The current pandemic situation around the world has created a critical gap in terms of surgical mask availability. Suddenly many countries have recognized an internal gap for the capacity of manufacturing surgical masks and even at the government level there have been actions to encourage key enterprises to invest in converters and install domestic capacity.

Nevertheless, another gap that has come up is related to the availability of several raw materials.

Many producers are aware of the criticality of applying elastic cord at high speed, being the most common design of masks sourced in Asia.

In addition, elastic cords are replacing the elastic bands in new mask designs. Despite this latter design was much more “process friendly,” especially for high-speed converters, many producers have decided for a more pragmatic approach by simply reapplying the elastic laminated material generally used for other applications, such as diaper elastic back ears.

As a result, many consumers experienced an uncomfortable feeling due to the fact that the elastic characteristics were tailored for a fastening system application. This problem has become even more critical after several hours wearing a mask and it is known as the “dumbo” effect.
In order to eliminate the consumer’s uncomfortable feeling, Texol’s R&D organization has designed “Elamask,” a laminated material intended to show high elongation with low force retraction.

The material is available in a basis weight of 100 gsm and has already been tested on the main mask high speed converter machine proving good runnability and good bonding properties. Most of its customers have already switched to Texol’s “Elamask.”