IN THE MIDST OF A PANDEMIC, ÉTICA HAS SHIFTED PRODUCTION TO FIGHT COVID-19
Creating medical and non-medical grade masks for purchase and donation to hospitals, shelters and first respondersPUEBLA, MEXICO, April 22, 2020 - In the midst of crisis, the fashion industry is banding together to help the healthcare industry. ÉTICA, a sustainable lifestyle brand, has shifted their production line to exclusively producing FDA Approved medical and non-medical grade masks and PPE. Their factory in Puebla, Mexico has been transformed into a sterile facility and deemed an essential business. With an overwhelming need for masks and PPE, the factory has produced over 4,000,000 units for various governmental and health agencies since first cutting in late March and is now expanding capacity to meet additional demand in the U.S. as well. The highest in demand are triple layer masks made with two layers of spunbond polypropylene with a meltblown polyester filler that protects against penetration from bacteria, fluids, and micro-particles, typically used by hospitals, first responders and essential workers. The factory's high efficiency Mactec drying and Jeanologia G2 Ozone technology are being employed to sterilize materials. With increased capacity, ÉTICA has also developed branded, washable, non-medical grade masks, using deadstock fabrics. These masks will be available to purchase on eticadenim.comstarting late April. With every purchase, ÉTICA will make a donation of the medical grade masks to U.S. hospitals and shelters in need. "Social responsibility has always been a core component of our mission here at ÉTICA. We will continue to do everything we can to support our community, and we are happy to be of service during this time. It takes a lot to make these shifts at the production level and we are truly inspired by all the fashion brands out there who reacted so quickly to step in and help during this crisis. It really gives us hope to see everyone banding together like this."
Download high-res imagery here. About ÉTICA:ÉTICA is a sustainable lifestyle brand focused on premium denim and knits. Employing advanced technologies to minimize waste, water and energy consumption, the brand is on the cutting edge of sustainability. With industry-leading equipment, advanced wash techniques and sustainable sourcing, ÉTICA dramatically reduces water usage by 90%, energy consumption by 63% and chemical usage by 70% versus industry standard. ÉTICA proudly exceeds fair labor standards, providing living wages, benefits and ability-inclusive opportunities for its workers. ÉTICA recycles its water for local farmland, compresses used wash stones into bricks for low-income housing and partners with organizations committed to workers' rights and environmental initiatives around the world. Taking a directional approach to design and construction, ÉTICA offers truly special pieces with premium fabrics and refined fits, proving that fashion and sustainability are not mutually exclusive. Available on their website, Nordstrom and Neiman Marcus.
