Virus-killing mission
Cleaning firm powers up research
THE Queensland manufacturer of the iconic Shower Power range of cleaning products has joined a germbusting team working on the next generation of COVID-19killing disinfectants.
OzKleen and Beaudesertbased gelatin maker GELITA is co-funding research at the University of Queensland to develop an antiviral surface cleaner that will decrease the survival time of the virus on surfaces.
OzKleen chief executive Mark Quinn said the aim was to sell the new product in supermarkets within two years, joining the company’s other products including disinfectants, floor and bathroom cleaners.
Mr Quinn said the product also could be used commercially to reduce the amount of surface wipedowns currently required on public transport, in office buildings and public spaces.
“Currently the effectiveness of surface disinfectants may only be two days, but the new product may extend that to 14 days,” said Mr Quinn.
UQ researcher Dr Heather Shewan is leading the project as part of an Advance Queensland Industry Research Fellowship focused on the use of gelatine in antiviral cleaners.
Mr Quinn said gelatine compounds were believed to create a more effective barrier against COVID-19 on surfaces touched by humans.
“While we await the discovery of an effective COVID-19 vaccine, minimising our risk of infection is crucial,” said Mr Quinn. “During the pandemic, we’ve all learned the importance of hygiene to protect ourselves and minimise our exposure to the virus.”
Ormeau-based OzKleen saw sales more than double in March after the pandemic started, forcing it to put on an extra shift and operate 16 hours a day.
Mr Quinn said demand had since stabilised as more cleaning products were imported from countries such as China and Poland.
Founded in 1995, OzKleen initially operated from a single shop in Beenleigh, where it sold directly to the public. Its products are now stocked in all major supermarkets.
OzKleen has seen sales climb more than 40 per cent in the past four years as it took on international brands such as Dettol, Domestos, Jif and Ajax on the supermarket shelves.
Mr Quinn said the company also planned to start selling face masks.