In the midst of crisis, the fashion industry is banding together to help the healthcare industry. ÉTICA, a sustainable lifestyle brand, has shifted their production line to exclusively producing FDA Approved medical and non-medical grade masks and PPE. Their factory in Puebla, Mexico has been transformed into a sterile facility and deemed an essential business.
With an overwhelming need for masks and PPE, the factory has produced over 4,000,000 units for various governmental and health agencies since first cutting in late March and is now expanding capacity to meet additional demand in the U.S. as well. The highest in demand are triple layer masks made with two layers of spunbond polypropylene with a meltblown polyester filler that protects against penetration from bacteria, fluids, and micro-particles, typically used by hospitals, first responders and essential workers. The factory’s high efficiency Mactec drying and Jeanologia G2 Ozone technology are being employed to sterilize materials.
With increased capacity, ÉTICA has also developed branded, washable, non-medical grade masks, using deadstock fabrics. These masks will be available to purchase on eticadenim.com starting late April. With every purchase, ÉTICA will make a donation of the medical grade masks to U.S. hospitals and shelters in need.
“Social responsibility has always been a core component of our mission here at ÉTICA. We will continue to do everything we can to support our community, and we are happy to be of service during this time. It takes a lot to make these shifts at the production level and we are truly inspired by all the fashion brands out there who reacted so quickly to step in and help during this crisis. It really gives us hope to see everyone banding together like this.”