Facts and data

The Nonwovens Institute (NWI) at North Carolina State University has converted its pilot production line normally used for research and training to produce 10 million reusable N95 protective masks.

Durst, manufacturer of advanced digital printing and production technologies, is now producing “community masks” in its demo center at the Brixen headquarters in South Tyrol, Italy. The masks are produced in the first step for employees of Durst Group and sister company Alupress.

Scientists from the Siberian Section of the Academy of Sciences have developed self-cleaning anti-microbial fabrics using a special TiO2 nanocrystal and nanoparticle coating.

Bayer Maroc has donated over 3 million dirhams, including financial aid and drugs, to support the Moroccan government and healthcare facilities during the Covid-19 emergency.

In a commendable gesture of solidarity, agricultural producers in Vittoria in the province of Ragusa, Sicily decided to donate a shipment of vegetables to families in the Lombardy city of Cremona who are struggling during the Covid-19 lockdown. 

Depending on the country, the insurance provides either a daily allowance for hospitalisation or an allowance paid in a lump sum upon discharge from hospital for a period of more than 5 days.

Like other countries, Cuba is also introducing a series of restrictions and measures to combat the coronavirus pandemic.

Brazilian chicken exports totalled 349,500 tons in March, an increase of 2.6% compared to the same month in 2019.

The fall in sales that has hit Indonesian bars and restaurants due to the Covid-19 outbreak has had a severe impact on the more than 1,200 coffee producers located in the various regions of the archipelago.

As part of its commitment to the welfare of its employees, Müller Italia has taken out an insurance policy that offers compensation for hospitalisation and convalescence in the event of contagion.

Africa’s largest F&B sector companies are continuing to demonstrate their commitment to the fight against the coronavirus.

Premium Brands Europe, a company belonging to the Canadian group Premium Brands Holdings Corporation, has acquired a 16.7% minority stake in La Felinese Salumi through a reserved capital increase.

Sofidel is working alongside Caritas Italiana by donating 16 truckloads of tissue paper products for hygienic and domestic use, one truckload for each of the 16 Caritas delegations present in the country.

According to a statement from the Brazilian Ministry of Agriculture, agri-food exports were unaffected by the pandemic in March with export sales totalling $9.29 billion.

Trade Kings Group has launched the “Trade Kings Foundation Campaign against the spread of Coronavirus” as a joint initiative between its foundation and the Ministry of Health and Ministry of Information, pledging US $1.51 million towards this endeavour.

The State Duma of the Russian Federation has passed a new law regulating the distance selling of medicines, exceptionally extending the new legislation to numerous prescription medications until 31 December 2020.

A team of researchers at McMaster University in Canada has developed a new self-cleaning plastic that can repel all kinds of contaminants, including multi-drug resistant bacteria.

During the pandemic, US stores and major food chains are deploying robots in their stores to clean floors, restock shelves and deliver food to consumers.

Danone is showing resilience in the face of the coronavirus crisis. In the first quarter of 2020, the French group posted 1.7% growth in consolidated sales to €6.24 billion on the back of a strong performance in Europe and the United States

Thanks to a partnership with Nannini Italian Quality, the Brescia-based injection moulding and mould manufacturing company Zanola has converted part of its factory to the production of protective plastic eyewear in response to the health emergency.