Welsh Government Innovation is supporting Tru-Plas Limited, trading as Planet 2 Creations, to develop a reusable face mask.

Business Wales says this project involves the implementation of a development and manufacturing process to manufacture reusable face masks to N95 standard in response to the Covid-19 pandemic in the UK.

Tru-Plas will design and manufacture a reusable face mask that is designed to be safely and comfortably worn by the user, which can be cleaned and sterilised to appropriate temperatures that eliminate Covid-19. The technology used will filter the air through microscopic pores, extracting harmful pathogens that can then be killed through sterilisation. The masks will remain just as effective after multiple washes.

This will enhance the supply of low cost PPE locally in the immediate term and will enable the long term resilient supply of these products in Wales, aiding the Welsh economy. The first businesses and health boards to benefit from these supplies will be those in Wales, but as production increases the ability to expand to the rest of the UK and worldwide will soon be realised.

Tru-Plas were established in 1991 and are a home improvements business, operating from a site in Haverfordwest. Working the last thirty years within the construction and fenestration sectors, Tru-Plas have gained knowledge of the industry needs in light of Covid-19 and returning to work aspects.