Soap vs handwash: In time of crisis, firms set aside age-old differences
Given the magnitude and scale of the current Covid-19 crisis and
the need to reinforce simple hygiene habits among people, soap brands Dettol and Lifebuoy
are finding common ground. Using different tools to put forth the point of
cleanliness above all and the need to wash one’s hands well, the two are
setting aside their age-old differences.
The
two brands have been fighting a bitter battle over their ads in court for
years, while one emphasises the efficacy of soap, the other pitches the potency
of its handwash. In fact as recently as a month ago Hindustan Unilever (HUL)
hauled RB Health (formerly Reckitt Benckiser) to the Bombay High Court over
an ad spot.
The ad for Dettol Handwash,
made an oblique reference to Lifebuoy soap from HUL by showing a bar similar to
the latter in terms of colour and proportion.
HUL’s
contention in court was that not only had RB Health disparaged its brand, but
was also sending a “wrong” message that suggested soap and water for hand
hygiene was not as effective as handwash. RB clarified that it was emphasising
on personal hygiene and restating the proven fact that liquid handwash should
be preferred over bar soaps.
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