A History of Initial

Initial is born

Mr A. P. Bigelow, a soap salesperson in New York, spotted an opportunity in European linen supply services. His first innovation was simple, giving customers the same towels by marking each towel with the customer's initials.

Embracing the roller towel

After three decades of success, our eye was caught by an American innovation - the roller towel! Spotting the product's advantages, we moved quickly in 1937 to become the first company to introduce the roller towel in the UK.

Origins of Initial Medical

It was at this time that Initial first explored the hazardous waste market by helping customers manage and safely store their medical waste. The Initial Medical brand owes its existence today to these humble beginnings, keeping customers compliant as healthcare waste legislation grows more complex.

Global success

Initial entered South Africa, the Caribbean and Asia during the 1990s. 1996 was particularly significant; Rentokil, a world-renowned pest control provider, acquired Initial. This move marked the creation of the parent brand – Rentokil Initial – that we operate under today. By the end of the 2000s, Rentokil Initial was present in five continents worldwide.

Fighting the climate crisis

We announced a new partnership with Cool Earth, helping to protect 42,000 hectares of rainforest. That equates to 20 million trees and 8 million tonnes of carbon stores. We have also funded seven 9,000L rainwater-harvesting tanks, used by communities during droughts.

Post-pandemic world

The Coronavirus pandemic changed our customers' lives, so we adapted our services to help businesses safely return to work. Our VIRUSKILLER™ air purifier range launched in 2021, followed by AirTrinity in 2023. These air purifiers deliver clean, healthy air indoors, giving confidence to employees, customers and patients about their safety in your premises.