Touchless tech to UV disinfectants in times of Covid

Over the past few months, Megha Ranade, 35, has been worried that the fruit and vegetables she brings home may not be safe for consumption.

Her fears have been triggered in part by the infectious nature of Covid-19, known to spread easily across surfaces. While she monitors everything that comes home, fruit and vegetables seem to escape this all. Her search ends at the foot of a fruit and veggie cleaner that she discovers online.

Ranade’s experience is something that most people have been through since the pandemic came to India. The need to tackle the spread of the disease has led to the birth of consumer products that barely existed six months ago. Some of these items of consumption include ultraviolet (UV) disinfectants and sanitising boxes, free-finger touch devices, do-it-yourself (DIY) grooming kits, self-cleaning water bottles, smart tiffin boxes, hand-sanitizer wearables, antiviral fabrics, tiles, flooring and mattresses, and anti-fogging glasses.

While Nielsen said it was yet to track these categories, according to executives of consumer goods companies, the trend is here to stay.

“The health crisis may remain this way for a while, even as efforts to get a vaccine intensify,” said Mohit Malhotra, chief executive officer (CEO), Dabur India, among the first to launch a fruit and veggie cleaner in the marketplace.

“People are aware of these challenges and are adopting new habits. The result is the need for a new set of products.”

Marico’s spokesperson said a fruit and veggie cleaner, also launched by the company, came about after it observed a heightened sense of hygiene among consumers. “We have witnessed healthy traction for our hygiene products such as Veggie Clean and Mediker hand sanitizer and will continue to invest in their growth,” the spokesperson said.

Experts are saying the new items visible today span the consumption spectrum from home to personal hygiene, apparel, grooming, and food products. More items could join the list as companies continue to innovate.

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