Abstract
In Israel, Ravago Group company Tosaf has developed an antiviral and antibacterial additive for polyolefin nonwoven fabrics and films to assist in the fight against the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which causes COVID-19. The new additive will be utilized for manufacturing disposable medical products, including face masks and protective apparel. The development project has received funding from the Israel Innovation Authority.
The wearing of face masks is mandatory or advised in many settings worldwide as part of the efforts to restrain the spread of the coronavirus pandemic. However, wearing masks does not fully protect individuals from this highly contagious virus; blocked viral particles that do not penetrate the mask's barrier can remain on its surface and infect individuals upon contact and disposal, Tosaf explains. Most protective masks, and particularly those intended for use in healthcare settings, are composed of several layers. The company recommends that manufacturers apply its new additive when producing the outermost layer of the mask for the most cost-effective and efficient result. This can help destroy viral particles that land on the outside surface of the mask, reducing or eliminating the danger to its user. In cases where the person wearing the mask is already carrying the virus, the applied additive can assist in deactivating viral particles that reach the outer layer from the inside, protecting others who may come into contact or be in proximity, Tosaf says.
The company established its Antiviral, Antimicrobial Additive Project in response to a call from the Israel Innovation Authority in March 2020 for the development and manufacture of innovative solutions to prevent, treat and otherwise assist in managing the COVID-19 outbreak. Based at Tosaf'sAlonTavor site, the project was led by a three-person team from the R&D division: R&D manager YafitMoyal, programme manager Dr Moira Nir and chief innovation scientist Dr EvgeniZelikman. The company was one of 35 successful applicants out of 750 respondents who were selected by the Israel Innovation Authority and granted funds to develop solutions for the global fight against the novel coronavirus. ‘Our extensive knowledge and experience in product innovation, accumulated over decades of developing in-house solutions for thousands of clients worldwide, puts us in a prime position to tackle this challenge. We were able to respond quickly and come up with an effective and cost-efficient solution to further protect the global population from COVID-19’, comments Zelikman.
The AlonTavor plant in Israel is one of 15 production sites operated by Tosaf throughout the world. Founded in 1986 and with more than 1000 employees, the additive masterbatch manufacturer also has sales offices and customers in more than 50 countries across Europe, North America, South America, Asia and the Middle East.
More information: www.tosaf.com