risks by creating conditions where bacteria and other microbes may grow. Effective drying is one of the biggest challenges when working with reusable plastics", says Juha Issakainen, RDI Manager at Kiilto. 

To meet these needs, a super-concentrated rinse aid specifically developed for reusable plastic items, Kiilto Pro Rinse Extra, has been launched.  

“How quickly dishes dry impacts hygiene, workflows, and capacity. We have developed a solution that speeds up drying and makes reuse practical even in high-paced environments with limited space”, Issakainen continues.  

Developed for plastics, effective on all materials  

Kiilto Pro Rinse Extra is a pH-neutral, super-concentrated rinse aid that reduces water surface tension, allowing water to run off plastic surfaces faster. The result is significantly shorter drying times, less residual moisture, and consistently spotless results. The product also works effectively on other common dishwashing materials.   

Shorter drying times not only improve hygiene but also streamline workflows: faster recirculation of plastic items, reduced need for drying space, and fewer rewashes. This saves energy, water, and chemicals.  

Part of a larger circular context  

Kiilto Pro Rinse Extra was piloted in the Finnish research and innovation project Reusify, that aims to enable large-scale, safe, and economically viable systems for reusable packaging in foodservice. It’s led by VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland and the University of Vaasa, with support from Business Finland.   

“Reusable systems only work if cleaning, drying, and hygiene work in practice. These types of innovations are essential for making that happen”, says Issakainen.   

Kiilto Pro Rinse Extra is now available in the Nordic and Baltic markets. For more information, visit www.kiilto.com