INEOS to build hand sanitiser plants in 10 days

These will be produced according to World Health Organisation specifications and be specifically designed to kill bacteria and viruses.

INEOS is the leading European producer of the two key raw materials needed for sanitisers – isopropyl alcohol (IPA) and ethanol. The company is already running these plants flat out and have been diverting more of this product to essential medical use.

It will now build a UK factory near Middlesbrough within 10 days to make hand sanitiser from these materials, and will replicate this in Germany.

INEOS intends to produce both standard and the increasingly popular “pocket bottle” hand sanitisers and is already talking to retail outlets across Europe. Supplies to NHS hospitals will be free of charge for the period of the crisis with the public being able to purchase bottles through retailers.

Sir Jim Ratcliffe, founder and chairman of INEOS, said: “INEOS is a company with enormous resources and manufacturing skills. If we can find other ways to help in the coronavirus battle, we are absolutely committed to playing our part.”

Chemical Industries Association chief executive Steve Elliott added: “This is a leading example of how our sector and others can support the fight against COVID-19. We are working with many companies and the Government to identify and, wherever possible, deliver other solutions.”