Face Mask Safety

The printing ink contains trace amounts of heavy metals, but has been tested for leaching in water and ethanol.

(Analysis requested from SGS Japan)

Even if all of the ink on the face mask were to leach,

it would still be below the legal limit set by the Ministry of the Environment, which is the same as the level found in mountain streams where char live.

Offset printing can express color with the thinnest film, only one-quarter the thickness of flexographic printing.

Because it uses an overwhelmingly small amount of ink, it boasts a high level of safety.

UV printing, which uses UV light or other methods to force-dry the ink, only dries the surface of the ink, leaving the interior sealed in a damp state and posing a risk of melting. In contrast, offset ink dries naturally by coming into contact with air (a process known as oxidative polymerization), so it dries completely all the way to the interior.

This drying method using oxidative polymerization is the oldest, and its safety has long been established.

We asked RMI Co., Ltd., a risk management expert, to provide an objective evaluation report.

Researcher: Tamemaru Ezaki

Former General Manager of Kuraray's Nonwoven Fabrics Division

Former Chairman of the Japan Dermatological Industry Hygiene Association, Current Chairman of the Board of Directors of RMI

Please utilize our recommended precautions for use as a risk hedge, and depending on your recipients, consider adding a few more items.

<Examples>

- Clarify restrictions on use for infants and young children

- Caution that the cut edges of the nonwoven fabric may cut the skin

- Further clarify the usage surface (e.g., "Use with the unprinted back side against the skin")

- Limit usage time

- Explain that the product should not be licked or put in the mouth.

- Limit usage locations (e.g., "Do not use in bathrooms, pools, etc.")

Material: Domestically produced spunlace nonwoven fabric

This material is equivalent to or better than commonly available face mask materials. Please check the texture with a sample.

(Rayon/Polyester)

Printing Method: Sheet-fed offset printing

*The finished product is significantly softer than on a computer monitor or paper printout.

The full four-color (indigo, red, yellow, and black) printing allows for a virtually unlimited number of colors. Photo printing is also possible.

Delicate expressions, such as fine lines and gradations less than 1 mm in size, are possible.

Uses our proprietary die-cutting dies.

No plate or die fees are required. Small-lot orders are possible while keeping initial costs low.

Uses our proprietary ink set for safety.

(Vegetable-oil-based, custom-made ink with melt testing)

For dry type

We will manufacture face masks by printing them on nonwoven fabric. Please be sure to include "Instructions for Use" to prevent end users from using the masks incorrectly.

For filled type

Our partner cosmetics manufacturer will be the manufacturer.

Our end users are well-known artists and well-known companies both in Japan and overseas.

Product campaigns

Novelty goods

Artist merchandise

Concert merchandise

TV show merchandise

Local character merchandise

Event distribution, etc.