Manufacturing & Supply Chain

UK exporting business Vernacare has increased production to help hospitals internationally to contain the Coronavirus

Vernacare has been providing the NHS with infection control products for 50 years, but since the outbreak of Coronavirus, the global demand for its single-use disposable containers and macerators has reached an unprecedented scale.

The Lancashire based healthcare company has increased production by 60%, as healthcare facilities follow World Health Organisation (WHO) advice that ‘single-use and disposable’ equipment is needed to minimise the risk of transmission of Coronavirus. The company’s infection control products are now being used by 95% of NHS hospitals. With the assistance of the UK government’s international trade advisors, these are also exported to more than 60 countries, including Spain, Italy, India, Australia, New Zealand and Mexico.

Vernacare has revolutionised the healthcare sector, not only through its range of disposable containers such as urinals, washbowls and jugs but also through its hospital macerators, bathing alternatives and disinfectant wipes.

As the largest medical grade pulp manufacturer in the world, Vernacare has shone a light on UK innovation by being adaptive and resourceful throughout the pandemic. Producing its goods in-house has allowed Vernacare to fulfil all of its domestic orders as well as meeting international demand.

Hakeem Adebiyi, International Sales and Marketing Director of Vernacare said: “With no current cure, it is vital that we focus on curbing the spread of Coronavirus, which is exactly what our products are made to do. At the heart of this fight are our frontline workers and it is our duty to help protect them from infection, so that they can continue to save lives. That is why we ramped up production by 60%, so that we can meet the growing demand. The response of our team has been magnificent, and it is extremely rewarding to see our products being used in hospitals and age care facilities in the UK and worldwide.”

Since the start of the Coronavirus outbreak, Department for International Trade (DIT) officials around the world have introduced the company to a wide range of healthcare contacts, generating further business for Vernacare in countries like Australia and Singapore.

Minister for Exports, Graham Stuart, said: “Vernacare is one of the many UK businesses working incredibly hard to supply crucial products to frontline workers across the world, helping to save lives and prevent the spread of Coronavirus. Through innovation and manufacturing excellence, Vernacare’s infection control products are transforming the global healthcare sector and will continue to do so long after the pandemic. My department is doing everything it can to support UK businesses to continue trading, and I’m glad DIT has been able to ensure Vernacare’s products reach those across the globe who need them the most.”