Paper and plastics packaging and recycling company Mpact Group launched its new face shield, specially designed to attach to a hard hat, in support of the construction and related industries during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Launched in June, the hard hat face shield is produced from polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and is designed for comfort and practical use within the construction and related industries.

“The safety of our communities, and those who help build them, are a top priority for us at Mpact,” says Mpact Group CEO Bruce Strong.

He explains that the face shield weighs 34 g, offers full facial cover, and is comfortable. The hard hat face shield is suitable to use with safety goggles and over masks.

Although easy to clean and reuse, it may be used as a disposable unit should the wearer choose.

Other shields in Mpact’s range include the adult and kids face shields that are respectively designed as a ‘one size fits all’ but can be further tightened by using an elastic band between the two loops at the back of the headband.

He enthuses that Mpact will also include a face mask among its Covid-19 personal protective equipment (PPE) portfolio.

“Our timeous innovation is another way in which we are trying to do our part in fighting this pandemic, helping reduce the spread of the disease and keeping our communities safe,” he adds.

To further help curb the spread of Covid-19 and keep frontline healthcare workers safe, Mpact Group donated 25 000 face shields to the Department of Health (DoH), also in June.

Mpact has once again proved their responsible and innovative approach to business by developing and mass producing a new face shield in a matter of weeks to help reduce the spread of the disease.

“We are deeply appreciative and thankful to all the doctors, nurses, and clinical staff who are putting themselves in the front line to provide South Africa with exceptional healthcare during the coronavirus pandemic,” Strong stresses.

Moreover, Mpact’s donation of 25 000 face shields to keep medical workers safe while caring for those affected by the virus, will be distributed to areas of need by the DoH.

“It is through public-private partnerships such as this one, that corporate companies can add to government’s efforts to keep our nation safe and healthy,” says Strong.

Mpact produced the PPE using PET and polypropylene, which are both fully recyclable materials.

The face shields can be used in applications where full facial coverage is required and the facial area needs to be protected from mucous, splashes, sprays and spatter.

The 28 cm length, ‘one size fits all’ shield is also suitable for applications where the face needs to be protected from moving particles such as light debris. It is suitable to use with safety goggles, spectacles, over facemasks and respiratory mouthpieces.

Its lightweight and durable design also makes it comfortable to adjust and wear.

“Mpact’s swift response of designing and developing these face shields was in response to the shortage of PPE, including surgical masks, visors, gloves and disposable aprons.

“The donation of 25 000 face shields is our contribution to help government to fight this pandemic and reduce the spread of the disease,” explains Strong.

Mpact has also developed face shields for children to assist in keeping pupils safe while at school and is finalising the development of hardhat shields and respiratory masks for other industries.

“Mpact will continue to assist in fighting the spread of the pandemic both within the organisation and around our communities. “We believe that our donation will bolster the actions of the frontline medical workers by keeping them safe and allowing them to continue fighting to keep South Africa healthy,” concludes Strong.