Novel solutions for disinfecting operational areas of a manufacturing unit.
LUSH cosmetics would like to find alternative ways of disinfecting the machinery and equipment used during the manufacture of their products. They currently use Isopropyl Alcohol (IPA) which is widely used in the cosmetics and pharmaceutical sectors but are keen to find a more environmentally friendly option that reduces the flammability of the disinfectant.
Opportunity
Challenge opens
19/05/2025
Challenge closes
27/06/2025
Benefit
LUSH Cosmetics invites solutions which can address the challenge of disinfecting their process equipment using products which are environmentally friendly and harmless to the staff working on the production line and within the manufacturing unit. Selected solutions will be trialled by LUSH with potential for further adoption globally if trials are successful.
Background
The Challenge Holder currently uses Isopropyl Alcohol (IPA) across the site and throughout the production process to ensure their equipment and environments are disinfected for their finished products and raw materials. Without thoroughly clean conditions their products could fail microbiology tests leading to them being withdrawn.
The undiluted Isopropyl Alcohol (IPA) is stored in 25kg drums onsite. From here the solution is added to small handheld dispensers where it is sprayed onto surfaces and equipment. The IPA is administered after each batch of products is produced.
LUSH have explored using wipes to administer the IPA to their equipment but have decided against this method due to the increased application time and waste created. They have trialled Polyphosphoric acid (PPA) which is commercially available, but these have not met the standards required.
In their manufacturing unit in Poole, LUSH currently use 750kgs of IPA per month.
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