TAL in November launched a new version of its reusable masks under its ENRO brand. These are highly protective and breathable even after being washed about 100 times in washing machines, Lee said.
Digitalisation way forward for global apparel makers in post-coronavirus era
Set up in Hong Kong in 1947, TAL is the city’s first and oldest textile mill and makes one in every six dress shirts sold in the US for brands such as Brooks Brothers and Lacoste. Hurt by the economic dislocation caused by the pandemic, it started manufacturing washable masks seven months ago as part of its recovery plans.
By June last year, it had shipped more than 50 million masks, primarily to the US, where its clients included hoteliers, retailers and consumer brands, according to Lee. The company will now ship its masks worldwide.
The production of masks will provide some support to TAL, whose losses in 2020 equalled profits from the previous 10 years. It will, however, not cover the decline in its core operations, the production of premium dress shirts.
Hong Kong textile giant Esquel suspends operations at mill in Xinjiang
“Our company is quite big. This business will not necessarily move the needle first. It is still a small part of our business, but it is an important part of it,” Lee said.
Even after vaccinations have been carried out, people will need to wear masks – for “the rest of this year, if not longer”, Lee said. “This business will go on even after Covid-19 [recedes],” he added.
TAL’s ENRO masks come with an integrated filter. They offer effective protection against bacteria of 99 per cent even after 100 washes, against particulates of more than 98.5 per cent before being washed, and of 88 to 90 per cent after 100 washes. The masks’ effectiveness against viruses stands at more than 99 per cent before being washed, and more than 98 per cent after 100 washes, according to tests conducted by third-party labs such as those of Hong Kong-based testing and certification company SGS Group.
Esquel to keep its Xinjiang factories open despite US sanctions threat
“The mask is offered in six sizes and can fit 95 per cent of the population,” Lee said. It is estimated that 194 billion disposable face masks and gloves are being used every month worldwide, as a result of coronavirus pandemic, according to a report in Environmental Science and Technology.
Apparel companies have been hit hard across the world, with containment measures affecting economic activity. Many industries have had to close, which has also led to an increase in unemployment.
Lee said TAL’s sales volume fell 40 per cent and triggered an operational loss last year. It closed two plants in Malaysia that it has invested in since the 1980s, and furloughed 5,000 staff, or 20 per cent of its 25,000 employees.
The company has been thinking of ways to recover from this crisis, and is aiming to enhance efficiency, respond quickly to its customers and reduce costs. “We will be ready when the economy recovers, as expected, in 2022, Lee said.
This article appeared in the South China Morning Post print edition as: TAL Apparel set to take mask business global
