Reckitt has lifted the lid on the scale of its hygiene programme, revealing how 10,000 bottles of Dettol hand sanitiser were distributed during the Platinum Jubilee Pageant.
It comes as the Hull-founded company gears up for the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games, with brands Dettol - and Durex - to play a role.
The strategic partnership for Queen and Country saw Reckitt install more than 100 hand sanitiser dispensers on top of the distribution of hygiene kits for all volunteers, staff and attendees across the celebration weekend.
Jonathan Weiss, commercial director for Reckitt’s Pro Solutions said: “We’re delighted to have been the official hygiene partner for the Platinum Jubilee Pageant and provide our expertise at this historic event. Active communication is key to building confidence and reassuring thousands of attendees, so we've aimed to create an experience that maximises the perception of care, in an effort to inspire behaviour change when it comes to practising good hygiene.
“Overall heightened awareness of hand hygiene among staff and customers is something businesses should look to not just sustain, but actively encourage. We believe that simplicity is key when it comes to following good hygiene practices. Making antibacterial products easily available to visitors or providing training for staff and volunteers has proven to be simple and effective to help us achieve that.”
The London event followed COP26 in Glasgow and Expo 2020 Dubai.
Rosanna Machado, chief executive of the Platinum Jubilee Pageant, said: “It was fantastic to see people come together; friends, family and neighbours reunited, to witness this historic royal moment. After two years of the pandemic, many people are still hesitant about large gatherings and we wanted to bring attendees and visitors peace of mind - enabling them to focus on having fun and enjoying the weekend.
“We believe that the partnership with Dettol Pro Solutions has been key to that. We knew that consumers would recognise and be reassured by the presence of the Dettol brand. The support from the Dettol Pro Solutions team - from thought-through hand sanitiser for public spaces and food and beverage locations, staff masks and hygiene kits to staff cleaning and training - has been tremendous.”
The Commonwealth Games start next month, with the Dettol brand serving as the official hygiene partner, and its Durex brand the official intimate wellness provider.
Katie Sadleir, chief executive of the Commonwealth Games Federation, said: "We are proud to welcome Reckitt to the team. As the official hygiene partner, Dettol’s industry leading knowledge and expertise will help us deliver a successful and safe competition for athletes, officials and fans.”
A staggering 100,000 Durex condoms and educational materials will be available in athletes’ villages and medical facilities during the games, with Reckitt supporting athletes and spectators with Dettol hygiene kits over the 12-day event across 15 competition venues.
Nick Sedgwick, regional director for Reckitt’s health business in the UK & Ireland, said: “We’re delighted to bring two of Reckitt’s iconic brands, Dettol and Durex, to support Birmingham 2022. As a UK business with strong roots across the Commonwealth, we’re beyond proud to support the athletes and spectators at this year’s Games, with confidence, pride and strength, to make it an event to remember.”
