Dear Ms Schröder, - Unterweger GmbH · Dear Ms Schröder, “to get the full value of joy you must...

Dear Ms Schröder,

“ to get the full value of joy you must have someone to divide it with,” said mark twain.

i want to share my joy at Sterillium’s fiftieth anniversary with you. the great success of this unique brand has many fathers, many mothers and many fans, who shall all share our happiness.

Already the first bottle of Sterillium, which was filled on 4 June 1965, was the result of a team effort: there was the unconventionally thinking surgeon Prof. Kalmár, who did not want to accept the inadequate hygiene conditions in his clinic; there were the pragmatically oriented researchers in our laboratory, who turned his ideas into a pioneering new product concept; there were the users, who already in the test phase appreciated the advantages of this highly effective and skin-friendly hand disinfectant; and there were our marketing and sales specialists, who brought Sterillium on the road to success.

teamwork – not only in our company, but also with our partners and customers – has been very important throughout all these years, because great things can only be accomplished together. Also today, the challenges in hygiene are huge and demanding. Rethinking and forging new paths are hence part of our entrepreneurial fitness programme. Not only ebola has reminded us of that improving hygiene is a permanent challenge that we have to face every single day.

We have made Sterillium all set for the future – by advancing our product portfolio, by founding the BODE SCiENCE CENtER and by tapping into new markets from the Far East to America. And just as intensively we work on making the public aware of the importance of hygiene and increasing compliance. there is still much to be done. For us all!

Anniversaries raise our awareness of looking back and looking ahead. Both the look back and the look ahead are summarised in this brochure. i invite you to explore the world of Sterillium – a world with a colour, smell and feel that you are familiar with. Let us tell you the story. Enjoy this exciting journey through time.

Yours sincerely,

Dr. Klaus Ruhnaumanaging Director, BODE Chemie GmbH

I N T R O D U C T I O N

5 0 Y E A R S O F S T E R I L L I U M

/ 3

Can prevent infections: 3 ml of Sterillium


/ 65 0 Y E A R S O F S T E R I L L I U M

/ 7

PROFESSOR DR. PETER KALMÁR, 80, IS A PIONEER.

IN 1965, THE THEN PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT AT THE SURGICAL UNIVERSITY

MEDICAL CENTER HAMBURG-EPPENDORF, GERMANY MADE AN OBSERVATION

REGARDING CLINICAL HYGIENE AND STARTED TO INVESTIGATE. HIS IDEA

AND THE DEVELOPMENT OF STERILLIUM® REVOLUTIONISED HAND DISINFECTION AND

HAVE MADE THE COMBAT OF GERMS MORE EFFICIENT, SAFER AND FASTER.

RESEARCHER OUT OF CLINICAL

NECESSITY

How was surgical hand disinfection handled when you

took up your position as physician assistant?

In a purely classical manner. Before surgical procedures, we

scrubbed our hands and forearms with water, soap and a brush.

Afterwards, we poured ninety-six per cent alcohol over the skin,

which was then dried with sterile cloths. An effective method,

which, in retrospect, was not ideal.

Why? Many surgeons had rough and cracked skin due to the

washing with its strong degreasing effect. Many physicians suffered

from hand eczema and chronic inflammations. Single-use gloves

did not exist yet.

When did you realise that things had to be changed?

Was there a crucial experience?

Yes, I had one. In 1964. Three of our patients died a miserable

death of infection after heart surgeries, which actually had been

successful. I still remember their names. My boss at that time and

I, we were in despair, because we could not save them.

Investigations showed that the detected pathogens reached the

wound from the outside. Our aim was to keep the environment

almost sterile. We contacted the disinfection specialists from Dr.

Bode & Co. and met with chemist Rolf Steinhagen. He showed us

what the methodology of disinfection entails. We got canisters

from fruit growers that we buckled on to spray the operating

theatre’s walls and floors with formalin-based Bacillol – with gas

masks. This way, we could reduce the infection rate a little.

When did you get onto the subject of hand disinfection?

During the ward round, Wednesday, seven o’clock. The rooms

were very small, only the most important physicians went in. The

others and I stayed in front of the door. There was this washbowl

with diluted disinfection solution that all physicians used to

dis infect their hands. This solution appeared suspicious to me.

After the ward round, I took a sample and sent it to the

bacteriologist. One day later, I had the proof that the stuff had

no effect. The solution was alive with germs. Suddenly, I had a

skin-friendly rub in mind that does not require a handwash.

How did you realise your idea?

My boss supported me, and shortly afterwards, I met Rolf

Steinhagen from Bode & Co.; we reviewed literature and tried

a lot. After several examinations, we identified the formula

that has remained unchanged until today. A formula that is

gentle on the skin and is active during surgeries lasting three to

four hours. Sterillium, the first hand disinfectant to be rubbed in,

was born.

What was the greatest challenge during the development?

We had to ensure that the product reaches the deeper corneal

layers, for microorganisms residing on the stratum corneum not

getting through to the skin’s surface. That worked out with our

formula and with an exposure time of three to five minutes. Fol-

lowing bacteriological testing, the preparation was authorised

for practical use in 1965.

Do you have a strong urge to explore?

Well, I love to get to the bottom of things. To prove that it is not

necessary to pre-wash hands I made some tests with students –

the result was convincing. For twenty years, for every patient I

had kept records of infections to document the frequency and

draw conclusions.

Can you give an example?

We set up a preparation room between changing room and

operating theatre. The door only opened after the dispenser with

hand disinfectant had been activated.

How did Sterillium change clinical routine and nosocomial

infection?

In the mid-1960s, the infection rate was more than ten per cent

and thus relatively high. Today, it is much lower ranging between

two to three per cent. This of course also has to do with the clinic

staff being trained in hygiene. Since 1965, there have been

dispensers in corridors and washrooms that, of course, have to

be used.

You have been often honoured for your services to science

and cardiac surgery. What do these awards mean to you?

Very much. I put them up at home and look at them with pride.

They are a true recognition.

You still receive recognition as passionate swimmer to

day. At openwater swimming events, you rank among

the top and have won several German championships.

I only began competitive swimming when I was sixty-two years

old. Today, I exercise almost every day.

And where do the more dangerous germs romp about –

in hospitals or in pools?

In clinics of course.

Professor Kalmár was physician with passion and is a just as enthusiastic athlete today

I N T E R V I E W W I T H P R O F E S S O R K A L M Á R I N T E R V I E W W I T H P R O F E S S O R K A L M Á R



/ 9

WOLFGANG STRECKER’S ATTENTION IS RAISED – TO STERILLIUM®.

IN HIS THIRTY-NINE YEARS AT BODE, THE BOTTLE VIRTUALLY HAS

BECOME PART OF HIM. THE MARKETING EXPERT SEES EVERY DISPENSER:

EVEN ON TV HE RECOGNISES THE DISTINCTIVE SILHOUETTE – AS EXTRA

IN THE BACKGROUND. “I JUST DID IN LAST SUNDAYS’S

CRIME THRILLER. IN PATHOLOGY.”

CRIME SCENE

Wolfgang Strecker experienced his own individual crime with

Sterillium: at the end of 1991, just a few weeks after he had

assumed the position as Sterillium Product Manager, he received

complaints from customers: “Our Sterillium smells some how

strange.” Also in the next few days, the telephone rang

constantly. “The liquid had a very subtle undertone. I would not

have recognised it, to be honest. But the people, who

disin fected their hands many times per day, did.” The search for

clues began. “We were not able to explain, were in a state of

emergency. From management to production, we checked up

on every hint. I spoke with hundreds of pharmacists and nurses

in clinics.”

AFTER FOUR WEEKS,THE DELINQUENT WAS FOUND

The propanol. During delivery, one of the alcohols used had

apparently come into contact with traces of a chemical product,

which was responsible for the odour problems. BODE recalled

the batches concerned – in the end, Sterillium was in an even

better position than before: “Our quick reaction had streng thened

the confidence. The sales figures rose continuously. We always

yielded an increase over the previous year. For fifteen years, I

had been in charge of our bestseller as Product Manager. It was

exciting.”

EVEN TODAY, THE MARKETING EXPERT IS FASCINATED WITH THE

STERILLIUM USERS’ BRAND LOYALTY

Similar to Tupperware and Scotch tape Sterillium has become

gold standard in its field. Again and again, studies have proved

this. For example the survey among hospital staff by GfK

(So ciety for Consumer Research) in Nuremberg. The result:

people develop a very personal relationship to the product,

speak about “my Sterillium”. And this loyalty is carried into

private life. Once, BODE’s Marketing asked customers to send

in holiday snaps. They received pictures from all over the world.

Sterillium on top of a sand castle, in front of a monument, on

the Great Wall of China ...

A COLOUR THAT STANDS FOR CONFIDENCE

“As Product Manager, I had been in charge of everything related

to Sterillium,” says Wolfgang Strecker. He even had a say in the

colour. “Originally, Sterillium had a beautiful violet shimmer.

When the azoic dyes had fallen into disrepute in the 1990s, we

immediately decided to take the questionable red out.” The first

try was too “loud” for the modest man. Hence, the Product

Development department reduced the tone – and done was

the colour that has stood for loyalty and trust since then. When

the company had developed the colourless Sterillium classic

pure, Strecker’s perception of colours played a role again: “I

absolutely wanted a blue bottle, so that our customer immedia-

tely recognise their product.” He got the blue bottle.

In his private life, Wolfgang Strecker has a relaxed attitude

towards bacteria and viruses. “I know where hand disinfection

is important for me.” There are, however, places, where he

would never miss a disinfectant dispenser – “at airports, train

stations and hospitals. Sterillium has become my Cosmos over

the years.”

Since the awareness of hand disinfection has increased disinfectants have become very common – also in motorway

toilets, washrooms in medical practices, restaurants and clubs.

I N T E R V I E W W I T H W O L F G A N G S T R E C K E R I N T E R V I E W W I T H W O L F G A N G S T R E C K E R

Wolfgang Strecker, 63, former Product Manager for Sterillium, Glückstadt, Germany

FROMLOCAL HERO

TOGLOBAL PLAYER

THE WORLD SEES BLUE.

EVERY DAY, AROUND THIRTY-FIVE TONS OF STERILLIUM® LEAVE BODE CHEMIE’S SITE

IN HAMBURG-STELLINGEN TO BRING PROFESSIONAL HYGIENE TO THE MOST

REMOTE PLACES IN THE WORLD. SINCE THE FUSION WITH PAUL HARTMANN AG

IN 2009, STERILLIUM® HAS BEEN A GLOBAL PLAYER. NOW THE PRODUCTS REACH

COUNTRIES WHERE IT HAD NOT BEEN REPRESENTED BEFORE.

Markets and habits are different. But one thing is the same all over the world:

the perception of the products. In all countries, where it is available, Sterillium stands for quality,

safety and skin tolerability



/ 13

1. How is Sterillium perceived in your country?As traditional, on the one hand, but also as modern, because it

still complies with current hand disinfection requirements,

which may change from time to time due to new findings,

diseases, etc. – one might say “the Nutella of hand

disin fectants”.

2. How do you assess Sterillium’s future prospects? Diverse epidemics during the past years (bird flu, swine flu,

SARS, etc.) have confirmed the capabilities of this product. Our

R&D department’s watchful eye and the close collaboration

with leading experts and authorities always keeps the Sterillium

products up to date with the current state of science. I am

convinced that with this approach we will remain the number

one in hand disinfection in hospitals

3. What is your motivation to work for SterilliumThe described product characteristics and the now globally

efforts to increase hand hygiene compliance – after having

worked in this field for twenty years, this is a challenge I willingly

face every day.

“The convenient and simple application, the distinctive blue colour and the superior efficacy make Sterillium a highly attractive product for our customers. Sterillium has won their heads and hearts.

On the one hand, there are many studies and laboratory reports, on the other hand, it simply feels great when it is applied to the hands. I met people with damaged skin who suffered during work until they got to know Sterillium.

I experienced infection control practitioners who finally felt safe with Sterillium. I can help so often, which is simply great.”

S T E R I L L I U M M E E T S H A R T M A N N S T E R I L L I U M M E E T S H A R T M A N N

Jan ZeukeSales Expert Disinfection, Germany

Ricard Serra, Marketing Manager Hospitals, Spain

Garry KelleyMarketing Manager, USA

“Since its introduction to the US market in 2002, Sterillium has been recognised as quality product, particularly because of the high alcohol content combined with very good skin compatibility. It is still our challenge to assure the customers that they are investing in a quality product which prevents infections, which protects the health and safety of users, and which saves and protects lives.”

Svetlana Shramko Product Manager Disinfection, Russia

“Here in Russia, we only have Sterillium and Sterillium classic pure. Our market share grows, which has to do with Russian clinics considering Sterillium the «gold standard».”



/ 15

OUTSTANDING SKIN TOLERABILITY AS DECISIVE

ADDED VALUE

THE STRONGEST CURRENCY FOR A HAND DISINFECTANT’S SKIN TOLERABILITY IS THE USERS’ PERCEPTION: THE NUMBER FOR STERILLIUM PRODUCTS IS IMPRESSIVE:

AROUND THREE BILLION HAND DISINFECTIONS ARE PERFORMED WITH

STERILLIUM EVERY YEAR. AS FEW AS FORTY-FIVE TIMES, SKIN IRRITATIONS

ARE REPORTED AS SIDE EFFECT. THAT IS ONE REPORT PER SIXTY-SIX

MILLION APPLICATIONS.

FURTHERMORE, THE SKIN-FRIENDLY PROPERTIES OF STERILLIUM PRODUCTS HAVE BEEN CONFIRMED BY APPROXIMATELY 33 COSMETIC DERMATOLOGICAL, OBSERVATIONAL AND CLINICAL STUDIES.

In addition to the long-established skin tolerability, the latest

study also demonstrated the moisturising and thus nurturing

property. Twenty-nine test persons applied Sterillium classic

pure thirty times on each of the ten study days. The study

design was able to show that the repeated use of Sterillium

classic pure may hydrate the skin, maintains the skin’s elasticity,

and keeps the skin’s barrier intact. Due to the frequency of

application the study results can be translated to clinical routine

one to one. At the same time, the study confirms the

obser vation that many users have remained loyal to Sterillium

for many years, because it is good for their skin.

« INTERNATIONAL STUDIES AND FIELD REPORTS HAVE CONFIRMED STERILLIUM®’S

TOLERABILITY. THE SKIN TOLERABILITY IS IMPORTANT PARTICULARLY

IN TERMS OF USER ACCEPTANCE. THE BETTER A HAND DISINFECTANT IS ACCPETED

BY THE USER THE HIGHER THE CHANCE TO INCREASE THE COMPLIANCE WITH

HAND HYGIENE PROTOCOLS, I.E. PERFORM HAND HYGIENE WHEN AND AS INDICATED. »When the pioneer of modern hand disinfection, Professor Kalmár describes how many physicians suffered from

skin eczema and chronic inflammations in the 1960s as they had to scrub their hands and forearms

with brushes, this can be avoided today. The development of Sterillium has made skin-friendly hand disinfection possible.

Since then, the excellent skin tolerability has been a natural added value of Sterillium.

STUDY CONFIRMS INCREASE IN SKIN HYDRATION

Just recently, a study with twenty-nine test subjects proved that Sterillium classic pure significantly increases

the skin hydration when applied several times a day. The measurements were compared to untreated skin.

Chan

ge in

skin

hyd

ratio

n in

%

Day 5 Day 10

40

30

20

10

0

THE SKIN TOLERABILITY OF THE STERILLIUM PRODUCTS IS BASED ON THEIR UNIQUE COMPOSITION AND MODE OF ACTION. THEY CONTAIN SKIN-FRIENDLY NURTURING SUBSTANCES AS USED IN THE COMSMETICS INDUSTRY.

> GLYCERINE, which is used as moisturiser in cosmetics due to

its water-binding properties. This way, it reduces the skin’s

water loss, which otherwise may lead to dry skin. In addition,

glycerine is capable of increasing the skin’s elasticity and

making the skin soft.

> 1-TETRADECANOL, which has a replenishing effect and

makes the skin pliable.

While the volatile alcohols evaporate after a short time, the

skincare substances remain on the skin, where they unfold their

skin-friendly effect.

This effect far exceeds the mere effect on the skin. This is what

another study shows that investigated the switch from the

disinfecting handwash to alcohol-based hand disinfection with

Sterillium. The result: the improvement of the skin condition

could significantly increase the compliance in hand hygiene*.

This once again confirms how important the product concept

has been for fifty years and still is.* Girard R, Amazian K, Fabry J. Better compliance and better tolerance in relation to a well-conducted introduction to rub-in hand disinfection. J Hosp Infect. 2001 Feb; 47(2): 131–7.

+30.39

–5.35 –6.07

+29.33

with Sterillium classic pure untreated NEW

+30 % skin hydrationthanks to uniqueskincare complex

S K I N T O L E R A B I L I T Y S K I N T O L E R A B I L I T Y

p < 0.0001



/ 17

SERVICES

• Specialist advice via support hotline or e-mail. Our team of experts trained in infectiology and microbiology is available

to answer questions on hygiene management, preventive measures and the use of products.

• DISINFACTS, a regularly issued magazine. Its focus is on recommendations and regulations, studies and products,

events and background knowledge, and relevant hygiene issues.

• Training materials such as training slides and films, and certified e-learning tools.

• Pathogens listed from A to Z: profiles of all clinically relevant pathogens on the website, including the spectrum of activity

necessary for disinfection, description of transmission paths and links to suitable products.

• Expert statements: summary of studies and guidelines as behaviour guides suitable for daily use.

• Newsletter

Do you cooperate with external institutions?

Yes. The development of Sterillium was already the result of a

collaboration with the University Medical Center Hamburg-

Eppendorf, Germany. Already then, ‘gained in practice, for use in

practice’ was one of our guiding principles. Today, the scientists

of the BODE SCIENCE CENTER are networked with hygiene

specialists from all over the world. One result are many studies and

publications. The proof: these publications are then co-authored

by international opinion leaders. One special event was the

‘BODE Hygiene Days’. They provided hygiene experts from all over

the world with a platform to promote dialogue, exchange

experiences and present latest findings. The results of the last four

events have been published in the Journal of Hospital Infection

and enjoy an excellent reputation with hygiene experts.

Is ebola a topic of concern for you?

Ebola attracts a great deal of public attention at the moment

and leads to serious uncertainty. We receive much more enquiries

on this topic. But we are well prepared, because the BODE

SCIENCE CENTER is generally concerned with all current infection

control issues. And since Sterillium’s spectrum of activity also

covers the ebola virus, we can also offer a solution.

Can everybody turn to the BODE SCIENCE CENTER or is this an exclusive service for Sterillium customers?

The BODE SCIENCE CENTER was founded for circles of experts

and, as such, is open to all professionals concerned with

hygiene. This applies to both our website www.bode-science-

center.com and our telephone ‘Contact Point’. We respond to

all enquiries with the same dedication, because we want to

justify the trust placed in us with every enquiry.

However, the BODE SCIENCE CENTER is by no means a one-way

street. We receive much feedback and valuable hints. So, the

BODE SCIENCE CENTER is not only a service centre but also our

dedicated line to the users.

Have you ever been able to provide acute help for enquiries?

The BODE SCIENCE CENTER’s expertise has gotten around

among experts. Indeed, it happens again and again that we are

consulted on acute problems, for example, when a norovirus

infection occurred in a kindergarten. Such an infection can

excite kindergarten teachers and parents. We are prepared for

such cases. We do not send a hundred-page brochure, but

e-mail relevant information from guidelines compiled as clear

guide.

Have there also been amusing moments?

Yes, sometimes we receive enquiries, which at first sight cause

us to smile. But we have learned that also problems that might

seem small and trivial are important to the people concerned.

Hence, we generally take every enquiry seriously and help

where we can.

What is your personal appeal to the people who deal with hand disinfection?

Using hand disinfection in daily medical routine is one of the

most effective measures to protect patients. Hence, I wish that

targeted hand disinfection is consciously present as lifesaving

measure in users’ minds.

Why does HARTMANN run the BODE SCIENCE CENTER?

« THE MOST VALUABLE STERILLIUM® BRAND EQUITY IS TRUST. HOWEVER,

THIS TRUST HAS TO BE EARNED, EVERY DAY. WITH A PRODUCT LIKE STERILLIUM®,

THE EFFECT OF WHICH CANNOT BE SEEN, TRUST CAN BE STRENGTHENED

BY SCIENCE – TOP-CLASS STUDIES ON HYGIENE IN GENERAL,

AND ON STERILLIUM® IN PARTICULAR. »Our activities focus on applied science. We look for results that are relevant to our users, and develop

recommendations that support and guide them in their daily routine.

The BODE SCIENCE CENTER has become a quality label that hygiene experts trust.

T H E B O D E S C I E N C E C E N T E R T H E B O D E S C I E N C E C E N T E R

Claudia James Director BODE SCIENCE CENTER

THE BODE SCIENCE CENTER


/ 18

COMPLIANCE IS OUR CONCERN

EXPERTS ESTIMATE THAT UP TO ONE THIRD OF NOSOCOMIAL INFECTIONS

COULD BE PREVENTED. HAND DISINFECTION IS ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT

MEASURES TO PREVENT INFECTION. ITS DIRECT IMPACT ON INFECTION RATES

HAS BEEN DEMONSTRATED REPEATEDLY. ACCORDING TO REPORTS,

HAND HYGIENE COMPLIANCE RATES IS BELOW FIFTY PER CENT.

REASON ENOUGH FOR STERILLIUM® TO INTENSIVELY CAMPAIGN

FOR IMPROVING COMPLIANCE.

Nosocomial infections are still often underestimated. Not in all countries it is known how often

they occur or how often people suffer from nosocomial infections.

Also the costs associated with nosocomial infections are only known for some types of infection and some countries.

What is clear: the frequency and the health and economic effects of nosocomial infections are enormous.

THE SIX GOLDEN RULES

TO IMPROVE COMPLIANCE IN HAND HYGIENE.

1Select an alcohol-based hand rub which has a good skin tolerance

and is acceptable to healthcare workers to use.

2The hand rub shall be easily available. Wall dispensers near the patient

and pocket bottles may well help.

3Implement teaching and promotion of hand hygiene which has been

shown to be very effective.

4Create a hospital budget which covers all costs involved

with preventable nosocomial infection. Combine it with the budget

for hand hygiene products.

5Get senior staff to set a good example in order to motivate junior staff.

6Have the patient/staff ratio well balanced. It has been shown that staff

shortage decreases hand hygiene compliance.


/ 19

Sterillium has always been more than just a product for hand

disinfection. Sterillium was and is an overall approach to improve

hygiene. Just as is hygiene management a holistic process.

Hence, we get involved in, for example, different parameters

that have an influence on compliance in hand hygiene.

One of the results are the six golden rules to improve compliance

in hand hygiene, which were published in the Journal of Hospital

Infection*. Another result are studies revealing that skin-friendly

hand disinfectants – such as our Sterillium products – have a

direct positive effect on compliance.

A HOLISTIC PROCESS

*Kampf G: The six golden rules to improve compliance in hand hygiene. J Hosp Infect 2004; 56: S3–S5.

C O M P L I A N C E C O M P L I A N C E



/ 21

WE LIVE PARTNERSHIPS

Dr. Manuel LosadaGeneral Surgeon at Hospital Universitario

del Sureste Madrid, Spain

“I work as general surgeon in a clinic in Madrid. I was about to quit my job,

because my hands very seriously damaged by a chlorhexidine-based hand

disinfectant. A colleague, whom I met at a congress, brought me a bottle

of Sterillium, as he knew that it was particularly gentle on the skin. I tried it. After two weeks only, my hands were almost healed.

I could continue my job and convinced my clinic to replace the skin-damaging

product by Sterillium. I am very happy and grateful to be able to pursue my

profession again without adverse effects.”

Elfriede Lorenz,Infection Control Nurse at Bezirksklinikum

Gabersee, Wasserburg am Inn, Germany

“For me, the blue Sterillium is the classic amongst hand disinfectants.

Due to its consistent quality and excellent skin-friendly properties, Sterillium is

well accepted by the users in our facility. I wish Sterillium that its success story will continue for another fifty years.”

“When I think of Sterillium, professionalism comes to my mind first –

because Sterillium is an effective and reliable help, but also because we have

good and reliable contact persons. We like to use Sterillium, as it is

a skin-friendly, easy-to-apply and safe product. I would like to see

that Sterillium remains to be consistent in all areas – user convenience, efficiency,

quality and tolerability.”

RPC Verpackungen Kutenholz GmbH, Kutenholz Germany

“We congratulate our long-standing customer on this special jubilee. Starting off in 1981 with a first development,

our collaboration has become a close partnership of more than thirty years. We are proud to have a share in

Sterillium’s success story and wish HARTMANN that we will further expand it together in the future.”

Ingrid Schofeld, Key Account Manager

Ophardt Hygiene-Technik GmbH + C.KG, Issum Germany

“Fifty years of Sterillium – an impressive five-decade success story. Our congratulations! The aim of minimising infection

by high-class, innovative products – this is what our two companies have had in common for forty years now. We have

always been impressed by the scientific standard and continuous improvements of the Sterillium brand. Also in the future,

we wish Sterillium a place on the winners’ podium.”

Kristina Ophardt, Director of the Business UnitsMedical and Washroom

THIS IS WHAT OUR

PARTNERS SAY ABOUT

STERILLIUM®:

P A R T N E R S H I P P A R T N E R S H I P

THE WAY FROM RAW MATERIAL TO THE USER IN THE OPERATING THEATRE,

WARD AND NURSING HOME IS LONG. ON THIS WAY, STERILLIUM® IS ACCOMPANIED

BY MANY SERVICE PROVIDERS AND SUPPLIERS.

WITH SOME PARTNERS THE COMPANY HAS BEEN COLLABORATING FOR DECADES.

THESE PARTNERSHIPS ARE BASED ON RELIABILITY, CONSTANT HIGH QUALITY STANDARDS,

FAIRNESS AND, ABOVE ALL, TRUST. AND EXACTLY THESE ARE

THE VALUES OUR CUSTOMERS CAN RELY ON.

BECAUSE: ONLY THE BEST IS JUST GOOD ENOUGH FOR SUCH

AN IMPORTANT MATTER AS HAND DISINFECTION.

Kai Kässhöfer,Head of Inpatient Geriatric Care,

DRK Baden-Baden, Germany

A CONVINCING PRODUCT CONCEPT

When the first bottle of Sterillium was filled on 4 June 1965, a

product concept was realised that changed the hygiene world.

Reliable elimination of microorganisms by the alcohol, easy and

time-saving application, and replenishing substances for skin

care: this was completely new and exactly what satisfied the

needs of the users. Convinced of this innovation’s potential, all

involved were inspired to actively shape Sterillium’s future. Back

then, it was not a matter of course that three parties – specialists

from a University clinic, from a research lab and from a marketing

department – were involved in such a development. It was,

however, the key to Sterillium’s success.

EMOTIONAL BOND

Without any doubt, the composition of Sterillium was the basis.

This was joined by a successful coinage: Sterillium. A brand

name standing for performance and competence that has

become a generic term over the years. And then the idea to dye

Sterillium blue and fill it into a very distinctive bottle. All this

did not only create uniqueness but also identification. “My

Sterillium” is the most common phrase of users to express their

emotional bond to Sterillium. An emotional bond that often

lasts the entire professional life.

SCIENCE AND TRAINING

In sales, Sterillium soon followed its own approach by not only

focusing on selling the products, but on the aim of conveying

knowledge, changing behaviour and establishing trust. From

local training sessions to the high-calibre international BODE

Hygiene Days – a wide circle of physicians, nurses and infection

control practitioners have been introduced to the basics of hand

disinfection this way. This was accompanied by raising the

awareness for the importance of hand disinfection, in order to

improve compliance. Not only by a large number of clinical

studies, but also by training materials, e-learning tools and

comprehensive service. With the foundation of the BODE

SCIENCE CENTER, the research and training expertise was

pooled and made fit for the future. Since then, this unique

institution has been the place to go for those seeking advice,

a platform for those wanting to contribute, and a treasure trove

for those requiring reliable information.

QUALITY AND SAFETY

As the needs of users have changed over the years, also Sterillium

has been advanced. The core product got a whole family,

consisting of, for example, Sterillium classic pure, the colourant

and fragrance-free variant, Sterillium med with its comprehensive

spectrum of activity against viruses, and Sterillium Gel

characterised by a particular convenient application. All these

products have one thing in common: a high demand. Sterillium

has been defined for high standards. Quality and safety are

values that are not up for discussion.

GOING FURTHER TO PROTECT

Sterillium’s primary mission – the protection against nosocomial

infection by consistent hand disinfection – is now a global task.

Infections know no borders. Hence, it is Sterillium’s goal to

be present all over the world. Particularly in less deve loped

countries, the availability needs to be increased to protect

people against sometimes life-threatening outbreaks of

infections. In the developed countries, it is imperative to

improve compliance. Studies that reveal that less than half of all

required hand disinfection procedures are actually performed

point to the need for improvement. Here, Sterillium searches for

inno vations and creative means to make hand disinfection as

simple as possible. Just as during the past fifty years, also in the

future, Sterillium will consider itself a trustworthy partner that

helps protect people against nosocomial infection.

A BRAND THAT REMAINS TRUE TO ITSELF.

Sven Frohard Director

Strategic Marketing



/ 23

www.sterillium.com

Thank you to everyone who uses Sterillium® and cares for a cleaner, safer world.

We’re celebrating 50 years of working together.

It‘s in your hands.

Going further for health

5 0 - Y E A R S U C C E S S S T O R Y 5 0 - Y E A R S U C C E S S S T O R Y

Dear Ms Schröder, - Unterweger GmbH · Dear Ms Schröder, “to get the full value of joy you must...

Documents

Transcript of Dear Ms Schröder, - Unterweger GmbH · Dear Ms Schröder, “to get the full value of joy you must...