The demand for antibacterial cleaning supplies continues to climb in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, and healthcare institutions are looking for effective alternatives to traditional solutions. To help fill this need, cleaning product manufacturer Contec, Inc. is scaling up production of its Sporicidin brand disinfectant, most often used for mold and water damage remediation, and has turned to diversified global manufacturer Milliken & Co. (Spartanburg, S.C.) to help produce mass quantities.
Milliken previously announced that it was executing a production expansion for antimicrobial fabrics, and also pivoted its textile production capabilities to make critical barrier protection fabrics to be used in gowns and headcovers for healthcare professionals. Milliken is also researching and developing materials for incorporation into N95-grade masks.
The EPA-registered intermediate-level disinfectant Sporicidin cleans, disinfects and deodorizes, and it provides 100% kill of pathogenic vegetative organisms, including MRSA, VRE and Avian Influenza A Virus (H9N2 and H1N1) with continuous residual activity for up to six months. Compatible with plastics, wood, glass and metals, alcohol-free Sporicidin brand disinfectant is non-staining, non-abrasive and non-corrosive. Notably, the disinfectant carries a Category IV EPA toxicity rating¾the lowest toxicity rating given to antimicrobials.
“Milliken immediately came to mind when we decided to bring on a new manufacturing partner,” shared Jack McBride, Contec, Inc. CEO. “Milliken is a trusted, key community player with the mass production, quality systems and speed-to-market capabilities needed to help us provide critical cleaning solutions to healthcare facilities without delay.”
Sporicidin production at Milliken began on Tuesday, May 12, after a record ramp-up of only four weeks. Typical similar partnerships require three to six months to arrange.
“Companies are adapting their core competencies to meet the global challenges brought on by COVID-19,” said Halsey M. Cook, president and CEO of Milliken & Company. “Partnering with Contec, Inc. was a natural fit, and gave Milliken the opportunity to quickly reconfigure our manufacturing capabilities and rapidly solve problems for our customers and communities.”Milliken quickly undertook an intensive technical process to manufacture Sporicidin brand disinfectant on behalf of Contec, Inc. Enabled by its research, development and manufacturing expertise, Milliken completed all EPA requirements and implemented training and protocols to safely produce a quality disinfectant.