Community Masks-from an Emergency Solution to an Innovation Booster for the Textile Industry

The COVID-19 pandemic resulted in shortages of personal protective equipment and medical devices in the initial phase. Agile small and medium-sized enterprises from regional textile industries reacted quickly. They delivered alternative products such as textile-based community masks in collaboration with industrial partners and research institutes from various sectors. The current mask materials and designs were further improved by integrating textiles with antiviral and antimicrobial properties and enhanced protection and comfort by novel textile/membrane combinations, key factors to increase the acceptance and compliance of mask wearing. The safety and sustainability of masks, as well as taking into account particular needs of vulnerable persons in our society, are new fields for textile-based innovations. These innovations developed for the next generation of facemasks have a high adaptability to other product segments, which make textiles an attractive material for hygienic applications and beyond.

Automated summary

The COVID-19 pandemic led to shortages of personal protective equipment and medical devices, but agile small and medium-sized enterprises from the textile industry quickly responded by developing alternative textile-based products. These innovations, including integrating textiles with antiviral and antimicrobial properties, novel textile/membrane combinations, and considering the needs of vulnerable populations, not only improved the current mask materials and designs but also have potential for application in other product segments.