The question is surprising, but it does arise: are there too many masks in France? Since late March-early April, hundreds of small and large companies have been producing washable cloth masks for the general public. A consequent "war effort", at the call of the State, to fight against the coronavirus. But today, domestic orders seem to be drying up, even as the state continues to import masks from Asia.
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Canceled mask orders
Some 300 companies have adapted their activity to produce fabric masks for professionals and individuals. But for some, there are no longer any openings. "Several companies in our network have informed us that, for the past few days, they have not been registering any orders, public or private, and even that orders already placed have been canceled", warns Pierric Chalvin, Managing Director of Unitex, l organization that brings together textile companies in Auvergne Rhône-Alpes.
He estimates that 450,000 masks are gathering dust in his region alone. Unacceptable in view of the efforts made. "Textile companies have reorganized, adapted their production tools, trained their staff, have, for some, invested and two months later they are left with stocks on their hands," regrets Pierric Chalvin. "We warned the government, there must still be a return from those who asked companies to mobilize."
France produces 30 million masks per week
In Pierric Chalvin's viewfinder, there is also and above all an order placed by the State for ten million washable masks manufactured ... in Vietnam. Irrational for the entrepreneur, but not for Bercy. France currently produces 30 million textile masks per week. It is a lot but still insufficient, according to the calculations of the ministry. The French are well equipped in masks except that since the deconfinement and the increase in group outings, the renewal is more frequent and the needs increase.
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To promote tricolor production, it is better to opt for fabric masks. In fact, those made of paper sold commercially are all imported, mainly from Asia. For Pierric Chalvin, "the government must strongly limit imports of disposable masks and target public order as a priority towards French production". He also believes that the state should "buy the stocks, for the next epidemic", to rid the companies that have produced mass masks.