Bluetree printing aim to produce 20 million masks
Yorkshire based, Bluetree printing group has deterred from a planned expansion and invested in mass production of surgical-type IIR face masks. Manufacturing, scheduled to begin in June is said to be the first domestic production of high-quality disposable masks within the UK.
Due to the current COVID-19 pandemic, surgical mask filtration material melt-blown has seen a global demand and is in short supply. Therefore this has caused Bluetree to begin the production of melt-blown filtration material. Bluetree has taken advantage of their existing setup and a team of highly skilled workers that will allow them to produce high-quality face masks.The opportunity arose as Bluetree identified that the only suppler of melt-blown is only proving the product to the government; therefore, becoming another supplier in a time of high demand would be very beneficial for Bluetree.
Re-Brand to OBISK
Bluetree’s IIR certified masks will be produced under the new brand name, OBISK, and are guaranteed to provide 98% bacterial filtration as well as splash resistance to keep frontline workers and carers safe. The initiative to produce these masks came after announcements of PPE shortages across the UK driving Bluetree to set up the new operation in a short eight weeks without outside funding from the government.
The production of the surgical masks will take place in a 45,000 sq ft factory on Monday the 8th of June with 24/7 production. Bluetree Printing are utilising their 350-plus staff members to reach their production targets each week. Today, Bluetree can produce 1.4 million masks per week, forecast to rise to a capacity of 20 million protective coverings per week by September if the demand for the products increases.
Supplying Companies
Bluetree has sought after specific clients due to their current shortages. Dental and veterinarian businesses are some clients that will first receive masks after fears that they may not be able to trade due to a lack of PPE. Bluetree Group has been working with several NHS trusts to develop the product and the business is hoping to supply the NHS going forward
Materials sourced in the UK
The materials used within the production of the masks get supplied from all areas of the UK. Suppliers in Scotland will supply the outer layer of the mask, whereas suppliers in other parts of the UK will provide the wire used in production. The current melt-blown used within the masks also get sourced from overseas. This means until the correct machinery can get delivered on the 22nd of June. All aspects of the mask will be sourced from the UK. Therefore this allows Bluetree to help the UK economy bounce back.
BlueTree Printing “Mask Box” products
Despite the decision to stop a new expansion of exhibition printing products and proceed with the new production of the PPE. Bluetree’s focus is on expanding and continuing its printing operations. Their printing operations are currently working at 50% capacity, providing businesses with social distancing back to work packages. The company will be selling the PPE products via the ‘mask box’. It is a new business created to sell Bluetree masks online. The products are on offer as a subscription service with quantities of 25 to 1000 delivered every month. Bluetree has also introduced a minimum of three-month subscriptions. However, Bluetree Printing can supply larger amounts if they are required.
Author: Jacob Edwardson
Why would you wear a face mask?
If you are healthy, you should only wear a mask when caring for a person suspected of being infected with 2019-nCoV infection.
If you are showing symptoms such as coughing and or sneezing, then a mask should be worn to protect others around you.
Do face masks work?
Face masks are effective at stopping the spread of the Coronavirus; however, wearing a face mask does not prevent you from contracting the disease as the filter in most face masks doesn’t stop every particle. The government recommend that face coverings are used to prevent the spread; however, washing hands and abiding by social distancing guidelines is more effective.
What face mask can best protect me?
Different face masks have different levels of protection; the highest protection masks are surgical and N95 respirators. These types of masks offer maximum protection against Coronavirus. They are predominantly used in hospitals and are in short supply within the UK.
Although the information on the protection level of reusable paper masks and other face coverings is limited. Gov.org suggest that they offer some protection and limit the spread of infection. Although the use of single-use and washable face masks is not as effective as surgical-grade face masks, they still offer protection and are advised by the government to be worn within spaces with other people such as an office.
What can my business do to reduce the risk?
Reducing the risk of infection between employees is essential. Businesses can implement social distancing rules such as ensuing each workplace positioned two meters apart from one another.
If your business provides a service, attempt to keep interaction with customers online. Alternatively, you cannot offer a service online; social distance measures must be in place for customers, including social distance measures as well as reducing touch contact points.
Keep your business safe with social distancing information as well as products that reinforce social distancing measures such as floor stickers and hand sanitiser.
For more information on social distancing products or to see the packages, we have available please click BUY NOW. Alternatively, you can now sign up for the government’s TEST and Trace via our website below. > MORE NEWS
