The jv, called Dutch PPE Solutions, will invest several million euros to build new manufacturing facilities to produce melt blown PP, the material layer in medical masks that filters viruses, as well as producing the masks themselves. Initial output will start in Helmond in October 2020 while the PP plant in Geleen is expected to be fully operational in April 2021.

Dutch PPE Solutions combines VDL’s manufacturing and processing knowledge with DSM’s specialist materials expertise. The jv, which intends to help meet ongoing demand for finished high-quality facemasks as well as critical filter material, will initially prioritize the healthcare industry with production eventually extended to other sectors such as public transport, schools and educational institutes, and private companies across Europe.

“The global demand for medical facemasks and critical filter material exceeds the limited supply. The need for reliable and high-quality supply chains is more urgent than ever,” said Pieter Wolters, vice president DSM Innovation, adding that the collaboration with VDL will “create a reliable, sustainable, high-quality supply chain in Europe, making us less dependent on supplies from overseas.”

The companies will also look at ways to reduce the growing waste mountain of used facemasks, for example by looking into the use of circular materials.

Author: Elaine Burridge, Freelance Journalist