Ecolab is expanding production of hand sanitizer to a World Health Organization formulation in response to demand created by the COVID-19 pandemic.
From hospitals and healthcare facilities to food processing plants and restaurants, hand sanitizer is being used to keep employees and customers safe.
In response, Ecolab has increased production of its own-brand hand sanitizer, and begun manufacturing a second product line using the WHO's recommended formula which contains 80 per cent alcohol and meets U.S.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) recommendations for a minimum alcohol volume of 60 per cent.
The company has additionally implemented the use of safety tools and procedures to ensure proper handling and application of the alcohol-based solution.
The WHO formulation presented unique manufacturing challenges as Ecolab’s hand sanitizer production plants were already working at full capacity.
The company harnessed teams from across its global operation to repurpose plants in a period of just three weeks.
Natalie Blake, director of Ecolab's Global Polymer Platforms who is leading the commercialization, says:.
"Producing the WHO hand sanitizer formulation offers our customers another option to help keep their employees and customers safe.
"This offering enables Ecolab to help more customers meet their safety goals while providing a reliable source for hand sanitizer for use during this pandemic.
"It was inspiring to see teams across Ecolab working quickly to meet this need at a time when public health is so important."
