Since 2020, under the impetus of regional public authorities (CESER, Occitanie Region and Regional Prefecture), the Health-Mask-Cellulose consortium - composed of three companies from the Occitanie region with complementary activities and skills (Fibre Excellence Saint-Gaudens, Léon Martin and DSI-AP) - has been working on the development of solutions to address the shortage of barrier masks.
100% cellulose without synthetic fibers, therefore renewable and 100% biodegradable
Following a first phase of cooperation and research, the Health-Mask-Cellulose consortium announced on Wednesday, June 16, during a press conference the launch of an industrial project for the manufacture of sanitary and medical products 100% made of cellulose. The medical products developed will be 100% cellulose without synthetic fibers, therefore renewable and 100% biodegradable, ensures Fibre Excellence Saint-Gaudens.
A project supported by the Centre Technique du Papier
These 100% cellulose products must meet the breathability and filtration characteristics required for the manufacture of barrier masks. This is why the project will start with an innovation and research phase, led by Fibre Excellence Saint-Gaudens and supported by the Centre Technique du Papier (CTP) in Grenoble.
Fibre Excellence Saint-Gaudens will identify and produce a specific cellulose pulp, the paper manufacturer Léon Martin will transform this pulp into a monolayer paper media, and DSI-AP will apply an additional treatment before proceeding to the shaping of the masks.
The consortium's objective is to produce and sell 100% cellulose and 100% Occitanie sanitary products within 18 months of the launch of this project, marketed by DSI-AP.
