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Ramborn has produced a total 43 bottles of the hand sanitiser from its byproduct. Image: Ramborn 

So far the Born-based company has, working with a local distiller, produced 43 bottles of the hand sanitiser, the first batch of which is being donated to local postal workers. 

As founder and CEO Carlo Hein told Delano, normally when the company produces cider, some juice is left over which cannot be used for cider, which is normally used to make an eau de vie. However, a portion of this has very high alcohol content, and the company realised it could be put to another use.

“We’re not asking anything for it,” Hein said. “We had this stock of alcohol in the basement so we said we could use that for now…we have it, so at the moment we give it to those who need it.”

The 375ml bottles are not intended for private use, however. Hein said that they’re giving it “only to associations or communities in need of it” which could in future include, for example, ambulance drivers, shopkeepers, “people who come in contact with people”.  

Like other local businesses, Hein says Ramborn has been impacted by the covid-19 crisis—not just due to the fact that roughly half its customers are bars and restaurants, but also on the export side. But he said they are using the time “to prepare, developing new products, make the best out of it”. 

His advice to other business owners?  “It’s so different from business to business, but talk to other business owners, look at how they’re managing, help each other as partners…If everyone helps each other out, that’s the best you can do. Stay together, and you’ll get by.”

Hein said the communities or associations in need of sanitiser are free to contact the company directly (contact info here).