• We are focusing on PPE, mainly face mask raw materials
• Doubling our capacity to increase supply and offer wider applications to our customers and producing N95 level Face masks

Acik Kart Bilgi Teknolojileri Tic A.S. Website

We are a small team consisting of two office personnel, three salespeople plus myself. We are all are working from home.

Allertex of America Ltd. Website

• Many of our products are used in the production of medical equipment
• We have been engaged by several companies to provide functional additive masterbatch
• Active requests are now for antimicrobial additives
• We have also been engaged to provide hydrophobic additives (medical gowns) and additives to improve filtration efficiency for masks

Americhem Inc. Website

Andritz Diatec, part of international technology Group Andritz, has developed a fully automatic, high-speed face mask converting line for the production of disposable face masks.

To read more:

https://www.nonwovensnews.com/manufacturing-news/14926-andritz-develops-high-speed-converting-line-for-face-masks

ANDRITZ to supply gasification plant and biomass handling line to Klabin’s Puma II project in Brazil

The scope of supply includes a 51 MW gasification plant, a belt dryer, a multi-fuel lime kiln burner and biomass handling equipment with auxiliaries. By replacing 100% of the heavy fuel oil currently burned in one of the mill’s lime kilns, the ANDRITZ gasification plant will significantly reduce the mill’s carbon footprint.

Andritz, Inc. Website

Apis Rex is a leading nonwovens and personal care consultancy firm providing advice to companies who need to understand the value-chain dynamics and supply chains to support their fight against COVID-19 including:

• Insight and analysis of the competitive landscape; disruptions in supply chains; product and technology trends in medical nonwovens
• Identification of partners and introductions to suppliers in the segment - machine builders, converters, roll good suppliers
• Advisory services to companies looking to invest in nonwovens. Identification of external growth opportunities, business development support

APIS REX Website

As a fiber supplier we have ramped up our production to meet customers’ demands.

• We have implemented a work from home policy for all office staff
• We divided our manufacturing work force into cells, and not allowing associates crossing from cell to cell
• Assigned bathrooms and break areas
• Increased sanitization and cleaning frequency in all areas
• We are providing two hot meals delivered weekly to the facilities in individually packaged portions
• Assessing local needs to contribute financial dollars where needed

Barnhardt Natural Fibers Group Website

BASF and BASF employees are helping neighboring communities around the world with donations of disinfectants, masks, protective equipment or money to alleviate the effects of the corona crisis:

• BASF is donating 100 million protective masks to the Federal Republic of Germany and 1 million masks to the State of Rhineland-Palatinate
• In North America, BASF provided thousands of protective masks, gloves and suits. Additionally, the company called on employees to make donations to the “Feeding America” charity organization during the crisis, and BASF will double employee donations
• To help overcome the current bottleneck for disinfectants, BASF has started to produce disinfectants to support medical facilities at various sites worldwide. With about 35 metric tons per week distributed free of charge to hospitals, doctors' offices and nursing homes, “Helping Hands” in Ludwigshafen, Germany is one of BASF's largest donation activities worldwide. In the U.S., BASF is manufacturing hand sanitizer at its sites in Washington, New Jersey and Wyandotte, Michigan for distribution to healthcare agencies, hospitals and government agencies

To read more details on the Washington, NJ site efforts:

BASF manufactures hand sanitizer to support the fight against COVID-19 in New Jersey and New York

For details on the Wyandotte, MI site efforts, please see news release: 

https://www.basf.com/us/en/media/news-releases/2020/04/basf-produces-and-donates-handclasp-hand-sanitizer-to-henry-ford.html

Additionally, BASF will offer xarvio™ FIELD MANAGER free of charge to farmers in the U.S. and Canada for the 2020 season. xarvio FIELD MANAGER offers crop production solutions that allow farmers to monitor their fields through digital tools. As farmers across North America continue to provide the world with safe and nutritious food during this challenging time, this digital solution will help farmers maintain their operations with as little impact as possible. Please see news release: 

https://www.basf.com/us/en/media/news-releases/2020/04/basf-supports-farmers-by-offering-xarvio-field-manager-free-of-c.html

BASF Corporation Website

• Provides a range of laminating and testing services for multi-layer laminates using novel materials to achieve the same performance as traditional PPE products.
• Supports customer efforts to reroute finished products from non-essential applications to PPE.
• The Beckmann Converting family is proud to lend a hand during these challenging and stressful times.

For full details contact Ray Piascik at 518-366-6150 or visit our website at: www.beckmannconverting.com 

Beckmann Converting, Inc. Website

• For the last 40 days, we’ve been producing material around-the-clock on our 50" wide line and putting in a second line that should be on line at 25" width. At that capacity we should be able to make material for 5,000,000 masks daily. We recently donated Electrostatically charged media for "Rebel" manufacturing who donated 1,000,000 masks. https://rebelconverting.com/
• We have a new facility that has 128,000 sq./ft. and plan to have two more lines 60" wide hopefully running in May. That would give us the total capacity to make N95 media for over 10,000,000 masks/day
• We have more dies at 3.4 Meter width that will be running by the end of the year
• We are donating rolls of fiber to anyone in the Midwest making masks for donation

Biax-Fiberfilm Corporation Website

We’re connecting mask producers with media producers; and completing a variety of testing for all health care applications and typical HVAC applications in the war on COVID 19, including:

•     Testing for the screening of media candidates for respirator masks and medical masks

•     Running full shifts and weekends

•     Accelerating new launches to accommodate the COVID-19 driven needs

Examples of our fight against the pandemic include:

The COVID-19 project leader at Louisville’s Norton Hospital asked us to test the performance of a large number of older HEPA filters in their old respirator suits leftover from the last health crisis. Samples were hand carried to us (keeping our social distance) – we tested and returned finished reports in a day, providing assurances of safe health care to hospital workers. We donated our time and fees for the tests.

Mask give away – One Ohio customer air-freighted new mask making equipment from China to the U.S. to produce masks they intended to give away! The equipment is up and running and making high performance masks based on our testing efforts. Testing was complimentary. We would do the same for anyone that is giving masks away!

We are focused to stay the spread of the virus – working from home and separating in our distinct buildings. It’s going to be a long haul…when we look back, this will be a “character building” experience.

Blue Heaven Technologies Website

• Arkema modified production in France to produce hand sanitizer
• Bostik supports various companies making masks
• Evaluating pilot assets to look at producing some PPE for internal use

To discover more stories about the mobilization of the Arkema Group: https://lnkd.in/gyHxxss

Bostik/Arkema Website

As a health and wellness company at heart, The Clorox Company has been committed to providing disinfecting products in support of public health needs as well as other products in our portfolio that help support community well-being during the COVID-19 pandemic. To try and meet unprecedented demand, we have:

• Worked early and aggressively to significantly expand production. As part of this effort, we’ve been running our plants 24/7 and qualifying available third-party manufacturers to create as much additional capacity as possible.
• Implemented infection prevention and other measures at our sites that have remained open. We care deeply about all our people, their families and our communities, and we have remained focused on their health and safety.
• Continued our long-standing tradition that’s been in place since our founding in 1913 to help communities in times of natural disasters and health crises. We have committed about $14 million in cash and product donations to support those battling this public health crisis, including an initial $5 million for caregivers on the front lines (Direct Relief, CDC Foundation, American Red Cross). We have provided additional support to Feeding America, Americares, and local organizations in the U.S. and internationally to help meet the needs of vulnerable populations as well as made cash and product donations to help communities where we operate.

To read more about our COVID-19 response, visit https://www.thecloroxcompany.com/covid-19/.

Clorox Company, The Website

• Colormasters recently invested in two lines to make the breathable film used in diaper, FemCare and Adult incontinence backsheet
• This film material is also used in hospital gowns

We have been reaching out to hospital gown suppliers to promote our capabilities and willingness to help with a critical raw material in that finished product.

Outside of those activities directly related to health care the rest of our business has been focused on maintaining the packaging materials needed for food, water and toilet paper to help keep the grocery store shelves stocked. 

Colormasters LLC Website

Curt G. Joa, Inc. invented an efficient headband design that supports the urgent need for personal protective equipment (PPE) for the coronavirus.

To read more:

https://www.nonwovens-industry.com/content-microsite/non_covid-19/2020-04-07/curt-g-joa-inc-supports-face-shield-project

Curt G. Joa, Inc. Website

We are actively supplying odor control filters to hospitals and health care facilities.

D-Mark, Inc. Website

DeSales Trading Company Website

We are a chemical provider diligently providing finishes to assist with the COVID19 response efforts. Our finishes help eliminate bacteria and viral contamination.

To read more:

https://devan.net/2020/03/25/devan-offers-antiviral-solutions-for-textiles-to-support-and-protect-professional-workers/#more-18387

Devan North America, LLC Website

Eastman has donated material to organizations producing PPE for medical personnel in:

• Tennessee, for the production of face shields around the state
• Virginia, also for face shields
• Indiana, for protective lenses and face shields
• Brazil, for face shields
• Europe, donating resins for hand sanitizer

Partnering with the Tennessee Higher Education Commission (THEC) and Austin Peay State University 10,000 protective face shields were produced for medical personnel in Nashville, after THEC exhausted local supply of acetate sheet – the large, clear plastic shield that attaches to the headband.

The partnership met the goal using 3D printers at colleges and universities around the state.

“The need here is very real and life-changing. Health care workers are in dire need of help as they are on the front lines of battling COVID-19, and I’m proud to be part of an Eastman team that always steps up when help is needed,” said Steve Crawford, Eastman’s chief technology and sustainability officer.

Eastman’s films operation in Martinsville, Va., is producing film and partnering with Patrick Henry Community College to get 500 face shields developed, produced for medical personnel in Virginia.

In Brazil, Eastman donated PETG material for face shields to public hospitals.

Eastman donated 600 square feet of material to Purdue University. More than 40 volunteer faculty and staff members are using the school’s laser cutting system to produce up to 3,000 lenses and 4,000 face shields. The protective equipment will be distributed to hospitals across Indiana.

Eastman Chemical Website

We are full speed ahead. We’re glad to be on ‘this side of the fence’ and able to keep our people working and providing for their families:

We have increased orders for rewinders for converting rolls of canister wipes:

• Pressed manufacturing teams to fit more machines into the schedule to meet continued demand
• Running 24-hours per day, 6 days per week to assist customers who are out of capacity: https://www.facebook.com/ELSNERENG/videos/2722934551138112/
• Show our employees that their work is appreciated: https://www.facebook.com/ELSNERENG/videos/1088575614853973/
• Raided our sample shelves, sales displays, and secret hordes of wipes to share with our employees and our community
• Donated wipes to our local police departments, fire departments, doctor’s offices and retirement homes: https://www.facebook.com/PTPD38/photos/a.238751049642564/1373643216153336/?type=3&theater
• Donated to ‘Neighbors Feeding Neighbors’ organized by a local restaurant owner, Bourbon Bar and Grill, and those helping anyone struggling at this time
• Limiting work spaces, increased cleaning

Elsner Engineering Works Website

ExxonMobil Collaborates with the Nonwovens Institute (NWI) to Help Accelerate Face Mask Production for Frontline Medical Workers During the COVID-19 Crisis

• Donates 146,000 pounds of polymers to NWI for nonwoven fabrics used in medical face masks
• Mobilizes logistics network to quickly deliver polymers from across the country to NWI
• Facilitates value chain relationships to connect NWI with face mask manufacturers

ExxonMobil responded rapidly to an initiative by the Nonwovens Institute (NWI), a long-standing partner since 2008, looking for polymers to fabricate specialty nonwoven fabrics used for personal protective equipment (PPE). NWI is supplying the spunbond and meltblown nonwoven fabrics to manufacturers of medical masks, helping essential frontline medical workers get the PPE they need to stay protected.

From various inventories, ExxonMobil donated a combined total of 146,000 pounds of ExxonMobil™ PP3155, Achieve™ Advanced PP6926G2 and Vistamaxx™ 8880 performance polymers to LINC, a non-profit affiliate of NWI located in Raleigh, North Carolina. ExxonMobil also made several value chain introductions, connecting NWI with companies looking for high-quality nonwovens for PPE.

The nonwoven fabrics were produced at the NWI facilities on the North Carolina State University Centennial Campus. Spunbond nonwovens are used for the outer layers of a variety of medical masks as they are breathable and have the strength to protect the inner layer by maintaining the integrity of the mask. Meltblown nonwovens are used in the inner layer because they provide an effective barrier to liquids and particulates, while being breathable.

Nonwoven fabrics were sent to mask manufacturing companies in North Carolina and across the United States. NWI also purchased assembly machines so that nonwovens could be converted into masks using local campus staff and volunteers, speeding up delivery to local medical facilities.

Find out more about ExxonMobil’s contribution to the fight against COVID-19.

ExxonMobil Website

We changed our capabilities as a buyer/seller/converter/laminator/coater of nonwoven fabrics and composites to help the medical community.

Doctors told us they were desperate for medical PPE, specifically protective medical gowns. Our team found we could laminate SBPP + PE film to make medical grade fabric impervious to water/fluid. Our plan was to make 200-300 gowns for the local hospital. Now, we will produce/source the following medical PPE in the next eight weeks:

•     800,000 medical gowns

•     400,000 protective face shields

•     5,000,000 square yards of medical fabric

•     Millions of flat and KN95 masks

To make 800,000 medical gowns and 400,000 protective shields, we assembled seven local businesses to support our plans. It really has been amazing to see our local community come together to get needed medical PPE to our frontline medical teams.

Please let me know if you would like to hear more about what we are doing.

Fabric Sources International Website

As a supplier of machinery and key components to the nonwovens industry, Fi-Tech has been recognized as an essential supplier by several customers’ supply chains; working with their supplier, Reicofil, on several projects for Reicofil Meltblown Lines for delivery to the US to produce meltblown fabric required for N95 face masks.

To maintain supply of critical parts and components to our nonwovens customers, and provide coverage, Fi-Tech created alternating staffing schedules in the office and abbreviated hours of operation to limit exposure.

Our critical warehouse and logistic functions remain on a full-time schedule. We’ve incorporated sanitization measures in our daily routines and increased janitorial and sanitization services from an outside source.

Fi-Tech Inc. Website

• As a critical supplier in the fight against Covid-19, we’ve seen an increase in demand for our fibers
• Our fiber is used exclusively in the North American manufacturing of the swabs for the Coronavirus test kit
• Our fibers are manufactured into non-woven medical wipes, N95 filter masks, air and liquid filtration
• A specialty fiber we produce is used as the last, most critical filter, in pharmaceutical drug manufacturing. To meet this increase in demand, we have reassigned production normally allocated to the automotive industry
• This week we reactivated an idle line to make the PP fiber base for an N95 mask
• In addition to meeting the current demand, we have been focused on life after the peak in coronavirus cases. Recently we introduced a series of easy split fibers that process as 3 dpf staple but split in carding and post processing into 0.2 dpf to give higher filtration efficiency
• We have multiple partners looking at this product for next generation filter masks
• Finally, we are evaluating and developing fibers with cutting edge viricidal and antimicrobial treatments that will be needed as post pandemic life hopes to normalize
• We applaud those who are working in the community during this time

Fiber Innovation Technology (FIT) Website

Fibertex Nonwovens is supporting the global COVID-19 response by supplying technical nonwovens into N95 facemask media and disinfecting wipes substrates. Fibertex is also leading the industry with production of nanofiber-based nonwoven for medical filtration markets.

Fibertex Nonwovens Website

• Producing rolled goods for masks and disposable household wipes
• Sadly, working overtime to meet manufacturers demands for casket materials
• Working with several mask producers to start producing more masks using needlepunched felt and highloft batting along with meltblown as raw materials for N95 shell shaped stiff masks
• Setting up lines to produce 1 million masks per week and ramping up to 10 million masks per week using our own nonwoven fabrics

Fis Fiber Industries S.A. de C.V. Website

Fitesa North America is directly involved in the fight against COVID-19. Fitesa has more than doubled its current supply of PPE nonwoven material to support the needs of not only convertors, but also those organizations who are producing PPE for their own employees. We have also ramped up production of our specific wipe materials by more than five times, again, focusing on supporting the fight against COVID-19. To support the community, Fitesa is also using food trucks for its employees to ensure that we can give back to those in the catering industry that have been so hard hit.

Fitesa Website

• Delivered 1,000 masks to Atlantic Healthcare System – April 6th
• Delivered 1,000 masks to RWJ Barnabas Healthcare System – April 7th
• Donated bleach to our local community for disinfection

Formosa Plastics Corporation USA Website

• Supporting all essential businesses with service
• Responding to several calls to open up protective gear plants…advising it takes 18 months to build and install equipment, with a financial commitment of four to five million dollars

FTA Inc. Website

Fulflex supplies elastic tapes, threads and valves for manufactures of face masks, face shields, and medical disposables.

Our plant, operating in Vermont is an essential element in supply chain:

Donating elastic to individuals and community groups sewing masks for local first responders, medical workers and their friends and neighbors.

You can see more on our LinkedIn page.

To read more:

https://www.reformer.com/stories/stretching-to-meet-demand,601631

Fulflex, A Garflex Inc. Company Website

• GP feels “we are all in this together” and GP is in a rare position to help others in need. Read more to find all the ways GP is helping:

https://www.gp.com/news/2020/04/gp-joins-the-fight-against-covid-19

Georgia-Pacific Nonwovens Website

Gerber Technology Using China Experience to help Global Customers and Increase Production of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Supporting companies transitioning to PPE manufacturing.

Based on its successful initiative in China, Gerber Technology today announced the creation of the Gerber PPE Task Force and Resource Team to support their global customers and partners as they work to increase their production or transition to manufacturing personal protective equipment (PPE). In a global context where COVID-19 inexorably continues to spread, the global shortage of masks and other personal protective equipment needed to keep healthcare workers safe is a concern of everyone.

More than 300 manufacturers, including major global companies, rely on Gerber’s advanced software, hardware solutions and expertise to produce masks and other PPE. Over the last few months, Gerber has helped several customers transition into producing protective masks and other much needed medical supplies including Taglio Marchesini (Italy) and Shanghai Challenge Textile Co., Ltd.

“With over 50 years of expertise, we are doing our part and helping companies quickly transition into manufacturing PPE just as we did for our customers in China a few weeks ago and helped apparel companies successfully transition to manufacturing masks and other personal protective equipment said Mohit Uberoi,” CEO of Gerber Technology.

The Gerber PPE Resource Team is available to support PPE manufacturing including:

• Implementing pre-defined patterns and markers or defining fabric/sewing requirements.
• Helping with the setup of cutter parameters specific to the selected fabrics.
• Providing training, software, equipment and service technicians to ramp up production.
• Changing over current production lines to the production of PPE.
• Connecting supply and demand for PPE via our global ecosystem of customers and partners.
• Introducing existing PPE manufacturers to those converting to PPE production.

To join our experts to help increase or begin manufacturing PPE, please fill out this form: https://gerbertechnology.com/covid19.

Gerber Technology Website

Glatfelter’s Global Response to COVID-19 Includes:

• Providing engineered materials to manufacture critical products for healthcare professionals and consumers to maintain good health, cleanliness, and personal comfort
• Exploring alternative applications for our nonwoven materials to create single-use, disposable products for healthcare professionals and consumers
• Sustaining production for wipes, health and hygiene products, and food and beverage items
• Partnering with businesses to provide needed hand sanitizer, face shields, and sanitizing wipes to local organizations in need

Other COVID-19 actions include:

• Shifted to a work-from-home arrangement, where feasible, and discontinued entry of non-essential visitors to Glatfelter facilities to mitigate the potential spread of the virus
• Expanded safety and hygiene protocols to instill a “duty of care” mindset among employees
• Implemented stringent procedures to quickly isolate team members with symptoms of illness including but not limited to COVID-19
• Discontinued all business travel until further notice
• Developed frequent communications and leveraged technology to keep all employees informed
• Acknowledged employees and demonstrating appreciation for their dedication and professionalism 

Glatfelter Website

GOJO taking all efforts to support health and safety of GOJO team members, while accelerating production of essential supplies in the midst of pandemic

To read more visit: https://www.gojo.com/en/Newsroom/Corporate-Statements

GOJO Industries, Inc. Website

• Pivoted our 100-year-old textile company to supply PPE to our local hospitals in Detroit
• Flown in over 3 million masks so far for our area health care workers
• Everyone is working from home, most are working around the clock
• Supplying local manufacturers with meltblown material for masks
• Moving 200 tons of meltblown material and shipping American-made meltblown all over the world
• Planning to launch a new antimicrobial textile technology material into North America before COVID-19 hit. Open to discuss this new textile as we believe the demand will skyrocket with pandemic awareness

Great Lakes Filter Website

• HDK is directly tied to a government contract to manufacture a nonwoven component used in the production of N95 masks. We have also been deemed and essential supplier to the medical/ surgical mask manufacturers
• We have been deemed an essential supplier to the HVAC filter market as well, manufacturing MERV 8 – 15 filter media for filters use in hospitals
• Locally, we have been donating filter media to two projects; Project Serve our Soldiers and Happy Hearts Quilting Guild. They are both manufacturing masks for first responders and as of April 1st they have produced 3,720 masks by hand
• Last, we are looking into donating now to our local food banks to help those in need

HDK Industries Inc. Website

• Herrmann Ultrasonics, Inc. has set up a mask task force to coordinate all efforts to supply ultrasonic welding technology for the production of face masks
• “Nine different mask types have been identified”, says CEO Thomas Herrmann, ranging from simple face masks to complex 3D deep-drawn masks with breathing valves

To read more:

https://www.nonwovens-industry.com/content-microsite/non_covid-19/2020-04-06/herrmann-creates-mask-task-force

Herrmann Ultrasonics, Inc. Website

We’re starting up our 0.5m meltblown pilot line to produce N95 media:

• Gathering various pieces of equipment to make a 1.0m line to temporarily produce filter media 

Hills Inc. Website

• Making significant capital investments
• Adding a second shift to our pre-saturated wipes lines
• Fulfilling significant demand increases for hard surface disinfectant wipes and hand sanitizer wipes 

ITW Pro Brands Website

• For more than 40 years, Sontara® fabrics are used in personal protection equipment (PPE) including face masks and gown components and disinfectant wipes.
• Sontara® Protect for face masks are compliant with EN 14683:2019 Type I, II and IIR standard. Our offering has been tested and qualified for new general purpose categories 1 and 2 as recommended by French authorities, meeting the requirements for Aerosols Filtration Efficiency (AFE%) 90+.
• We also offer material for mask borders and ties for respirators (FFP2 or N95)
• Our Sontara® fabrics for surgical and isolation gowns fulfill the requirements of EN13795, AAMI L1 and AAMI L2 standard
• To read more: https://www.jacob-holm.com/emea/en-us/covid-19/

Jacob Holm Website

We’re in the fight against COVID-19 by providing pleating equipment:

• Supporting existing customers who suddenly “re-tooled” to start manufacturing pleated facemasks using our machinery
• Remotely offering technical assistance on machine programming, web-handling, and other general guidance
• Accelerated production to finish machinery earlier than anticipated, so new pleating machines could be deployed into production much faster
• Sacrificed all demonstration equipment worldwide that is vital for everyday development needs, and normally not for sale, for customers to use in the production of respirator filters and other filtration needs in the fight against COVID-19

JCEM Group Website

The Engineered Products division of Johns Manville is finding new ways to support the communities and people who are on the front lines of this global crisis. U.S. production has recently started on two urgently needed nonwovens fabrics:

• For the manufacturing of various types of needed face masks Johns Manville in Richland, MS, has started production of a meltblown filtration media. The media is exceeding Level 1 BFE 95% (Bacterial Filtration Efficiency) and VFE (Viral Filtration Efficiency) requirements. These results were verified by an FDA-registered national laboratory. Sales inquiries: Patrick.Morgan@JM.com

Press release: https://www.jm.com/en/blog/2020/april/Johns-Manville-Starts-Production-of-Nonwoven-Media-for-Face-Masks/

• For the manufacturing of disposable medical gowns and privacy curtains Johns Manville in Spartanburg, SC, has started production of a coated continuous filament, calendared polyester nonwoven. It meets the requirements for a Level 3 medical gown as established by ANSI/AAMI PB70:2012 Liquid barrier performance and classification of protective apparel and drapes intended for use in health care facilities. Per this standard, the material was tested to AATCC 42-2017 Water Resistance: Impact Penetration Test and AATCC 127-2017 Water Resistance: Hydrostatic Pressure Test. Additionally, Evalith® 017/120H3 has been tested to and meets the flammability standard per 16 CFR Part 1610 Class 1, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration policy and guidance. Sales inquiries: Richard.Hausman@JM.com

Press release: https://www.jm.com/en/blog/2020/may/johns-manville-starts-production-of-nonwoven-fabric-for-medical-gowns/

Johns Manville Website

The Johnson & Johnson Family of Companies is advancing the development of a vaccine:

• Screening compounds to determine if any could help treat those who have the virus
• Maintaining supply of critical medicines, devices and consumer health products
• Donating equipment, products, and funds to support organizations and health care workers on the front lines

Johnson & Johnson Consumer Inc. Website

Jumpstart Consultants Increases Capacity to Help Supply the Growing Demand for Personal Protective Apparel Fabric

Richmond, VA – Jumpstart Consultants, Inc. has increased capacity at its US-based manufacturing center to include personal protective apparel fabric production to their current capabilities mix which normally supplies the building envelope, roofing, floor protection, and industrial packaging markets.

Jumpstart manufactures a variety of converted rollstock goods which meet the stringent ANSI PB70, Level 3 standards for protective apparel used in healthcare facilities. Jumpstart rollstock can be used by converters to produce typical PPE articles such as surgical gowns, isolation gowns, other protective apparel, surgical drapes, and drape accessories.

Multiple grades are available, including both polypropylene and polyester spunbond nonwoven fabric structures in various customer-specified product widths. “The variety of Jumpstart products which comply with the ANSI PB70 standard provides PPE converters with unique choices for breathable, water resistant rollstock,” said Chris Shepherd, Executive Vice President of Jumpstart Consultants, Inc. “We are pleased to leverage a uniquely diversified raw material supply chain and a flexible manufacturing platform in the US to support the present critical need for PPE materials for our health care system.”

Jumpstart’s dynamic capabilities and diverse raw material supply chain make this increased capacity of personal protective apparel fabric for PPE manufacturers possible. For additional information, please visit http://www.jumpstartinc.net/news. 

Jumpstart Consultants Website

To respond to the demand for personal protective equipment in response to the the COVID-19 virus, Kappler, Inc. has decided to temporarily offer ProVent Plus White roll goods to the U.S. market.

To read more:

https://www.nonwovens-industry.com/content-microsite/non_covid-19/2020-03-19/kappler-ups-supply-in-the-us

Kappler, Inc. Website

• Kimberly-Clark donated over $8 Million to support COVID-19 relief efforts
• Scott Brand teamed up with Boys and Girls Clubs of America to provide childcare for families of essential workers
• Hand-to-Hold launches virtual support services for NICU families

To read more…

https://www.nonwovens-industry.com/content-microsite/non_covid-19/2020-04-07/kimberly-clark-commits-over-8-million-in-donations-to-support-covid-19-relief-efforts

https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/huggies-to-donate-five-million-diapers-to-national-diaper-bank-network-and-1-million-to-united-way-for-covid-19-relief-efforts-301032752.html??=prn

https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/cottonelle-asks-americans-to-shareasquare-and-commits-1-million-to-united-way-worldwide-covid-19-relief-efforts-301029371.html

https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/scott-brand-teams-up-with-boys--girls-clubs-of-america-to-provide-childcare-for-families-of-essential-workers-3010

https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/hand-to-hold-launches-virtual-support-services-for-nicu-families-301036848.html

https://www.3blmedia.com/News/U-Kotex-Donates-1-Million-Products-Alliance-Period-Supplies-Relief-Efforts

Kimberly-Clark Corporation Website

• We’re developing a program to educate our workforce on minimizing the spread of germs and guidelines for illness-related absences
• Employees are encouraged to stay home if they are feeling ill and to remain home for 72 hours after illness symptoms subside
• All of our employees have access to a virtual doctor service for initial evaluations from their home 24/7 and are encouraged to use this, and our EAP service to obtain care as soon as symptoms begin. We are using all communication channels to keep our workforce educated and updated on developing situations and resulting plans
• With multiple facilities in close proximity to each other, we can flex our workforce between shifts and facilities to meet production goals for critical products
• Our Purchasing team continues to work with our suppliers to assess any potential disruptions in supply. We will continue to monitor any potential delays and notify customers immediately

KleenTest Products Website

In May, the newly founded company Hygiene Austria started production of face masks at Lenzing’s production site in Austria.

Also, in May, Hygiene Austria started production of face masks at Lenzing’s production site in Grimsby.

Hygiene Austria produces children’s mouth-nose face masks and FFP2 protective masks for schools and holiday care.

For more information, visit:

https://www.ots.at/presseaussendung/OTE_20200520_OTE0008/eans-news-hygiene-austria-starts-production-of-face-masks-at-lenzings-production-site-in-grimsby-uk

Lenzing Website

While we are not a producer of Nonwovens, we do supply filtration and air conditioning systems to nonwovens manufacturers. But we have in our own operations all been working from home social distancing for the past 3 weeks. 

Luwa Pneumafil Inc. Website

MEZGER, INC. is a leading supplier of testing instruments and blotter papers for nonwoven testing. We are currently helping many laboratories and producers with the supply of blotter papers for Spray Impact testing. 

Mezger Inc. Website

• Donating to support the fight against COVID-19
• Changing our production assets to focus more on PPE
• Focused on our offerings experiencing elevated demands 

Milliken Website

• We recently dedicated our full meltblown capacity to the domestic market to support Turkish Government efforts to manufacture and distribute masks
• We’ve donated a full truck of meltblown and spunbond PP (half/half) of fabrics to Government

Mogul Tekstil Sanayi Ve Ticaret A.S. Website

• We’ve been making surgical face mask media for many years, due to the pandemic we’ve:
• Dramatically increased our production capacity and added extra production people to supply the growing need in North America for use in the large number of companies starting to make face masks or respirators
• Supplied enough media to make a half-billion masks

Mondonock Non-Wovens Website

Our company operates in KSA, we continue to fight COVID-19 internally and continue to operate as much as possible, below are actions taken that are mainly common to many other companies and in compliance with WHO and local authorities.

• Temperature measurements for all people entering the company
• Safe distance between employees
• Increasing lunch breaks time interval to reduce people presence inside cafeteria
• Stop all mass activities like sports, events, training, etc.
• Tool box to all employees about personal hygiene
• Availing food supply to our employees in our employees’ dorms
• Increase transportation buses to increase social distancing inside the bus coming to school
• Adapt smart work from home for all employees that can work from home giving them remote access to their data etc…to work efficiently from home
• Putting sanitizers inside all sections in the company and in dorms
• Making dedicated team to sanitize frequently all common facilities doors, etc., inside the company
• Hire dedicated furnished apartments for isolation of suspected cases
• Emergency response teams tackle issues related to COVID-19 problems
• Create online courses for employees training to benefit from their stay at home
• Make new space for prayer rooms inside company to have safe distance between employees that would like to pray at prayer times
• All meetings are done with video conference calls using Microsoft teams, Skype, Webex, etc.

NAPCO Consumer Products Co. Website

In addition to hiring 30+ new employees, we’re:

• Starting a 3rd and a 4th shift to increase output to meet increased demand.
• Continuing to work closely with suppliers to increase supply of raw material to increase output of wipes for customers
• Placed orders for three new production lines and are fast-tracking with suppliers for summer production
• Imported masks to supply our essential customers that need them to remain open
• Adopted protocols to help our workers stay healthy and remain open to supply customers

National Wiper Alliance Website

Neenah Filtration develops material for civil masks

Neenah Filtration is proud to introduce a new material to facilitate the societies’ way back to normal life. The constant demand of mouth-nose protection for an everyday use prompted the development of a filter medium for community and civil masks to protect people. In addition it has a special focus on good breathability.

The newly developed material is produced in our German and US sites. It is a semisynthetic material which is ultrasonic weldable. As It is durable it can be used as a single layer application and protects people in their every-day. Our 50g/m² material offers an efficiency of >80% @ 3µm (KCl @ 10 cm/s). It has a good next-to-skin comfort due to its softness.

Please find the key benefits summarized below:

• Durable to use it as a single-layer
• Protects people in their every-day
• Good next-to-skin-comfort
• Semisynthetic material
• Ultrasonic weldable

Feel free to reach out to discuss possible options with us in detail on filtration@neenah.de

Neenah Filtration Website

Our needlepunch technology is not ideal for most medical requirements that call for meltblown & spunbond, however we are:

• Working with a few companies on alternative materials for face masks and gowns
• One material successfully molding masks is performing very close to N95 mask
• Other materials we’re advancing are gown designs to be suitable for Level 1 and Level 2 gowns
• Internally, we’ve implemented several policies ranging from daily/weekly cleaning to face mask requirements, and asked a few high-risk employees to remain home for their own safety

Northeastern Nonwovens Website

• Working overtime to ensure ecommerce shipments direct to consumers go out on-time
• After a surge in March, we are proud to be shipping orders same day again when our customers are the most vulnerable and likely to try and avoid the stores if possible – see more here: https://www.digitalcommerce360.com/2020/03/20/how-a-medical-supplies-e-retailer-handles-the-coronavirus/

Northshore Supply Website

• Supporting wrapping solutions in the production of mouth and nose protection masks
• Since March 23, a maximum of 24,000 masks per day are sewn at 20 workplaces

To read more: https://www.nonwovens-industry.com/content-microsite/non_covid-19/2020-04-03/optima-supports-wrapping-solutions-in-the-production-of-masks

OPTIMA Machinery Corporation Website

OXCO is Hard at Work Making a Difference and Growing Its Business

Fort Mill, SC – The South Carolina Lieutenant Governor, Pamela Evette, paid a visit to OXCO this today while visiting a handful of South Carolina businesses that are working hard to keep their workforce safe. Established in 1994, OXCO manufactures and supplies non-woven fabrics and industrial materials for a variety of industries and end-use applications.

The Visit

The Lieutenant Governor became familiar with OXCO in 2019 as they moved into a brand-new 150,000-square-foot manufacturing facility, relocating from Charlotte, NC, to Fort Mill, SC. The move brought $13 million in capital investment and more than 130 jobs to York County.

Once an empty lot, the land is now home to a flourishing business, which is not only contributing to our economy, but is helping to supply personal protective equipment (PPE) materials to help with COVID-19.

“When OXCO decided to call South Carolina home last year, it was terrific news for our state and our people,” stated Evette.

“Now, standing here today, I am grateful to witness how OXCO’s leadership has not only kept their employees working and safe, but also shifted their business operations to help supply PPE materials. It’s really incredible.”

Keeping Employees Safe

2020 started out as a typical year for OXCO as they approached their 26th year in business, but this past March, everything changed—along with the rest of the world.

“When I first heard about COVID-19, I did know how much it would impact the United States or our company, explained Erich Meier, President and Owner of OXCO. “As the virus quickly spread across the country we knew we had to do our best to keep our doors open while keeping our employees safe—and that we needed to use our business resources to help in some meaningful way.”

OXCO jumped into action by following all Center for Disease Control (CDC) guidelines—and then some. “We made arrangements for any employee who could accomplish their work away from the facility to work at home, and we made sure that they were equipped to do so,” stated Diane Shytle VP of Administration at OXCO. “We then sprang into action to keep our production employees safe. Since March, they have been required to wear masks, practice social distancing, and sanitize their hands and workstations.”

How OXCO is Making a Difference

Along with keeping their employees safe, OXCO didn’t originally know how they could help with the pandemic, but they knew that there had to be a way. As the effects of the virus started to unfold, they pivoted their business to supply fabric for face masks and hand wipes, which is what the world desperately needed. “We heard that one of our core customers was shifting their entire production line to produce face masks, and we knew we could help,” stated Meier. “We immediately changed course and started to supply the fabric to support their efforts.”

How OXCO is Growing

“At the onset of COVID-19, our business dipped, and we were nervous about the future. But we quickly figured out how we could adjust to help supply what was needed for the pandemic, so we were able to stay productive making PPE products. Now, as the economy starts to improve, our core business is starting to increase again while we still work to support the needs of the community. It’s gratifying to know that we can play a part in helping,” said Jeff Meier, Co-founder and Owner of OXCO.

As the company continues to grow, OXCO is currently hiring for multiple production and professional positions at all levels at its Fort Mill facility located in Lakemont Business Park.

“We have been actively hiring for the past six months and will continue to in order to keep up with our business activity. We have also invested in new production assets to meet the demands for nonwoven fabric.” continued Meier.

Grateful that the pandemic didn’t devastate their business like so many others as a result of the virus, OXCO is excited and hopeful about the future. “Business is good and continues to pick up,” concluded Meier. “We are taking it day by day and doing our best to meet all of our customers’ needs.”

OXCO Inc. Website

Paper Converting Machine Company (PCMC)—part of the Barry-Wehmiller Converting Solutions Platform and a worldwide leader in the design and manufacture of print technologies—announced the recent installation of the new Signature Series (380V-s) wide-web, high-speed offset press at J.J. Collins Printers in Charleston, Illinois.

Paper Converting Machine Company Website

• Ramping up production of our aluminum wire that is produced specifically as a component in surgical/protective face masks to help supply the ongoing demand

Phifer Inc. Website

Manufacturing both recycled and virgin polyester fiber, we support industry customers who use polyester staple fiber for cleaning products, filtration, disposable bed, and needlepunch fabric for residential, commercial, and industrial use in the fight against COVID-19 such as:

• Roll goods that are going to supply PPE needs
• Steel industry buyers using our fiber that ends up in sheet metal production and ultimately turns into metal parts for ventilators. A customer in NC is producing disposable beds for emergency setup of field hospitals.
• With manufacturing connections in Korea we import many styles of protective masks to share with our customers and vendors. We keep ample inventory of these FDA certified masks to keep this vertical line of operation safe until we overcome this new anomaly

PolyTech Fibers Website

With Group headquarters based in Italy, we’re fortunate nobody in the Pratrivero organization has been directly infected and with our precautions, we’ve been able to keep working:

• Converting part of our organization to produce face masks and fabric for gowns
• Manufacturing 500k masks per day for the Italian Unit for Pandemic Crisis, distributed throughout Italy
• Partnering with one of the world largest fashion Group (Ermenegildo Zegna) to supply a nonwoven for manufacturing medical gowns (approximately 280,000 pieces) for the Italian and Swiss Crisis Units
• Pratrivero USA is supplying tens of thousands of yards of medical protective fabric to our U.S. manufacturing customers for use in gowns at cost
• Pratrivero and the Barberis Canonico family (owners of the Group) have donated significant quantities of fabric and face masks to numerous organizations

Pratrivero SpA Website

Precision Fabrics Group is working overtime to expand its production of a special fabric for tens of thousands of protective gowns for hospital workers.

To read more:

https://www.greensboro.com/business/to-the-rescue-greensboro-company-helps-supply-badly-needed-fabric-for-health-workers/article_892a82ce-2beb-5d68-b13d-60ebc0d3e57a.html

Precision Fabrics Group Inc. Website

Proctor & Gamble is converting manufacturing capacity from product to face masks at nearly a dozen manufacturing sites globally.

To read more:

https://www.nonwovens-industry.com/content-microsite/non_covid-19/2020-04-09/pg-to-make-masks-at-a-dozen-sites-globally

https://us.pg.com/covid19/

Procter & Gamble Website

• Geosynthetics support the construction and infrastructure industries, so we are deemed essential
• Production continues and we have taken CDC measures recommended to keep employees safe and when possible work from home

Propex Global Website

To fight against this virus, Pulcra remains open with reduced staff on site, to provide the finishes needed by the fiber and web producers to make specialized chemicals and textile auxiliaries used in the manufacturing of textile articles for protection and hygiene.

Read more:

Pulcra Chemicals Grateful for Heroic Efforts of Workers on the Front Line of COVID-19 Response

Pulcra Chemicals is grateful for the heroic efforts of first responders, doctors, nurses, hospital staff, transportation workers, janitorial workers, grocery store, big box store and restaurant workers, along with all who are supporting the production of PPE in the fight against COVID-19.

Pulcra Chemicals supplies fiber finishes, repellents, and antimicrobials used by our customers to manufacture knit and nonwoven fabrics for medical end use applications. We have also supplied solutions to our customers that converted their operations to produce face masks.

We are humbled to be able to play a small part in the fight against COVID-19 and will continue to support our customers by providing high quality products when they are needed. We could not do our part without the unwavering support of our employees, and we thank them for their efforts during these uncertain times.

Pulcra Chemicals Website

• Teamed with another manufacturing company to produce low performance surgical masks using our nonwoven roll goods
• Following safety and protocols reducing COVID-19 risk at our facility
• Feeling proud to be a part of the Nonwovens Industry, this is our collective time to shine and protect others!

Schwartz Manufacturing Company Website

SGS – IPS Testing is fully operational and able to assist with PPE testing needs. With years of experience testing face masks, gowns, and drapes, our services range from testing the initial material to the final product design. We can be reached at Appleton.CustomerService@SGS.com. 

SGS – IPS Testing Website

• Donated 2,000 N95 masks to a local hospital based upon local community needs
• Connected medical facilities with Shaw suppliers for faster access to needed supplies (such as masks) to allow them to tap into a different supply chain than normal where their typical supplies are strained to meet growing needs
• Developed our own hand sanitizer and disinfectant for use in our north Georgia facilities -- relieving some pressure in the supply chain for others seeking similar materials (Shaw continues to use products from other suppliers as well. Shaw’s current capacity and packaging limitations does not allow it to effectively make sanitizer to ship to all its locations or to donate in large quantities to others.)
• Donated 100 Chromebook tablets to local school systems to provide remote sessions for speech and occupational therapy for students in need of devices
• Provided meals from local restaurants for healthcare workers in Northwest Georgia hospitals, including a donation to Because Calhoun Cares
• Supporting associates who are volunteering their time in support of various COVID-19 response efforts, including leveraging Shaw MakerSpace to 3D print face shields that are being donated to medical personnel and sewing cloth masks
• Partnering with the United Way, an organization with whom Shaw has worked for decades to help meet the needs of the communities in which we operate 

Shaw Industries Website

Shemesh has temporarily relocated three of its “essential” after sales professionals into the region. The decision took place as clients are currently working around the clock to meet demand in a zero-downtime tolerance environment

To read more…

https://www.nonwovens-industry.com/content-microsite/non_covid-19/2020-04-09/shemesh-to-deploy-techs-across-the-us

Shemesh Automation Website

Sonobond Ultrasonics’ textile assembly machines can help increase production speed and create ultrasonic barrier seams that satisfy regulatory requirements for disposable medical gowns and shoe covers, lint-free wound dressings, pillow and mattress covers, and pouches for sterilizing and storing medical instruments.

Sonobond has been granted a waiver from Pennsylvania COVID-19 Orders to continue our critical role in providing equipment that assembles life-sustaining medical supplies.

Contact: 610-696-4710; or contact Vice President Melissa Alleman at MAlleman@SonobondUltrasonics.com.

To view our textile and filter assembly video visit: https://www.sonobondultrasonics.com/welders-bonders/nonwovens-textiles 

Sonobond Ultrasonics Website

While not in the PPE space, we responded with our hearts and specific requests to produce materials to support traditional textile industry employees in NC safety and employment. Examples of our response include:

• Within hours, we produced prototype materials for masks, drapes, and gowns
• Within seven days, we produced commercial production roll goods for masks
• Now, we are producing paper-based mask media for clients using our wetlaid machines
• We continue to provide guidance to companies not in this business

Southeast Nonwovens Inc. Website

Unfortunately, we are shut down and in telework status. The administration at (USDA-ARS) is not allowing any research to be conducted. Consequently, we are unable to perform experiments or nonwovens production until our site is re-opened. I have received collaborative inquiries to use alternative materials such as cotton fibers for N95 mask production, but cannot access my roll goods inventory to send samples for prototype testing. Wish it were different…looking forward to return to research. 

Southern Regional Research Center (SRRC), ARS-USDA Website

Spraying Systems Co.’s facilities are operating to deliver product and solutions that are making a difference in the health and safety of our customers and communities with:

-      Direct involvement: SSCo is donating environmentally responsible sanitizer and disinfectant to local first-responders and state officials in the Chicagoland (Illinois) area. This PathoCide is produced in-house using equipment manufactured by PathoSans, a division of Spraying Systems Co. www.pathosans.com or www.klarion.com

-     Indirect involvement: SSCo supplied spray systems have transitioned like other suppliers, in the service to now apply antimicrobials, moisture blocks, or other processing aids necessary in the change-over or to help increase production line speeds

https://www.provisioneronline.com/articles/109229-pathosansklarion-technologies-answers-governor-pritzkers-call-to-action-will-donate-5000-gallons-of-disinfectant-to-address-states-urgent-needs

Contact: Jess Messenger

Mulberry Marketing Communications

847-736-7091

jmessenger@mulberrymc.com

PathoSans Answers Governor Pritzker’s Call to Action,

Will Donate 5,000 Gallons of Sanitizer to Address State’s Urgent Needs

GLENDALE HEIGHTS, Ill.— In response to Governor Pritzker’s urgent plea to Illinois businesses to help in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic, PathoSans Technologies will donate up to 5,000 gallons/day of its PathoCide® sanitizer and disinfectant to the state. PathoCide kills human coronavirus and other viruses more resilient to disinfection than SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19.

PathoSans®, a division of Spraying Systems Co., will produce the sanitizer using equipment it manufactures in Glendale Heights, Illinois. It will donate the sanitizer to state first responders and the teams that support them who cannot secure enough sanitizer due to shortages caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The sanitizer will allow the state to clean vehicles, work surfaces, and facilities to keep government personnel and Illinois citizens safer during the coronavirus crisis.

“During this state of emergency, a shortage of effective sanitizers and disinfectants quickly became a significant issue,” said Dr. William J. Kohley, President of PathoSans Technologies. “Our ECA systems are designed to supply high volumes of environmentally responsible cleaners and sanitizers. They are manufactured right here in IL, so if we redirected production to address local supply chain shortages, we knew we could help immediately. It was a unique situation and our state officials and community leaders vetted the idea, process, and figured out how to make it happen.”

PathoSans thanks Governor J.B. Pritzker and his staff, especially Deputy Governor Christian Mitchell; the Illinois Department of Agriculture, including Director Jerry Costello, General Counsel John Teefey and the department’s technical staff; State Senators Tom Cullerton and Elgie R. Sims, Jr.; State Representative Deb Conroy; DuPage County Board Chairman Dan Cronin; President and CEO of the Illinois Manufacturers’ Association Mark Denzler; and Andrew Wheeler, Vice President of Marketing, FutureCeuticals, and Chairman, Kankakee County Board. Without their help, PathoSans could not have navigated the regulatory process that enabled PathoCide sanitizer deployment in the fight against COVID-19.

About PathoSans: PathoSans Technologies is a division of Spraying Systems Co., which has operated in Illinois for over 80 years and is the world’s leading manufacturer of spray nozzles and precision spray technology. PathoSans provides on-site generation (OSG) devices that produce ready-to-use, highly effective cleaners and sanitizers known as electrochemically activated (ECA) solutions. Learn more about these sustainable cleaning technologies at PathoSans.com and Klarion.com (Industrial ECA systems).

# # #

Spraying Systems Co. Website

• +1 million pounds shipped for masks
• +500k pounds shipped for FEMA mattresses
• +2 million pounds shipped to thermal insulation for food packaging
• +500k pounds shipped to air filtration

To read more:

https://steinfibers.com/in-response-to-covid-19/

Stein Fibers, Ltd. Website

As a strategic partner with Hollingsworth & Vose and using Technostat, a high quality, electrostatic filter media, Superior Felt & Filtration, LLC has partnerships with vital companies in the fight against COVID-19, including Honeywell, GM, Ventec and Phillips.

Read more: https://www.inda.org/membership/member-news/superior-felt-filtraon-llc-responds-swily-to-the-global-demand-for-surgical-hoods-mask-components-viralbacterial-and-venlator-filter/

Superior Felt & Filtration, LLC Website

We thank everyone for their solidarity and dedication, and we thank those who leave their homes every day to help ensure no shortages of product during this critical moment. Check out this page for all information that we have prepared to help combat the new variant of the coronavirus since the start of the pandemic.

Visit: https://www.suzanoagainstcoronavirus.com/

Suzano Papel E. Celulose Website

Synthomer Malaysia Donates 450,000 Medical Gloves to Hospital in Bergamo, Italy

Synthomer is donating 450,000 medical gloves to the municipal hospital Papa Giovanni XXIII in Bergamo, Italy. The hospital is situated in the heart of the Lombardy region of Italy which has been severely affected by Covid-19 pandemic.

“Our Italian colleagues made us aware of the severe shortage of PPE in the region, and as one of the world’s leading suppliers of Nitrile Latex, we were able to reach out to some of our major customers and commercially secure medical gloves supplies. At this time our customers are oversold with lead times of four to six months, so we are extremely grateful for their assistance and swift response to our request, and in addition for the matching donations a number of them made,“ said Derick Whyte, Synthomer President Performance Elastomers and Asia.

Malaysia is also under an MCO or lockdown with many industries closed. However, a number of employees worked tirelessly to ensure the shipments were prepared and dispatched to Italy. The first of two shipments arrived at Bergamo airport mid-April and was handed over to the staff of the Papa Giovanni XXIII hospital by the local Synthomer logistics team. Synthomer is grateful to all partners and employees who supported this initiative, and also wishes to thank in particular the local medical staff for the relentless commitment to saving lives during the corona crisis.  

Synthomer Website

As demand surges for face masks during the pandemic, a newly developed solution from Techmer PM, LLC, is boosting the efficacy of the fabrics used in production of such masks.

To read more:

https://www.techmerpm.com/2020/04/09/techmer-pm-charge-enhancer-is-proving-crucial-as-firms-ramp-up-face-mask-production-to-combat-covid-19/

Techmer PM Website

CLINTON, TENN.

Chairman and CEO, John Manuck, shares how Techmer PM is supporting their customers during this pandemic:

• All 7 plants are deemed essential and continue to operate
• We are taking great steps to keep our employees healthy and safe
• We continuously share demand forecasts with our supply chain

How we can better collaborate in this “new normal”:

• Keep Techmer PM current on your project pipeline
• Share material demand forecasts with your Techmer Sales Engineer as frequently as possible
• Reach out to Techmer PM Leadership with ideas for improved collaboration

Reach out to your Techmer PM Sales Engineer to discuss how you are addressing these challenging times and how we can help.

Techmer PM Website

• We have accelerated delivery of new and used machines
• We are developing a mask production machine for quick delivery and have multiple orders in-house
• We are maintaining remote service and parts support for our customers who are running 24/7 to supply the need for disinfecting wipes

Teknoweb North America Website

Tenowo Nonwovens Inc. historically has been a key nonwoven producer to the global automotive market.

As Covid 19 shutdown the world and put US businesses in unprecedented economic uncertainty, Tenowo pivoted to developing and commercializing PPE medical nonwovens at record pace.

We are now producing material for AAMI Level 1 & 2 gown production and nano technology face masks.

Tenowo is proud to be a part of the Nonwoven Industry and INDA by providing materials that are helping our great frontline medical workers fight this global pandemic. 

Tenowo Nonwovens Inc. Website

A decontamination wipe with an activated carbon core, invented by a Texas Tech University researcher to clean up toxic agents also could clean up bodily fluids contaminated with the coronavirus.

To read more:

https://today.ttu.edu/posts/2020/03/Stories/decontamination-wipe-could-help-coronavirus-cleanup

Texas Tech University Website

The Nonwovens Institute (NWI) at North Carolina State University is proactively responding to the COVID-19 pandemic. Our aim is to fully leverage and fortify our facilities to produce face masks that are desperately needed in the coronavirus fight.

To read more:

Fort Bragg teams with NC State to produce masks during global pandemic

https://abc11.com/6110859/

The Nonwovens Institute (NWI) at North Carolina State University Website

Deemed essential from the State of North Carolina, TSG Finishing, LLC, Hickory NC, under CDC guidance and employee safety, is doing everything inclusive of trials and successful treatment of wovens and nonwovens to be turned into level-1, -2 and -3 PPE, most likely gowns and privacy curtains; also actively producing finishing air-filtration products.

In addition, we’ve bottled a sanitizing spray for both our facilities as well as a donating to a local hospital branch in Catawba County, NC.

To read more:

www.defendyourfabric.com

TSG Finishing, LLC Website

Since most disposable face masks in the US market are manufactured in other countries and imported into the US, the recent global COVID-19 outbreak has caused a shortage of face masks all over the US.

Uniquetex, a nonwovens company located near Charlotte NC, has been making polypropylene nonwoven roll goods for several years. These products are key raw materials used to make disposable face masks.

With the current COVID-19 epidemic crisis, the company was looking to help in any way possible during this time. In early March, the management team decided to take action and made significant investments to buy and air ship new face mask machines and creating a new company, Ecoguard, Inc. After around the clock diligence and hard work from everyone, the first face mask manufacturing line has come online in early March, followed by 16 additional machines. Currently there are 17 machines running. The plan is to have twenty, 3-layer surgical mask machines and five, KN95 machines by July/August 2020. It is important to note that all our masks are made from the nonwoven raw materials we manufacture here in Grover, NC.

The face masks have been tested and qualified to wear as ASTM 2100-2019 level 3 Surgical masks. This along with the EUA have enabled us to provide masks to US health care professionals, hospitals and the general public.

For information or ordering face masks contact customer service department at 704-457-3003, ext 1.  

Uniquetex Website

• Developed a fully automatic, high-speed converting line capable of producing 1 million disposable 3-ply surgical grade masks per day with a lower cost mask design.
• Provides efficient machinery to satisfy the high demand of masks worldwide (in cooperation with W+D and BICMA).
• Started producing face masks type II EN 14683 on a retrofitted lab machine.

For full details visit: https://www.inda.org/w-dbicma-develops-3-ply-face-mask-line-capable-of-1-million-disposable-surgical-masks-per-day-with-a-lower-cost-mask-design/

W+D North America Inc. Website

As a provider of precision converting and contract manufacturing services, Web Industries has increased production capacity and new product development to support a wide range of critical PPE and medical suppliers:

Our Fort Wayne, Indiana, facility has ramped up production of PPE components such as face mask and surgical gown ties, bindings, and other parts to meet the global surge in demand. Web Fort Wayne currently supplies 43 different formatted PPE parts using material from over a dozen different manufacturers.

https://www.webindustries.com/news/web-industries-allocates-medical-nonwoven-material-converting-capacity-for-covid-19-response/

Our Holliston, Massachusetts, facility is working with medical industry leaders to develop and mass-produce COVID-19 rapid diagnostic tests based on lateral flow technologies. An alternative to slower laboratory-based testing processes, these “point-of-care” tests will be able to provide effective results in as little as five minutes and at one-quarter the cost of current options.

https://www.webindustries.com/news/web-industries-lfi-center-of-excellence-allocates-priority-capacity-for-covid-19-diagnostic-tests/

With a wide array of cutting-tables, our Nantes, France, facility is producing disposable face masks and protective aprons for the French government, hospitals, and other health care providers.

https://www.webindustries.com/news/web-industries-omega-systemes-earns-french-general-directorate-of-armament-approval-for-covid-19-facemask-production/

https://www.webindustries.com/news/web-industries-omega-systemes-produces-single-use-aprons-for-france-area-hospitals/

Our Middlesex, Vermont, facility has produced disposable face mask kits for internal use within Web facilities and is developing similar face covering and isolation gowns for external customers. Additionally, they are assembling saliva collection kits to support COVID-19 detection and diagnosis testing.

Our facilities continue to work under COVID-19 protocols implemented in early March and continuously updated as the pandemic has evolved.

https://www.webindustries.com/news/web-industries-inc-covid-19-statement/

https://www.webindustries.com/news/web-industries-inc-covid-19-update-march-16-2020/

https://www.webindustries.com/news/web-industries-inc-covid-19-update-march-24-2020/

Web Industries, Inc. Website

• Responding with high-volume production of surgical masks and N95 respirator masks for COVID-19 emergency needs of related medical supplies
• WPT has invested in 2 fully automated face mask lines to produce 100,000 surgical masks per day starting May 1st and 35,000 N95 respirators per day starting June 15th
• Renovated a 6,000 sq.ft. warehouse into a medical converting space and will hire 30 new employees

To read more:

https://www.nonwovens-industry.com/content-microsite/non_covid-19/2020-03-30/wpt-nonwovens-shifts-to-mask-production

WPT Nonwovens Corporation Website

• Rapidly producing mask machines in Japan and offering them to all customers worldwide virtually at cost
• Focusing resources towards new mask machine design, machine conversion upgrades, and conversion kits for existing equipment

ZUIKO Website