Upvest creates a mask that is protective against Coronavirus

The brand Upvest, owner of the Lua Morena beach fashion brand, has just released a mask with technology that blocks the Coronavirus.

The company, which as part of Texbrasil (Brazilian Textile and Fashion Industry Internationalization Program) — the result of a partnership between Abit (Brazilian Textile and Apparel Industry Association) and Apex-Brasil (Brazilian Trade and Investment Promotion Agency) —, already possesses the necessary certifications for starting to sell such item.

According to the brand’s marketing supervisor, Jaqueline Orlando, the mask began being developed in March. “The idea of including an antiviral product came with the wish of furnishing society with a product that was effective against the Coronavirus,” the executive says.

After much research, the brand has opted for using a Swiss-based technology that enables the inactivation of 99.9% of the virus (MHV-3 Strain) in 1 minute. “A record time for this substrate type,” Jaqueline points out.

Despite the efforts, the brand has encountered some obstacles in being granted proper certification and therefore contacted experts at UNICAMP (Campinas State University) who helped in this process.  “With the dedication of Dr. Clarice Arns (UNICAMP), we have managed the results in two weeks. They have used the ISO 18184/2019-06-25 standard: Textiles – Determination of antiviral activity of textiles products,” she explains.

One other positive feature of said item is re-utilization. Upvest’s mask can be washed up to 20 times without losing its viral neutralization ability. “And even after losing its antiviral features, it should not be disposed of, as it is still a barrier, washable mask,” Jaqueline comments, pointing out to the item’s sustainable properties.

The Brazilian brand’s launch will soon be available in pharmacies throughout the country and is already commercialized in other markets by means of business partners.

About Texbrasil

The Brazilian Textile and Fashion Industry Internationalization Program (Texbrasil) works with companies in the textile and clothing sector developing strategies to conquer the global market. Over almost 20 years, it has helped around 1600 brands to enter the export trail, making USD 4.4 billion in business. The Program is carried out through a partnership between Abit and the Brazilian Trade and Investment Promotion Agency (Apex-Brasil).