Images_June_2020_Digital_Edition

www.images-magazine.com JUNE 2020 images 35 KB MARKET INTELLIGENCE Making your own It’s important to note that unless masks or face covers are certified PPE, their use is limited to helping reduce the risk of transmission of the virus to other people. It doesn’t prevent transmission, nor does it protect the person wearing the mask from the virus (also, how the mask is put on and taken off is important to help reduce the spread of the virus). Jas Purba of ETC Supplies recommends when sourcing material for face masks to ensure it is manufactured to Oeko- Tex Standard 100. “The use of industrial non-wovens will damage your health with formaldehyde poisoning through breathing it in,” he suggests, adding that, “It is advisable to use polyester thread as rayon will break down quicker due to the bacteria in your mouth.” Thread company Madeira has created a downloadable non-medical face mask embroidery design which can be found on the Trend Focus page on its website, together with a step-by-step guide. The company recommends using a thread such as its Polyneon as its polyester threads are industry wash- approved (ISO/DIN 15797:2004-06) as well as durable, bleach-resistant and designed to withstand intensive washing at high temperatures, making them a great choice for a frequently washed item such as a mask, which should be laundered after each use. Natalie Greetham of Madeira explains that a simple double-layer mask can be an effective way to contain the droplets that can spray into the air when talking, coughing or sneezing. She adds: “For the Madeira mask design, the backing fabrics we recommend are BO504, a 40g tear-away, and two layers of Weblon, a light yet strong and breathable fabric ideal for this application. Both products can be washed up to 60°C. Other fabrics can also be used with embroidery embellishment to personalise your mask.” Embroidery machine company ZSK, which is distributed in the UK by Stocks Sewing Machines, has also created step-by-step guides for creating masks, the first of which is a face mask with an elastic band that can be made using just an embroidery machine. Two layers of breathable, washable fabric are recommended. The design incorporates a pipe cleaner or flexible wire for snug fitting around the nose area, and it can be made in both a tubular frame and a border frame. ZSK adds: “If monochrome or white masks are too boring, it is possible to embroider a design or company logo onto the fabric of the masks. Depending on the selected outer fabric of the mask, a water- soluble fleece may be required.” It also offers advice on creating masks made from filtration materials found in hardware shops using its Racer 1XL embroidery machine with a hot air cutting device. How to decorate masks For those looking to decorate blank face masks [see ‘Ready-to-brand face masks’ These masks have been decorated using T.One transfer papers from TheMagicTouch Regatta Professional has included the Pro Multi-Tube in its Covid-19 product catalogue Result has launched the new Essential Hygiene range of PPE, which includes a washable face mask Embroiderers can download Madeira’s face mask embroidery design