McIlvaine Coronavirus Market Ale

Lidl to Install Hospital-Grade Air Filters in all U.S. Stores, Aims to Prevent Spread of COVID-19

Meat Processing Giant, Tönnies Group, Leverages Camfil Air Cleaners as Part of Pandemic Prevention Scheme

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The true cost of one filter as opposed to another has been traditionally limited to considerations of energy cost vs performance. Health has been a factor in filter decisions but not dominant. In this pandemic era the concept of true cost includes health factors measured in $ billions and even $ trillions and is unlike any challenge or opportunity previously faced by the industry.

The evidence is now clear that Coronavirus transmission is largely through small aerosols. Larger droplets captured in filters and masks evaporate releasing virus particles. As a result tight fitting efficient masks and highly efficient filters rated at MERV 16 and higher are needed. With sufficient investment in these two products the COVID battle would be won. The value in avoided economic and social cost would be tens of trillions of dollars. We are used to talking ROI of years. Here we are talking ROI of minutes.

Equally amazing is the size of the market. It is hundreds of billions of dollars per year when both masks and HVAC filters are included. In many cases orders of magnitude increase in production will be needed.

Another aspect which is new to the filtration industry is the advantage of adding “attractiveness to the product benefits. In fact McIlvaine is predicting a huge market in what could be called CATE masks. These are masks which are Comfortable, Attractive, Tight fitting and Efficient.

The CATE and other mask market will be larger than the sports footwear market. It will be twelve times larger than the market for hoodies and considerably larger than the rest of the filtration market. The combined mask and filter market will be nearly $750 billion/yr.

The base McIlvaine forecast has three billion people wearing masks costing from $50 to $500 per year resulting in total yearly purchases of $675 billion.

# in millions	Cost/yr/person $	Cost $ millions
500	500	250,000
1000	200	200,000
1500	50	225,000
Total		675,000

The 500 million people who will spend $500 per year will be wearing masks in low virus load situations where the attractiveness factor equals that for comfort, and tight fit/ efficiency.

There will be large increases in filters for local air systems including air purifiers and fan filter units which will replace partitions at checkout counters and on meat processing lines. The HVAC and Transportation filter markets will also increase substantially.

The filter forecasts are for complete filters. The filter media accounts for 20% to 60% of the total depending on the application. Non-wovens and membranes account for more than other filtration media in each of the categories. The same non wovens and membranes used in masks can be used in these other filter applications Meltblowns will not predominate in CATE masks. Membranes nanofibers and bi component spun bond will be selected because the masks can be reused many times.

· the long range mask market will be robust because of air pollution and other concerns as well as the potential for new viruses to appear

· media suppliers will be supplying multiple markets and will not be hard hit by swings in the mask market

Unlike past forecasting of the filtration market there are very large differences between the base, high and low forecasts. This has been a situation with which the semiconductor industry has had to deal with for decades. The filtration industry therefore has a good example to follow as it prepares for any eventuality.

Lidl to Install Hospital-Grade Air Filters in all U.S. Stores, Aims to Prevent Spread of COVID-19

Following recently issued Centers for Disease Control (CDC) guidelines stating that the COVID-19 virus can be spread through the air, Lidl US announced it will install new air filtration systems rated MERV 13 or higher in all of its U.S. stores by the end of this year. Air filters rated MERV 13 or higher, which are typically found in hospitals, help filter out COVID-19, according to public health and industry leaders.

“Since the beginning of the pandemic, we have worked diligently to protect the health of everyone in our stores by meeting or exceeding CDC guidelines and this measure to create cleaner, healthier air is no different,” said Johannes Fieber, CEO of Lidl US. “Customers and team members in Lidl stores can breathe easier knowing we have an added layer of protection against COVID-19.”

Lidl US is among the first national grocery retailers to install hospital-grade air filtration systems across its entire store network. Previously, Lidl stores used advanced commercially rated MERV filtration systems. Epidemiologists and professional associations have recommended using high-efficiency air filters MERV 13 or higher wherever technically feasible to trap small airborne particles that can transmit the virus.

Meat Processing Giant, Tönnies Group, Leverages Camfil Air Cleaners as Part of Pandemic Prevention Scheme

Camfil has entered an agreement with Tönnies Group, Germany, for the implementation of an air filtration concept at a meat production facility at Tönnies headquarters. The aim is to set high hygiene standards for the sensitive food area and focus on improved indoor air quality at the facility.

In food production facilities, air is the invisible ingredient, and better air quality can help the facility achieve operational excellence and great quality product along with employee health. Often, the lack of standards in the meat production industry around ventilation and limitations in the design of the facility can lead to poor airflow along with insufficient positive pressure in the indoor environment. Also, to achieve the temperatures of around 6 C to 10 C required for meat processing, Tönnies uses convection coolers. They cool the circulating air and return it to the room for reuse. Scientific studies have shown that airborne pathogens such as viruses can spread through this air recirculation. Germs packed in aerosols is 80 nanometers to 160 nanometers in size and can remain active in the air for up to three hours. These convection coolers can distribute the pathogens in the room and significantly increase the risk of infection for employees.

Due to the global pandemic, Coronavirus (COVID-19), Tönnies Group concluded that they want to protect their facility and employees from these harmful pathogens in the air. They aim to provide healthy, sustainable food with responsible production that meets high standards. The new multi-level hygiene solution consists of high-efficiency HEPA air cleaners, certified with EN1822:2019 from Camfil. These air cleaners (CC 6000 and CC 2000) with ProSafe HEPA H14 filters clean the indoor air from the circulating aerosols or viruses and provide clean filtered air to the cooling system for circulation. The systems were positioned at an elevated position so that the air cleaners can get a good flow of air through the production rooms and at the same time do not interfere with operations.

Initial measurements, which were carried out shortly after the installation, showed particle reduction by more than 50%.

TECMASK is an 100% Australian owned business and a leading provider of stylish disposable face masks whose drive is to “change the perception of a germ mask from a commodity to a fashion accessory”.

The concept of TECMASK (Total-Environment-Care MASK) was created by an Australian father-daughter duo, David and Maddy Scarf, while travelling in Japan. Upon arriving in Tokyo, they both felt themselves coming down with a nasty flu post flight. In light of this, they could understand and appreciate the use of flu masks in the Japanese culture but were surprised to see how many people were wearing plain white surgical masks, especially when the people of Japan were otherwise fashion conscious. As days went on, they began to question – why can’t disposable face masks be both functional and beautiful? And so TECMASK was born.

Combining Mr. Scarf’s 30 years of experience in the fashion industry and his daughter’s love for travel and marketing, TECMASK eventuated with a range of products incorporating definitive and colorful designs with a high efficiency PM2.5 filter.

In 2015 the TECMASK brand launched in Japan and quickly became one of the top-selling masks in the country. It captured the attention of a number of world-renowned influential brands including Vogue Japan, Elle Online, WWD Japan and LARME Magazine.

Since the conception of TECMASK, the brand has had the experience in opening Pop-Up Stores around Japan, including a store at the Aoyama Spiral Building in Tokyo, Isetan Shinjuku main store and the Laforet building in Harajuku, Japan.

The masks include a PM2.5 filter. the masks were also rigorously tested and certified by the Nelsons Laboratory in the US and they found they were effectively able to block 99% of BFE and PFE particles.

This mask sells for 20 Australian dollars and is reusable. It is sold in various colors on line at the company website and also sold wholesale. The Sydney air port pharmacy reports good sales.

FREKA Supplies CATE Masks

FREKA is ergonomically designed face wear that filters and refreshes the air you breathe. It is made up of two key parts: a fabric exterior Wing and an interior Insert, designed based on ergonomics to contour the face for a superior fit and functionality, solving the existing issues of pollution masks such as air-leakage, discomfort, ruining-make-up, and humidity. Made for urban dwellers living in stressful, polluted environments, FREKA offers Air-Revitalisation Technology. Users can choose from two replaceable filters created with a four layer FREKA Filter Technology that purify inhaled air. The Air Filter 95 Filter filters out over 95% of airborne pollutants including Particulate Matter PM0.3-PM2.5, dust, pollen, odors, and exhaust fume.

Every face is uniquely complex and the company found it was incredibly difficult to find something wearable that comfortably fits any face shape or size. Freka is created to adapt to the shape of the face and does not compromise between aesthetics and functionality. FREKA is designed to contour the face for a great fit and features a unique Internal Ventilation System and Air-Revitalisation Technology for easy airflow, and fresh, rejuvenating air. Living in highly polluted urban areas with high particulate matter and dust, or during seasons with high pollen levels can stress your mind and body. It can cause respiratory problems, hay fever, and generally affect your mood. FREKA is made for the urban dweller who wants to breathe pure and fresh air, and is seeking something of superior design and functionality.

FREKA features two options of a replaceable filter created using a four layer FREKA Filter Technology that filter out Particulate Matter PM0.3-PM2.5, dust, pollen, odors, and exhaust fumes. The scent of the Hinoki Vitaliser brings the pure and calming experience of nature directly to the wearer.

For a mask to work properly, it is extremely important to create a complete seal on the face that is both comfortable and air tight. The sealing needs to follow the lines of the face as flawless as possible and distribute the pressure in such a way that sensitive areas are avoided. A flawless fit reduces the risk of contaminated air entering the mask unfiltered.

The inner airflow dictates the ease of breathing for the wearer. Small disturbances in the airflow can cost energy which in turn makes it more difficult to breathe. For this reason, everything needs to be arranged to let the air flow from the filters inside as efficiently as possible, whilst exhaled air needs to be free to exit the mask quickly.

Filtering the air is done in multiple stages to ensure all contaminations are removed. A particle filter removes all solid and liquid contaminants like pollution and bacteria. Following, activated carbon fibre removes gasses and odors from the air. This will leave you breathing in the freshest air possible.

FREKA offers an option of two replaceable filters, created with a four layer Freka Filter Technology, that purifies inhales air. The Air Filter 95 filters out over 95% of airborne pollutants including Particulate Matter PM0.3-PM2.5, dust, pollen, odours, and exhaust fumes. Using 'TORAY' high performance Activated Carbon Filter. Air Filter 95 Filter: Suitable for use in very polluted urban environments. Recommended for use in cities with high particulate matter (PM0.3-PM2.5) levels. Filter 16 with Vitaliser Suitable for dusty and moderate-highly polluted urban environments. Also recommended for those seeking protection from pollen.

FREKA consists of three main components. The Wing protects filter, blocks 99% of UV rays. It is designed with its 3D shape to complement the shape of your face. The Filter, created from the highest grade filter combined with a layer of Activated Carbon Fibre, ensures fresh air. Finally, the Insert creates a comfortable and air tight sealing whilst also improving the ease of breathing.

The 3D shape of the wing follows the contours of your face and avoids sensitive areas. Leading to its unique and innovative “U-shape.

FREKA’s four layered filter helps to ensure you breathe only the finest air. While one of our layers protects against over 95% of PM2.5 (small solid objects the size of one hundredth of a hair), Activated Carbon Fibre layer removes most gaseous pollutants such as SO2, and NO2.

Designed to the highest standards through in-depth facial analysis, the Insert adapts to your face for a perfect seal and remarkable comfort.

The Nose Fit Adjuster features a ballooning design that adjusts to your nose using Scissor-Movement technology to provide a customized fit for effortless breathing.

The Internal Ventilation System has a unique Exhalation Valve with flip movement function, which allows warm and humid air to exit freely from the Insert.

Aside from the Vitaliser and Filter which should be replaced after a maximum of two weeks from being removed from their individual sealed packaging, the Insert and Wing can be used for up to three years with proper maintenance.

Wing: Handwash in lukewarm water. Iron only on lowest heat if necessary. Insert: Handwash in lukewarm water or clean with gentle disinfectant wipe. Filter: Depending on pollution levels and usage, the average usage period for each filter is about 7 days. They recommend changing the filter after a maximum of two weeks’ usage. How long can the Filter and Vitaliser be used for before I need to change it? Filter: The average usage period for the FREKA Micro Particle Filters is about 7 days depending on pollution and usage. Depending on your usage and geographical location you may find you need to replace your Filter and Vitaliser any time between 3-10 days. Vitaliser: Effective for an average of 5-7 days. Should be changed with the filter. Regardless of usage, they recommend replacing the Filter and Vitaliser two weeks after being removed from their sealed packaging. As the filter is exposed to unhygienic external environments such as pollution and bacteria once it is opened from packaging, changing the filter often ensures the user is always breathing clean and pure air.