At INEOS our business is to make the products that society needs. So when the coronavirus pandemic led to a global shortage of sanitising products, we set about manufacturing and distributing the large volumes needed to meet the shortfall, firstly to health authorities, and then more broadly to all.
In just three months we installed 6 new plants in the UK, Germany, France and the USA and are now producing 1 Million bottles of hand sanitiser every month.
Alcohol based disinfectant has long been recognised by the scientific and medical communities as the simplest and most effective way of destroying both viruses and bacteria when soap and water is not readily available (ref 1). The viruses and bacteria do not build up resistance (ref 2), meaning that no matter how often you use it, the cleansing effect will be just as good. Even where soap and water is available, alcohol provides an additional deep clean of viruses and bacteria that is quick and convenient. Its use is standard procedure in health care environments and hospitals. And although the virus associated with Covid-19 is new, a study by Swiss and German scientists concludes the effectiveness of the alcohol at killing it [1](ref 3)
At the core of our sanitiser is our own high purity ethanol [2], which is manufactured to meet the specialist requirements of healthcare environments. Our product is free of impurities seen in many agricultural sources of IPA
In contrast with many suppliers, we formulate our sanitiser hand gel with 75% alcohol, as advised by The World Health Organisation (ref 5), the US FDA, and health services in Europe. This ensures that it is effective in eliminating 99.9% of viruses and bacteria. It also ensures that, after use, it evaporates quickly, and leaves hands feeling clean and dry.
In responding to extraordinary circumstances, our first instinct was to supply the UK’s National Health Services and other European health services free of charge to see them through the peak. From project go-ahead to first deliveries took just 10 days. Now, with production ramped up and the initial peak of demand met, our sanitiser is available through a wide range of retailers. But we are not stopping there. Our bottles of hand gel will soon be followed by wipes and larger scale solutions for the workplace and homes.
As the world’s largest manufacturer of high purity synthetic ethanol, steeped in safety and operational excellence in a highly regulated environment, we are uniquely placed to assure our customers of continuity of supply and the highest levels of product quality. And, as a quickly evolving Hygiene business, we will be able to meet the demands of both consumers and businesses as we all adapt to the new demands for hygiene against corona and other viruses.
[1] Alcohols de-activate bacteria and viruses by denaturing the proteins and disrupting the lipid or fatty layers on which their structure and activity relies (ref 6). It is important that the alcohol sanitiser contains a high concentration of alcohol as recommended by WHO to ensure effectiveness. Sanitisers with too low a concentration of alcohol (eg less than 60%) or too high a concentration (eg 90% or more) are less effective.
[2] In isopropanol is substituted for ethanol but provides the same level of purity and sanitising performance. INEOS is also a major manufacturer of isopropanol.
The science
In contrast with many suppliers, we formulate our sanitiser with 75% alcohol, as advised by The World Health Organisation, the US FDA, and the health services in Europe. It is effective in eliminating 99.9% of viruses and bacteria. We set about making access to sanitiser easy and simple for us all.