CLEVELAND – Lubrizol has announced a $2 million donation commitment to support COVID-19 needs globally. The pledge extends the work the company is already doing as companies across the globe leverage Lubrizol’s science for hand sanitizers, medical gowns, face masks, drug products, medical devices, transport vehicles and countless other applications.
“Every day, our employees deliver products that enable the world to move cleaner, create smarter and live better, and our team is fully committed to meet those needs, do it safely and deliver even greater impact during this global crisis,” said Eric Schnur, Lubrizol President and CEO. “In addition to the work that ends up in critical end-use products, we have been and will continue to support communities in need throughout this pandemic.”
As part of its $2 million donation pledge, the company has already contributed $325,000 in critical supplies to hospitals and charitable organizations in China, is supporting hospitals and medical staff in the United States and Europe, established a U.S. matching gift program with the American Red Cross, and is building a team of employees to provide virtual volunteering support, among many other efforts.
The company also is leveraging its science to enable important end-use products critical in this environment.
Lubrizol will enable an additional 1 billion bottles of hand sanitizer globally every month by increasing its Carbopol® production. Lubrizol’s Carbopol polymers efficiently thicken hand sanitizer formulations and allow the gel-like form that allows for a more complete and effective application. Since early January, the company pulled every available lever to support growing Carbopol demand and converted its global manufacturing assets to prioritize supply for cleansing and sanitizing products.
Lubrizol’s ESTANE® thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) materials are being applied in a multitude of applications to help protect responders and fight the COVID-19 battle. TPU’s versatility, durability and barrier properties bring value in protective garments, face shields, barrier curtains, hoses, tubing and cables, and devices produced through 3D printing. The company’s material scientists are collaborating with customers across the globe to help them adjust their operations to serve these urgent needs and address critical shortages.
Lubrizol teams supporting pharmaceutical customers are ensuring active ingredient delivery in a variety of drug products, while also supplying medical customers with flexible, biocompatible materials for vascular catheters, IV tubing sets, wound dressings and medical device components utilized in ventilators, valves, and infusion pumps.
Lubrizol’s additives keep more than half of the world’s vehicles running reliably and efficiently. During this pandemic, the company is continuing its important role in supporting the world’s infrastructure, including keeping first responder and delivery vehicles moving.
Lubrizol’s coatings chemistry is protecting millions of packages of food and other staples, while its materials used in piping systems reliably deliver clean water for hand washing and safe drinking.
Above all, Lubrizol is keeping its 8,800 employees safe. As part of its safety culture, Lubrizol had pandemic plans and teams in place well before COVID-19. These teams were activated early in this journey and regularly assess and follow global health recommendations, as well as local guidance in all areas where the company operates.
Employees who can are working from home. In other locations, the company minimized the number of employees on site, initiating rotations where feasible, practicing social distancing and instituting additional cleaning procedures. In all locations, Lubrizol has a range of policies to support employees as they seek to balance their professional and personal lives during this unprecedented time.
For more information on Lubrizol’s response to COVID-19, visit www.Lubrizol.com/COVID-19.
