Bunzl Distribution, a leading supplier of packaging,disposable supplies, and cleaning and safety products, has signed on as the distributor in Mexico for Acteev ProtectTM masks, made in the United States bypolyamide manufacturer Ascend Performance Materials. A global distributor, Bunzl provides supplies to supermarkets, food processing plants, retailers and convenience stores in Mexico.
Bunzl will distribute the Acteev Protect Nonwoven Mask, a reusable general purpose
mask that features powerful antiviral and antibacterial properties. Acteev technology
embeds active zinc ions in a polymer matrix which destroys microbes, deactivates
many viruses and eliminates bacteria and fungi.
Recent testing on Acteev fabric completed at the University of Cambridge has
demonstrated that Acteev technology deactivates the virus that causes COVID-19,
SARS-CoV-2, with greater than 99.9% efficacy. Ascend has submitted several
masks designs to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Food and
Drug Administration to obtain the appropriate regulatory clearances to make specific
claims regarding the technology’s antiviral properties in the United States.
Carlos Green, Director General of Bunzl de México, says the company is pleased to
bring products featuring better safety and protection to the Mexico market.
“Our customers are more focused than ever before on doing business safely, and
Acteev masks offer an added level of protection in the workplace,” he said. “We’re
excited to offer our customers this premium product that provides some of the best
protection available.”
In addition to antiviral, antifungal and antibacterial protection, the washable, reusable
masks are lightweight, breathable and odor-fighting, making them comfortable to
wear during a long shift at work or for outdoor workout.
“Workers in industrial settings, such as chemical and food processing plants, and
convenience stores and other retail outlets deserve the right protection as they keep
society and the economy moving in Mexico,” said Juan Toro, Ascend’s principal
business development leader for Acteev in the Americas.
“We are proud to partner with Bunzl to help deliver a reusable mask that provides
both antiviral properties as well as an opportunity reduce the number of masks
consumed, saving the companies money.”
Acteev Protect shows promise for use beyond masks, according to Ascend. The
technology was originally developed for workout wear, and now the company is
working textile applications ranging from gloves to scrubs to high-end athleisure.
Bunzl has more than 100 warehouses serving grocery, retail, cleaning and
healthcare businesses in North America. With more than 6,500 employees and
400,000-plus supply items, their worldwide sales exceed $11 billion.
