CSIR lab in Himachal Pradesh develops bio hand-sanitiser with natural flavours to battle Corona

A laboratory of the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) in Himachal Pradesh has developed a hand-sanitiser that contains natural flavours, active tea constituents and alcohol content as per WHO guidelines.

The product is free from parabens, triclosan, synthetic fragrance and phthalates, says CSIR-Institute of Himalayan Bioresource Technology that is based in Palampur town in Kangra district. It says the technology was transferred to a private unit through an agreement made on March 16 between CSIR-Institute of Himalayan Bioresource Technology and A.B. Scientific Solutions, which is also based in Palampur.

As per the agreement, CSIR-IHBT will transfer its expertise for making hand sanitisers and other disinfectants to the company. The firm with a strong marketing network will establish this facility at Palampur and will market hand sanitisers and other disinfectants across the country.

The development of hand sanitiser is very timely considering the current stupendous rise in demand of a genuine product for preventive measure against Coronavirus and amidst reports of many spurious materials being sold in the national market, says the CSIR. The institute has a focused research mandate on bioresources for catalysing bio-economy in a sustainable manner.