What’s in a brush?

The importance of materials in Vikan’s history

What's in a brush? That's a question we take very seriously—literally. In fact, you can trace the entire 125-year history of our company by looking at the materials used in our products. Before we dive deeper, let’s explore why these materials matter so much.

Brushes and cleaning tools aren’t just about cleaning—they must also be clean themselves. A dirty tool won’t do a good job. The choice of material, along with the design, plays a crucial role in both how well a tool cleans and how easy it is to keep clean.

In the 19th century, when Vikan was founded, brushes were made from wooden heads and natural fibers like horsehair, boar bristles, and piassava. These were tied together with twine and inserted into the brush head. At the time, the focus was on effectiveness and durability, since early cleaning tools had to last a long time without frequent replacement.

Vikan founder A.P. Pedersen carefully selected the best natural fibers for each type of brush—scrub brushes, street sweepers, dairy brushes, and more. Records show he worked with at least four types of piassava fiber, along with horse and boar hair, which came from distant places like India and China.

By the 1930s, Vikan had its own mixing room where different fibers were combined for specialized uses. During World War II, limited access to foreign markets pushed the company to find alternative materials—showing an early sign of Vikan’s innovative spirit. Still, the goal remained clear: produce effective and durable cleaning tools.

Starting in the mid-1960s, Vikan began producing plastic brushes. But everything changed in the early 1970s when a study revealed higher bacterial levels in refrigerated areas after cleaning. This sparked a new era for Vikan, where tools needed to not only clean but also be hygienically clean themselves.

Vikan tackled this challenge the same way it always had: by rethinking the materials used in its cleaning tools. The conclusion was clear—synthetic materials like plastic and nylon were the future. This led to the creation of the revolutionary “White Series,” designed specifically for the food and beverage industry.

Today, Vikan is recognized globally as a leader in hygienic cleaning tools. Our products are built to last and remain clean, enabling them to perform effectively in sensitive environments. An interesting point is that sometimes, it's what we stop using that makes the difference. For example, by eliminating staples and resin, our UST range has removed potential food contaminants.

Today, cleaning tools that come into contact with food must meet strict food-contact compliance standards. Vikan leads the industry by using only approved materials and providing detailed Declarations of Compliance online for every product. This ensures transparency and trust.

From wood and natural fibers to modern plastics and nylon, the materials Vikan has used over the years have played a vital role in establishing our leadership in hygienic cleaning tools for the food and beverage industry.