UK SME with alcohol free antimicrobial hand sanitiser looking for distribution, licensing, and subcontracting

A company based in the United Kingdom has developed an antimicrobial hand sanitizer that is completely alcohol free. Since the start of the coronavirus pandemic, scientists and governments have been advising people about the best hygiene practices to protect themselves. This advice has caused a significant surge in the sale and use of cleaning products and hand sanitisers. Quick, portable, and convenient, hand sanitisers are a supplement that comes in gel, foam, or liquid solutions. The active ingredient in hand sanitizers is usually a type of alcohol, such as ethyl alcohol, which acts as an antimicrobial that kills bacteria. Common adverse health effects for alcohol-based hand sanitizers, apart from dry and cracked skin, are ocular irritation, vomiting, conjunctivitis, oral irritation, cough, and abdominal pain. The UK company has developed an antimicrobial hand sanitizer that is completely alcohol free; the active ingredient being a food preservative. This UK based independent research, development, and manufacturing company focuses on developing novel and innovative polymeric materials which offer wide-ranging application solutions to clients within the life science research, biotechnology, and healthcare industries. The main advantages of the alcohol-free hand sanitiser is that it stays on the skin for long periods creating a barrier. It consists of spherical particles with a positive charge which are attracted to the negative charge on the skin. These biodegradable microparticles are also small enough to be trapped in the crevices and pores on the skin. To market the alcohol-free antimicrobial hand sanitizer internationally, the UK company is looking for distributors with strong links into the healthcare, manufacturing, and retail sector. The partnership is envisaged to take form of a distribution agreement between the UK company and a distributor, or a licensing agreement where the UK company will grant the right to use the brand name, trademark, patented technology, or ability to produce and sell goods owned by the licensor in a selected market. To increase manufacturing capacity a partnership under subcontracting may also be considered.