Wearing a face mask is still one of the safest ways of preventing further spread of the coronavirus.

While many countries are experiencing uncertainty due to unclear Government guidelines and fear of a second/third wave of infections, the case numbers remain persistently high across many places across the world. In the United States, for example, there has been an average of 50,000 cases per day in the past week. At the time of writing, in New York and California, more than 1 million people have been infected.

The ‘R’ number (reproductive rate) still sits above 1 in 20 US States. Some states have had to re-impose limits on the number of people in confined spaces (such as offices) and gatherings as well as inter-state travel restrictions.

Meanwhile, the virus is evolving, impacting not only high-risk patients but also young people, previously more resistant to the contagion. Aside from social distancing measures and washing hands regularly, wearing a face mask is still one of the most effective ways to protect people from further contagion (primarily to stop those with the virus being able to spread it).

DIY face mask: is it safe enough?

It is important to remember that the protective masks are not all the same. Different types of masks offer different levels of protection. In particular, homemade masks that do not include any particular filter are not so effective. Already in 2013, research by Public Health England demonstrated that a surgical mask stops transmission 3 times more effectively than a homemade mask. In the last couple of months, we have been working with our partners across Asia to provide a range of Cloth Masks that could represent a more sustainable alternative when compared to disposable products, while assuring some additional protection from further contagion.

Cloth Masks from Vietnam: The Sustainable Alternative

Although at the beginning of the Pandemic protecting peoples’ health was a clear priority, this has now changed and there is a now growing focus on the impact of disposable PPE products on the environment. The Mediterranean already has ‘Covid Waste’ of disposable masks and gloves overlaying the usual cans, bags and disposable cups.

A cloth face mask is certainly a more sustainable option because it is washable, reusable and recyclable. A perfect choice for many consumers that care about the impact they have on the nature around them.
In Vietnam, several textile businesses have been dedicating their production lines to antibacterial masks and Nano Silver Masks to help combat the virus. If you want to choose a sustainable alternative to surgical masks, without sacrificing a level of protection, these cloth masks are a great option for you.

3-PLY Droplet Resistant Antibacterial Face Mask

Material: 100% cotton. You can wash it (up to 30 times) and dry for reuse.
The 3 integrated layers offer great protection against airborne particles and droplets containing viruses and bacteria. The nose adjustable clip helps keep the mask fit to the face. Anti – UV and water-resistant, the internal layers are dust-proof and antibacterial, blocking 99,98% of bacteria. There are two sizes available: S for kids and M for adults.

Nano Silver Mask

100% Cotton, this mask has 3 integrated layers.
The middle layer is treated with Silver Nanotechnology that works as a safety filter. In fact, it eliminates small particles of bacteria that pass through the outer layer of the mask.

Nano Silver technology is an antimicrobial colloid composed of silver nanoparticles stabilized by a polymer that exhibits excellent antimicrobial efficacy across a wide spectrum of microorganisms.
While Silver inhibits the oxygen exchange in bacteria and kills it, this technology has been can enhance that effect.

Looking for Fabric Face Masks? We can help!

We are working with our partners in Vietnam to provide a range of Cloth Masks to combat this deadly virus. In addition, we do have other medical products for the healthcare sector should they be needed to protect peoples’ health. For all enquiries, please contact us for more information at coronasupplies@et2cint.com .

Back in February, the world was watching the Far East (predominately China) as the onset of this Pandemic took hold of economies and lockdowns were implemented. Albeit over Chinese New Year, companies’ Asian supply chains were shut down and the return of workers remained an unknown.
Now to today, over the past 5 months, this virus has spread widely infecting some 13 million people globally. Moving from Asia to Europe, the Americas are now the epicentre. The number of infections has risen by 1 million in just 5 days. This has led Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director General, WHO to comment, “too many countries are headed in the wrong direction”.

Whereas Asia is now operating relatively normally within their own borders (China has just announced GDP growth of 3.2% for the second quarter suggesting a V shape recovery), Western markets are hampered by lockdowns and a resultant shift in consumer behaviour. In addition, with borders shut, companies now find themselves locked out of their Asian supply chains. What does this now mean for Asia Sourcing strategies or specifically companies with no buying office in Asia?

The New Asia Sourcing

We have always said that being close to your suppliers is paramount, in whatever guise, to leverage the benefits of buying from Asia. Therefore, we thought it would be useful to run through some ideas of how to manage your suppliers in this current environment:

1. Sourcing new Factories

Should you need to identify new factories, then it is important to look to a local partner who you can collaborate with to visit the sites, engage with the owners and undertake the pre-screening work that you are not able to currently do. This will provide greater visibility and allow you to still go through an objective onboarding process.

2. Quality Control

More than ever, it will be important to use third parties to conduct inspections (inline and final) to ensure that the products being produced are to the quality standard you require. If you usually take TOP samples, make use of high resolution photos as a means to saving money in this tough business environment.

3. Use Technology

Technology, and its use at a corporate level, is something that this Pandemic has certainly accelerated. Certainly, using communication tools can help you get closer to your suppliers. Likewise, digitization of supply chains has been accelerated to better manage data and metrics particularly when access has been restricted.

4. Plan B

Should something go wrong with a particular production, it would be advisable to have an option (“Plan B”) of getting people to the factory to work through and resolve any issues. Again, a local QC house, or Sourcing company may be able to help. Trying to address a matter at arm’s length may end up causing more issues than solving the problem.

5. Limit Risk Exposure

Given that budgets are currently restricted, where possible, identify the suppliers and products that carry the most risk. This may be around the value of an order, the strategic importance for your client, the type of product or even the terms (upfront terms) but it will ensure that you are allocating what resource is available as best as you can.

Virtual Buying Trips

As part of our commitment to our clients, we are already working with our clients on Virtual Buying Trips. Depending on your time zone, we have been setting up and managing meetings with clients’ factories. Also,  we are taking clients to new factories via Zoom and Teams. Our staff are on-site and walk you through the production as well as play an integral part in the discussions with the factory management. No more long journeys or waiting for your train and all from the comfort of your own home!

Summary

We hope that this Pandemic will be brought under control in the shortest possible time. The new normal for Asia sourcing needs to rely on an upstream capability being put in place as well as use technology to take you to the factory gates. For all your sourcing needs, please contact us at unlockAsia@et2cint.com