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A sustainable hand sanitiser made from seaweed by a Channel Islands distillery has been given the green light for use in Guernsey - but is still awaiting approval in Jersey.
The Guernsey branch of St. John Ambulance is now allowed to distribute the new 'Channel Islands Seaweed Sanitiser', which was produced in the island by Guernsey Seaweed and the Channel Islands Liquor Company, which normally produces gin.
Ben Tustin of the former and Luke Wheadon of the latter revealed just over 10 days ago they had made over 200 litres of 70% alcohol hand sanitiser using a type of seaweed commonly used in cosmetic products that is widely available in Guernsey and is known for its moisturising properties.
Their initiative came as numerous local stores sold out of the product amid a spate of panic-buying. Jersey Chemist Contractors described the demand as "unprecedented".
The sustainable santiser-making duo worked with Jersey forager Kazz Padidar to collect seaweed, before testing different solutions. The preferred one was then "brewed" at the Bella Luce Hotel, which is normally used by Wheadons.
Following successful laboratory tests, the seaweed hand sanitiser was authorised for manufacture, sale and supply by Guernsey’s Health and Safety Executive on Friday.
The innovative product will be sold and distributed through St. John Ambulance Guernsey's 'Health Care Shop'. Initial distribution will be to healthcare facilities across the island, such as residential and care homes, as well as essential workers.
“The demand for hand sanitiser has been huge since the start of the coronavirus pandemic," Stuart Place, Chairman of St. John Ambulance Guernsey said.
"The St. John Health Care Shop has been selling out of hand gel sourced from the UK as soon as it arrives in the shop. We are delighted to be working alongside Guernsey Seaweed and the Guernsey Liquor Company to support local enterprise and our wider community at a time of need.”
Pictured: Ben Tustin and Luke Wheadon worked with Jersey forager, Kazz Padidar.
Nikki Harrison, Chief Operating Officer of St John Ambulance Guernsey added: “Our priority is ensuring enough supplies for those establishments that need it most, however we know members of the public have also been trying source supplies for individual use.
"Once healthcare facilities have been supplied we will review the situation and we hope to make any remaining stock available for the public in due course.”
Pictured: The 70% alcohol hand sanitiser uses a type of seaweed found in cosmetic products that is widely available in Guernsey.
Any profits from the sale of the Channel Islands Seaweed Sanitiser will be used to support the wider work of St. John Ambulance Guernsey.
The hand sanitiser is still waiting to be approved by Jersey's government to be distributed in the island.
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