DuPont has launched a new program called #TyvekTogether. This campaign aims to increase the overall availability of Tyvek personal protective garment in the company’s efforts to combat the spread of COVID-19 and protect healthcare workers. With full capacity, this initiative can provide 6 million additional non-surgical isolation gowns per month. Thus, the coronavirus-fighting front line can be further protected.
John Richard, Vice President and General Manager, DuPont Security Solutions said; “There’s a critical need for protective apparel, and we believe that working with other companies to convert their existing cut-and-sew manufacturing capacity to protective garment fabrication is the fastest way to protect more people”. Richard continued saying; “Our dedicated employees around the world are working 24/7 to make more Tyvek® material and patterns available to more organizations, working together to protect those who are protecting us”.
DuPont has invested in equipment and technology to significantly increase its production of Tyvek® and Tychem® garments globally to meet the ever-increasing demand for personal protection equipment (PPE). Since January the company have increased production of Tyvek® garments by more than 9 million garments per month specifically for COVID-19 response, which is more than double the amount produced for any prior crisis.
A new fabric has been created: Tyvek style 1222A
The #TyvekTogether Program will introduce a new specialized Tyvek® fabric to enable an increase; in the amount of garment production for the COVID-19 response to 15 million garments a month. The new program includes the following components;
- A new #TyvekTogether fabric, Tyvek® style 1222A; that has similar barrier properties to the core DuPontTM Tyvek® 400 garment offerings; with adjusted fabric drape and hand to optimize material usage.
- Tyvek® style 1222A is available in roll-good form to existing and new customers; with available cut-and-sew capabilities to increase the total amount of Tyvek® garments available as quickly as possible.
- DuPont will provide garment designs—including patterns and virtual manufacturing support; for a non-surgical isolation gown and a coverall that are optimized for simple and productive manufacturing. With these patterns and technical assistance; they aim to accelerate the speed that new converters are able to begin producing PPE.
- Partners can also use their own designs for coveralls and garments to meet local needs.
- Additionally, DuPont will donate more than 57,000 Tyvek coveralls directly to the states in the US most impacted by COVID-19.
The DuPont Personal Protection unit of DuPont Safety & Construction remains committed to helping to protect those who protect others, especially as they strive to protect the dedicated workers on the front lines fighting COVID-19.