Hand sanitiser production earmarked for essential services

Fuel company Gull is diverting 50,000 litres of local ethanol production, intended originally for use as a fuel additive, to manufacture hand sanitiser for essential services including police, schools, healthcare workers and the defence force during the Covid-19 crisis.

Ethanol is a key ingredient hand sanitiser and short supply has halted local production of the in-demand product.

The Australian government banned ethanol exports yesterday putting further pressure on existing supplies.

Joe Taylor, chief executive of NXP New Zealand’s largest supplier to the commercial cleaning industry and government agencies, says the new ethanol production will be prioritised for essential services.

“While the new ethanol supply is a welcome relief to our local manufacturer, it will not be enough to fill the demand shortage across all industries.”

Taylor says repurposing the ethanol was a joint effort between Gull and NXP. “Bringing all parties into the discussion has helped us work through the logistical barriers to reallocating existing production.

“The current health care concerns facing New Zealand will require businesses to cooperate at all levels to ensure scarce resources are allocated where they are most needed.

“We’ll continue to work with our supply chains to ensure the country has a consistent supply of products like hand sanitiser, and look to support our essential service providers wherever possible.”