Study reveals Glen 20 surface spray disinfectant kills COVID-19 coronavirus

A recent study designed to increase the understanding of methods to combat the spread of the COVID-19 virus, has confirmed that active ingredients in many leading hygiene products, including New Zealand household disinfectant Glen 20, are >99.9% effective against the SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) virus. The findings were published in The American Journal of Infection Control (AJIC) on May 24, 2020.

The study is the first published evaluation of the virucidal efficacy of personal care and surface cleaning and disinfection products against the SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) virus using internationally established standards.¹

The researchers highlighted that the findings are significant given the practical importance of microbicides having efficacy against the SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) virus in the home, community, and healthcare settings.

The laboratory tests examined active ingredients¹ in well-known and widely used products, including products from the Lysol family of brands that form part of the Reckitt Benckiser (RB) global hygiene portfolio. In New Zealand, this includes Glen 20 Surface Spray Disinfectant, which is listed on the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG) for effective use against COVID-19 virus.

Glen 20 is also compliant with the Hazardous Substances and New Organisms Act (HSNO) Aerosol (Flammable) Group Standard in New Zealand.

Saurabh Jain, Marketing Director in Australia and New Zealand at RB Hygiene, said:

“As we continue to grapple with the global COVID-19 pandemic, infection prevention and control is absolutely critical. The outcomes of this study, being founded in scientific evidence, are a positive development in efforts to curb the spread of the virus and our hope is that these findings will be useful to the community of dedicated health and hygiene professionals that are working tirelessly to contain its foothold on society.”

“Widely known for its efficacy against germs, Glen 20 has long been a staple disinfection product in homes across Australia, and more recently in New Zealand. As a brand that is committed to helping protect New Zealanders – especially during life’s most vulnerable moments – we are pleased to share the results of this study; which demonstrate Glen 20’s efficacy against COVID-19 coronavirus. Our vision is to provide New Zealanders with effective, high quality products to help prevent the spread of germs and viruses; these results speak very strongly to this unwavering commitment.”

The study forms part of a wider commitment by RB, a global leader in health and hygiene, to contribute to scientific knowledge around hygiene and the COVID-19 virus and to ensure that its communication with stakeholders is evidence-based.

A comprehensive evaluation, the study covers core active ingredients across the majority of the RB global portfolio and product formulations. Where required, RB has submitted this data to local regulatory authorities, including in NZ, for their review and approval.

Other initiatives include working closely with leading scientific experts and academic institutions in the field of hygiene and infection control to educate the public on the importance of hygiene, as well as supporting frontline healthcare workers and vulnerable members of the community.