A BIOTECHNOLOGY firm has seen an increase in demand for its naturally derived products since the outbreak of swine flu.

Schools, in particular, have been approaching Phytologica, based at Riverside Park, in Middlesbrough, following the outbreak.

The company manufactures a range of naturally derived protective gels and sprays offering protection against flu viruses, although not swine flu in particular.

Managing director Christopher Ripley said: “We are preparing people for protection not cure.

“There has been a huge surge in interest in personal care products since the swine flu outbreak and it is important that people continue to heed the advice that good basic hygiene is the best defence against flu viruses.”

The products Phytologica produces are naturally derived from the acids within oranges, olives and willow bark. The range, which includes hand gels, foams, soaps and an oral and surface spray, combines the natural products with an active anti-viral ingredient that kills more than 99.99 per cent of viruses in under one minute.

The products have passed rigorous tests at the Retroscreen Virology laboratory in London, which has been at the forefront of testing antiviral products in the wake of the avian and swine flu outbreaks.

Mr Ripley said: “Our target market is anybody that wants to protect themselves against flu bacteria and viruses.

“Several schools are already using the hand gels, but we are also marketing the range with doctors’ surgeries, restaurant and hotel groups, shopping centres, holiday companies and airports.

“It not only cleans and sanitises in a more efficient way, it also eliminates the need for paper, water and soap, so there is a significant reduction in the use of resources and costs.

“And because there are no toxic products, it is perfectly safe for children and those with sensitive skin.”

Phytologica is part of the larger Middlesbrough-based Citrox group, which is a world leader in naturally derived products for use in food preparation, medical disinfection, crop protection and animal feed. Citrox exports its products across the world and is expected to match last year’s £2.25m turnover in this financial year.

■ Just recently, several pupils at Teesside High School, in Eaglescliffe, near Stockton, were confirmed as having swine flu.