French tire giant Michelin is stepping up to combat COVID-19 by manufacturing surgical masks, reusable masks, protective visors, and respirators.
France has faced a notorious mask shortage scandal over the past decade, leaving healthcare workers and essential staff in sectors like wastewater treatment struggling to stay protected. With nearly 25,000 COVID-19 deaths in the country, deconfinement began on May 11, 2020, urging citizens to wear fabric masks outside. Every contribution counts, and Michelin is making a significant impact, as reported by L'ADN.
Partnering with the Grenoble-based VOC-COV collective, Michelin developed the 3D-printed OCOV® mask, featuring five washable filters for up to 100 reuses. At just 28 euro cents per use, it's both cost-effective and eco-friendly. Priced between 15 and 30 euros, it offers strong value compared to single-use FFP2 masks costing three euros or more.
A pre-series of 5,000 masks is complete, with goals of one million by late May and five million by late June. Some will be donated to Regional Health Agencies. Michelin rigorously tested five prototypes in just two weeks. While its design draws comparisons to a "pig's snout" or World War-era masks, effective protection trumps aesthetics.
Michelin is also ramping up production of 400,000 surgical masks per week across ten European factories, including Clermont-Ferrand. Additionally, they're making about 10,000 polycarbonate protective visors for hospitals, with plans for respirators and medical device components.
