Toucan Eco disinfectant receives TGA approval for use against COVID-19

The disinfectant solution made by Toucan Eco generators has received the Australian Government’s Department of Health Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) approval for use against COVID-19.

This means Toucan Eco hypochlorous acid disinfectant has been proven to be effective by the TGA against the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus strain, also known as COVID-19.

“We believe it’s the first non-chemical disinfectant that you make yourself from water, salt and electricity that’s proven to be effective to hospital grade against COVID-19”, explained Dean Braden, director of ECA Australasia.

“It’s a huge step forward in the fight against the coronavirus, and with a solution you can make yourself onsite, while reducing the use of synthetic chemicals or the single-use plastic bottles they are supplied in.”

The science behind Toucan Eco

The solution comprises water and salt, which is electrolysed to break up and recombine the naturally occurring elements of water (H20) and salt (NaCl) to produce hypochlorous acid (HOCI), an effective disinfectant, and sodium hypochlorite (NAOCI) at a concentration and pH that acts a gentle cleaner.

HOCI is a weak acid that’s produced by the human body as part of our immune system’s defence against infection. When the body comes under attack from invading bacteria and viruses, the immune system responds by sending white blood cells to the infection. Once activated, these cells produce the same HOCI, which is amongst the most potent and naturally occurring disinfectants.

How to use

Once activated, it can be sprayed directly onto any surface including glass and fabrics, and can be left to dry or be wiped away. It also works as a deodoriser and you can apply it as a mist to safely disinfect large areas too.

As with the application of any cleaning product, it’s most effective if used in two stages. This is widely recognised as being the most effective way to clean and disinfect, as disinfectants kill more germs if surfaces are grease and dirt free first. With Toucan Eco, you can use the solution for both stages.

The contact between the disinfectant and surface is vital here. With Toucan Eco, you can spray and wipe – we recommend using microfibre products – and also allow the surface to dry naturally where possible.

The growing use of hypochlorous acid

In the last few years, we have started to see the product being adopted by more businesses looking for non-chemical cleaning solutions that are cost-effective and have less impact on the environment.

Hypochlorous acid is already widely used in Japan, South Korea and America. It’s being used in the fight against Covid-19 by coronavirus swab test health workers to disinfect their clothing using portable shower booths.

It’s already being used to disinfect ambulance cabins by installing a misting system to spray each cabin between patients, as well as in many other businesses including opticians, dentists, schools, restaurants and manufacturing sites.

Powerful, safe and eco-friendly

In the wake of Covid-19, there is a real opportunity for businesses to adopt a more sustainable cleaning system that can be used daily as a multipurpose disinfectant cleaner, that’s effective against coronaviruses, and reduces the use of synthetic chemicals and the single-use plastic bottles they are supplied in.

Toucan Eco is available in a range of models including the Toucan Eco 3, a one litre model for the home and small businesses such as shops, gyms and cafes, along with larger models which makes 10, 20 and 350 litres with each activation.

As part of the Department of Health, the Australian Registered Therapeutic Goods (ARTG) safeguards and enhances the health of the Australian community through effective and timely regulation of therapeutic goods. This includes the enforcement of standards and regulations for the safety and efficacy of therapeutic goods. For more information, please visit https://www.tga.gov.au/who-we-are-what-we-do

You can find the ARTG disinfectant listing here or by searching for the registered ARTG number 349030 using this weblink  https://www.tga.gov.au/disinfectants-use-against-covid-19-artg-legal-supply-australia . It is listed under Toucan / BIOzolv Disinfectant & Sanitiser – Disinfectant, hospital grade and licensed to ECA Australasia Pty Ltd.

FAQs about TGA

Do the Toucan Eco systems require TGA approval?

No. Under the regulations these products are exempt for regulation.

Do the solutions produced by Toucan Eco require TGA approval?

Not if the label makes zero claims or it is used within your own household, family, etc. It also isn’t required if used for environmental control purposes. If otherwise then yes, the solution is regulated and would require to be registered with TGA to ensure the evidence to the claims meet relative standards.

Can ECA Australasia provide TGA approved bottled solutions with claims against COVID-19?

Yes. ECA Australasia has been approved with claims against COVID-19 as regulated by TGA to lawfully sell Toucan Eco solutions. (TGA approval 349030).