Founders of Key Waste develop Covid solutions

New device will let people open doors without having to use their hands, writes Samantha McCaughren

THE founders of one of the country’s largest waste companies, Key Waste, are adapting their washroom services company Key Hygiene to meet the needs of customers in workplaces following the impact of Covid-19.

As part of that, owners Neville O’Boyle and Mark Butler will launch their own innovation this week – a bracket which will allow people to open doors without using their hands.

Called the Foothandle, Butler said the pair came up with the product when watching people use their shoulders or covering their hands when using doors. “We’re trying to be creative and innovative and keep ourselves busy,” he said.

He said that over the past two weeks companies, mainly in the construction sector, have been seeking back-to-work solutions.

“Companies need to adapt to a new way of how customers interact and how staff actually work within an office environment. We’ve actually seen a lot of requests come in to Key Hygiene for various solutions and products which may help a company be able put a process or procedure in place that allows staff to be in an office environment in a safer manner.

“Whether that’s through screens on a desk, or using paper towels rather than air dryers, there is going to be a whole new way how companies adapt to that, to a changed world after Covid.”

Butler and O’Boyle worked with Irish manufacturer Carnehill Joinery to produce the Foothandle device, which will have its own website.

“I think Key Hygiene will have to adapt to a changing market,” said Butler. “I think our customers will want us to develop and innovate different products and solutions. And it’s exciting.”

He said some parts of the company’s business were up and some were down as a result of the current restrictions. “Overall, every business has been affected in some shape or form,” he said.

The sale of Key Waste, for a reported price tag of up to €50m, was at an advanced stage prior to the outbreak of Covid-19, according to industry sources. It is understood that there is an expectation that it will still go ahead.

When asked about this, Butler said: “We’re a company that is always seeking out new opportunities. We’re continuously developing the way we do things and one of the things we’re really focused on is forging new partnerships. Whether that’s development within the business and expanding it, whether that’s through funding or financing.”