The Study of Sustainable Strategy in Design of Protective Clothing and Accessories After Coronavirus (COVID-19) Outbreak

Abstract

Abstract During the COVID-19 pandemic, the coronavirus frontline healthcare workers and the public have generated a great demand for personal protective equipment (PPE). According to the assessment of risk level, PPE such as medical masks, protective suits and face shields should be given priority to the healthcare workers and other medical first responders for use. The risk of the public to exposure is much lower than that of healthcare workers, and there is no need to wear such high-risk protective clothing and accessories. In the face of the general shortage of personal protective equipment due to increased demand, panic buying, hoarding and abuse, the public should look for alternative protection solutions when they are at home or going out. In the view of the problems above, this paper refers to the analysis of the current status of sustainable strategies in the design of protective clothing and accessories. It proposes a design method for the upcycle of abandoned clothing and daily objects. From the perspective of functional protection, demountable and modular design, it also provides methods and means for the sustainable optimal design of PPE, such as multi-functional protective hood, demountable design details, multi-pocket hidden design, internally seamed elastic strap structure, strengthened tightening design of the clothing opening. It is designed to help prevent the spread of transmissible viruses and bacteria, thereby protecting self and preventing others from infecting while alleviating the growing demand for PPE during the COVID-19 pandemic.