The SWA stated that the sanitiser, which Scotch whisky producers can either supply high-strength alcohol for the production of or produce themselves, will also be provided to emergency services, local communities and other industries in need of it across the UK.
Working closely with government and relevant authorities, including HMRC and the Health & Safety Executive, SWA members now have a green light from regulators to follow WHO guidelines in the production of hand sanitiser from denatured alcohol.
Scotch Whisky producers are being invited to submit details to the portal of what they can provide, be that either high-strength alcohol or hand sanitiser. The portal will help distillers to source necessary ingredients, whilst organisations in need of sanitiser will be able to specify their requirements.
Those who can support with packaging and distribution will also be able to state on the portal how they can assist.
SWA chief executive Karen Betts explaining the decision to launch the portal, said: “Distillers want to support health services on the frontline of fighting coronavirus wherever we can, and also other essential services that need additional supplies of hand sanitiser in these difficult times.
“We now have the green light from government, which means that our distilleries can supply high-strength alcohol to existing hand sanitiser producers where they are running low on stocks. We can also produce hand sanitiser at some Scotch Whisky sites, for local provision or – with the right packaging and distribution partners – for provision at scale to those organisations who need it urgently.
“The new portal will serve as an important tool for our companies to help meet the demand in Scotland and across the UK and for those organisations that need supplies of hand sanitiser.
“Scotland has the distilleries, the skilled workforce and the drive to make a difference and I hope that distillers, supply chain companies, distribution partners and those in need of hand sanitiser will get in touch and use the portal.”
The move follows the Scottish craft gin industry which has been producing sanitiser where it can and donating to those who need it for the past few weeks.
Scottish craft gin industry rallies to create hand sanitiser for those most in need
