The history of Ecowize traces a clear path from local start-up to an international hygiene partner, built on compliance with HACCP, ISO 22000 and SANS 10049, and a consistent focus on measurable results for audit readiness. Founded in Cape Town in 1993, the business grew by pairing operational discipline with innovation, helping food and beverage facilities meet rising local and international standards while strengthening day to day hygiene controls.
Over three decades, that same standards-first approach shaped the company’s expansion, its service design and its product development, and continues to guide how solutions are delivered across industries and regions.
From Cape Town to a Southern Hemisphere footprint
Ecowize’s early momentum came from unifying brand, process and technology to serve large food producers. The acquisition and rebrand of Viro Clean set the modern identity in motion, and by 2000 the company was installing low pressure open plant systems to improve cleaning consistency on complex lines.
Within a year, the model travelled well, with operations launched in Australia and then New Zealand, proving that robust sanitation methods, supported by training and documentation, can translate across geographies without losing local relevance.
In 2004, the company added pest control through the acquisition of Ecofirst, reflecting a simple truth for food safety managers in South Africa and beyond: sanitation and pest management must work together under one verification framework if audit performance is to improve and findings are to be reduced.
Digital records, certified chemicals and international benchmarks
During the late 2000s, Ecowize leaned into digital record keeping to strengthen traceability and close gaps often highlighted in audits. Licensing and distribution rights for Information Leader in 2009 equipped clients with better tools to evidence procedures and corrective actions. In 2012 the company launched Ecowize Chemicals and secured its first ISO 22000 certification for cleaning and sanitation services in South Africa, aligning operations to an internationally recognised food safety management standard.
The same period also saw rights acquired for Foamico systems, tying application hardware more tightly to validated methods and clearly specified contact times. These steps made it easier for facilities to show that procedures are defined, training is current and verification is consistent.
Broadening technologies and partnerships
The next decade focused on integrating best in class technologies with local expertise. In 2013 Ecowize took first steps in the United States, adding another market where compliance and efficiency expectations continue to rise. In 2016 the team secured distribution of Elpress automated washing systems, supporting repeatable outcomes for crates and equipment.
A year later the company achieved a five log microbial reduction benchmark for selected chemicals against European standards, followed by distribution of FBK food plant brushware in 2018 and a research collaboration with the University of Stellenbosch.
In 2019 Ecowize was added to the Woolworths Approved Terminal Disinfectant List, signalling retailer confidence in product performance and documentation. Each milestone reinforced the operational principle that equipment, chemistry, training and records must move together to safeguard product and protect brand.
Transformation, recognition and continued investment
The company’s story is also one of transformation and continuous improvement. In 2022 Ecowize celebrated twenty nine years of service excellence, a marker of sustained client partnerships and consistent delivery.
In 2023 it achieved Level 2 B-BBEE contributor status, advancing inclusion across the South African business. In 2024 Ecowize progressed to Level 1 B-BBEE and secured NSF approval for selected chemicals, strengthening both local transformation credentials and international product assurance.
These developments sit alongside a broader focus on people development through the Ecowize Academy and a leadership team that emphasises trust, transparency and service reliability across three continents.
A partner shaped by standards and outcome
Across all stages of growth, the thread is clear. Ecowize builds solutions that help facilities turn standards into practice. HACCP plans are supported with practical methods, SANS 10049 expectations are mapped to daily tasks, and ISO 22000 system requirements are translated into training, records and verification steps that withstand audit scrutiny.
The company’s history is not only a timeline of expansion but a track record of aligning cleaning systems, pest control and chemical programmes to what regulators, retailers and certification bodies require. That is why facilities continue to select partners who can demonstrate both competence and continuity, from pre operational preparation to post operational verification.
Conclusion
From Cape Town in 1993 to a presence across multiple continents today, Ecowize has stayed focused on one outcome: protecting brands through dependable hygiene and food safety.
If your facility is preparing for certification, customer audit or internal review, and you want standards aligned cleaning, pest management and chemical support delivered through trained teams and clear records, talk to us.
Our specialists will help you convert requirements into daily practice and sustained compliance.
Contact us to discuss a standards aligned hygiene plan that supports HACCP, ISO 22000 and SANS 10049, and to explore how Ecowize’s experience can support your site’s next audit.