Sioen filter for mouth masks
Best COVID-19 filter for mouth masks
In the fight against the coronavirus pandemic, Sioen has developed reusable filters that can be added to mouth masks that have an opening for a filter cloth. The objective of using this type of filter is providing the highest possible protection level without compromising usability. Thanks to this innovation, Sioen aims to protect people’s health and well-being.
COVID-19 pandemic
In 2019, Researchers discovered the first human cases of COVID-19. In March 2020, the World Health Organisation declared the COVID-19 outbreak a pandemic. Over 100 million people have suffered the virus ever since the start of the pandemic and more than 2.3 million people have died due to COVID-19, according to the WHO. Just like in many continents, the pandemic has hit Europe hard.
Many countries went in lockdown for a couple of times and hospitals have a difficult time trying to help all victims of the virus. Governments, as well as companies try to find solutions to this virus. This does not only include a vaccine or medication, but also developments that can slow down the number of contaminations. In Belgium, where Sioen’s headquarters are located, the government searched for adequate mouth mask filters.
A Belgian tender for filters
To be able to stop the rise in number of contaminations in Belgium, the Federal Government decided to distribute mouth masks and filter material to all residents. Sioen was awarded the contract to produce 6 million filters. As all Belgian residents received free mouth masks and filters, an inclusive and sustainable society was guaranteed.
This product that was produced for the Belgian market is 100% Belgian, which is an ecological decision. The filter cloth is produced in Liège at Sioen Technical Felts, cutting takes places at Coatex and even packaging is done by Belgian partners.
A safe and sustainable alternative to disposable masks
The Sioen filter has the CENTEXBEL COVID-19 Approved label and can be used in homemade facial masks or in reusable masks that you can find in many stores. To reuse the filter, you can wash the filter at 60°C for at least 30 minutes, iron it for 2 minutes at a maximum of 120°C or place it in boiling water for 5 to 10 minutes.
The filter’s bacterial filtration efficiency, breathability, resistance to flow splashes, its biocompatibility, etc. have thoroughly been tested, which makes it an extremely useful product in the fight against the coronavirus.
Contributing to a healthier world
Sioen directly contributes to the health of the Belgian nation. We aim to realise as many sustainable development goals as possible. With this new development, we definitely ‘ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages’ (SDG 3). We always actively invest in innovation, which is another step towards realising SDG 9, which states that you should ‘build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialisation and foster innovation’. In addition, all Belgian residents received a reusable filter, which makes it inclusive and sustainable (SDG 11).