That sensational feeling of safety you get when you feel clean is incomparable. Don't you agree? In the last few centuries, concerns over hygiene continue to command our attention. Indeed, pocket-sized glass bottles of hand sanitiser will make treasured gifts. They cleanse your hands from contamination at any time and anywhere.
So why do we prescribe the use of small glass bottles? There is widespread use of plastics in the hand sanitiser industry. But glass material is very desirable - it is both durable and impermeable. It is also a safer alternative for storing volatile substances like hand sanitiser. If you choose to do commercial production of hand sanitisers, it is commendable. It is a blessing to humanity. Learn how to produce and package hand sanitisers in small bottles of glass in this article.
Compelling Reasons to Use Glass Bottles for Packaging Hand Sanitiser
Glass bottles can appear in many shapes that look so attractive. The glints of light on the glass surface contribute to that beauty. In all, glass containers are often stunning pieces of art. Glass also looks crisp and clean. Again, the transparency of glass reveals its contents for a quick assessment.
Small bottles of glass material can also serve as multifunctional storage vessels. They are often strong and do not crack while carrying them around. This makes them quite useful for storing other items.
The addition of airtight caps can stop the contents from evaporating or pouring away. This is a bonus score for packaging hand sanitiser in portable glass vessels. Because alcohol is the main ingredient in hand sanitisers. It can ignite and evaporate pretty fast.
The possible leaching of plastic is another big concern. This can occur when used to store reactive substances. Plastic may react with its contents over time to produce harmful substances. Thus, it can contaminate its contents. Too bad that alcohol affects plastics in this way. Plastic can also break down and leak following its prolonged usage. But glass is one of the most non-reactive, anti-rust, and contamination-proof materials around.
Furthermore, glass can undergo unlimited cycles of repeated use and recycling. It does so without losing its initial quality. But plastic fails in that regard. Unless you add new material, the quality of plastic diminishes following every recycle. Plastic pollution in the environment is another tacky issue.
How to Produce Hand Sanitiser Gel - The Ingredients
The use of hand sanitisers should be in tandem with soap and water. Hand sanitisers produced for sale should state this fact. This guideline should appear on the product packaging and/or labelling.
The needed materials are as follows:
- 2 or 3 parts of isopropyl alcohol. It should be between 60 and 99 per cent concentration.
- 1 part of Aloe Vera gel.
- 3 per cent hydrogen peroxide, which is optional. 1 tablespoon is enough.
- 98 per cent glycerin, also optional. You need only 1 teaspoon.
- Your choice of essential oil. Otherwise, you may use Vitamin E oil. Only a few drops are adequate. Also optional.
- Boiled or distilled cold water
- A blender, or a mixing bowl
- A whisk (for the mixing bowl).
- Measuring spoon or cup
- Small bottles with tight-fitting spray caps or pump heads
Procedure:
Ensure your tools are clean. And follow the steps below.
- Add the Aloe Vera to the isopropyl alcohol, and blend them. Continue until it becomes smooth.
- Stir every other additive into the gel and mix well.
- Mix the water with the gel. About ¼ cup is enough for 99 per cent isopropyl alcohol. You can vary the water content for lower concentrations of alcohol. But use a suitable amount that will allow the gel to pour without problem.
- Disinfect the bottles by rinsing their insides with some of the alcohol. Then leave the alcohol to dry off. This will disinfect the bottles.
- Use the measuring cup or spoon to scoop the sanitiser gel into the bottles. Then seal them tight.
Use of Hand Sanitisers: Safety Tips
A vital safety tip in the production of hand sanitisers is to label the bottles. Indicating the contents can prevent the unfortunate case of drinking it by accident. Disallow children from having easy access to hand sanitisers as well.
In any case, apply enough hand sanitiser all over your hands (but not too much). Also, ensure that after using a hand sanitiser, your hands stay away from your face.
Again, never apply hand sanitiser if you are close to heat or flames. Alternatively, wash and dry your hands to remove all the alcohol. Do this before handling anything hot. That includes cookers, ovens, grills, matches, or anything around fire or heat.
You may not realise it, but the alcohol evaporates over time. Heat can make the hand sanitiser dry up faster. Do not expose it to heat or direct sunlight. And hand sanitisers do expire. As soon as the expiration date arrives, dispose of it in a safe way.
Final Words
There are benefits in using small bottles made of glass to package hand sanitisers. These portable vessels are adorable gifts any day. They are often strong and are sustainable. Yet again, they protect their contents well.
But one must exercise caution. Hand sanitisers are flammable liquids. Do not use them around flames, on your face, or near children. And ensure the bottles carry appropriate labels before sending them out.