A Saudi Arabian company recently produced the first N95 mask in the country, and Sabic played a supporting role. Its polypropylene material was used by the Saudi Mais Co., which collaborated with Demas Factory for Non-Woven Fabrics, to make the masks and obtain the required regulatory approvals.

This milestone exemplifies how Sabic is contributing to achieving the goals of Saudi Vision 2030 through its own Nusaned initiative. Saudi Vision 2030 is an ambitious strategic framework designed to reduce the country’s dependence on oil, diversify its economy, and develop public service sectors. Sabic’s Nusaned program supports these goals by enabling the development of strategic industries and working closely with local manufacturers, said the company.

The local production of masks is an important step in localizing medical products that contribute toward improving public health, said Yousef Al-Benyan, Sabic Vice Chairman and CEO. The Nusaned initiative covers a wide base of entrepreneurs and manufacturers to help localize strategic industries and transfer the necessary technologies, he added. 

A team from SABIC recently visited the Demas and Mais factories. Plant executives expressed their appreciation for Sabic’s efforts in producing the raw materials to manufacture the N95 masks entirely from innovative materials made in Saudi Arabia. They stressed that this successful engagement reflected the importance of public-private sector collaboration to support national production and localize the hygiene and personal protection equipment industry.