Lydall President & CEO Sara Greenstein Commends Biden Administration and ASTM International for New Face Covering Standards

Rhea-AI Summary

Lydall encourages consumers to choose ASTM-certified and American-made face masks following new certification standards from ASTM International. These standards define levels of particle blockage, with Level 1 masks blocking at least 20% and Level 2 masks blocking at least 50% of particles 0.3 micron and larger. CEO Sara Greenstein emphasized the importance of understanding mask protection to manage COVID-19 risks, highlighting that while N95 and surgical masks are the gold standard, the new guidelines assist consumers in making informed choices during supply shortages.

Positive

• Lydall's participation in developing new ASTM certification standards enhances its reputation in the market.
• The new face mask standards provide clarity to consumers, potentially increasing demand for ASTM-certified products.

Negative

• Ongoing supply shortages of personal protective equipment may impact Lydall's ability to meet consumer demand.

Lydall Urges Consumers to Buy ASTM-Certified and Buy American-Made

Manchester, Conn., Feb. 16, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- ASTM International has introduced new certification standards for General Barrier Face Coverings, giving the general public greater awareness and control over the level of protection provided by cloth face masks. ASTM Level 1 Face Coverings block at least 20% of particles 0.3 micron and larger (including bacteria and many viruses), while ASTM Level 2 Face Coverings block at least 50% of these particles.

In response to these new standards, Sara Greenstein, President & CEO of Lydall, Inc., provided the following statement:

“Lydall and our team of filtration and materials science experts were honored to work alongside ASTM International, the CDC, INDA and our fellow industry colleagues in this joint effort to better educate consumers about the level of protection face masks provide against threats like COVID-19. Since the onset of the pandemic, manufacturers all over the world have stepped up to accelerate production of personal protective equipment and the materials they require, but demand still heavily outweighs supply. For that reason, it remains critically important that we right-size our face masks for our level of risk – and in order to do that, we must understand exactly how much protection masks offer. N95 respirators and surgical masks that contain fine fiber meltblown filtration media remain the gold standard, but these new standards provide much-needed guidance for a broader range of more widely available masks. The message is clear: by buying ASTM-certified and buying American-made, consumers can have clarity and confidence in the level of defense their masks deliver against the virus.”

About Lydall, Inc.

Headquartered in Manchester, Connecticut, with global manufacturing operations, Lydall delivers value-added engineered materials and specialty filtration solutions that create a cleaner, safer and quieter world. Leveraging our 150-year history of technical expertise and innovation, deeply ingrained supplier relationships and operational agility, Lydall partners with our customers to develop bespoke, high-performing and efficient solutions that solve the world’s most pressing challenges. Our precisely engineered, highly technical products protect people and places, providing air pollution control, liquid filtration, heat protection and noise reduction. With “Lydall inside,” our customers can pass the most rigorous testing and certification processes, and their end-users can have full confidence in their products.

Lydall is a New York Stock Exchange-listed company. For more information, visit http://www.lydall.com. Lydall® is a registered trademark of Lydall, Inc. in the U.S. and other countries.

FAQ

What is the significance of ASTM-certified face masks for LDL investors?

ASTM-certified face masks ensure higher consumer confidence, which could lead to increased sales and market demand for Lydall's products.

How do the new ASTM standards affect Lydall's business operations?

The new ASTM standards could drive higher demand for Lydall's filtration products, aligning with consumer needs during the pandemic.

What challenges does Lydall face with the new ASTM standards?

Lydall may experience challenges in meeting the heightened demand for ASTM-certified masks due to ongoing supply shortages in the market.

Are Lydall's face masks compliant with the new ASTM standards?

Yes, Lydall is advocating for ASTM-certified masks to help consumers understand the level of protection they offer.

What is Lydall's market position following the new ASTM certification?

Lydall's involvement in establishing ASTM standards positions it favorably in the market, potentially enhancing its competitive advantage.