We celebrate 100 years of hygiene expertise for HARTMANN
A tradition of expertise
BODE Chemie GmbH and HARTMANN
Founded as Bacillolfabrik Dr. Bode & Co. in 1924, BODE ranks among the leading hygiene specialists today. The company looks back on an eventful history completely dedicated to infection prevention. With PAUL HARTMANN AG in Heidenheim, Germany acquiring BODE in 2009, two enterprises that have a long tradition in interdisciplinary research and development joined forces. Until today, the active exchange with scientists has been part of both company cultures.
Scientific network
Some milestones in the company history demonstrate the importance both PAUL HARTMANN AG and BODE Chemie attach to the exchange between science and practice.
Almost 140 years ago, for example, HARTMANN founder Paul Hartmann and Sir Joseph Lister developed the carbolic gauze, the world’s first antiseptic wound dressing, in the response to the fatal gangrene disease.
In 1965, scientists of Bacillolfabrik Dr. Bode & Co. and physicians from the University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf in Germany developed the first marketable alcohol-based rub-in hand disinfectant – Sterillium®.
To continue to expand this expertise in the future, the HARTMANN SCIENCE CENTER was founded in 2011 under the umbrella of the HARTMANN GROUP. This center of excellence focuses on exploring solutions for infection protection. Its core competences are scientific publications, the development of new standards and high-level guidance, thus successfully continuing the long tradition of combining science with practice.
A very special anniversary in 2024
We are pleased to announce that we are celebrating a very special anniversary this year: 100 years of successful company history for BODE Chemie GmbH.
100 years of disinfection expertise from Hamburg, Germany
100 years of hygiene expertise for HARTMANN
Arne-John Roettger, Managing Director BODE Chemie GmbH & Head of Division Disinfection at HARTMANN:
"A century full of challenges, growth, innovation and, above all, the support of you – our valued customers and partners – who have accompanied us on this journey. The coming years promise to be just as exciting as the last 100."
Our History in years
1924
Pharmacist Dr. Kurt Bode founded Bacillolfabrik Dr. BODE & Co.
1929 Relocation to Hamburg-Stellingen, where the company is headquartered still today. First sales product: the eponymous Bacillol®, a carbolic soap preparation.
1930
In the 1930s, the range of products was expanded; Baktol® and Baktolan® achieved successful sales in the hospital sector.
1947
The manufacturing facilities that were destroyed during the war are reconstructed, and the production were resumed.
In the 1950s, new innovations of Hidrofugal® –the antiperspirant that was introduced in 1926 –were launched.
1965
The birth of Sterillium®. Within the space of a few years, the innovative hand disinfectant established itself as one of the most successful disinfectants both nationally and internationally. The classic Sterillium® became the synonym for hand disinfection.
1980
In the 1980s, Beiersdorf AG acquired 75 % of the company shares and made Hidrofugal® one of Europe’s most successful antiperspirants. Bacillolfabrik Dr. Bode & Co. was renamed BODE Chemie.
1995
Viral infections gain ground. BODE launched another innovation: the first virucidal, alcohol-based hand rub -Sterillium® Virugard®.
2003
Sterillium® classic pure, one of the first colourant- and fragrance-free hand disinfectants was introduced. With a market share of over 50% for hand products, BODE became market leader within the German disinfectant market.
2009
BODE Chemie became a wholly-owned subsidiary of PAUL HARTMANN AG. The result of this takeover and bundling of product ranges: system solutions for infection control from one single source.
2012
Within the HARTMANN organisation the newly established BODE SCIENCE CENTER (BSC) stands for scientific expertise focusing on the user.
2018
Sterillium® Protect & Care –a comprehensive pharmacy range for use at home and while travelling –was launched.
2019
After the “Observe App”, the new launched “My Hygiene SOP” was another innovative digital solution for infection prevention and control.
2020
Launch of Sterillium® Foam overseas: developed by BODE, produced locally in the USA.
2021
Effective and gentle both on materials and skin: The new Bacillol® 30 Sensitive for the disinfection of surfaces. The result of our vision for the future of surface disinfection.
2021
The BSC celebrated its 10th anniversary and becomes the HARTMANN SCIENCE CENTRE (HSC).
2023
Launch of Sterillium® foam extra care: the new disinfectant foam with jojoba, vitamin E and innovative skin care complex is now available in Europe.
2023
Sterillium® 2in1 wipes & Sterillium® surface spray are coming to the pharmacies. Practical disinfectant wipes for disinfecting hands and surfaces – both at home and on the go & a gentle, quick disinfection spray for sensitive surfaces at home.
2023
The future of effective and sustainable surface disinfection has begun: Bacillol® Zero Tissues – equipped with an organic active ingredient, 100% plastic-free wipes and a recyclable packaging concept, as well as virucidal activity in 2 minutes and very good material compatibility – are another innovation on the market.
2024
BODE Chemie GmbH celebrates its 100th anniversary.
Our Products
From product solutions for hand and surface disinfection to skin care and skin antisepsis – accompanied by matching dispensers and accessories, expert advice, training and digital services, our product portfolio is comprehensive.Because our mission, then as now, is infection prevention.
Use disinfectants safely.
Always read the label and product information before use.
Always read the label and product information before use.