Essity AB, a Swedish manufacturer of feminine hygiene and diaper products, has announced it has started production of surgical face masks that are considered a moderate barrier against the spread of viruses such as the novel coronavirus.
CEO Magnus Groth told a news conference a test machine at a factory in western Sweden had a monthly production capacity of three million surgical masks of the 2R protection level.
“Then from August we will install a new machine that will be able to produce up to 30 million masks per month and that should be able to cover well more than Sweden’s needs,” he adds.
The initiative comes after a request from the Swedish government two weeks ago. Groth said Essity also planned to start producing masks in other countries.