Nearly two weeks ago, Bioeconomy Clustermanagement GmbH began coordinating the interim supply of large volumes of disinfectant for the state of Saxony-Anhalt at the behest of the German Chemical Industry Association (VCI Nord) and Infra Leuna. The aim was to quickly and unbureaucratically produce and distribute bioethanol-based hand sanitizers in accordance with a WHO-approved formula in response to an increased demand during the COVID-19 pandemic.

These activities involved achieving the planned production volumes for the state of Saxony-Anhalt in accordance with legal requirements. After intensive meetings and discussions with the state’s Ministry of Social Affairs, Labor and Integration, as well as the procurement office of the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy and the Federal Ministry of Finance, arrangements were reached between the state and the companies within the alliance on April 3, 2020.

Starting April 8, 2020, approx. 15,000 liters of disinfectant will be produced daily in Saxony-Anhalt. This will be distributed in significant quantities by the state and the Federal Procurement Office for said purpose. A doubling of production is possible if needed.

The key partners involved in this undertaking are:

CropEnergies, Zeitz Supply of bioethanol
Glacon Chemie, Merseburg Supply of glycerin
Arkema, Leuna Supply of hydrogen peroxide
MinAscent, Leuna Mixing and filling into IBC containers
Stern Waschmittel, Weissenfels Own mixing can be done if required, otherwise packaging and distribution using IBC containers from MinAscent
Kesla, Bitterfeld-Wolfen Purchasing of bioethanol, independent mixing, packaging and distribution
Verbio, Zörbig Own production, mixing, filling and distribution
Infra Leuna Own production, mixing, filling and distribution of small quantities; support in initiating and coordinating the project, logistics and approval procedures