across Canada. So it seemed like a very natural fit to do what we could to meet a need at a time when there definitely was a strong need across the country.” Norwex is known for its microfibre cloth containing BacLock, a trademarked micro silver antibacterial agent embedded in the cloth that self-cleanses when wet, reducing mould, fungi and bacterial odour. The microfibres give the durable cloth the ability to pick up and remove up to 99% of bacteria from a surface using only water. The company began testing its microfibre cloth in March for filtration to see if it could be used to make high- quality reusable face masks. Its window- cleaning cloth had the highest filtration and production got underway on a non- medical grade, reusable face mask using
the microfibre cloth with BacLock. Tested under ASTM F2100/F2299 protocols, it was shown to filter 81% of 0.1 micron-sized particles. Further testing revealed the BacLock’s self- cleansing properties reduced the growth of acne-causing bacteria in the masks, making them ideal for acne-prone skin, Letain says. “It’s a very comfortable fabric to wear on your face,” she says, adding sales began in May. “We get a lot of comments from people who are using the mask, just how comfortable the fit is, which is another great benefit.” Made at the Norwex factory in China, where the company’s research and development is based, the masks come in four patterns — floral, blue camouflage,
grey geometric and a star design for kids. The company also designed a washable mask pouch made of 100% recycled polyester. It has zippered sides for storing clean and used masks, plus a wrist strap. Norwex was founded in Norway in 1994 by Bjorn Nicolaisen. Its connection to Manitoba was set in motion when Norwegian-Canadian Gerd Doroshuk, a longtime resident of Dauphin, received the company’s “little red cloth” from her sister in Norway. She showed it to her friend, Debbie Bolton, who happened to have experience in the home party industry. Bolton met with Nicolaisen in Norway and she became co-founder of the company. Norwex expanded into Canada in 1999 and, naturally, set up its home office and a distribution centre in Dauphin. ■
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