We have BIG NEWS! After extensive product research, development and testing, we are now manufacturing GEL HAND SANITIZER!

While a number of companies began producing liquid hand sanitizer in response to the COVID-19 worldwide pandemic, very few have begun to manufacture gel versions. In fact, we are one of the only one’s in Michigan who have made this transition!

The reason for this is that making liquid hand sanitizer is relatively straightforward, as the manufacturing process only requires mixing together a few ingredients with similar properties. In essence, there’s really no wrong way to do it as long as you’re measuring and calculating properly. This is why the FDA, CDC and WHO allowed the reduction in production requirements, because it is a simple process to follow.

On the other hand, gel hand sanitizer is not as simple process to manufacture. This is because the use of emulsifiers, thickeners or gelling agents use a proprietary process that requires scientific knowledge, testing and refinement to ensure the final product is satisfactory for use. The manufacturing process is also different in that the ingredients do not all have similar properties, so the steps needed to produce it are different and there is more room for error.

We here at Drivergent took nearly 2 months in working with industry experts, scientists and engineers to retool our operation to properly manufacture gel hand sanitizer. We’re happy to announce it was worth the wait! Our product goes on smooth, dissipates properly and leaves a lotion-like feel. There’s no sticky residue left and it has a pleasant improved lemon scent.

Our customers have been asking for gel hand sanitizer and we’re ready to delivery. Check out our Online Store to view all of the sizes we have available. We manufacture daily and always have product in stock!

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While the news stories are helpful in getting the word out, they are not completely explaining the situation, leaving consumers with questions and doubts if other hand sanitizers – including ours – are still safe? This article is aimed at helping answer the questions consumers may have, and reassuring you our products are compliant and safe!

Methanol is another nondrinking type of alcohol (also known as wood alcohol and methyl alcohol) which is mostly used to create fuel, solvents and antifreeze. A colorless liquid, it smells, feels and evaporates like ethanol or isopropryl. However, when absorbed through the skin, it can be poisonous for humans.

When metabolized by the human body, methanol makes formic acid and formaldehyde, both of which attack the nervous system. The optic nerve is the first line of defense to fall, and a victim of methanol poisoning will often begin to experience “snowy” vision and potentially permanent blindness. In fact, this is the origin of the term “blind drunk.” One of the biggest dangers with hand sanitizer containing methanol, is you don’t know how much is being absorbed into the body, so continued use of these products can lead to methanol poisoning.

So why is Methanol ending up in some hand sanitizers?

Methanol should NOT be used in hand sanitizers, but during supply shortages due to the pandemic, some manufacturers chose to substitute methanol for the approved ethyl or isopropryl alcohols.

However, these manufacturers did NOT change their drug fact product labeling. Their product labels showed they were using either ethyl or isopropryl alcohols, when they were not. So not only were consumers potentially at risk – they would have no way of knowing.

This is what led to the FDA investigating concerns and through testing found a number of products on the market with this problem and issued recalls.

So how can I ensure my product is safe?

Step 1

Understand where your product is manufactured and by whom. Of the 115 (at time of writing) hand sanitizing products that the FDA has recalled, all but 3 were made in Mexico. In fact, those three non-Mexican recalls were NOT because of direct methanol usage. This shows that the issue is not a significant problem with products manufactured correctly within the United States.

You can view the current FDA updates on hand sanitizer consumers should not use HERE.

Step 2

You can research a hand sanitizer manufacturer and ensure they are registered with the FDA. Anyone manufacturing hand sanitizer in the United States – even if its temporarily during the pandemic – MUST be registered with the FDA. A manufacturer must have their facility and product registered with the FDA.

You can search the FDA manufacturer facility database HERE.
To find Drivergent’s FDA facility registration: type in the Drivergent Firm name.

You can search the FDA manufacturer product drug database HERE.
To find Drivergent’s FDA product registration:

• Select Finished Products
• Select Type – Labeler
• Type in Drivergent

Step 3

Ask the manufacturer details about how their product is made and what it contains – most notably about its primary active ingredient – the alcohol.

For example, Drivergent uses a Specially Denatured Alcohol (SDA) type 40B 190 proof. This is a version of ethyl (ethanol) alcohol that is denatured – meaning modified to be undrinkable – that is approved for use in hand sanitizers. We receive our alcohol from experienced and approved chemical manufacturers here in the United States. In order to legally purchase and use this product, we had to receive a permit from the U.S. Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB).

 
Here at Drivergent, we take the safety of our products and the consumers who use them extremely seriously. Our employees and their families also use our products, and we take every precautionary step to ensure our products are compliant and safe to use. You can learn more about our company and products HERE on our FAQ’s page.

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We are excited to announce that we have begun to manufacture and produce Drivergent Liquid Hand Sanitizer in response to the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic. As our main school bus transportation operations have been temporarily shut down due to school closings and social-distancing guidelines, we felt compelled to find a way to help those in need.

Just as we are committed to providing safe, affordable transportation, we want to be your partner in providing you a continuous, affordable supply of hand sanitizer. As stay in place orders begin to be lifted, we all need a way to ensure our families and coworkers remain safe and healthy.

We are now a registered Food & Drug Administration (FDA) facility and labeler, which allows us to manufacture over-the-counter cosmetic products (hand sanitizer). We also have a U.S Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) special denatured alcohol user permit, which allows us to purchase the active product needed in our hand sanitizer. You can learn more about our operations on our Hand Sanitizer Page.

Please check out our Store, and see the Products we have available.

Would you like to collaborate with us, or know someone that could use our help? Please send us a message HERE.

We’re able to create economic solutions for larger governmental agencies, business and organizations. Let us know your needs HERE.

We’re passionate about helping everyone stay safe and healthy so we can all get through this time of need. It is our goal to be a continuous and affordable source of these vital products for our partners, and to be ready to provide you transportation services once the new school year begins.

The post Drivergent Hand Sanitizer is Here! appeared first on Drivergent.

State of Michigan Executive Order 2020-42 (COVID-19)
State of Michigan Guide for Businesses regarding Executive Order 2020-42

As our main school bus and group passenger transportation business has been temporarily shuttered due to social-distancing guidelines, after thorough planning, proper retooling and government registrations, we have begun to manufacture liquid hand sanitizer for sale. To learn more about our hand sanitizer manufacturing Click Here.

We are certainly taking the health and safety of our employees very seriously, and for those that are needed in the manufacturing process we are taking additional cleaning and safety measures throughout our facility. We will continue to keep the best interests of our customers in mind as well, and are ready to assist you through this challenging time.

Thank you for your trust in Drivergent, and thank you for your business!

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The U.S. Center for Disease Control (CDC) is responding to an outbreak of respiratory disease caused by a novel coronavirus that was first detected in China and which has now been detected in more than 100 locations internationally, including in the United States. The virus has been named “SARS-CoV-2” and the disease it causes has been named “coronavirus disease 2019” (abbreviated “COVID-19”).

On March 10, 2020, the State of Michigan announced the first presumptive positive cases of COVID-19 within the state and declared a state of emergency to maximize efforts to slow the spread. On March 11, 2020, the World Health Organization now characterized COVID-19 as a pandemic.

While risk to the general public remains relatively low at this time, numerous recommendations are being made by the U.S. Center for Disease Control (CDC), and the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) in order to slow the spread of the disease both regionally and nationally.

Drivergent Transportation continues to monitor the situation and reviews all new communications and advisories from governmental agencies to properly address our COVID-19 Hazard Mitigation Response for our school bus operational activities for the safety of our employees and our passengers. While specific recommendations for passenger bus travel have not yet been made, we are following the recommendations given for schools, businesses and air travel.

You can download a pdf copy of Drivergent Transportation’s COVID-19 Hazard Mitigation Response here.

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Launched in 2007, Love the Bus is an annual month-long celebration held each February across North America. The event highlights the important role of the yellow school bus in education and shows appreciation for the school bus drivers who safely transport more than 25 million children to and from school every day.

The American School Bus Council (ASBC) has celebrated the school bus’ influence on learning through stories that span the nation. This is why each February, they invite students, schools, and educators to highlight “Love The Bus month” and the important role of the yellow school bus in their communities and show appreciation for the school bus drivers who safely transport children every day.

This year, the American School Bus Safety Council (ASBC) also asked operations to share creative and unique ways they #LoveTheBus. Leading into the annual Love the Bus Campaign, ASBC will share these ideas on LoveTheBus.org.

There are a number of free downloadable resources made available by the ASBC for schools and staff to use to promote and engage students, families and the public about the campaign and the safety and success of the school bus transportation teams. You can view these resources HERE.

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