A revolution in personal protective equipment

Merrow Manufacturing is set to debut a revolutionary new line of closed loop, Net Zero PPE, personal protective equipment that includes medical gowns, surgical caps and scrubs woven with REPREVE recycled polyester – made from 100% recycled post-consumer content (plastic bottles).

The first-of-its-kind design and production is a collaborative effort between Merrow and Precision Fabrics Group (PFG), vertically integrated experts in weaving and finishing the most technically challenging continuous-filament fabrics in the world.

The full line of Merrow Medical Net Zero PPE garments includes base layers, scrubs, vests, surgical caps and isolation gowns. For physicians, nurses and healthcare systems, the garments provide a reliable domestic supply chain with a cost per use that is 25 to 33% less expensive than the cost of an equivalent disposable garment, thanks to its reusable properties. Merrow Medical Net Zero PPE garments exceed AAMI/PB70 standards and offer the highest level of protection available to frontline workers throughout the life of the garment.

As part of the production process, PFG will weave Precision Protection fabrics from REPREVE high-quality, recycled polyester yarn created by Unifi, a leading innovator in recycled and synthetic yarn and fibers. Designed for durability, each garment can be recycled into yarn for a new medical garment, keeping the manufacturing loop closed and reducing the plastics waste stream.

According to Merrow, green manufacturing in support of the medical supply chain is the pioneering American initiative needed to realize long term internationally competitive manufacturing programs that align with environmental and progressive policies. “In scaling a green manufacturing program with federal, state and private health care partners, we are insuring this vital sector is not held hostage by an international supply chain that has buckled during the coronavirus pandemic,” said Charlie Merrow, CEO of Merrow Manufacturing.