Lubrizol Advanced Materials Inc., a global specialty chemical company, has increased production of its patented Carbopol polymers, a thickening agent found in most hand sanitizing gels and cleansing applications, to assist with the global fight against COVID-19.
 
Since early January, Lubrizol has modified and expanded its production, and consulted with customers on new formulations, allowing it to triple the amount of hand sanitizer ingredients it can supply its customers. This will enable 1 billion bottles of hand sanitizer every month to be delivered to the healthcare industry, first responders and consumers around the world. Two years ago, Lubrizol proactively made the decision to invest more than $20 million USD to increase supply capabilities. The expansion was expedited earlier this year and is now complete, months ahead of schedule, enabling the ramped-up production of Carbopol.
 
“Across the globe, hospitals, as well as the consumer market, are facing an unprecedented shortage of hand sanitizer,” said Bernardo Medeiros, general manager of Lubrizol Life Science, beauty and home. “Consistent with our message to improve lives, we have collaborated with our key customers, suppliers, partners and our global logistics network to provide the essential ingredients and solutions to help fight this pandemic. The use of Carbopol is just one example of how Lubrizol is leveraging its science to support COVID-19 needs globally.”
 
Lubrizol says it will continue to explore ways to meet customer needs during these extraordinary circumstances without compromising its focus on keeping its workers safe and minimizing the spread of COVID-19. Its applications team is available to discuss alternative formulations using different grades of Lubrizol’s Carbopol polymers. Reach out to a representative for more information and formulation support.