Reusable masks are becoming the norm and are being required in many more locations, in particular for indoor activities and on public transit. Now is the time to make sure you and your employees are prepared with masks that are on brand and sustainable.
Masks not only promote health and safety for you and those around you, but your branded masks can be designed to reflect your business look and feel. Our suppliers are on board and have many different kinds of designs, fabrics and fashion forward options. While single use masks will always have an important role, going the reusable route is a better long-term environmental choice.
Considerations
1. Fabric: cotton, polyester, recycled PET, microfibre fleece, bamboo are the main fabrics being used. Most masks also have some spandex which is usually in the tie backs or ear loops.
2. Size and ties: some mask styles are one size only, while others come in multiple sizes from child to youth, to adult women's and adult men's.
3. Decoration: masks can come in one colour silkscreening, multiple colour heat transfer or full sublimation.
4. Timing: masks that are custom made can take between 3 - 4 weeks from approval of artwork to shipping. Pre-made masks that just need branding added can often be turned around in 7 - 10 days from approval of artwork. Non branded can ship next day.
5. Sustainability: masks can be made from recycled PET, organic cotton, bamboo or other sustainable materials. Choose the recycled or organic option if you can. Also, consider where the masks are coming from and if you can make the distance between manufacturer and final destination shorter - so much the better from an environmental perspective, supporting local, and shortening the supply chain.
6. Specialized: hearing impaired masks are made with a clear plastic insert over the mouth so that people who are used to lip reading will still be able to do so. This has been an important option for the hearing impaired.
7. Insert pockets: many masks are being made with a pocket on the inside so that a filter can be placed in the mask. Filters can be as simple as a piece of paper towel or coffee filter or a WHO certified filter.
See Face Masks 101 for more information.
