Replication specialists from Sonopress and packaging experts from Topac have combined their know-how and developed their own face shield. The result of the collaboration is a reusable protective mask consisting of a clear polyester film, a spacer and an adjustable strap that can be used to fix the construction to the head. The three-part product, made of high-quality plastic materials, can be assembled in less than two minutes and when used covers the entire face including eyes, nose and mouth. The crystal clear film ensures a good view and the shape makes it very comfortable to wear, making it very easy to breathe behind the protective screen. Up to 50,000 of the masks are to be produced per week at the headquarters of the two Bertelsmann Printing Group companies in Gütersloh.
"The face mask is a genuine joint product in which our design, construction and production experts in Gütersloh have worked together both closely and creatively," explains Sonopress Managing Director Sven Deutschmann. Sonopress' Asia team based in Hong Kong provided further support in the development of the protective mask. Sven Deutschmann is particularly proud of the fact that the masks are not only very functional but also reusable. "The material surfaces can be easily cleaned with a disinfectant and thus allow multiple use over several days or even weeks," the manager particularly emphasizes the aspect of sustainability.
The teams from Sonopress and Topac are currently working flat out to set up the first production line and expect to be able to deliver the first masks to medical institutions or other persons with high protection needs in Germany and Europe from April 24th. Initially, the company is aiming for a daily capacity of up to 10,000 masks. This could be increased to up to 100,000 units per day in the further course of the year and depending on demand. In addition, Sonopress is also planning to start the manufacturing of "surgical masks". The clean room capacities required for such production are already available at the headquarters in Gütersloh. Those responsible expect the masks to be ready for production by the end of the second quarter of 2020.
