ECJ EUROPEAN Cleaning Journal

In the UK, the Cleaning & Hygiene Suppliers Association (CHSA) is warning all buyers of cleaning and hygiene products to beware of unscrupulous profiteers capitalising on the unprecedented demand for products.

In a statement it said:"New companies have been set up to buy and sell on products like hand and surface sanitisers, gloves, wipes, tissue and aprons. Some are also buying up raw materials and attempting to produce some products.

"Primarily selling online, their products carry an exceptionally high mark-up and there is no guarantee they meet industry standards. There is also a marked increase in imported Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) with fake or no CE marking, the certification mark that indicates conformance with European Union directives regarding health and safety or environmental protection."

CHSA emphasises the only way purchasers can be sure they are buying credible products is to buy from one of its members. All have signed its Code of Practice, which requires members to be 'well established' in the cleaning and hygiene industry and to maintain a high standard in the conduct of its business."

Lorcan Mekitarian, chair of the CHSA said: "A 10-fold increase in demand for essential products like hand sanitiser, wipes and gloves is common.

"Our manufacturing members are working hard to meet demand and keep product moving through the supply chain to our distributor members, but it is incredibly challenging.

"Some price increases are inevitable as the cost of raw materials rises but this is a long way from the extraordinary profiteering we have seen.

"I am proud to say our members are trading ethically. Instead of grabbing contracts at extortionate prices from desperate buyers, they are working hard to take care of their existing customers, warning of forthcoming restrictions in the supply chain and rationing where absolutely necessary."

www.chsa.co.uk