Jovani Hernandez In an ongoing effort to assist those at the frontline of the COVID-19 pandemic, Nike is crafting Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) face shields out of repurposed materials for footwear and apparel.
The American sportswear behemoth, which just reopened its Frayser, Memphis warehouse – its largest distribution center in the world – after an employee tested positive for the virus on April 2nd, is working with health professionals at Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) to manufacture high-functioning, easy-to-produce PPE.
“Without proper facial protection, healthcare workers are at a higher risk of contracting the virus,” says Miko Enomoto, M.D., associate professor of anesthesiology and perioperative medicine, OHSU School of Medicine. “[A lack of adequate supplies] could place substantial strain on the healthcare workforce in the months ahead.”
Nike’s internal Innovation and Air Manufacturing Innovation teams have developed and streamlined a nine-step process for the full-face shields. These protective instruments are created from reconsidered, Nike-owned materials: Collar padding once intended for shoes; cords originally earmarked for clothing; and, most important, Nike Air soles’ TPU component. Together, these three repurposed elements will help healthcare workers stay safe as they work tirelessly to save lives.
To read Nike’s official press release, click here.
In other COVID-19 related news, New Balance is planning to deliver 100,000 masks a week, while Vans has launched the “Foot The Bill” program aimed to assist independent, community-driven retailers and spaces.
