PPE importation continues at a steady pace, however it has somewhat plateaued since the early months of coronavirus in Australia. A CEO of an international freight and shipping company is calling for reusable PPE products to stimulate the local economy.
Jackson Meyer, CEO of Versus Global, said that a continued emphasis on reusable PPE products is vital for the environment, purse strings and for stimulating the local economy.
Jackson has been observing trends in Australian goods consumption from the frontline and watching demand rise and fall in real time.
He has noted that PPE importation continues at a steady pace however it has somewhat plateaued since the early months of coronavirus in Australia.
“Using reusable PPE products, mainly face masks, is a really easy way for everyone to stay safe in a more environmentally conscious way. Since we have no idea how long the pandemic will last, it’s important to start managing this as our “new normal” in a sustainable way,” Jackson said.
If the global population uses one disposable mask per day the consumption and subsequent disposal of single-use PPE could reach 129 billion masks and 65 billion gloves per month.
Reusable or recyclable products help keep that number down as well reducing the number of masks ending up in landfill, or worse, littering the environment.
On October 9, the Victorian Government announced it had placed an order of 1.2 million reusable masks has been placed with six Victorian companies accredited by Ethical Clothing Australia.
“The first batch of masks is expected to be delivered from next week, with all masks to be delivered before Christmas,” The government said in a statement on October 9.
Around 700,000 masks will be distributed to local government offices, health centres, pharmacies and general practices, as well as disability service providers, home and community care services and mental health services. The remainder will go to the Government’s stockpile to be accessed as necessary.
Since July, the Victorian Government has distributed more than 3.6 million single use and almost 2.1 million re-usable masks.
“The ability of Victorian manufacturers to adapt and produce the goods that we need in a pandemic has been remarkable. These companies are at the forefront of those efforts,” Martin Pakula, Minister for Industry Support and Recovery said.