Page 72 - RetailWorld-May2021-Tobacco-Updated

HOUSEHOLD ESSENTIALS attention,” Ms Gauci said. “The challenge is for brands, retailers and customers to present solutions to these problems.” Efficacy is vital The pandemic has certainly brought a closer focus on cleaning products and their features and benefits, says BioInnovate Chair Ross Macdougald. “As you would expect, the demand for Covid-19-effective surface disinfectants has skyrocketed,” he said. “Products that have been laboratory proven to kill Covid-19 are especially in high demand, and this has become a crucial factor in determining choice of surface disinfectants.” BioInnovate is the developer of ViroCLEAR – an Australian made and owned surface spray disinfectant with the claim that it has been proven to kill Covid-19 within 90 seconds of surface contact. It is also said to kill 99.99 per cent of other germs and bacteria, is alcohol and ethanol free and is registered with the ARTG. At the time of writing, ViroCLEAR is available online only. However, the manufacturer is exploring other channels, including grocery. Mr Macdougald believes the trend towards laboratory-proven surface disinfectants will continue post-Covid. “Regular use of surface disinfectants has become the new norm,” he said. “Even after this particular pandemic begins to subside, heightened awareness and protection against microbial transmission is expected to continue. “These trends are reflected internationally and are even more pronounced in countries with high transmission levels and much larger numbers of confirmed Covid-19 cases.” Meeting evolving needs King Mist is an Australian disinfectant company founded in early 2020 to respond to the pandemic directly. Founder Charles Liu says Australian consumers (and those across the wider Asia Pacific region) were crying out for a disinfectant aerosol spray that killed germs but had zero alcohol. “Fumes from alcohol can be overwhelming, particularly to members of vulnerable groups \\\\\\\[such as the elderly, children, and those with sensitivities\\\\\\\], so we wanted King Mist to be different,” he said. “Covid-19 brought disinfectants to the forefront of people’s minds, but keeping them there longer term as the outbreak is controlled will be an ongoing challenge.” “King Mist’s range of disinfectant products features powerful ingredients that kill 99.9 per cent of surface germs without the need for alcohol.” Australian owned and operated, King Mist sells disinfectant sprays, room foggers and household cleaners. Wet wipes and bottles in a variety of sizes are also on the horizon as King Mist develops new formulas, refines its existing products and seeks to grow locally and internationally. “Convenience is an important trend in our category,” Mr Liu said. “Further product refinement, such as increased eco-friendliness and longer-lasting effect, alongside Covid-19 killing efficacy, is seen as the next step for these disinfectants nationally and internationally. Mr Liu says steady demand remains for disinfectants in supermarkets across the country. But he’s conscious of the need to keep up with changing customer demands and expectations. “Covid-19 brought disinfectants to the forefront of people’s minds, but keeping them there longer term as the outbreak is controlled will be an ongoing challenge for everyone working with specialty disinfectants,” he said. M RETAIL WORLD MAY, 2021