Research for better personal protective equipment
Personal protective equipment like face masks are key to contain the COVID-19 spread. Face masks are often made from polypropylene (PP) nonwovens that filter micro-particles and virus-containing droplets. Production of PP nonwovens is mainly in China. Competition for PPE is so high that even highly developed countries face severe gaps.
We plan to solve the shortage through alternative high performance PPE fabric, which easily available, washable and reusable, for use in masks that match FFP2 performance.
Latest Information
Textile material
The Institut für Textiltechnik (ITA) der RWTH Aachen University combines state of the art fibers, textile surface technology and practical knowledge of available textile machinery to bind COVID-19 droplets and aerosols in affordable filters.
Fair production
Upper Hand. works together with trusted textile producers around the world to bring affordable high tech products to market. Focus is a regional production promoting short supply routes, fair working conditions and knowledge on new materials and treatments.
Self-desinfection
Researchers from Freie Universität Berlin at the Institute for Animal and Environmental Hygiene analyze and measure the virucidal impact of textile treatments with focus on SARS-CoV-2. With the goal to increase the protection level of community masks and filters.
User centered
We listen carefully to our users identifying needs for new technologies and bringing them to market within weeks instead of months. Our consortium wants to create research proven personal protective equipment to fight avoidable infections and illnesses.
