INTERVIEW |In addition to vaccination, FFP2 respiratory masks have been proven to be the most effective way of protecting us from infection with Covid-19 - but unfortunately they cause a lot of waste.We asked the Happy breath company about environmentally friendly alternatives to the FFP2 face mask.INTERVIEW |In addition to vaccination, FFP2 respiratory masks have been proven to be the most effective way of protecting us from infection with Covid-19 - but unfortunately they cause a lot of waste.We asked the Happy breath company about environmentally friendly alternatives to the FFP2 face mask."Wait a minute, I still have to put on the face mask for a moment..." - Sentences like these have been quite familiar to us since the beginning of 2020.In particular, the FFP2 mask - together with the vaccination - is a very reliable protection against the corona virus: If used correctly, the risk of infection between two people after 20 minutes of contact is less than 1 per thousand.However, FFP2 masks should be disposed of after they have been worn for a maximum of 8 hours - which means that a lot of waste is created by used FFP2 masks if they are used regularly.So how can we help fight the corona pandemic without unduly polluting the environment?The company Happy breath has thought about this question - and developed a sustainable FFP2 mask.You can find out more about this in our conversation with Ulrich Berg, the managing director of Happy breath.Ulrich Berg, Managing Director of Happy breathUlrich Berg: When Corona spread more and more at the beginning of 2020 and the topic of "wearing a mask" came to the fore, we started developing and producing ear relievers.Then came the idea of ​​developing our own mask.It was important to us, based on our core business, plastic injection molding, to produce the masks ourselves.There was also the aspect of sustainability: the filters should be able to be changed - without having to dispose of the entire mask!The intensive search for a partner who could supply a suitable, high-quality protective fleece was worth it!With Happy breath we offer a mask that is sustainable and offers the user optimal comfort.The Happy breath FFP2 respirator mask is unique throughout the entire system.The advantages lie in the combination of the components and a new, patent-pending production process: The special filter material makes breathing easy, it is also highly effective and, compared to other FFP masks, is below the average of the measured values.Happy breath is particularly suitable for people who have to wear a mask in their daily work, who want to exert themselves physically and get air.So no uncomfortable contraction when inhaling.After the work shift, the filter is disposed of and when it is used again, the new filter element can simply be inserted - snap in, done!We offer different sets: There is the carrier with one or 10 replacement filter elements in our shop.In addition, a set is available with a special certification that is important for occupational safety.Dolomite dust-tested masks are used for activities that require protection against particles and aerosols.This specially certified mask is used, for example, for grinding, cutting and drilling work in concrete or masonry and when using paints and varnishes.In addition to protection, the mask must offer optimal comfort and low breathing resistance.Because only if a mask is comfortable to wear and easy to use will it be used sustainably!The straps are available in different colors.You can choose from subtle white to bright red.The filter edge is soft, cuddly, fits close to the face and is very comfortable to wear.Thanks to the flexible nose clip and the all-round head straps, the mask adapts perfectly - there are no pressure points behind the ears at all.We see certification by DEKRA and the monitoring of our production site by TÜV as a matter of course.Likewise the complete production of our masks in Germany!By the way: You can order a free sample on our website and try it out without risk!Happy breath's FFP2 masks have the so-called dolomite dust certification.Each package comes with a small manual, which is provided with application pictures.There is also a video on our website showing how to put on and take off the mask correctly.The masks are assembled and packaged in our hygienic clean room.We attach great importance to the quality of our products.In addition, the manufacturer's seal on the packaging indicates how long the mask can be used.The Happy breath respirator mask can be dismantled into its component parts and the raw materials can be used to manufacture new products.In other words, the carrier system is recycled by dismantling the rubber band, the plastic carrier and the nose clip.Only the filter element is disposed of in the residual waste.With our manufacturing process, the investment costs are significantly lower and the systems can be used in a variety of ways.Our company uses special production equipment that can EXCLUSIVELY manufacture respiratory masks.In our process, standard production systems are used, which can also be used for the series production of normal plastic items.The systems can be converted within a few hours, e.g. from plastic syringes, insulation board holders, ….. to FFP2 masks.Sustainably protected against corona viruses!Thanks to our flexible and agile workflow across the company, we were able to get production up and running in no time.The creation of the sales channels and the creation or production of packaging and advertising material was somewhat more complex.The lockdown just restricted a lot.But we succeeded.In March 2020 we outlined the first ideas and in October 2020 our truck left the company premises with 124,000 masks on the loading area.We hope that our commitment will also pay off in the long term.Because the price currently determines the mask market.What was upheld at the beginning of the pandemic no longer applies today.Many companies in Germany that started production at the beginning of the pandemic have now disappeared from the market.Subsidies have disappeared and the price war around cheap masks determines the market.We would like to continue to produce our masks at our location in Ruppichteroth.Because apart from the fact that it is important to us as a German company to produce masks, we also want to secure jobs!Definitely!We are full of energy and the development of new products is our core competence.For example, we have optimized the Happy breath mask with Generation II!The carrier can now be reused up to 30 times, the nose clip is integrated in the carrier system and can be easily adapted to the shape of the nose.The well thought-out harness system avoids pressure points behind the ears and a retaining clip makes it easy to put on and take off.So the perfect wearing comfort for the person who uses our Happy breath mask.We recently received an additional certification: Happy breath is now also tested for dolomite dust.The mask thus offers optimal protection and safety in the field of occupational safety.The masks, replacement filter elements, ear relievers and face shields are available in our web shop, the range of which is constantly being expanded.Another example is our ErgoWall.Involving the chain modules that we produce, we have developed, designed, built and brought to market a rotating climbing wall.Our equipment for climbing and training is available in fitness studios and also in the German Aerospace Center (DLR).The ErgoWall is unique and offers optimal training conditions for everything from physiopatients to professional climbers thanks to the various setting options.We never run out of ideas.;)Thank you for the interview, dear Ulrich!Do you have a question floating around in your head that you would like to ask Happy breath?Then write them in the comments - we look forward to exchanging ideas with you!You might also be interested in: The new era of sonic toothbrushes – 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