Readers last week were most interested in Sika’s production of safety masks (Sika Incorporates Existing Products in New Safety Mask Production to Combat COVID-19): “Sika recently announced that it has begun production of respiratory masks at its Les Salles du Gardon facility in southern France. In addition to hand sanitizer, which has been manufactured at over 15 Sika subsidiaries since March 2020, safety masks are now being produced for employees, customers, and other interested parties. Nearly 50,000 masks have already been produced, and orders have been placed for over 165,000 more. Production capacity stands at around 15,000 masks per day.

“Sika reports that the respiratory masks are made almost entirely from the company’s products. The masks incorporate polyester-based protective layers normally inserted between the base and membrane in roof waterproofing, as well as silicone-based sealants used for glazing and jointing in construction facilities. The technologies reportedly have been tested and approved by the French authorities for compliance with hygiene regulations in the battle against COVID-19.

“‘We find ourselves in an exceptional situation that confronts us with new challenges on an almost daily basis, especially in those countries worst hit by coronavirus,’ said Ivo Schädler, Sika’s EMEA regional manager. ‘Our top priority is to protect our employees, their families, and our customers—which also includes finding unconventional ways of helping them. As a specialty chemicals company, we are using our high-performance products to manufacture the masks and thus endeavoring, in tandem with our employees and customers, to make a contribution to combating Covid-19.’”

Is your company adapting production to meet a pandemic-related need? I’d love to hear about it! Please contact me at suttons@bnpmedia.com to share your story.


Top 5 News that Sticks for May 31 - June 6

  1. Sika Incorporates Existing Products in New Safety Mask Production to Combat COVID-19
  2. Avery Dennison Partners with Global Safety First to Produce Self-Adhesive N95 Masks for Healthcare Professionals
    #fourth week in Top 5!
  3. Accella Polyurethane Systems Becomes Carlisle Polyurethane Systems
  4. Ellsworth Adhesives Europe Expands with New Division in Ireland, Names Walsh Sales Manager
  5. Henkel Joins Global Climate Advocacy Effort Calling for Net-Zero Recovery from COVID-19

This weekly roundup highlights the adhesives, sealants, and coatings-related news stories that garnered the most attention during the previous week on our website, as well as our eNewsletters and social media platforms.