Leading garment screen, embroidery and digital print provider engineers major business pivot and sees huge demand for new product line

Screenworks, one of the UK’s longest established garment screen print, embroidery and digital print service providers, is proud to announce the launch of a first-to-market anti-viral, reusable facemask in the UK. The Bumpaa™ brand of products, which are treated with ViralOff™ technology are proving hugely popular with trade clients, and has seen the business make a massive pivot during these difficult trading times having sold more than 100,000 units per week since launch.

The fabric masks, which are manufactured in the UK and packed at the Screenworks facility in Suffolk, are treated with the anti-viral, anti-bacterial textile technology to protect the product. This treatment is proven to effectively kill viruses by up to 99 per cent over two hours. The masks can be reused - helping to save vital PPE for the NHS, and preventing disposable masks going to landfill, and are designed to reduce the airborne spread of particulates. Fully brandable, lightweight and comfy and coming in a range of colours and sizes, the masks can be available from stock in as little as one day, and are available in bespoke designs for orders over 10,000 - starting with a three-week lead time.

The masks are treated with Polygiene’s ViralOff™; a technology which ensures garments, footwear and textiles stay fresh and last longer. Currently, Polygiene works with two main technologies, one inhibiting bacterial growth.

Duncan Gilmour, managing director at Screenworks, said: “We are proud to be launching these facemasks at a time when their supply is so critical. They present a really exciting opportunity for our sector, and – already – we have seen huge industry demand.

“Covid-19 has had a huge impact on the textile decoration sector. During our initial brainstorming around how we could pivot, we did look into PPE, however our due diligence on suppliers flagged a large number whose products would not meet quality standards. This prompted us to look into other options; for superior products with real longevity that would support new needs for social distancing. In order to meet demand we have re-enrolled previously furloughed team members to commence the production line.

“We really wanted to launch a mask that would be more visually appealing and comfortable for people to wear, and which would also be more environmentally friendly. The product isn’t considered PPE, but these masks will play their part in helping to protect vital supplies of PPE.

“As so many businesses return to a sense of normality following lockdown, they will be looking for ways to protect their staff, customers and suppliers. We believe the Bumpaa™ anti-viral facemasks can play a vital role, providing some reassurance during the difficult and uncertain times that lie ahead.”

Bumpaa masks are currently being stocked at all the main UK wholesalers and for bespoke orders these are being handled directly by Screenworks.

Screenworks is now researching further product lines to meet with trade and consumer demand, and will be launching these over the coming weeks. Further details can be found at http://bumpaa-protect.com/.