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Wallonia embarks on the production and decontamination of masks.

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The Walloon government has chosen the company Deltrian International S.A., based in Fleurus, to establish a production line for surgical masks, as well as the grouping of 3 companies (Sterigenics, AMB Ecosteryl, Lasea), 2 research centers (Materia Nova and CentexBel) and the Liège University Hospital to set up a mask decontamination sector in Wallonia, he announced on Tuesday.

Published on 30.03.2020

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Jean Kalyvas

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Faced with the shortage of masks in Belgium and to eventually relieve front-line healthcare staff facing the coronavirus, the executive has set up a task force intended to find a rapid and local solution. in order to provide masks to as many people as possible. This task force – made up of the Economy cabinet, the Health cabinet, representatives of the 3 Walloon financial tools (SRIW, SOGEPA, SOWALFIN), SPW Economy, UWE, Biowin, Agoria, ‘Essenscia and the University of Liège – has identified two concrete avenues.

  • The first concerns the production of masks. After examination on the basis of objective criteria, the government’s choice fell on the company Deltrian International based in Fleurus, in the Charleroi region. The company will provide an operational solution by the end of May 2020, thanks to the implementation of two production lines with a capacity of 30 million units per year and fully automated packaging, as well as the necessary infrastructure for raw materials. and storage of finished products. To set up this sector, the government created a legal entity (Newco) with Deltrian, in which it holds 49% of the shares.
  • The second track focuses on the decontamination of used surgical masks and respiratory protection (FFP2/3). With the Liège University Hospital, 3 companies (Sterigenics, AMB Ecosteryl, Lasea) and 2 research centers (Materia Nova, CentexBel) have already carried out technical tests in order to set up a mask decontamination process. They have developed a scientifically validated protocol which will be submitted this Wednesday to the Federal Agency for Medicines and Health Products (FAMHP). The University of Ghent as well as the “Molecular Plasma Group >> (Leuven/Luxembourg), specialist in plasma decontamination, are also contributing to the project.

If this track is validated by the Agency in the coming days, the decontamination process could be operational in three weeks, assures the Walloon government. “It is vital for Wallonia to be able to be autonomous in areas that are so essential for health, during and after the crisis”, he finally underlines.

"It is vital for Wallonia to be able to be autonomous in areas that are so essential for health, during and after the crisis."

— The Walloon government

Jean Kalyvas's picture

Jean Kalyvas

Chief Information and Marketing Officer

Contact our expert

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