Müllvermeidung im Alltag: Waschbare Hygienemasken im Hygiene-Set für eine bessere Ökobilanz - CQ Corporate Fashion GmbH

Sophie Chiquet, the Basel-based “Franco-Suisse” entrepreneur based in Zurich, is setting new standards for reusable, antiviral and breathable masks made from easy-care PET recycled materials

Zürich, 29.04.2021 - The Basel company founder Sophie Chiquet has been creating, developing and producing uniforms and workwear for over 20 years. When the pandemic broke out, she immediately anticipated: “With the countless disposable masks, the oceans are facing the next disaster.” That's why the innovative textile entrepreneur quickly decided to develop and produce 'protective clothing' and reusable fabric masks in addition to 'corporate fashion'. In close collaboration with experts from science and medicine, the pioneer is now bringing the third generation of washable masks onto the market. These are antivirally treated, hydrophobically coated and certified according to AFNOR SPEC S76-001, CWA and OEKO-TEX STANDARD 100. They not only protect the environment, but also your wallet and, with their functional design, they also serve as a fashion statement.

“In Switzerland, masks are required in many places. In general, wear a mask when you are not at home and cannot consistently maintain your distance from other people.” You can read this on the website of the Federal Office of Public Health BAG. No fewer than nine different types of masks - from the commonly known medical face mask to the mask with a transparent window - are listed on the website. In Asia, the habit of wearing masks, which is new to us, has been practiced for a long time. But how can it be possible to protect the environment despite the increased need for protection and not overstretch the budget?

3 million masks per minute

Recent studies estimate that 129 billion face masks are used worldwide every month. This equates to 3 million masks per minute. Most of them are disposable face masks made from hard-to-degrade polypropylene, a thermoplastic. In addition, most masks consist of several layers whose composite materials make recycling impossible. The improper disposal of disposable masks, for example on streets, in parks, forests, lakes or rivers, puts even greater strain on the environment.

WEARING IS CARING! Sustainability “by design”

The Swiss design thinker and textile entrepreneur Sophie Chiquet has been aware of this problem since the beginning of the current corona pandemic. During the lockdown, she launched reusable, washable masks in a hygiene set, which have been available for retail online since April 2020. Since March 2021, the latest third-generation CQ masks have also been available in the tried-and-tested CQ hygiene set via online subscription or retail in selected pharmacies. True to the motto 'WEARING IS CARING!' Sophie Chiquet also supplemented her range of uniforms right at the beginning of the Corona crisis with a modular set of washable CQ hygiene masks, including a sustainable CQ hygiene set for on the go. The masks, filters and textile pens are delivered in the two antiviral or hydrophobic 'Wash me/Carry me' fabric bags. In this way, the entrepreneur avoids unnecessary packaging waste during logistics and delivery. The washable CQ hygiene set provides a stylish and environmentally friendly alternative to the glut of disposable masks, which consumers can easily care for with their household linen and then use as storage bags afterwards. “A set to enjoy – despite the circumstances!” says Sophie Chiquet, commenting on the well-thought-out concept.

Out of love for the environment and fellow human beings

The abbreviation “CQ” not only stands for the brand “chiQuet”, but also for “Collective Quotient”. That's why the prudent entrepreneur donates a certain percentage of sales to environmental organizations that work for clean oceans. “The offer is aimed at mindful companies, consumers and people who want to take care of nature, the common good and the community,” explains Sophie Chiquet.
Deshalb spendet die umsichtige Unternehmerin einen gewissen Prozentsatz des Umsatzes an Umweltorganisationen, welche sich für saubere Ozeane einsetzen. «Damit richtet sich das Angebot an achtsame Unternehmen, Konsument:innen und Menschen, die Sorge zu Natur, Gemeinwohl und der Gemeinschaft tragen wollen», erklärt Sophie Chiquet.

CQ masks in the 'CQ Hygiene Set To Go' - Swiss innovation by subscription

The 3rd generation of reusable, globally design-protected hygiene masks from the chiQuet brand is something special. All elements of the mask as well as the anti-viral treatment and the hydrophobic, biocompatible finish are ÖKO-TEX STANDARD 100 certified and at least 50 times wash-resistant. The viral reduction of antiviral treatment is 99.9% within 30 minutes. Their effectiveness against COVID-19 was tested in accordance with the ISO18184-2019 standard. The masks are also certified according to CWA and AFNOR S76-001. As a member of the interdisciplinary consortia EMPA, ReMask and Promask, Sophie Chiquet, together with partners from industry, biotech, medtech, universities and private institutions, is committed to the goal of continuously developing reusable high-performance masks for everyday use. The result is chiQuet's third generation of face masks called 'CQ-M3b', which are now available in the " CQ Hygiene Starter Set To Go " both online in retail sales and by subscription as well as in pharmacies such as the Amavita Apotheke Stadthaus in Basel.CQ Hygiene Starter Set To Go» sowohl online im Einzelverkauf als auch im Abonnement sowie in Apotheken wie der Amavita Apotheke Stadthaus in Basel erhältlich sind.

Gentle on the environment and your wallet

A mask in the «CQ Hygiene-Set To Gois tested for at least 50 washes and, at a maximum of CHF 1.55 per starter set, is even cheaper than a disposable mask, with the advantage that all the accessories in the set are already included in the price. The practical hygiene set therefore beats disposable masks by far: “If you look at the frequency with which the washable face masks can be worn, compared to conventional disposable masks, they not only protect nature and the environment, but also your wallet,” explains Sophie Chiquet.

In addition to the antiviral treatment and the filter protection film, the three-layer mask also scores points with the particularly soft and breathable materials, which flatter the skin and increase wearing comfort. The individually adjustable, super soft straps with adjustable stoppers also contribute to this, which can be adapted to any face shape from 12 years old. Companies also have the option of branding or individualizing the CQ masks in the hygiene set in their corporate design and matching them to the corporate fashion uniform (100% customizing). Filters and masks are washable at 60°C. Their safety is confirmed and certified for at least 50 washes. Thanks to the CQ mask hygiene set concept, the two “Wash-me/Carry-me” fabric bags also optimize safety during appropriate storage and washing.

Cooperation since April 2020 with the Swiss skin care expert “Tal”

With their cooperation, “chiQuet Protective Clothing” and the Swiss skin care expert “Tal” demonstrate how national synergies respond to the needs of customers. Tal has expanded its range to include various hygiene products and offers disinfectants made in Switzerland. The disinfectant gel not only impresses with its BAG-tested virucidal, bactericidal and mycobactericidal properties, but also with its simultaneous care for stressed hands. The food-safe sprays are suitable for both hand and surface disinfection. With its Swiss quality and short delivery routes, Tal fits perfectly into the CQ hygiene set range from “chiQuet Protective Clothing”.

And what's next in Sophie Chiquet's washable mask and hygiene set range? The mask made from biodegradable materials? Anyone who knows Sophie Chiquet would not be surprised by this. For now, the agile entrepreneur is continuing to work on exciting concepts, including for 'Protective Clothing' and expanding the range. Details will follow shortly.

Sophie Chiquet: From Dior to personalized corporate fashion uniforms to protective clothing and hygiene masks. Experienced entrepreneurial agility for 23 years

She designed for Dior and Hermés in Paris, for Escada and Laurèl in Munich and worked as chief designer at fabric FRONTLINE ZURICH. In 1998, Sophie Chiquet founded her own company: “CQ Corporate Fashion GmbH”. Their uniforms and workwear are valued by well-known customers from the aviation, catering and hotel sectors, trade and services, industry, pharmaceuticals and banking.

With the coronavirus, the entrepreneur began developing washable hygiene masks in a hygiene set for companies, freelancers (non-medical), individuals, students and families under the name “chiQuet Protective Clothing” and at her selected production sites in Switzerland and Europe to produce. “With the washable hygiene masks in the hygiene set, I would like to show companies and the public an environmentally friendly alternative to disposable masks. The protective measures will remain a top priority for some time to come. By using washable hygiene masks, we can contribute to a safe and environmentally friendly measure to combat the pandemic," says the smart entrepreneur.

About “chiQuet Corporate Fashion” and “chiQuet Protective Clothing”

For over two decades, “CQ Corporate Fashion GmbH” has been bridging the gap between scientific innovation, lifestyle, art and the fashion industry. With a philosophy influenced by Dior, Hermès, Escada, Laurèl and Fabric Frontline, the “chiQuet Corporte Fashion” brand has specialized for over two decades in transforming a company's identity into its image clothing collection. The innovative concept collections at the highest level are as individual as the companies and customers themselves. Design thinking expertise flows into each of these projects to take fashion to the next level.

“CQ Corporate Fashion GmbH” brings a UX strategic holistic approach to interdisciplinary collaborations and delivers the product design creations, prototyping phases including their iteration through to production in order to market a fashionable, scientifically sound and environmentally friendly product and its series production is aligned with the certification criteria. Collaboration with additional licensing partners is being sought for the global marketing of the third generation of masks. Sophie Chiquet looks forward to getting in touch.