Outdoor mask with the ‘TESTEX Community Mask’ label for a good cause

TESTEX and OEKO-TEX® are setting an example in the fight against COVID-19 by donating their proceeds connected with the ‘TESTEX Community Mask’ label. The aim of the campaign is to do more than just good; its purpose is also to test the effectiveness and safety of as many masks as possible. The outdoor community tube mask from AG Cilander also successfully passed the label test. The textile mask provides the consumer with long-term protection thanks to a replaceable filter.

Together with Empa, TESTEX has further developed a test method based on the recommendations of the Swiss National COVID-19 Science Task Force. The textile masks’ filter function, splash resistance, wearing comfort and reusability are all tested, not to mention the testing performed in line with the STANDARD 100 by OEKO-TEX® requirements. Over 20,000 certificates are issued to textile and clothing manufacturers, retailers and distributors with the STANDARD 100 by OEKO-TEX® testing system each year. So millions of individual items are extensively tested for both regulated and unregulated harmful substances that could pose a risk to human health.

The outdoor community mask developed by AG Cilander based in Herisau satisfies the requirements of both the stringent STANDARD 100 by OEKO-TEX® label and the ‘TESTEX Community Mask’ label. As the filter can be replaced, the mask offers the consumer both reliable and long-lasting protection while exercising or going about their everyday life.

OEKO-TEX® and its institutes are making an important impact during this pandemic and have already been waiving the certification fees for the STANDARD 100 method for textile masks worldwide for several months. TESTEX is also donating around half the proceeds generated from the testing costs for the ‘TESTEX Community Mask’ label to charitable organisations. The organisations in question are selected together with the customer.

AG Cilander has decided to donate its share to the Swiss association ‘Wunschambulanz’, which helps terminally ill patients to fulfil their final wishes by organising free transport. Whether they’d like to go on a trip to the seaside or the zoo or attend their granddaughter’s wedding – Wunschambulanz provides sensitive support. Face coverings have naturally also become an integral part of the transport provided this year. ‘We’re relying more than ever on the fact we can trust the masks’ quality and on people not forgetting us even when times are tough economically,’ said Petar Sabovic (the association’s founder and president).

By taking these measures, TESTEX and OEKO-TEX® want to set an example and motivate manufacturers around the world to test their masks’ safety and effectiveness.