As a result of overwhelming face mask requirement for those on the front lines combating COVID-19, and the increasing number of people who desire them for individual defense, Hyosung, the world's largest producer of elastane, has its own centers to boost the supply of creora elastane, an integral ingredient in the production of what has become the vital accessory for everybody today.

Elastane is largely used for creating the ear loops and head straps to make the mask fit properly and easily on the surface. While nearly most of the face mask manufacturing is in China, a growing number of consumer apparel and accessory makers around the world are pivoting to make facial masks to aid with the PPE shortage. This surge in production has made face mask element supplies, for example, ear loops, rare.

"Hyosung has transformed creora elastane yarn production to increase supply to the global mask market by 20 times," explained Mike Simko, Hyosung Global Marketing Director - Textiles. "This manufacturing can make earloops for several billion face masks each month, which will be substantial assistance to our clients' production needs. We've been fortunate to keep our elastane manufacturing operating in all of our international plants to serve local and international communities."

Face mask production is predicted to grow because many nations around the world are encouraging folks to put on face masks at places where social distancing measures are difficult.

Throughout the course of this COVID-19 catastrophe, Hyosung has given over $420,000 and medical supplies to health employees caring for COVID-19 patients in Daegu, struck hardest by the virus in Korea, and its own.