A sustainable alternative

Tuesday 24 March 2020

With hand sanitiser in high demand, two Guernsey businesses have joined together to create a sustainable alternative, made from local seaweed - which they just need to have approved for use before they can sell it.

Ben Tustin from Guernsey Seaweed and Luke Wheadon of the Channel Islands Liquor Company have used seaweed from the island's beaches to create more than 200 litres of sanitiser so far.

"A lot of people are exploring ways of making their own sanitiser, but the price of aloe vera gel has sky rocketed," said Mr Wheadon. "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."

The businesses are currently creating more sanitiser, as demand continues to rise.

Pictured: The island has seen a significant rise in the demand for hand sanitiser.

"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 it is known for its moisturising qualities," added Mr Tustin. "It is the ideal ingredient to produce the gel needed to make the sanitising hand rub and is readily available on our beaches."

The pair teamed up with Jersey forager, Kazz Padder for a week to collect seaweed and tested a number of solutions. before reaching the finished product.

Orders for the 70% alcohol sanitiser have already come in from companies, including Ferryspeed and the Co-op as well as St John Ambulance.

"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," continued Mr Wheadon. "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.

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

Talks are already underway with the States of Guernsey and the Government of Jersey to see if the sanitiser would be of use to their staff.

Environmental Health is currently testing the product.

Pictured top: Ben Tustin and Luke Wheadon.