(The Gist of Science Reporter) Affordable and Effective Face Mask — KAWACH

[July-2020]

The IIT Delhi start-up, ETEX has launched an affordable and effective face mask namely KAWACH to protect and safeguard people from the risk of COVID-19. Prof. Bipin Kumar, Textile and Fiber Engineering Dept., IIT Delhi said, “India has several massive challenges ahead – disposal of PPEs (including mask and coveralls) after one-time use and ensuring the minimum use of nonwoven technology for making PPEs.
Though a nonwoven layer is must for ensuring the desired filtration level but the loose fibrous structure makes the product disposable after one use. Disposing of synthetic polypropylene nonwoven could have a detrimental effect on the environment. Finding other textile solutions that offer reusability, biodegradability, affordability and scalability for PPEs is the need of the hour; this could ensure meeting both the demand and also safeguarding our environment.”