First Graphene Ltd, (“FGR” or “First Graphene “) the leading global producer of advanced graphene products and planarTECH (Holdings ) Ltd, (“ planarTECH”), a global leader in graphene process equipment and graphene-enabled products agree to collaborate on graphene enhanced personal protective equipment (PPE) products.
First Graphene and planarTECH have signed a memorandum of understanding towards developing a robust supply chain for the manufacture of innovative graphene-enhanced personal protective equipment.
planarTECH have developed an innovative face mask which utilises a graphene coating to provide anti-static and bacteria-resistant properties to the mask. Current demand for these products is high as world populations seek protection from airborne infection and planarTECH need to increase their manufacturing supply chain capability to meet growing market demand accordingly. PureGRAPH® additives are already being used in the mask application and First Graphene have the capability to supply the volumes required for this rapidly growing business.
The face mask will be manufactured by planarTECH under their 2AM brand. Washable and reusable, the mask is also resistant to bacteria and repels airborne particles. The new 2AM face mask has the potential to become an essential, everyday accessory during these uncertain times.
The two companies have agreed to collaborate to rapidly test and implement the use of PureGRAPH® materials into existing and new anti-static coatings for PPE. Materials development activities are already underway, and the companies anticipate quick progress to full-scale manufacturing of the face mask. With the anti-static coating capable of repelling airborne particles and offering bacteria-resistant properties further graphene enabled products in the PPE sector are expected to emerge.
Craig McGuckin, Managing Director for First Graphene Ltd., said, “We have been very impressed by the speed to commercialisation that planarTECH have achieved with the graphene face masks and we are pleased to support the growth of this opportunity”.
Ray Gibbs, Chairman for planarTECH (Holdings) Ltd., said, “For successful growth of our business, planarTECH is seeking a graphene supply partner that can reliably deliver high quality consistent products. We are very aware of First Graphene’s robust supply capability delivered globally from its Australian facility. Following on from significant trials utilising PureGRAPH® materials and we are excited about this collaboration to meet the rapid growth in demand for face masks and other PPE products.”
For more information, please contact First Graphene Ltd. on +44 (0)161 826 2350, email: info@firstgraphene.net or visit https://firstgraphene.net/
About First Graphene Ltd (ASX: FGR):
First Graphene Ltd. is the leading supplier of high-performing graphene products. The company has a robust manufacturing platform based upon captive supply of high-purity raw materials and an established 100 tonne/year graphene production capacity. Commercial applications are now being progressed in composites, elastomers, fire retardancy, construction and energy storage.
First Graphene Ltd. is publicly listed in Australia (ASX:FGR) and has a primary manufacturing base in Henderson, near Perth, WA. The company is incorporated in the UK as First Graphene (UK) Ltd. and is a Tier 1 partner at the Graphene Engineering and Innovation Centre (GEIC), Manchester, UK.
PureGRAPH® Range of Products:
PureGRAPH® graphene powders are available in tonnage volumes with lateral platelet sizes of 20μm, 10μm and 5μm. The products are high performing additives, characterised by their high quality and ease of use.
About planarTECH (Holdings) Ltd:
planarTECH is a global leader in providing process and analytical equipment for graphene and 2D materials synthesis, as well as the integration of graphene into everyday products, such as our collaboration with Thailand-based IDEATi on a graphene-enhanced face mask, branded 2AM.