COVID-19 pandemic has influenced and changed our lives including our daily activities. New patterns and behaviors are emerging in response to adjusting and protecting oneself from the spread of Corona Virus. At the same time, global crisis is also a strong driver of creativity and innovation. Focus of innovations has shifted towards accommodating healthy or sanitary products and finding reliable ways of preventing the spread of the virus. We have gathered four examples of innovative products in response to COVID-19 new normal.
Reusable N95 Mask
One of the modes of virus transmission is via respiratory droplets through coughing or sneezing and these droplets can travel as far as 2-3m away. For this reason, it is important to wear masks as a form of personal protection and to stop the spread of COVID-19 virus, especially those who is carrying the virus but not showing any symptoms.
An N95 mask or N95 respirator is a particulate-filtering facepiece respirator that meets the U.S. National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) N95 classification of air filtration, meaning that it filters at least 95% of airborne particles.
It provides four layers of filtering material made of silicon for best fit, comfort, and protection at the same time. The reusable N95 mask can be reused up to 10 times longer than the normal N95 mask in condition of changing the filter regularly.
Biodegradable Disposable Box
The pandemic has shifted our behavior to online shopping and ordering goods through online stores. This leads to increasing number of common card boxes production for packaging, which means cutting more trees to create the boxes while producing more packaging waste in the consumer’s end. MYERTON PACKAGING offer eco-friendly paper from a variety of sources worldwide, from recycled material, agricultural waste, paper derived from sugarcane waste and even paper made from cotton fibre. The residue waste replaces up to 15% of virgin tree pulp, saving trees whilst reusing natural raw materials.
Anti Viral Surface Coating
Recent studies showed that corona viruses can remain infectious on metal, glass, wood, fabrics and plastic surfaces for several hours to days. This innovative product, NANOVA HYGIENE, is an antimicrobial coating for surfaces like fabrics, plastics, metals and concretes. The company aims to create surface coating with relatively low surface energy value which may repel the spike glycoprotein to stick to surfaces. NANOVA HYGENE also use active chemicals that could inactivate the spike glycoprotein as well as viral nucleotides. Currently, an antiviral test is in the process to establish its efficacy on inactivation of COVID-19.
Immunity Booster
As the journey of finding medicine or vaccine against COVID-19 continues, our immune system is our best defense. In helping consumers strengthen their immune system during the COVID-19 pandemic, many nutritious supplements tend to have a greater impact on the market. Juice It Up! launched a smoothie with "two antioxidant powerhouses." The drink boasts a blend of acerola, which is a superberry from Brazil, ginger, banana, orange, passion fruit, and pineapple. This beverage is the brand’s most vitamin C packed product and is claimed to also aid in heart and eye health, as well as regulate digestion.
The COVID-19 pandemic has demonstrated that no one is safe until everyone is safe. Only by acting in solidarity can communities save lives and overcome the socio-economic impacts of the virus. Despite the challenges, it is our duty to strive in tackling the COVID-19 outbreak with creative innovations that benefits the society in a sustainable way.
References:
[1] PERSONAL CARE: Reusable N95 Mask. https://www.aerasmedical.com/aeras-mask
[2] HOUSEHOLD: Anti Viral Surface Coating. https://www.coatingsworld.com/content-microsite/cw_covid-19/2020-04-15/anti-viral-surface-coating-to-prevent-spread-of-novel-coronavirus-covid-19-through-touch
[3] PACKAGING: Biodegradable Box. https://myertonpackaging.com.au/eco-packaging/
[4] HEALTH & NUTRITION: Natural Immunity Booster. https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/natural-immunityboosting-product