Corrosion inhibitors manufacturer Hexigone Inhibitors is now manufacturing hand sanitiser to help protect staff on the front line.
Hexigone Inhibitors, which normally produces corrosion inhibitors, is now working to meet the demand from nationwide councils and care homes for hospital-grade hand sanitizer.
The COVID-19 crisis has put huge pressure on the PPE supply chain, leaving NHS staff and other key workers at risk of contracting the virus. The main ingredient for hand sanitiser, isopropanol, is currently in huge demand worldwide. Nevertheless, the UK Government's innovation agency, Innovate UK, linked-up Hexigone with pharmaceutical giant, Glaxosmithkline, who subsequently donated 8,000 litres of isopropanol to ramp-up production.
The project started via the South Wales Additive and Rapid Manufacturing (SWARM) Consortia as a joint venture with Swansea University.
Following the WHO recommendations, Hexigone is currently producing batches which contain 75% alcohol, ensuring that the Coronavirus and other microbial pathogens are killed. Other ingredients include water to dilute, glycerol to moisturise, hydrogen peroxide to kill any fungal spores, and finally, lemongrass essential oil to scent the sanitiser.
"We're immensely happy that we are able to support the UK's Covid-19 response. Key workers are vital to public health and safety during the coronavirus lockdown - and this is a gesture of thanks from our team to everyone on the front line.
As a chemical manufacturer, adapting our skills and resources to produce hand sanitiser was an obvious fit, and we're grateful to Innovate UK and Glaxosmithkline for supporting our efforts. We're also very aware of the impact that the crisis has had on mental health, so we'll be donating our profits to Mind - a UK-based mental health charity - to support vulnerable individuals through this time", commented Ruth Bowley, Manufacturing Manager at Hexigone.
"We're very grateful to Hexigone for their hand sanitiser donation. Not only is it effective, but the lemongrass essential oil is a really lovely touch. As palliative care nurses, and dressed in full PPE daily, it's a comforting addition to an otherwise very clinical setting", stated Jenna Wray, Palliative Care Nurse at Hywel Dda Health Board.
As a SME, the efforts need to be financially sustainable, so Hexigone is charging cost price for production. The price equates to less than half the usual amount being charged by some companies, so councils agreed to voluntarily donate 25% of production. As a result, out of every 1,000 litres made, 250 litres are given free to support key workers.
The team has also been instrumental in sourcing additional PPE for hospitals and care homes. They have co-ordinated local businesses to donate excess face masks to the cause - as well as all of their PPE stock - totalling over 1,600 FFP3 masks for the NHS.
"We applaud Hexigone's efforts and quick thinking during this global pandemic. As our #EssentialCoatings campaign shows, BCF members are contributing in so many different ways, helping to meet increased demand for goods and products critical to the coronavirus response. This example of smart adaptation from 'business as usual' makes our members' response to Covid-19 even stronger", said Tom Bowtell, CEO of the British Coatings Federation.