It’s going to take a global approach to quell the COVID-19 pandemic. Therefore, it’s no surprise that leaders in the household and personal care industry are doing their part to assist both company employees and the public. Here’s another look at the measures taken by market leaders, listed in alphabetical order.
Clorox
The leading player in the bleach category, Clorox has created a microsite to help consumers prevent the spread of coronavirus.
The company notes that its bleach, disinfecting wipes and Clean-Up Cleaner, are all effective on viruses similar to COVID-19.
Ecolab
The global leader in industrial and institutional cleaning, the company released guidance on combatting the spread of coronavirus and keeping employees and customers safe. The site includes a Q&A with Ecolab experts, a webinar to help health care, hospitality and food service professionals protect employees and customers.
In addition, the site includes five practical steps to help businesses protect the workplace from coronavirus.
Diversey
Another multibillion-dollar player in the I&I space, Diversey has created a quick reference and response guide for COVID-19 disease.
The site includes a webinar to help customers and their clients understand the disease, how to combat it and general precautions for avoiding risks. Outbreak prevention information guides and support materials are available for download, along with links to the World Health Organization, the Centers for Disease Control and other agencies.
GlaxoSmithKline
According to sources at GlaxoSmithKline (GSK), “We are closely monitoring the COVID-19 outbreak. Our company values guide our response as we support global efforts to tackle the virus, seek to maintain the welfare of our employees and ensure we continue to get our medicines, vaccines and healthcare products to patients and consumers.” More commentary is here.
In other news, Clover Biopharmaceuticals, a China based global clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on developing novel and transformative biologic therapies, has entered into a research collaboration with GSK for its protein-based coronavirus vaccine candidate (COVID-19 S-Trimer). GSK will provide Clover with its pandemic adjuvant system for further evaluation of S-Trimer in preclinical studies. Having one of the largest in-house, commercial-scale cGMP biomanufacturing capabilities in China, Clover could potentially rapidly scale-up and produce large-quantities of a new coronavirus vaccine.
“We are proud to contribute to cutting edge research from scientists at Clover Biopharmaceuticals in China as part of our strategy to make our adjuvant technology available to selected partners who have a promising vaccine candidate against the newly emerged coronavirus.” said Thomas Breuer, chief medical officer of GSK Vaccines. “The use of an adjuvant is of particular importance in a pandemic situation since it may reduce the amount of vaccine protein required per dose, allowing more vaccine doses to be produced and therefore contributing to protect more people.”
Johnson & Johnson
How is J&J combatting the coronavirus? Let us count the ways:
1. One million surgical masks have been donated;
2. One million RMB has been donated to the Chinese Red Cross;
3. 48,000 bottles of Band-Aid isopropyl alcohol have been donated;
4. One electrosurgical generator and other medical devices have been donated to hospitals;
5. Over 1,300 packs of Acuvue contact lenses have been donated to medical workers; and
6. One team of J&J scientists is working on a potential vaccine.
L’Oréal
Amid the coronavirus outbreak, hand sanitizer is becoming difficult to come by—even for those who need it most. Last week, LVMH announced that it was switching over three of its factories from perfume to hand sanitizer, which it would distribute to French health authorities.
Now, L’Oréal is responding to this shortage, too.
According to reports, the company is using its facilities to produce both hand sanitizer and hydroalcoholic gel, two things in short supply since the outbreak of the virus.
The brand also intends to use its foundation to donate approximately $1.1 billion to help the disadvantaged during these times. The money will be distributed to several partner associations, who will also be offered hygiene kits and hydroalcoholic gel intended for use by social workers, volunteers and beneficiaries.
“In this exceptional crisis situation, it is our responsibility to contribute in every possible way to the collective effort,” explained Jean-Paul Agon, L’Oréal chairman and CEO. “Through these gestures, L’Oréal wishes to express its appreciation, support and solidarity with all those who mobilize with extraordinary courage and abnegation to fight against this pandemic.”
Additionally, L’Oréal is freezing all of the receivables owed to them by small and medium-sized businesses as a result of the crisis. The company will work with those most affected to set up a payment system better tailored to their current situation.
Kosé
Kose Group is providing support to meet the different circumstantial needs to areas damaged by large scale disaster, as reported here.
Natural beauty brand Lush is making moves to stop the spread. According to the company in an online statement:
“As we face the ever-changing circumstances related to Covid-19, we find ourselves having to make unprecedented decisions about business as usual. And the truth is that, in this moment, there is no business as usual. Amongst this uncertainly, we are focused on three things: getting our staff, communities and business through this crisis so that all emerge fit to face the future together.”
The Canadian company shut down all its North American stores and plans to slow down production.
“Given what we know today, we believe it’s our duty as an ethical business to do what we can to slow the spread of this virus and minimize the impact on our hardworking healthcare professionals,” said the company. “For the time being, we have made the decision to keep our online business running so that our loyal customers can still access Lush products such as soap, which can be helpful during this critical time. With the reduced capacity across the business, our digital orders may take extra time to reach you and we appreciate your understanding and patience with our teams during this transition.”
Pola Orbis
This company is set to have its annual shareholders’ meeting on March 24; a specific list of instructions for this session was posted online.
“The Convocation Notice of the 14th Annual Shareholders’ Meeting, which is to be held on March 24, 2020, has already been dispatched. We would like to implement the following measures in response to the subsequent spread of the novel coronavirus. We request your understanding and cooperation in this matter,” the firm wrote.
To avoid a risk of infection, Pola Orbis strongly recommend shareholders to refrain from participating in person on the day of the Shareholders’ Meeting, and to exercise voting rights in writing or via the Internet in advance.
The firm said it will “strive to ensure that the shareholders’ meeting proceeds smoothly, and endeavor to shorten the time required as much as possible. For shareholders planning on attending the Shareholders’ Meeting, please check your health status and the condition of the spread of the virus at the date of the Shareholders’ Meeting, and please take preventative measures such as wearing a mask. Those who are unwell, elderly, expecting, or accompanying small children are suggested to take extra care in making decisions on whether to attend.”
In regards to current financials, sales at Pola Orbis have factored in negative impacts of-50 to -70% of Q1 and -10 to -50% of Q2 on the sales targets. More info is here.
Reckitt Benckiser (RB)
RB, makers of global leading antibacterial and disinfectant brands Dettol and Lysol, is working with relevant healthcare authorities and NGOs in China to provide essential disinfectant products and funds to combat the outbreak of Coronavirus. In the early stages of the outbreak, RB immediately coordinated $84,000 worth of soap and sanitizer products to help meet the cleaning and disinfection requirements in Wuhan’s hospitals.
In response to the latest needs of the epidemic prevention, RB is now in contact with local healthcare authorities to upgrade its support. An additional $2.8 million worth of disinfectant supplies has been arranged to help to minimize the further spread of the virus. A further $4.2 million in cash will be donated to support frontline health workers in the promoting of hand washing as an effective method to break the chain of infection.
Commenting on the outbreak, RB CEO Laxman Narasimhan said: “We immediately mobilized our experts in China and beyond as soon as the outbreak was identified. In addition to the moral responsibility we feel, we also have an important functional role to play in enhancing personal disinfection through providing enhanced access to products which can break the chain of infection. Simple steps such as frequent hand washing will aid the many efforts the Chinese government is already putting in place to protect citizens across the region.”
RB also released an eight-step information page online, link is here.
SC Johnson
As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to evolve, SC Johnson announced it is furthering its efforts to fight the spread and impact of the virus by committing $5 million in products and cash to support urgent public needs and those on the front lines. The announcement builds on the $2 million the company has donated to date, including $1 million to the CDC Foundation’s Emergency Response Fund, and other donations to efforts around the world in China, Italy and the U.K. The company continues to assess ways to address the needs of people around the world.
“I am incredibly proud of all the people of SC Johnson who are committed to providing support to those around the world dealing with this crisis and experiencing its impact firsthand,” said Fisk Johnson, Chairman and CEO of SC Johnson. “From medical professionals and first responders to school children, we hope this commitment will help provide some relief.”
Sunstar
Global dental care leader Sunstar put out a memo outlining its plan to flatten the curve:
“Due to the volatility of the situation, the health of the Sunstar Group employees and their families must be given top priority. At the same time, we need to fulfil our obligation as a company and ensure the continuity of our business also in these difficult conditions. To be able to do so, we must ensure that we:
1. Thoroughly implement all possible preventive measures and
2. Take all necessary actions to minimize damage in case of infection
“Specifically, we have implemented the following measures since the beginning of March:
1. General travel ban on all overseas business trips
2. Encouraging working from home whenever is possible.
3. Limitation of all domestic business trips
4. Recommendation to cancel or postpone events sponsored or organized by Sunstar.
5. Limitation of face to face meetings to important purposes that require physical presence - Limitation of the number of people assembling to the minimum required. Recommendation for using online platforms to hold meetings or open space areas wherever possible.
6. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle - Maintaining necessary hygiene measures such as frequent hand washing, keeping a distance from sick people, keeping calm and monitoring health conditions, individually and for family members.
“In these difficult times, we highly encourage you to stay safe to protect yourself and the community.”
Zep
At zep.com, the company created a microsite that provides details on products that can fight novel coronavirus. In addition, CEO Dan Smytka release a letter to customers outlining the company’s response to the pandemic.
"Dear Zep Customer,
In response to the outbreak of the current Coronavirus strain COVID-19, Zep is implementing contingency plans to protect our employees and ensure the most timely service and support of our customers. We are closely monitoring the situation and following guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO) as well as local government efforts.
"As a valued customer, I would like to take a few minutes to provide you with an update on key activities within Zep in response COVID-19.
• Zep has implemented a COVID-19 task force which is leading our pandemic response plans.
• Our task force is executing components of our pandemic plan with a key focus towards People, Customers and Communities.
"We are experiencing a tremendous increase in hand sanitizer demand for Coronavirus effective products; we are partnering closely with existing and new suppliers to effectively fulfil this demand. All other products are being fully serviced with the customer fulfillment expectations that you expect.
"Our teams are working around the clock to balance production and shipping capabilities for both our Coronavirus effective products as well as other products in our portfolio. Where delays are expected, our customer teams and sales associates will communicate directly with you. We feel fortunate to be able to offer products that may help with prevention of the spread of this virus. Please know we are working tirelessly to serve you and will provide more updates as necessary.
"From the entire Zep team, I thank you for your business."
