Reusable face mask uses silver-based 3D knitted tech in fight against COVID-19

A team of healthcare scientists have developed The Silver Life Face Covering, which uses silver-based 3D knitted technology and meets the World Health Organisation’s recommendations for use against the current microbial pandemic.

The face mask uses silver as an integral part of the thread of its fabric, due to silver’s antiviral and antibacterial properties. The mask also filters incoming air and the outgoing breath through a mesh size of just three microns (whereas 10 microns is the current WHO standard) and is an effective filter in reducing air pollution particles, as well as airborne viruses such as COVID-19.

The Silver Life Face Covering is also reusable for up to 100 washes and is made from 36% recycled material, making it better for the environment than standard issue personal protective equipment masks which are neither reusable or recyclable.

Dr Alan Green, environmentalist and founder of SP Science, the owner of The Silver Life Face Coverings, said: “Face masks have become virtually compulsory both here in the UK and elsewhere throughout the world and employers need to provide their employees with daily masks to keep them safe. Unfortunately, this has led to the estimate that the UK throws out 53 million face masks per day.

“This mask has been developed by experienced healthcare scientists and has safety, the environment, recycling and manufacturing standards at the core of its design. Sustainability is at the essence of The Silver Life Face Covering, as it also meets US Environmental Protection Agency standards for disposal – the only silver-based textile that does so.”