The corona virus pandemic has caused the demand for protective clothing to skyrocket – all over the world. Some fashion companies have reacted and changed their production processes either in whole or in part. Smocks, masks and other protective products are produced to protect and support nursing and hospital staff in their daily work. These companies are leading by example.
H&M follows the instructions of the EU
The Swedish textile trading company H&M was brought on board by the European Union. As a spokeswoman for the news agency spot on news said, the EU had asked the company "to use the capacities of our supply chain as well as extensive procurement systems and logistics capacities to enable the fastest possible delivery". It is not yet clear what type of protective clothing will be produced and in what quantity. "We are in close dialogue with the EU to understand what needs are most urgent."
In general, however, the production of protective masks is a priority. When to start the relief effort? The spokeswoman said: "As soon as we have ensured that the products meet the requirements of the EU and WHO, production and deliveries will begin." The articles should benefit staff in hospitals and health care. "We will supply the countries where the EU sees the greatest need, both inside and outside the EU." The company also announced through its spokeswoman that it initially wanted to donate the deliveries "in this urgent initial phase".
Trigema supports "multiple clinics"
The starting signal was given in Burladingen in Swabia on March 19. Trigema, Germany's largest manufacturer of sports and leisure clothing, started producing protective masks and protective clothing after "several clinics" had asked for it. Since then, the official website has spoken of the production of around 100,000 protective masks per week for clinics and care facilities. Trigema also published instructions on how to sew mouthguards and gowns at home.
Eterna is strong in Slovakia
Eterna from Passau in Lower Bavaria has "massively reduced the production of shirts and blouses due to the omnipresent crisis". This emerges from an official announcement from the shirt manufacturer, which is available spot on news. Instead, the production plant in Slovakia would focus entirely on the production of protective masks. The client was the Slovakian state, "which thus increased its inventory of urgently needed protective equipment for medical personnel and patients".
The company's goals are to bring the daily output to 25,000 masks, to create additional capacities for the production of additional protective clothing, and to protect employees from short-time work. The only drawback: "Currently, production is only approved for Slovakia," says Eterna. However, they are working "at full speed to make the legal conditions and compliance with the regulations for a delivery to the rest of Europe possible".
Calzedonia converts entire production plants
In the halls of the Italian company Calzedonia, which usually produces hosiery, underwear and swimwear, all signs point to crisis management. Old sewing machines were converted, new special machines were purchased. Since March 23, respirators and coats have been produced in the factories in Avio (Trentino-South Tyrol) and Gissi (Abruzzo) as well as in all in-house factories in Croatia. According to a media release, the first delivery was sent the same day to the Verona hospital and to the municipality of Verona.
Luxury brands Prada and Ralph Lauren follow suit
Luxury fashion houses also seem to have recognized the seriousness of the situation. For example, the Italian company Prada started on March 18 with the production of 80,000 protective coats and 110,000 protective masks. The order came from the region of Tuscany, according to a press release from the company. The work in the Prada factory in Montone (Umbria) is to continue until April 6, as are the daily deliveries to the national nursing staff.
Ralph Lauren (80), American fashion designer and founder of the fashion company Ralph Lauren Corporation, also became active. Not only did he donate $ 10 million to several organizations in the fight against the corona virus. In cooperation with his manufacturing partners in the USA, he also arranged for the production of 250,000 masks and 25,000 protective suits.