DuPont, Lowe’s, manufacturer supplied badly needed gowns for first responders and medical professionals

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As news broke in March about the possible shortage of medical supplies including masks, suits and gowns, Thermaxx LLC, the West Haven, CT.-based removable insulation manufacturer put aside its regular business to design, cut, and sew Thermaxx gowns for first responders, hospitals, nursing homes, and other healthcare professionals.

Initially, they made gowns using DuPont  Tyvek HomeWrap, which they could purchase from local Lowe’s stores. Thermaxx donated these gowns to first responders and medical professionals across Connecticut and beyond who were unable to acquire PPE due to shortages.

Thermaxx worked closely with local first responders to design a disposable gown. They also collaborated with Sheila Leach, the vice president  of operations for Home Builders & Remodelers Association of Central Connecticut, which  helped to collect donated Tyvek  HomeWrap to support the cause.

AAA Northeast also teamed up to deliver these donated gowns directly to recipients across the region, saving first responders’ drive time and allowing them to remain focused in the fight against COVID-19.

While Tyvek HomeWrap is a well-known barrier fabric for homes, it is not as suitable for PPE as the styles of Tyvek specifically designed for protective apparel. In April, as DuPont launched the sale of Tyvek  1222A as part of the  TyvekTogether program, Thermaxx transitioned to making gowns out of Tyvek  1222A and continued to donate them to the first responders and healthcare professionals reaching out to them.

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As part of the  TyvekTogether program, DuPont partnered with Lowe’s to donate rolls of Tyvek  1222A to help meet the needs for PPE in the U.S.

Lowe’s donated 400 rolls of  TyvekTogether material to Thermaxx to support their efforts, and to enable Thermaxx to continue to supply gowns to first responders and nursing homes in need. 

Supplies of the gowns have grown as the curve flattens in the former epicenters of northern New Jersey, New York, and a portion of Connecticut.  Testing is also shifting toward saliva-based procedures that do not require the use of gowns by health care workers.

However, demand remain strong as first responders sometimes need full coverings when responding to calls from possible COVID patients. Nursing homes also need gowns.

Lowe’s is a major dealer for DuPont Tyvek, which is best known as an energy-saving house wrap. It remains one of the “keepers” for the company which has been shedding and adding businesses.

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