Lithofin ProBox: modular cleaning system for natural stone processors

Building design

Professional stone processors require a comprehensive range of cleaning products. The various products are often not optimally coordinated with each other and are also difficult to transport and not very presentable. With the modular Lithofin ProBox, the expert for special cleaners, protection and care products for stone offers a solution to this challenge.

Lithofin, based in Wendlingen am Neckar, has stood for specialized cleaning, protection and care products for natural stone, artificial stone, ceramics and more for 70 years. With its “Clean, Protect, Care” stone care system, the internationally active family business offers a wide range of products that are popular with both professional processors and discerning end customers.

The new modular ProBox system from Lithofin is aimed primarily at processing companies and covers several areas of application. The modular systems are specially designed for the professional cleaning and care of stone surfaces and contain a selection of cleaning and special products, necessary tools and extras such as microfiber cloths. The Lithofin ProBox System 1-2-3 is ideal for natural stone works and kitchen worktop care, while the ProBox Clean Tile (exterior) is best suited to gardening and landscaping.

The cleaning, protection and care products in the Lithofin ProBox are contained in a robust plastic bucket with a volume of 20 liters, which is solvent-resistant and airtight. It contains all Lithofin products in sizes from 500 to 1,000 ml. While the ProBox System 1-2-3 module is intended for natural stone works and kitchen worktops, the ProBox Clean Tile module offers practical products for outdoor cleaning in the landscaping sector.

Lithofin has designed the modular system especially for the professional cleaning and care of stone surfaces. The Lithofin ProBox provides fitters and other stone processing experts with an efficient and comprehensive solution for the care and protection of natural stone. The correct use of the products helps to maintain the quality and appearance of natural stone in the long term.

Natural stone is highly valued as a high-quality, aesthetic and durable material. In high-traffic areas such as the kitchen, it is important to protect and care for the kitchen worktop well in order to keep the surfaces looking beautiful in the long term. Without proper care, natural stone surfaces can quickly become unsightly and lose their quality.

Lithofin recommends impregnating natural stone surfaces. This protects the stone from stains and liquids that can stain the porous material. This should already be done in the natural stone factory. By cleaning regularly, kitchen owners prevent the accumulation of dirt and preserve the natural color and texture of the stone. In this way, they extend the lifespan of natural stone surfaces and reduce maintenance costs in the long term.

As the ProBox System 1-2-3 is relatively complex, the company offers a free workshop. This is carried out on site without obligation by the experienced Lithofin area manager, who also serves as a personal contact for regional customers in the long term. Interested installers can thus get an idea of the products, processing and application approach before making a purchase.

The ProBox System 1-2-3 module relates to the system steps for maintaining natural stone. It consists of these three main components:

1.ProBox Protect (kitchen): This box contains all the important products and tools for impregnating natural stone and quartz composites for the kitchen. This reduces the risk of stains at the factory and makes surface care easier. The natural stone is optimally protected even before delivery. The high-performance impregnations Lithofin NanoTop and Lithofin FVE offer short processing times, high effectiveness and fast drying – ideal for the workshop. The box also contains surface preparation cleaner, microfiber cloths, nylon pads, melamine pad, disposable gloves, brushes and cups.

2ndcare set for daily maintenance cleaning by the end customer: The second system component of the Lithofin ProBox System 1-2-3 is intended for daily cleaning and is designed to ensure permanently beautiful surfaces. Lithofin offers care sets for kitchen worktops for this purpose. The high-quality products have been specially developed and approved for use in the kitchen. They are easy to use and can be personalized with the customer’s logo.

3.ProBox Clean (kitchen): With this service box for kitchen fitters, Lithofin offers support for the professional cleaning of kitchens. The box contains special cleaners and tools for kitchen worktops made of natural stone, quartz composite and ceramic. Installers typically have this box with them when installing or maintaining the worktop to remove stains quickly and effectively. The products included are Lithofin ASR, Lithofin LEV and Lithofin Lösefix as well as microfiber cloths, nylon pads and sponges. The system ensures that employees are uniformly equipped and guarantees a consistent quality of cleaning work.

There is also a suitable Lithofin ProBox called Clean Tile for gardening and landscaping. It offers decisive advantages for the cleaning and care of outdoor surfaces made of natural stone or porcelain stoneware. The optimized cleaners help to effectively remove impurities so that the longevity and aesthetics of outdoor areas are maintained. The ProBox Clean Tile (exterior) is best suited for professional landscaping companies and tilers who want to achieve excellent results for their customers.

This box offers the great advantage of easy cleaning. Thanks to the special cleaning process, stone surfaces can be cleaned easily and professionally, resulting in clean surfaces. Maintenance with ProBox Clean Tile products also supports the longevity of natural stone surfaces and preserves their natural beauty. Thanks to the high-quality products, professional care is easy to implement and leads to excellent results. In addition, the Lithofin ProBox Clean Tile, like all of the company’s service boxes, has a professional, uniform design.

By the way: To mark the company’s 70th anniversary, Lithofin is offering a new product for natural stone processing companies in the form of the ProBox modules. The boxes are ideal for kitchens and outdoor areas. Their products are designed for natural stone, quartz composite and ceramic surfaces. If required, the products can be retrofitted individually in their units. The lid of the box guarantees an airtight seal, which makes transportation easier.

Read more: Find out more about the ProBox Protect and ProBox Clean systems from Lithofin here.

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Sustainable mobility: the role of apps and data analysis for green transportation

Building design

According to an IEA study, digital mobility solutions can reduce CO₂ emissions in transportation worldwide by up to 20% by 2050. @ Jakub Zerdzicki | Pexels

With increasing urbanization and rising emissions from the transport sector, sustainable mobility is becoming one of the most pressing challenges of our time. Transportation is responsible for around 25% of CO₂ emissions worldwide and contributes significantly to air pollution. Digital tools, especially mobility apps and data-driven analytics, offer innovative solutions to make transportation more efficient, environmentally friendly and user-centric. They promote the integration of different modes of transport, optimize routes and facilitate the transition to zero-emission alternatives.

Fun fact: According to a study by the International Energy Agency (IEA), digital technologies could help reduce CO₂ emissions in transportation by up to 20% by 2050.

With increasing urbanization and rising emissions from the transport sector, sustainable mobility is becoming one of the most pressing challenges of our time. Transportation is responsible for around 25% of CO₂ emissions worldwide and contributes significantly to air pollution. Digital tools, especially mobility apps and data-driven analytics, offer innovative solutions to make transportation more efficient, environmentally friendly and user-centric. They promote the integration of different modes of transport, optimize routes and facilitate the transition to zero-emission alternatives.

Fun fact: According to a study by the International Energy Agency (IEA), digital technologies could help reduce CO₂ emissions in transportation by up to 20% by 2050.

Digitalization plays a central role in the transformation towards sustainable mobility.

Mobility apps

Mobility apps combine various modes of transport, including public transport, sharing services and bicycles, on one platform. They offer users real-time information, booking options and payment integration.

Big data

Data from transport systems, IoT devices and user interactions are collected and analyzed to optimize traffic flows, avoid congestion and promote environmentally friendly alternatives.

Internet of Things (IoT)

IoT sensors in vehicles, transportation infrastructure and cities collect data such as traffic volume, air quality and energy consumption. This data is used to make sustainable transportation decisions.

Practical example: In Copenhagen, mobility apps use IoT data to recommend the safest and fastest route to cyclists, which has increased bicycle use by 10%.

Digital tools open up numerous opportunities to make mobility more sustainable.

Route optimization

Apps use real-time data and predictive analyses to recommend the fastest and most environmentally friendly routes for users. They take into account traffic volumes, weather conditions and the availability of means of transport.

Sharing systems

Apps promote the use of car sharing, bike sharing and e-scooters. These services reduce individual traffic and cut emissions by facilitating the shared use of vehicles.

Integrated transportation services (MaaS)

Mobility-as-a-Service (MaaS) platforms combine different modes of transportation in one app. Users can seamlessly connect public transport, bicycles, cabs and car sharing.

Monitoring and controlling the flow of traffic

Data analysis helps cities to monitor traffic flows and take measures to reduce congestion and emissions.

Practical example: In Amsterdam, a mobility platform uses data from public transport and sharing services to offer users seamless connections between trains, buses and bicycles.

The use of apps and data analysis offers significant benefits for cities, users and the environment.

Increased efficiency

Apps help users to switch quickly and flexibly between modes of transportation and reduce unnecessary waiting times.

Environmentally friendly

By promoting shared mobility and zero-emission modes of transport such as bicycles and e-scooters, digital tools help to reduce CO₂ emissions.

User-friendliness

Mobility apps offer intuitive interfaces, real-time information and integrated payment options that make it easier to use sustainable modes of transport.

Cost savings

Sharing means of transport and optimizing routes reduces mobility costs for users and cities alike.

Expert opinion: According to a study by McKinsey, digital mobility solutions increase the use of sustainable transportation by up to 15%.

Despite their benefits, there are also challenges that need to be considered when introducing digital tools for green mobility.

Data protection and data security

The collection and processing of movement and user data raises questions about data protection. Apps must ensure that they are GDPR-compliant and protect their users’ data.

Infrastructure costs

Setting up IoT sensors and integrating different modes of transportation into one platform requires significant investment.

User acceptance

Not all users are ready to use new technologies or sustainable means of transportation. Cities need to raise awareness to increase acceptance.

Digital barriers

Not all citizens have access to smartphones or the internet, which can limit inclusion.

Expert opinion: According to a survey by PwC, 40% of cities consider user acceptance to be the biggest challenge when introducing digital mobility solutions.

Copenhagen: Green routes for cyclists

A mobility app in Copenhagen uses real-time data to recommend the best routes for cyclists. The app has significantly increased the use of bicycles in the city and helped to reduce emissions.

Amsterdam: MaaS platform

In Amsterdam, a Mobility-as-a-Service platform bundles various modes of transportation, including buses, trains, bicycles and car sharing. Users can seamlessly switch between modes of transport and pay for everything via an app.

Singapore: Smart mobility

Singapore uses big data and AI to monitor traffic flows in real time and make public transport more efficient. An app offers users personalized recommendations for environmentally friendly routes.

The integration of new technologies will drive sustainable mobility even further in the future.

  1. Artificial intelligence (AI): AI algorithms can predict traffic flows and recommend sustainable alternatives in real time.
  2. Predictive analysis: data analysis could anticipate future traffic problems and enable preventative measures.
  3. Integration with autonomous vehicles: Apps could integrate autonomous vehicles into their platforms to promote zero-emission mobility solutions.
  4. Gamification: Game elements in apps could create incentives to use sustainable means of transportation, e.g. through reward systems for emission-free journeys.

Future outlook: In a pilot project in Helsinki, an AI-supported app is being developed that suggests the lowest-emission route to users and displays CO₂ savings in real time.

Digital tools such as mobility apps and data-based analyses are indispensable for the transformation towards sustainable mobility. They promote environmentally friendly modes of transport, optimize routes and increase the efficiency of urban mobility systems. Despite challenges such as data protection and infrastructure costs, these technologies offer enormous potential to make cities more sustainable and liveable.

Concluding thought: The future of mobility is digital, sustainable and user-oriented. With the right technology, cities can drive forward the transport revolution and make a decisive contribution to climate protection.

Read more: In Freising, Bavaria, Latz + Partner is redesigning the open spaces on the Domberg.

Negro Marquina

Building design
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Petrology is the study of the formation, properties and use of rocks. In our online series, we present types of stone and their occurrence: This time Negro Marquina. To say it up front: Nero Marquina is not marble, but a limestone. Nevertheless, this stone is repeatedly referred to as marble in brochures. And not only in […]

Petrology is the study of the formation, properties and use of rocks. In our online series, we present types of stone and their occurrence: This time Negro Marquina.

To say it up front: Nero Marquina is not marble, but a limestone. Nevertheless, this stone is repeatedly referred to as marble in brochures. And not only by suppliers from overseas, but also by suppliers whose national standardization institutes are subject to the CEN rules of procedure.

In EN 12440 “Natural stone – Criteria for designation”, the requirement for the designation of the respective petrographic family according to section 3.2 is: “Scientific designation of the stone obtained from petrographic examination according to EN 12407 and EN 12670.” In order to be able to designate a rock as marble, it is necessary that a metamorphic transformation has taken place in this rock. This has not occurred in the case of Negro Marquina.

The stone was formed in brackish water. Here, the low oxygen content and dead plants and animals that did not decompose immediately created putrefactive sludge. Its origin can still be determined today during processing, as such rocks are not called stinky limestone for nothing. But don’t worry: when fully installed, this stone does not emit any unpleasant odors.

Read more in STEIN 2/2021.