In early 2020, the outbreak of the novel coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2, shocked the world. Health agencies around the world recommended that people refrain from touching their faces and clean their hands after touching public surfaces like door handles and handrails. The use of sanitisers became an everyday essential, yet even today, many are still unaware of what it's made of and how it keeps us safe.
In this blog, we've answered the most asked questions on our range of best-selling sanitisers, including how they work and what they're made from.
What is the difference between SARS-Cov-2 and COVID-19?
SARS-CoV-2 (Serious Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2) is the virus that causes the disease COVID-19.
Are BioHygiene Sanitisers effective against all strains of COVID-19?
Yes! All of our sanitisers are effective against COVID-19, including the latest Delta and Omicron variants. The mutations shown by these variants do not make them more resistant to disinfectants than the original strain. Our independent EN14476 efficacy data remain valid for all enveloped viruses, including coronaviruses and all variants of SARS-CoV-2.
Are your Sanitisers effective against Group A Streptococcus (Strep A)?
Yes. Our independent EN1276 efficacy data shows that our All Purpose Sanitiser is effective against Streptococcus pyogenes (Strep A) in as little as 30 seconds under clean conditions at 1% and 2%.
Our EN13697 efficacy data also shows effectiveness against many other species, including Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and Vancomycin-resistant Enterococci (VRE) - superbugs resistant to antibiotics.
What range of Sanitisers do you have?
We have had five sanitisers approved against enveloped viruses, including coronaviruses such as SARS, MERS, SARS-CoV-2:
- Washroom 4D: for use in washrooms
- All-Purpose Sanitiser fragranced: for general use
- All-Purpose Sanitiser un-fragranced: suitable for food-safe areas
- Kitchen Sanitiser: for use in the kitchen and food-safe areas
- Hand Sanitiser: for hand hygiene
What ingredients are in your sanitisers?
We based our sanitisers on an organic acid produced by fermentation and mild, biodegradable surfactants.
Are these products able to be used as a hand sanitiser?
Our Washroom 4D, All-purpose Sanitiser and Kitchen Sanitiser are for surface use only.
Foam Hand Sanitiser is for personal use. Its soft but effective formulation makes it kind to all skin types.
Do BioHygiene Sanitisers contain alcohol?
No. All sanitising products must contain an effective biocide to kill bacteria, viruses and fungi, but there is no requirement for this biocide to be alcohol.
Alcohol-based sanitisers are usually flammable, causing health, safety and storage issues, and are not necessarily environmentally friendly and sustainable.
Can they be used on fabric?
Yes! All of our sanitisers are safe for use on fabrics.
What is the difference between your sanitisers and the traditional sanitisers on the market?
The majority of sanitisers in the marketplace use quaternary ammonium chloride (quat) based technology. Quats, or QACs, are harmful and environmentally damaging. For example, benzalkonium chloride, a commonly used QAC, is classified with the following:
- Causes severe skin burns and eye damage
- Harmful if swallowed
- Harmful in contact with skin
- Very toxic to aquatic life with long-lasting effects, carrying the “dead fish and tree” hazard pictogram.
Even if the concentrations used in products mean that these statements and pictograms do not have to appear on the product labels or safety data sheets, these harmful and environmentally hazardous materials still get discharged into the environment.
BioHygiene’s sanitisers utilise an organic acid produced by fermentation. Not only are the products effective and environmentally responsible, but they also are not facing the same supply challenges that some of the traditional chemical companies are.
How have you adapted your business to cope with the current demand?
Due to demand, we have increased our production capacity and can operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week, when required. We continue to adapt our packaging solutions to overcome worldwide shortages and have increased our distribution network to increase product accessibility.
What other products can you supply?
As the market leader, we have taken our best technologies to create a cleaning range that fulfils every modern requirement. Innovative microbial technology works deep into surfaces to quickly lift and remove organic matter, creating a long-lasting clean and eliminating odours at their source.
Our products are available for use in various markets, ranging from facilities management to hospitality and the public sector.
