Grant: Applied Research and Development Grants - Level 1

With a head office in London, Ontario, Occupational Safety Group Inc. (OSG) is a private health and safety training organization that offers online training courses, consulting services, and safety certification courses. In 2018, OSG began selling personal protective equipment (PPE) and it was during this time that the moisturizing sanitizer formulation project originated. As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been a tremendous surge in product requests that have made OSG rethink their position. Historically, importing products and selling B2B, OSG has now begun the implementation process for manufacturing their unique hand sanitizer locally to meet the demands of companies amidst the pandemic. Currently, the product acts as intended, killing germs while also simultaneously acting as a scent-free moisturizer. However, the moisturizer can leave behind white product traces and an alcohol scent upon application which is less than desired. The collaborative project with Lambton college will focus on adjusting the formula to eliminate the remnants of white residue and reduce alcohol odor, while also examining whether the sanitizer production process should be done completely in-house or if an existing supplier's base product can be ordered and adapted to the desired output. The overall goal is to develop a high-quality, moisturizing hand sanitizer containing locally sourced ingredients produced by OSG. The results of the proposed project will offer Canadian consumers a differentiated product that is safer and of higher quality than those currently existing on the market. Since this product will be manufactured in Canada any spike in demand for sanitizer products will be met quickly, which, in turn, will reduce the need for stockpiling of products and Canada's reliance on imports. Furthermore, with increased production it is estimated to create 4 new full-time positions.