As news broke in March about the possible shortage of medical supplies including masks, suits and gowns, Thermaxx LLC, the West Haven, Conn.-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 in need.
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, VP of Operations for Home Builders & Remodelers Association of Central Connecticut, who 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 great 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.
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.
As part of the #TyvekTogether program, DuPont has partnered with Lowe’s to donate rolls of Tyvek® 1222A to help meet the needs for PPE in the U.S. The HBRA of Central Connecticut made Lowe’s aware of the great work that Thermaxx was doing, enabling them to take part in this collaborative outreach.
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.
One of the recipients of the donated #TyvekTogether gowns is the South Fire District of Middletown, Conn.
Deputy Chief James Trzaski
See how by using their existing cutting and sewing machines, Thermaxx figured out a way to make protective gowns out of rolls of Tyvek
To meet the growing need for PPE in the fight against COVID-19, we’re increasing capacity of Tyvek® protective fabric and working with our partners to get it to the front lines quickly.
As COVID-19 continues to spread across the world, we're working around the clock to deliver solutions that help with prevention and control, while keeping our employees safe.
Tyvek® for PPE delivers comfortable and durable protective garments that protect against a wide range of chemical threats and hazards.