Ecofibre Ltd.: U.S.-Launch Of Hemp Black PPE Face Masks And Guidance Update

GEORGETOWN, Ken. — May 7, 2020 — Ecofibre Ltd. has commenced distribution of Hemp Black face masks across the United States.

Ecofibre had previously announced that its Hemp Black business would adjust and accelerate its product launch plans to shift capacity and meet developing demand for personal protection equipment (PPE). Over the past six weeks Hemp Black has designed and manufactured face masks to address the current shortage and future demand for quality face masks in the United States.

Ecofibre CEO Eric Wang stated: “In line with our capabilities, we have launched a high-quality washable mask featuring Hemp Black technologies. Whilst masks can be easily sold at this time, fair and sustainable pricing is critical. We expect the existing demand for protective face masks to remain for the foreseeable future. At least 90 percent of our capacity will be made available to major healthcare supply distributors, and a small percentage of masks allocated to our direct to consumer channel and U.S. state governments.”

David Neu, CEO of Ananda Health, stated: “Given the shortage of quality personal protection equipment, providing masks to large distributors and related healthcare providers allows the broadest coverage of product to the industry channels and geographies that most need this critical product category. The major national distributors are in regular contact with retail, government and institutional markets and have an informed view of needs-based prioritization.”

Strategic partner TexInnovate manufacturing Hemp Black Fusion face masks

In close collaboration with our business partner TexInnovate, located in Greensboro, N.C., Ecofibre has developed a high-quality face mask with the following key components and features:

  • Antimicrobial copper technology yarns;
  • Hemp Black/element infused adaptive fibers;
  • Multi-layer 3D knitting;
  • Reusable and machine washable up to 25 cycles; and
  • Seamless knitting for fit and comfort.

The masks are not intended for clinical use and are not approved by the FDA for this purpose.

“TexInnovate has been a very close business and research partner for nearly two years on Hemp Black,” Wang said. “They are an instrumental supply chain partner and have an equally deep commitment to innovation and quality.”

“We are very pleased to incorporate Hemp Black’s leading-edge technologies into PPE products,” said TexInnovate President Jeff Bruner. “The alignment between form, fit, function and consumer safety will be key to the long-term value proposition in this newly forming product segment.”

Manufacturing capacity for the Hemp Black fusion face mask will be set at c.160,000 units per month by August 1, 2020.

Posted May 8, 2020

Source: Ecofibre Ltd.

SHARE