Distillery producing seaweed-based hand sanitiser

Saturday 21 March 2020

With hand sanitiser in short supply, two local businesses have teamed up to produce over 200 litres of a sustainable alternative, which could soon hit the market if it is approved by the government.

Luke Wheadon of Channel Islands Liquor Company and Ben Tustin of Guernsey Seaweed have made over 200 litres of 70% alcohol hand sanitiser using seaweed.

The pair says they have the capacity to continue producing the solution to meet ongoing demand.

The news comes amid what Jersey Chemist Contractors described as "unprecedented" demand for products like hand sanitiser.

Pictured: The demand for hand sanitiser is "unprecedented" chemist have reported.

“A lot of people are exploring ways of making their own sanitiser but the price of aloe vera gel has sky rocketed," Mr Wheadon said. "It occurred to me that we may have a solution right on our shores that could be sourced and produced in a sustainable way to get the product where it is most needed fast.”

“When Luke contacted me, I immediately thought of using a type of seaweed which is used widely for cosmetic purposes and as a thickening agent and its known for its moisturising qualities," Mr Tustin added.

"It is the ideal ingredient to produce the gel needed to make the sanitizing hand rub and is readily available on our beaches.”

The duo worked with Jersey forager, Kazz Padidar, to collect seaweed over the last week, before testing solutions to create their sanitiser.

Companies such as Ferryspeed, the Co-op, St John Ambulance in Guernsey as well as many establishments from the hospitality industry have already placed orders for the sustainable hand cleanser.

Pictured: The hand sanitiser is being produced using locally-sourced seaweed.

“This has been a real community project with everyone using their knowledge and expertise to help get this product to market as quickly as we can," Mr Wheadon said.

"We are not looking to make a profit from our sales, but to help those that need it the most - from businesses that require sanitiser to continue operating to care homes and vulnerable communities across the islands."

Environmental health are currently testing the product to provide it with a certification and discussions are also taking place with local Governments in Jersey and Guernsey ahead of its potential distribution.

“There are still a few hoops to jump through to take it to market, but I am hopeful that the necessary institutions will work with us to get the product where it needs to be to distribute widely," Mr Wheadon assured.

"With all the recent news, it’s now more than ever that we need to be innovative, creative and work together to find practical solutions to adversity.”