Nike to produce plastic medical masks for doctors in Oregon

The effort of large companies in the production of medical protections for hospital operators continues. After the news that Apple will use its factories and distribution chains to produce plastic masks for doctors – masks called "facial shields" by the American media. Today came the news that Nike will also start producing plastic face shields in its factories taking advantage of the recovery materials of sneaker production. 

The thermoplastic polyurethane used for Air Max soles, cords and padding will be committed to the creation of three-component facial shields, according to a nine-step workflow formalized through a collaborative effort between Nike's innovation teams and production groups at Nike's Air Manufacturing Innovation (Air MI) facilities in Oregon and Missouri. Here's what the brand's official statement reads: 

“Simultaneously, TPU will be employed to create new lenses for PAPR helmets. This equipment is used in situations with the most airborne pathogen exposure and is essential to the most critical procedures and care of infected patients. Nike's PAPR lenses take the same TPU as the face masks, and have welded segments to fit the specifications of PAPR helmets. 

While both shield and lens are a new output for Air MI, specialization in custom extrusion of polyurethane film and sheet makes the facilities uniquely suited to serving this urgent need. Nike’s St. Charles, Missouri, facility has decades of experience in designing, developing and manufacturing an extensive range of TPU-based products. To serve the current response, Air MI is rapidly adapting its capacities, while also adopting new production line procedures in keeping with rapidly-changing government guidelines. ”

The first donation of facial shields and PAPR lenses was made to Oregon Health & Science University on April 3, while the next ones will be directed to Providence Hospital, Legacy Health Systems and Kaiser Permanente.