Respire Action

• 

  Challenge

Inspiration

• A recent study shows that over 20% of caregivers, nurses, and doctors, in some European countries and elsewhere, who were helping COVID-19 patients got themselves infected by COVID-19. Also, recent publications demonstrate that gas cloud from a cough or sneeze may help the Covid-19 virus particles travel up to several meters.

• Several countries including but not limited to Italy, Austria, Germany, Czech and US are requesting people to use face masks to further prevent the spread of infection.

• Currently there is a huge demand for face masks all around the world, and more importantly for innovative and elegant solutions for public and working places. However, almost all kinds of available FFP3 masks are made of fossil-based materials and not sustainable. Besides, medical masks and visor shield are not appropriate solutions for public and working places plus there is risk of possible mask contamination combined with a longer wearing period.

• Our solution is a novel, cost effective, scalable and recyclable FFP3 masks and filters, that can be attached to any fabric or fashion textile, made of sustainable, non-hazardous fossil-free material i.e. nanocellulose, in align with EU goals for 2030.

What it does

We have developed a nanotechnology solution not only for removing airborne harmful viruses and pathogen but also for having a safe, for instance, scarf if it is attached to our novel filter. The nanocellulose material is available and can be easily produced in many European countries and our coated fiber offers an effective way to filter out viruses and particles allowing the neutralization of the microbial charge continuously for a longer time.

How I built it

We have developed an advanced biodegradable nanomaterial for two different solutions i) medical staff and ii) for all citizens, based on nanotechnology and a novel anti-viral ZnO doped nanocellulose fiber that allows the mask shelf life to be extended. The team consolidates a solution by mobilizing a collective intelligence work and complementary skills. Innovators, business strategist researchers ...

Green economy impact:

Our proposal can underline that certainly we offer an innovative mask and increased by an recyclable and ecofriendly antimicrobial agent but also we plan to promote a distribution activity with partners companies. We believe in developing self-resilience for European nations on the subject and wish to create a production line for our respiratory mask and develop a circular and inclusive economy. Our project does not only fulfill an urgent need in Europe and all around the world, it also helps in creating a new set of jobs, and by that helping the economy to recover faster, and a brand new environmentally friendly PPE. Accomplishments that I'm proud of our mask’s material is innovative, unique, affordable, semitransparent, non-hazardous, fossil-free, recyclable and locally manufactured.

A huge demand & Business Impact:

The global disposable face mask market size was valued at USD 792.4 million in 2019 and is anticipated to witness a CAGR of 5.6% over the projected timeframe. The unprecedented spread of coronavirus worldwide, most notably in Europe and North America, is driving the demand for disposable face masks. The population of just the European Union is around 446 mn habitants and 329 millions in the US. The deman of face mask is spread over medical personnel, industry workers, sanitaion workers, laboratory personnel, police and security personnel, & general public. In order to fullfill this huge demand, the cost of production and supply chain are considered while making this project.

What I learned:

A virus is not allowed to stop our lives. We’ve got to filter it out!

Built With

• metal
• nanocellulose
• organic
• oxides
• plant
• tree
• uvc