PPE
The market for Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is estimated to grow to $60-$90 billion globally, in five years. India is already the second biggest manufacturer of PPE in the world, after China. At present, all manufacturers (mostly those who have been traditionally in garments and textiles, such as Arvind and Welspun) have been supplying to the India market. Exports are expected to begin once the Covid-19 crisis abates in India. As such, PPE is a huge business opportunity.
Against this backdrop, the National Research and Development Corporation has come up with technology for low cost PPE and is keen on transferring the technology to the Indian industry, with ‘breatheable’ fabric.
Availability of reliable, cost effective and comfortable PPEs is a huge challenge, says NRDC. While many PPEs compliant to the standards are available in the local market, however their cost effectiveness and suitability for the hot and humid weather conditions prevalent in India raise concern. To overcome these challenges, a Naval Medical Specialist of Innovation Cell, Institute of Naval Medicine Mumbai has improvised a PPE as per MoHFW guidelines which provides protection, is made of ‘breathable’ fabric, is comfortable under prolonged use in hot and humid conditions and is economical. This innovative solution is being steered for licensed production and IP management by the Intellectual Property Facilitation Cell (IPFC) of MoD in association with National Research and Development Corporation (NRDC).
Named ‘NavRakshak’, the technical know-how offers a suit consisting of head gear, face mask, gown and shoe covers. The fabric material used is non-woven SSMMS (Spunbound-Spunbound-MeltboundMeltbound-Spunbound) of 51 GSM density and available in two variants (single-ply or two-ply). This technical know-how on offer aims to meet the shortfall in the availability of standard quality PPE in the country.
Those interested in getting NRDC technology may get in touch with:
Dr Sanjeev Kumar Majumdar
Manager
Email: sanjeev@nrdc.in
Mobile: +91-9310031212
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