BODE Chemie GmbH
Professional management from the very beginning
By choosing BODE Chemie GmbH, you select one of Europe’s leading manufacturers of modern, consumer-oriented antiseptics and products for disinfection, hygiene, as well as medical cosmetic care for the body surface and skin. Experience, innovation, and a special focus on the market have characterized BODE throughout its more than 96 years of existence.
BODE offers its clients a wide range of products for comprehensive protection, along with extensive customer service.
Quality assurance
In its high-quality products, BODE Chemie GmbH places great emphasis on professional quality management. The company currently holds certifications in compliance with DIN ISO 9001 and DIN EN 46 001 standards, and several of its products bear the CE marking. As BODE Chemie GmbH is recognized as a manufacturer of pharmaceutical auxiliaries, medical devices, and cosmetic products, its technological processes strictly adhere to European, particularly German, health and labor regulations, as well as GMP recommendations. The company has successfully undergone audits and has been certified as a reputable manufacturer. Independent external experts also confirm the highest quality of BODE products.
BODE products, which prioritize microbiological efficacy depending on their spectrum of action, are included in lists published by the German Society for Hygiene and Microbiology (DGHM, since 2006 known as VAH), the Robert Koch Institute (RKI), and the German Veterinary Association (DVG).
The microbiological efficacy of BODE Chemie GmbH’s products is also tested according to procedures verifying compliance with European and national standards. Additionally, there is a significant number of research reports available, for example on the effectiveness against viruses, infections, and microbes, as well as reports on product performance under diverse conditions across various countries.
Proven in practice
Founded in 1924 as a parent company, BODE has developed into a leading specialist in the field of hygiene and microbiology. Initially part of the Beiersdorf AG group, and since 2008 as a structural division of Paul Hartmann AG, BODE Chemie GmbH plays a leading, if not decisive, role in representing their products at the international level.
In the markets of several countries, BODE works closely with local distribution partners whose staff maintain direct contact with customers. Thanks to this cooperation, high-quality BODE Chemie products are now sold in more than 40 countries and territories and consistently hold leading market positions due to their competitiveness.
Progressive medicine
The development of new products and a consistent policy of brand and corporate support have been part of the company’s strategy since its foundation.
In 1965, BODE wrote a new chapter in the history of medicine by creating Sterillium® – the first alcohol-based antiseptic for hand skin disinfection, which led to a clear and noticeable improvement in the prevention of viruses, infections, and microbes.
Ready to use, highly effective, and at the same time exceptionally gentle on the skin, Sterillium® was specially developed to comprehensively meet consumer needs. This marked the beginning of a success story and laid the foundation for further development. Today, Sterillium® is considered the number one alcohol-based hand disinfectant.
Expanding horizons
In its research, educational, and scientific activities, BODE Chemie GmbH focuses on several core areas: the development and optimization of products for disinfection and cleaning of hands, body, skin, surfaces, instruments, and for medical cosmetic skin care. This work is carried out by a multidisciplinary team of experts, including chemists, pharmacists, physicians, microbiologists, engineers, and technologists.
However, the company keeps pace with the times: public surveys, active exchange of ideas with consumers and independent external experts, as well as cooperation with universities, laboratories, and research centers at both national and international levels, all significantly contribute to innovative research aimed at meeting a wide range of demands.
In 2011, during the “BODE Hygiene Days” conference, Dr. Rinaldo Riguzzi, Chairman of the Executive Board of PAUL HARTMANN AG, announced the founding of the BODE Science Center. The center's mission is to ensure the quality of medical care and develop solutions for protection against viruses, infections, and microbes.
The official website of the BODE Science Center provides regularly updated information related to hand and surface hygiene, including educational and scientific publications, articles, guidelines, recommendations, and manuals for the prevention of nosocomial infections.
Responsibility and trust
As a company primarily engaged in the production of cleansers and disinfectants, BODE Chemie GmbH bears a significant responsibility both to consumers and to the environment. Throughout the processes of manufacturing, distribution, and use, BODE products release into the environment only the smallest and least noticeable amounts of pollutants—an achievement made possible through the application of proven, environmentally safe production and packaging technologies, low required usage concentrations, and the lowest possible product toxicity.
At the same time, consumers can—and should—rely on the effectiveness of BODE products in combating harmful microorganisms.
BODE service
To ensure the correct use of its products in the fields of healthcare, industry, and commerce, BODE Chemie GmbH provides comprehensive support to its customers and suppliers on all matters related to product selection and application. After all, even top-quality products can deliver only satisfactory results when used appropriately.
When a customer chooses BODE products, they receive not only premium-quality solutions but also the expert support that comes with them. Qualified consultants are always ready to assist—helping identify specific hygiene requirements and offering tailored solutions to meet individual needs.
BODE Chemie GmbH is a reliable partner in professional disinfection
BODE Chemie GmbH is a leading European manufacturer of antiseptics and disinfectants, founded in Hamburg, Germany, in 1924. The company is part of the global Hartmann Group, and its products are known in over 50 countries, including France, where it operates an active branch and an extensive distribution network.
BODE Chemie specializes in professional hygiene and infection control, with a core focus on hand hygiene, skin disinfection, surface and instrument disinfection, and cleaning of medical devices and water systems in healthcare facilities.
The company’s most renowned brand is Sterillium—one of Europe’s most popular antiseptic lines. It includes over 20 products such as Sterillium classic pure, Sterillium med, Sterillium protect & care, as well as gel and foam formats with nourishing components.
The main production site is located in Hamburg, where the full manufacturing cycle is carried out—from research and development to automated bottling and packaging lines. The production process is certified according to ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 13485, and GMP standards.
The French market is one of BODE Chemie’s key markets. Its products are widely used in hospitals, nursing homes, dental clinics, pharmaceutical companies, and aesthetic medicine facilities across France.
All products undergo rigorous microbiological testing. BODE Chemie owns an in-house laboratory accredited to conduct tests in accordance with EN standards and guidelines of the German Federal Institute for Hygiene and the Robert Koch Institute (RKI).
The company is well known for its scientific approach. In collaboration with universities and hospitals, it regularly publishes research articles on epidemiology, microbial resistance, and the effectiveness of modern disinfectants.
BODE is actively advancing automated hygiene solutions. These include contactless dispensing systems, sensor-based dispensers, and valve-cap bottles that ensure safe and efficient dosing—supporting both effective and economical disinfection.
Special attention is paid to dermatological safety. The formulations are non-drying, enriched with aloe vera, panthenol, and vitamin E, making them suitable for daily use, even by users with sensitive skin.
BODE Chemie is committed to environmentally responsible disinfection. Most products are biodegradable, and the manufacturing process is designed to maintain a minimal carbon footprint, utilizing renewable energy sources.
The company provides partners with informational and methodological support, including staff training, certified hand hygiene courses, and guidelines for the prevention of healthcare-associated infections.
BODE Chemie also offers flexible cooperation options, with products available in various volumes—from 100 ml bottles to 5–10 liter canisters, as ready-to-use solutions or concentrates.
Innovation is in the company's DNA. BODE continuously improves its formulas, tests new active ingredients, studies pathogen resistance, and explores optimal ingredient combinations for rapid and long-lasting action.
Today, BODE Chemie GmbH represents a synergy of tradition, science, and advanced technology. Its products are a benchmark of quality in the hygiene industry, and the Sterillium brand has become synonymous with professional care, cleanliness, and safety in European medical practice.