St John Ambulance Guernsey will be taking on the distribution of a new “Channel Islands Seaweed Sanitiser” which has been produced locally by two Guernsey companies and which has just received official approval from the States of Guernsey.

The alcohol-based seaweed hand sanitiser was created by Guernsey Seaweed and the Channel Islands Liquor Company, which normally produces gin. Following laboratory tests it was authorised for manufacture, sale and supply by Guernsey’s Health and Safety Executive on Friday.

The innovative product is now being sold and distributed through the St John HealthCare Shop, which is part of the wider St John organisation in Guernsey. Initial distribution will be to healthcare facilities across the island, such as residential and care homes, as well as essential workers.

Stuart Place, Chairman of St John Ambulance Guernsey said: “The demand for hand sanitiser has been huge since the start of the coronavirus pandemic. The St John HealthCare Shop has been selling out of hand gel sourced from the UK as soon as it arrives in the shop. We are delighted to be working alongside Guernsey Seaweed and the Guernsey Liquor Company to support local enterprise and our wider community at a time of need.”

Nikki Harrison, Chief Operating Officer of St John Ambulance Guernsey added: “Our priority is ensuring enough supplies for those establishments that need it most, however we know members of the public have also been trying source supplies for individual use. Once healthcare facilities have been supplied we will review the situation and we hope to make any remaining stock available for the public in due course.”

Information about the availability of supplies for the public will be made through the St John Ambulance Guernsey social media accounts and the local media.

Any profits from the sale of the Channel Islands Seaweed Sanitiser will be used to support the wider work of St John Ambulance Guernsey.

The hand gel uses a type of seaweed that is found in cosmetic products and is known for its moisturising properties. This type of seaweed is widely available locally from sustainable sources. The seaweed is mixed with 70% alcohol to create the product.

It has been widely reported in the media that there has been a massive international demand for hand sanitiser, with a national shortage of products in the UK and sales in USA up more than 400%. The price and availability of raw ingredients has also soured due to the high demand.