Global haircare manufacturer AG Hair is shifting focus from hair products to hand sanitizers to help Canadian health organizations battle COVID-19. The Vancouver-based company is also leveraging its manufacturing relationships with contacts in China to source badly needed medical supplies like N95 face masks and COVID-19 test kits.
Production of AG Hair’s “Hands Free” product is underway at the company’s 70,000-square-foot headquarters in Coquitlam, which the company has converted to accommodate swift output of the sanitizer. AG Hair’s product is comprised of 73-percent corn-derived alcohol, which exceeds sanitizer guidelines set by the Centre for Disease Control (CDC) and World Health Organization (WHO), and the alcohol manufacturing process is completely renewable. The sanitizers will be shared with national health authorities and sold to the public through both the company website and Amazon.
AG Hair is also calling on its extensive contacts in China to source crucial medical items like N95 face masks and disposable surgical masks, gloves, gowns, COVID-19 test kits and ventilators, following reports by national and global health authorities of dwindling stocks. To forestall the shortage of these key supplies, the Government of Canada has issued a call for Canadian manufacturers and businesses to help meet the need for products like gloves, masks, sanitizers, wipes and ventilators.
This big-picture agility aligns with AG Hair co-founder and CEO Lotte Davis’ track record. Davis is founder and CEO of One Girl Can, a Vancouver-based NGO working towards gender equality through education for girls living in extreme poverty in Africa. Davis has helmed the team at AG Hair since the company was founded more than 30 years ago, building the company’s global reputation on award-winning innovation in its space.
With companies like AG Hair redirecting priorities to joining the fight against COVID-19, people across Canada and beyond are proving we are a formidable force when we work together.
Canadian Manufacturers Needed to Combat COVID-19
Local manufacturers or businesses interested in helping Canada meet the need for medical supplies can refer to the Government of Canada’s website.
Looking for more information?
Refer to our COVID-19 resources page for up-to-date information on reliefs for businesses and workers.
