PPE kits to become plant-based and sustainable

Ecoshield is a startup backed by Qatar Foundation Research, Development, and Innovation (QFRDI) have taken up a project to develop plant-based sustainable masks, face shield and PPE kits to be made available by 2021 to fight the pandemic.

Jeniffer Marie, the founder and CEO of the company, stated that the Ecoshield by fabriQs is a project by the Artea Group aimed to develop sustainable, innovative and alternative materials for facemasks, face shields, coveralls and other PPE products.

The project was among the winners of the Innovation Coupon which is a grant launched by QFRDI in support of the global response to the Covid-19. The innovation Coupon focuses on helping local entrepreneurs and startups scale their innovative ideas.

Tungol explained that their concept is circular in all their approaches from sourcing of raw materials, manufacturing, packaging and distribution. The new line of PPE’s are expected to be made out of plant-based, proprietary fabrics made of pineapple, banana, abaca, bamboo fibers and other biomaterials. The project framework of Ecoshield products are in line with the UN Sustainable Development goals.

Jeniffer Marie stated that the Ecoshield particular respiratory and surgical masks would be developed to aid respiratory protection against airborne biological particles. She further added that the products will be designed for a particular use either reusable or disposable. She explained that the ECOshield coveralls will be a range of full-body protection in protective class Types 5 and 6.

The protection also aims to solve environmental pollution. She stated that the current face masks and PPE sold in the market weren’t sustainable and non-biodegradable. She assured that the main aim of the company was to provide sustainable plant-based facemasks and PPE to create a healthier and natural fabrics that ensures safety to the user.

The company is also interested in promoting local manufacturers and potentially export to other countries. That they hope to make the products available to the general public and build the first every sustainable textile and biomaterials factory in the Middle East.

Currently, the company is in the testing phase of the prototype and standardizing their product line. The first range of products are expected to be available in the first quarter if 2021.

The company claims that the ECOshield Project and the sustainable range of products have the potential to create an impact on the environment, local and global market, manufacturing and supply chain post the covid-19.

She was also grateful to the QFRDI for providing the grant in the Innovation Coupon project that will allow the company to be a part of the solution to the growing problem of plastic pollution in Qatar.

She concluded by stating that they hope that the project will open doors for similar start-ups in the country and be able to inspire the need for private and institutional investors to focus on more impact investing and a green economy.