EFCI’s core objectives are:
The EFCI is an international non-profit association and is the recognised Social Partner by the European Commission for the sector. It is the employer’s representative in the European Social Dialogue for Industrial Cleaning, where common projects are developed together with UNI Europa.
EFCI’s members carry forward the activities listed under NACE code 81.2 Cleaning activities.
Industrial cleaning covers specialised cleaning services such as cleaning of offices, hygiene of food chains, façade and window-cleaning as well as the cleaning of schools and infrastructures. All these activities involve the use of sophisticated equipment as well as specific training for employees.
Facility services providers offer, on top of cleaning, a wide range of other support services for organisations, such as catering, transportation, gardening, technical maintenance activities, reception or laundry services.
The cleaning and facility services industry is committed to:
EFCI’s members are national employer organisations from the cleaning industry in Europe. They represent the interests of cleaning and facility services companies in their respective country. They are often also responsible of collective bargaining at the sector level.
EFCI’s membership is open to the most representative professional organisation (national or regional) of cleaning and facility services companies based on the definition of the NACE Code 81.2.
If you are interested in applying for membership, please contact the EFCI Secretariat. If you are a company in a country where the sector has no professional organisation, please consider membership to the EFCI’s Circle.
The Circle is open to all cleaning contractors established in a European country (EU or non EU member) It is also open to any organisation having a direct link to the sector such as training centres, technical and professional study centres, institutes for risks prevention and others.
The various Circle membership opportunities offer a variety of benefits to its members, from featuring their logos in EFCI’s website, EFCI public materials and EFCI’s newsletter, to exclusive participation to EFCI’s European conferences and networking events and access to EFCI’s member’s monthly newsletter.
If you are interested in applying for the Circle’s membership, please contact the EFCI Secretariat at secretariat@efci.eu.
Belgium
ARONIA N.V.
France
FARE PROPRETE
INHNI
The EFCI operates through its General Assembly, Board of Directors and its Bureau.
Avril McCarthy
(ICCA, IE)
Avril McCarthy is the president of EFCI for the period of 2025 – 2027. She has worked in the Contract Cleaning Sector since 2000. With over two decades of experience, she has become a key opinion leader in the field, both in Ireland and across Europe. Avril is an approved BICSc Assessor and has held several leadership roles within the Irish Contract Cleaning Association (ICCA). She currently serves once again as Chairperson of the ICCA.
Avril is the General Manager of one of Ireland’s leading cleaning companies, which employs over 2000 people nationwide, including 100 support staff. With offices in Dublin and Cork, the company is renowned for its focus on quality, staff training, and sustainability—holding the EU Ecolabel certification and conducting rigorous internal audits to maintain high standards.
A passionate advocate for professionalism in the cleaning industry, Avril also oversees a full-time training academy and an in-house Environmental, Quality, Health & Safety Department. These efforts ensure continuous upskilling, sustainability practices, and compliance with stringent industry regulations.
Under Avril’s leadership, EFCI will continue to strengthen its engagement with European institutions, policymakers, and stakeholders—promoting fair working conditions, sustainable practices, and the essential contribution of cleaning professionals to public health and safety, whilst ensuring EFCI members obtain value from their membership. Her presidency marks a significant step in bridging national expertise with European policy development, especially in areas such as procurement, health and safety, and green transition in the services sector.
Her dedication, strategic vision, and people-first approach make Avril a powerful representative for the cleaning and facility services industry—both in Ireland and throughout Europe.
Wolfgang Molitor
Treasurer
(BIV, DE)
Patricia Charrier-Izel
(FEP, FR)
Hilde Engels
(ABSU-UGBN, BE)
Juan Ignacio Beltrán
(ASPEL, ES)
Evelyn Kirchmaier
(ANIP, IT)
The Committees provide a forum for members to address topics of common interest. They involve representatives and experts from the EFCI members and their activities are led by an elected chairperson from any member organisation, supported and coordinated by the Secretariat.
Is responsible for the monitoring of European social policies, including vocational training. It prepares and participates actively in the European Social Dialogue. The most recent project developed by the Committee is the ‘Selecting Best Value’ Guide.
Is in charge of identifying new market developments and developing EFCI’s Survey through the collection of the main economic and social indicators of the sector. The Committee also works on public procurement issues.
Is in charge of issues related to sustainability and circular economy (like the EU Ecolabel for indoor cleaning services), standardisation in the cleaning sector and innovation in the industry.
The Director General and Secretariat are responsible for the day-to-day running of the association and coordinates EFCI’s activities, which are both managed by SEC Newgate EU, based in Brussels, at the heart of the European affairs district.
Secretariat