Strategy June 08, 2020
The Rise of PPE for Promo: How One Supplier Received an Astounding 93.6% Particle Filtration Efficiency Mask Rating
As the battle against the COVID-19 pandemic rages on, we’re all adjusting to the “new normal” taking hold. It should come as no surprise that promo needs have adjusted to reflect this new normal as well. Just take a look at ESP searches, where personal protective equipment (PPE) items such as face masks have ousted pens as the most in-demand item (followed closely by search terms “hand sanitizer,” “bandannas” and “masks”), per search history data from April 2020. The statistics don’t lie: PPE products are ruling promo and if distributors and decorators want to stay afloat, they need to pivot their offerings to fulfill this need.
Thankfully, renowned suppliers like Next Level Apparel are making it easy by ramping up production of these crucial items. As the economy begins to reopen and employees return to work, Next Level Apparel is producing a line of fabric face masks and neck gaiters to meet the need, one of which, The Eco Face Mask (M100) has received an astounding 93.6% Particle Filtration Efficiency (PFE) rating to protect against particles and viruses. This is an almost unheard of rating for a non-medical mask which was tested by an accredited, independent laboratory using the STP0005 standard based on ASTM.
“At Next Level, we recognize the difficulties businesses are facing as they navigate this new normal environment, so we’ve expanded our tee business to include face masks and neck gaiters made from the same great Next Level fabrics you’ve come to know and love,” said Joe Simsolo, Next Level founder and CEO. “We hope these products can help keep employees safe during these challenging times."
Next Level Apparel offers a variety of styles, in addition to the sustainable and reusable Eco Face Masks, made from the same material as their Eco Performance Tees. Each moisture-wicking mask is made with a tearaway label made from approximately one recycled poly (RPET) water bottle and consists of 40% recycled polyester, 30% recycled cotton and 30% regular cotton and has a 93.6% Particle Filtration Efficiency (PFE) rating. Or, consider masks made from Next Level Cotton, CVC and Tri-Blend fabrics, each featuring a large printable area, variety of color options and size options for both adults and children.
Don’t forget about neck gaiters from Next Level apparel for additional protection. These items are made of 50% polyester, 25% combed ringspun cotton and 25% rayon and come in six different colors. They also feature double-needle topstitch top and bottom hems and tearaway paper labels.
And the best part? A portion of all mask proceeds will benefit City of Hope, a comprehensive research and treatment center for cancer and other serious diseases, including COVID-19. That means you can fulfill your clients’ needs for these life-saving essentials today and contribute to crucial cure-finding research at the same time.
View all face masks and neck gaiters from Next Level Apparel, available online now.