Volvo Car & NanoTextile to make anti-microbial face mask

February 01, 2021 - Malaysia

Leading premium car brand, Volvo Car Malaysia, had announced that it has collaborated with NanoTextile to make anti-microbial reusable face mask in pursuing sustainability. Volvo Cars is well-known for approaching sustainability principles. NanoTextile is a leading company in Malaysia to offer wide span of nanotechnology in textile industry.

Nalin Jain, managing director of Volvo Car Malaysia, had expressed to embark the project in helping the environment as many surgical masks are being disposed every day that led to environmental pollution. Also, the project was also initiated to help single mothers while engaging with trained vocational graduates from Giatmara and local artisans to help them earn a sustainable living during the pandemic, according to Volvo Cars.

A study was conducted upon designing the face masks, showing that people had a few concerns when wearing a surgical face mask which includes; cost, waste, and allergic reaction. Sizing. Hence, this reusable facemask is made to address these problems. They are made up of 100 per cent cotton, are soft and washable, and enhanced with anti-bacterial, water-repellent, and self-cleaning features on the inside and outside layer, which allows for bacterial and viral protection up to 100 gentle washes, according to a media statement by Volvo Cars.

Nanotextile’s award winning technology has anti-bacterial efficacy that is laboratory tested with the achievement of more than 99.9 per cent. It has resulted in the destruction of possible infection of the fabric by viruses and bacteria and simultaneously decreases the penetration of contaminated droplets in contact. Whilst the mask added five more layers of protection using PM 2.5 filter, which is tested to be 90 per cent effective in viral particle filtration. Thus, it will keep the wearer protected and comfortable even though the mask is worn for a long time, Volvo Cars said.

As a curated premium item, the face masks are available in two sizes, M and L. Varied in three colours; dark blue (Sunflower), navy blue (Stargazer), sky blue (Jasmine Flower) and exclusively incorporated with Batik Tekap pattern.

“Nanotechnology supports the movement in the processing part. It provides the technology that adds value and quality to the fabrics, working toward a single vision; a path contributing to sustainability,” Thomas Ong, the chief executive officer of Nanotextile said in a Volvo Cars press release.