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Lubrizol supporting Nike in developing PPE

29 Apr '20

3 min read

Pic: Business Wire

Amidst shortage of personal protective equipment in the fight against COVID-19, Lubrizol is supporting Nike in developing full-face shields and powered, air-purifying respirator (PAPR) lenses. It has donated Estane thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) polymers for the purpose. Estane TPU polymers are important part of the both full-face shields and PAPR lenses.

The PPE is to be provided to hospitals across several US cities.

Nike's version of the full-face shield transforms elements of the brand's footwear and apparel, including TPU. Lubrizol’s innovation team evaluated materials, provided insights to optimise performance and re-orchestrated its production and supply chain to produce and donate the necessary material to Nike as part of this effort.

In addition to the full-face shields, the Estane TPU donation will be used in lenses for powered, air-purifying respirator (PAPR) helmets, used in situations where medical professionals face the greatest airborne pathogen exposure as they provide critical care to infected patients.

With Lubrizol’s support, Nike has shipped full-face shields and PAPR lenses to health systems in Oregon, where Nike is headquartered, and several other US cities, including Cleveland, where Lubrizol’s world headquarters sit.

“We are grateful for the generosity of companies around the country as we build up our supply levels in anticipation of a surge in COVID-19 patients,” said Lara Kalafatis, chair of Cleveland Clinic’s Philanthropy Institute. “This collaboration between Lubrizol and Nike demonstrates ingenuity applied alongside compassion and a sincere interest to help thousands of our caregivers.”

“These face shields will allow us to treat patients while keeping our front-line medical providers safe,” said MetroHealth president and CEO Akram Boutros. “We appreciate this generous donation. It’s another example of the community coming together to care for each other.”

Lubrizol’s TPU is a versatile polymer that bridges the gap between flexible rubber and rigid plastics, which allows partners to apply TPU across a wide range of applications. In addition to full-face shields, Lubrizol’s TPU is being used in medical gowns, medical equipment, hospital mattresses, tubing, hoses, and medical devices for many other critical applications.

“We are thrilled to collaborate with Nike to improve lives and support those in need during COVID-19,” says Rick Tolin, president, Lubrizol Advanced Materials. “Every day our employees enable products used across the world, and our team is fully committed to enabling our science and applications expertise to deliver even greater impact during this global crisis.”

Earlier this month, Lubrizol announced a $2 million donation to support COVID-19 needs globally. The company has contributed critical supplies to hospitals across the world, donated to food banks where Lubrizol has major operations and supported local restaurants by purchasing meals for hospital workers, amongst other efforts.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (SV)