Hygiene Became a Priority

Prior to 2020 many South Africans gave no notice to the Saniwipes offered at the front of supermarket stores. But suddenly the world realised that HYGIENE mattered! The flu virus took on a whole new meaning.

South Africa was one of the few countries in the world that already had a detergent disinfectant wipe at the front of stores to protect customers from bugs and bacteria lurking on for trolley handles. It was during the pandemic that the use of a Saniwipe before shopping became second nature.

The covid virus may be less of a threat today, but trolley handles remain one of the most frequently touched surfaces in any retail environment, making good hygiene practices as relevant as ever.

More Than 15 Years of Protection

Since introducing Saniwipes into South African supermarkets more than 15 years ago, millions of shoppers have benefited from the convenience of disinfecting trolley handles before beginning their shopping journey.

But as the popularity of the product grew, so did our responsibility to consider what happened to every wipe after use.

At Infection Protection Products (IPP), we believe that protecting people should never come at the expense of protecting the environment. Rather than accepting that used wipes would end up in landfill, Infection Protection Products (IPP) invested in developing a recycling solution.

The Result Was Simple but Innovative

Our Saniwipes were changed to their distinctive green colour so that recyclers across South Africa could immediately identify them as being manufactured from pure polypropylene – a valuable recyclable material.

Once collected, these wipes can be diverted from landfill and recycled into new products, supporting South Africa’s growing circular economy.

This initiative demonstrates that hygiene products don’t have to be disposable in every sense of the word. With the right design, partnerships and commitment, they can continue to provide value long after their original purpose has been fulfilled.

Partnerships Supporting a Circular Economy

One of those partnerships is with Checkers, which has worked alongside IPP to ensure that used Saniwipes collected in-store are directed into the recycling stream.

Another partnership is with Structural Poly, a company started by entrepreneur, Hudson Diphofa – A Katlehong man who went from being retrenched to starting his own business manufacturing outdoor products from recycled materials made from polypropylene.

South African entrepreneurs such as Hudson are the backbone of our nation.

Together, we’re helping shoppers make a small choice that protects them and delivers a much bigger environmental benefit.

A Small Habit with a Bigger Impact

Every day, thousands of people still visit supermarkets to buy fresh produce, collect prescriptions, or do their weekly family shop.

Taking a few seconds to wipe down a trolley handle, or shopping basket is a simple habit that promotes better hygiene-not just for yourself, but for everyone who uses the trolley after you.

It’s also an opportunity to support a product that has been designed with sustainability in mind. Providing valuable material for entrepreneurs like Hudson.

So next time you reach for a trolley, reach for the green wipe too.

Because a cleaner shopping experience shouldn’t cost the earth.

Sanitouch Saniwipes – The Power to Protect.

Support Hudson – support a circular economy:
083 490 7782 | structuralpoly.com