As inbound quarantine measures relax to “0+3,” discussions are intensifying over the possible easing of other pandemic restrictions. Even local mask manufacturer Acc+ has publicly urged the government to lift the mask mandate, advocating for citizens' freedom to decide whether to wear masks. The company stated, “We can forgo mask profits, but we cannot ignore Hong Kong’s future.”
Two years ago, we explored the rise of Hong Kong-made masks, tracing their journey from inception to survival in the pandemic (“Mask Economy” series, November 8, 2020). Now, with the possibility of normalcy returning and masks no longer a daily necessity, what lies ahead for Hong Kong’s mask industry?
Shifting Focus to Personal Care Products
Acc+ first partnered with a Taiwanese mask factory in 2020 to manufacture its own brand of masks, engaging in design refinements tailored for Hong Kong consumers, such as selecting more comfortable mask straps. General Manager Dennis Ho recalls their initial expectations: “At first, we thought the pandemic would last only three months. Setting up a factory for just three months didn’t seem viable. But three months turned into more, and now it has been two years.”
Originally a wholesaler of diverse consumer products like massage guns and electric cookers, Acc+ had always anticipated the eventual decline of mask sales and a return to their core business. “Frankly, we couldn’t believe masks would sell for so long. By the third month, we were already eager to stop selling them.”
While mask sales surged, demand for other consumer goods plummeted. Ho observed, “Consumer willingness dropped drastically. If mask sales continue thriving at the expense of other industries and the broader economy, that’s not a long-term win.”
A recent trip to Europe reinforced his belief that compulsory mask-wearing cannot be a lasting solution. “Over there, COVID is treated like any common illness. No one wears masks outdoors. Yet, Europe isn’t seeing mass deaths or empty streets.”
Despite masks comprising roughly half of Acc+’s revenue, the company is determined to embrace change. Looking ahead, it plans to scale down mask production and focus on personal care products—a sector already in development. In addition to cleaning disinfectants and formaldehyde removal solutions, Acc+ has been investing in Chinese herbal health products for over a year and a half.
Ho emphasizes that their experience collaborating with mask factories has been invaluable in mastering medical R&D, production, and sales, from acquiring international certifications to complying with medical regulations and fostering industry connections.
As Acc+ navigates this transition, its evolution serves as a testament to adaptability in an ever-changing world. The challenge now is to redefine “Made in Hong Kong” beyond masks—transforming expertise into sustainable innovations for the future.
Brand Closures and the Donation of 3 Million Masks
Beyond Acc+, many local mask manufacturers in Hong Kong have diversified into personal care products, a sector that is likely to remain in demand even post-pandemic. According to Ms. Wu, Chairwoman of the Hong Kong Mask and PPE Equipment Association, public awareness of health and hygiene has increased significantly, sustaining the relevance of these businesses. “People are more concerned about health than ever before. If mask companies continue to innovate in this space, they can preserve their brands,” she said.
At the onset of the pandemic in 2020, Hong Kong had about 100 mask factories, but this number halved by 2021. Today, only around 20 factories remain, operating over 80 production lines. Wu notes that since 2021, weaker businesses have been forced out, leaving a more resilient core of manufacturers.
The Future of Mask Factories—Repurposing for Sustainability
Wu predicts that if mask-wearing is no longer mandatory, half of the remaining mask factories may close. Many factories established two years ago as an emergency response will cease operations once their leases expire. Some are opting for a symbolic conclusion, like the Jia Gang Mask brand, which is donating 3 million masks to those in need before shutting down.
Yet, closures do not mark the end for all manufacturers—many are repurposing their production lines. Wu highlights a company working with a biochemistry PhD from a Chinese university to develop sanitary pads capable of detecting cervical cancer. Others have converted their machines to produce wet wipes, facial masks, and even diapers, an industry with established brands in Hong Kong.
Beyond hygiene products, some mask factories are shifting toward electronic components and pharmaceuticals. Facilities originally built in 2020 at significant expense—some investing close to HKD 10 million in cleanroom environments, are now playing a role in Hong Kong’s re-industrialization.
Even unexpected transitions are emerging. Dennis Ho has heard of mask factories repurposing their cleanrooms to manufacture phone cases and watches. He sees this as a positive evolution: “Having more mask factories gives everyone more room to think. They may start brainstorming beyond masks and collaborate with universities to develop new products.”
The legacy of Hong Kong’s mask industry is evolving beyond pandemic necessity—its infrastructure and expertise are paving the way for innovation across diverse sectors.
Competing with 3M: Hong Kong’s Mask Industry Eyes Global Expansion
While some mask manufacturers exit the industry or pivot to new sectors, others remain steadfast in their commitment to mask production, convinced that Hong Kong-made masks can compete internationally and find adoption in foreign hospitals. These companies aim not only to secure a place in the global medical market but also to reinforce Hong Kong’s industrial ecosystem.
Among them is SAVEWO, which began producing masks in Hong Kong in June 2020. Since its inception, it has expanded from a 6,000 sq ft facility to a 140,000 sq ft factory with over 30 production lines, operating 24/7 and employing about 300 workers. Looking ahead, its owners plan to grow to 300,000 sq ft within the next three years.
Factory Manager Harry Wong expresses the team’s unwavering commitment: “Some say masks are a sunset industry, so why do we keep going? Because we are still working hard and refuse to give up.”
SAVEWO’s product lineup extends beyond traditional masks, featuring 3D masks, transparent masks for the hearing-impaired, regular flat masks, and playful cat-shaped masks for children. In addition, they design and manufacture air purifiers, hypochlorous acid disinfectant generators, and umbrellas—all self-developed and locally produced.
Beyond Hong Kong, the company is expanding its global reach, exporting to Taiwan, the US, Canada, Germany, Singapore, and beyond. Despite the lifting of mask mandates in many foreign countries, sales continue to grow. Wong explains, “Even without mandates, people still buy masks—just fewer than before. Those who do, however, want the best quality.”
For SAVEWO, mask-wearing transcends pandemic regulations; it is a choice driven by protection and filtration performance. Wong emphasizes this philosophy: “Our slogan is ‘SAVEWO, Best Quality.’ Before we even think about cutting costs, we focus on making the absolute best product.”
SAVEWO’s dedication illustrates that Hong Kong’s mask industry is far from fading—it is evolving and expanding, proving that local expertise can thrive on the world stage.
Self-Developed UV-Protection Quick-Dry Umbrella
CEO Ding Zhen emphasizes the company's commitment to objective standards, ensuring its products meet international certifications. Their 3D ULTRA masks have earned recognition under EU FFP2, Korean KF94, and US N95 testing, while their three-fold flat masks hold ASTM Level 3 certification. Most recently, the company achieved US FDA 510(k) clearance, granting them access to the US medical market, meaning their masks can be used in hospitals and operating rooms.
As the world gradually returns to normal and civilian demand for masks declines, Ding confirms the company will shift focus to medical-grade masks for international markets. With ambitious goals, he sees 3M as a competitor and believes Hong Kong-made masks can match 3M's quality. “Before the pandemic, 3M masks were already well established. If we can carve out market share from 3M, we can survive, but it takes immense determination.”
This confidence stems from SAVEWO’s deep investment in R&D. Despite being founded just two years ago, the company has already dedicated 18 months to perfecting flat masks and a full year to developing transparent 3D masks.
Ding acknowledges a common challenge within Hong Kong industries—the hesitation to commit long-term to R&D. “Many business owners avoid investing too heavily in research. They want products with quick, guaranteed success, often within just six months.”
Beyond medical innovations, the company is expanding its product range, including a 130-gram quick-dry umbrella that blocks over 99.9% of UV rays, further diversifying its offerings.
Looking ahead, Ding envisions Hong Kong’s industrial sector flourishing through adaptability and persistence. “Markets change, and we evolve with them. We understand our strengths—Hong Kong’s people are brilliant. If we work hard, we can create many great things. But success depends on timing and investment.”
Factory Manager Harry Wong echoes this vision: “Our original goal was to craft exceptional products in Hong Kong, and we refuse to give up now.”
Developing Eco-Friendly Materials to Transform the Industry
Determined to innovate beyond conventional masks, Hong Kong brand ÖKOSIX is setting its sights on sustainable solutions. Founder Eddie Yu began researching biodegradable masks last year, culminating in the launch of masks made from plant fibers and natural materials that meet ASTM F2100 Level 3 medical mask standards. In anaerobic landfill simulation tests (ASTM D5511), over 90% of the masks decomposed within just 90 days.
Yu’s commitment to sustainability was sparked by a moment of reflection. Initially, he partnered with others to produce plastic masks, but a conversation with his niece changed his perspective. “I was teaching her about recycling and explained that masks couldn’t be recycled because they’re plastic. She asked, ‘Uncle, you make millions of masks a month, isn’t that really bad for the environment?’” That simple question became the wake-up call that pushed him to find eco-friendly alternatives.
When his partners hesitated to invest in long-term sustainability, treating mask production as a short-term business, Yu took matters into his own hands. He founded a new company dedicated to biodegradable materials in collaboration with the Nano and Advanced Materials Institute (NAMI).
By the time ÖKOSIX’s biodegradable masks officially launched, the pandemic had largely stabilized, and many countries had lifted mask mandates. Would this innovation arrive too late?
Yu doesn’t think so. “Masks weren’t invented because of the pandemic, people have used masks continuously for decades,” he explains. His mission is not just to create a temporary solution, but to revolutionize the plastic mask industry entirely.
Beyond personal use, hospitals, semiconductor factories, NASA, and food production facilities rely heavily on disposable plastic masks. “Our concept is to create materials that can replace these plastics,” Yu states. His vision extends beyond masks—his company aims for a zero-plastic ecosystem, working to replace plastic-based fabrics used in air filters, diapers, and sanitary napkins.
Yu encapsulates the company’s broader ambition: “We don’t just make masks—we make materials.”
Certification Takes Time
Currently, ÖKOSIX produces tens of thousands of masks daily, selling them for HKD 4-5 each. Founder Eddie Yu hopes to increase production tenfold and lower costs, but scaling up comes with challenges. Interest in biodegradable masks is growing, with local universities, banks, and food companies expressing interest, along with foreign buyers from Taiwan, Australia, Europe, North America, and Canada.
Despite strong demand, ÖKOSIX cannot yet export large quantities overseas due to lengthy certification processes. Countries like the EU require CE certification, while the US mandates FDA approval, slowing expansion. “Our production capacity is still limited, even with big orders, we can’t fulfill them yet,” Eddie explains.
Hong Kong’s mask industry has grown from just a handful of factories to a thriving sector. Even as daily mask usage declines, local manufacturers continue pushing for globally competitive products.
According to Ding Zhen, Hong Kong’s biggest challenge isn’t market demand, but talent retention. “Our fatal flaw is losing talent, not a lack of opportunity.”
This struggle is evident at SAVEWO, where many R&D specialists plan to leave Hong Kong. Ding laments, “Talented people can work anywhere. If I don’t coerce or emotionally persuade them, they’ll go. When a breakthrough comes, half of them leave. ‘Don’t abandon a project halfway,’ I tell them.”
One major loss was the developer of SAVEWO’s AI-powered smart inspection machine, which automatically detects microscopic foreign particles in mask layers. “Even a tiny dust particle triggers an alarm to ensure quality, but the developer has emigrated to Australia,” Ding explains. “This isn’t just ordinary coding, it’s advanced AI programming.”
While setting up factories abroad may be cheaper, Ding and Factory Manager Harry Wong remain committed to Hong Kong manufacturing. “I always ask myself—if we leave, are we still Hongkongers?” Ding reflects. “I genuinely hope our colleagues stay, because without their strength, we will ultimately fail.”
Despite obstacles, SAVEWO and ÖKOSIX continue striving for innovation, determined to prove that Hong Kong-made products can compete on a global scale.
Translation from original source: Mingpao (issue date: 2nd October, 2022)