Over the past five months, the world has been battling a new enemy; COVID-19. Announced by the World Health Organization (WHO) as a global pandemic in March, COVID-19 has swiftly swept the globe. As countries go into lockdown, businesses are forced to shut and people urged to stay at home, it seems as though this virus is winning. However, businesses all over the world are now beginning to fight back.
With health professionals around the globe bearing the brunt of the battle, brands are doing what they can to help protect them. As this virus knows no boundaries, neither does the extent to which labels are going to help stop the spread. Global businesses are manufacturing Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and sanitiser on a mass scale. This effort shows one thing; that there is strength in solidarity.
Here, we’ll be showing you just what big brands are doing to help defeat COVID-19.
adidas
adidas has partnered with Californian brand Carbon to start producing 18,000 face shields a week. Carbon, which notably makes the material used on the adidas 4D line, has used its technology alongside adidas’ craftmanship to start creating lighter shields that require fewer materials. The result is not only a product that is comfortable but also extremely effective.
Diadora and Geox
With Diadora and Geox falling under one roof, it made sense for Presidents Enrico and Mario Moretti Polegato to use both brands to combat coronavirus. Diadora and Geox donated over €1 million to the Veneto Region in order to help reduce the stress caused by the disease.
Kering
Kering was one of the first conglomerates to help with the COVID-19 fight in France. It helped to locate and provide more than 3 million masks for the French health service. As well as that, it turned its Balenciaga and Yves Saint Laurent factories into dedicated PPE sites.
LVMH
LVMH has gone further than almost any brand on the planet. On March 15 the group turned its Guerlain, Parfums Christian Dior and Parfums Givenchy factories into dedicated hand sanitiser factories. Since then, it has produced between 50-60 tonnes of gel each week and distributed it throughout the globe.
Furthermore, it has organised hundreds of thousands of PPE to be sent across the globe, donated millions to COVID-19 charities and organised laboratory testing for hospitals in France and Italy. As the biggest group on the planet, LVMH has set the bar for what it means to battle COVID-19.
New Balance
New Balance was quick to start developing, manufacturing and delivering face masks from its U.S. factories. The footwear brand began production of vital face masks on March 28th and also committed more $2 million in non-profit grants to support local, regional and global communities. In its own words “Made shoes yesterday. Making masks today.”
Nike
With the USA expected to be one of the worst countries affected by the pandemic, Nike has stepped up to the plate. It may expect to lose several billion dollars due to COVID-19, but that has not deterred Nike’s efforts. The Swoosh has committed $15 million to start COVID-19 prevention and is working closely with the Oregon Health & Science University.
On top of that, it has also started manufacturing PPE using Nike Air components from its factories. The ingenious designs feature repurposed ankle collar padding, whilst the TPU used on Air midsoles has been reshaped to create visors and lenses.
Prada
Italy has been one of the countries most affected by coronavirus. Prada ensured that it would help Milan’s worst-hit hospitals and donated intensive care and resuscitation units to some of the city’s most afflicted hospitals. It manufactured over 80,000 medical overalls and 110,000 masks for health workers in Europe and has since turned its Montone factory into a PPE manufacturer.
Under Armour
Under Armour was quick to begin assembling face masks in the US. In just a few days it designed, assembled and manufactured masks that could easily be put together. On top of that, it also produced face shields and specialist pouches for medical staff in numerous US hospitals.
Final Thoughts
During this global state of the pandemic, now is the time to join forces. Please, remember to stay safe. Stay at home, do not leave the house for non-essential travel. Protect your loved ones. Protect health services. Together, we will get through this.
