Suffolk, UK based Screenworks has announced its Bumpaa face masks have passed the ISO method1 test on the SARS-CoV-2 virus (Covid-19). Since the garment screen print, embroidery and digital print service provider launched its face coverings, the company has witnessed huge demand from both its trade clients and also across the sporting, events and hospitality industries.

The customisable Bumpaa face coverings are manufactured in the UK using a technical fabric, which is treated with an antiviral treatment, ViralOff. ViralOff technology effectively reduces viruses and bacteria on the product by over 99% over two hours1, says Screenworks.

“Having recently become the first commercial textile treatment in the world to pass the ISO method1 test on the Covid-19 virus, the Bumpaa face masks were directly tested immediately after, and are now also ISO method certified against SARS-Cov-2,” the company says.

The treatment is designed to protect the mask fabric from harbouring viruses or bacteria. It does not interfere with the skin’s natural bacterial flora and lasts for the product’s lifetime, Screenworks explains. When the face covering is safely removed, if any virus or bacteria is present on the surface, 99% will be safely deactivated within a maximum of two hours1, it adds. The masks do not require regular washing. For best performance and sustainability, the products should be washed less, only when needed2, the company says.

Duncan Gilmour, managing director at Screenworks, said: “We were very excited to launch our face coverings to help meet huge demand earlier in the year, and this presents another major breakthrough. We truly believe the Bumpaa face coverings can play a vital role, providing some reassurance and support during the difficult and uncertain times that lie ahead. This recent news means all Bumpaa clients can now be assured that if their product comes into contact with Covid-19, the ViralOff treatment will deactivate the virus; just let the product rest for two hours, and the product is good to go again.”

“Antiviral is becoming the norm as people know that they need to do as much as possible to protect themselves and those around them. As the Coronavirus continues to overshadow all our lives, more and more of us are becoming aware of the need to wash and sanitise frequently. Additional washing will have an environmental impact, so we are pleased to be behind a product which does not require frequent washing, and which can be safely reused, thus reducing disposable mask waste.

“The face coverings can be customised and produced very quickly, as the fabric is milled and treated with the ViralOff treatment, decorated and packed in the UK, all in as little as three days, Mr Gilmour concludes.

[1]ISO 18184:2019, SARS-CoV-2, H3N2, H1N1. ViralOff protects treated fabrics from bacterial or viral contamination but does not protect against infection or disease.

[2] Per ISO test ISO18184:2019, ATCC VR-1679 (H3N2). For best performance and sustainability, the products should be washed less, only when needed.

Bumpaa Face Masks Website