Globally, bottlenecks currently exist with respect to the supply of FFP2 protective masks and disinfectant. Yet hospitals, emergency services and nursing homes in Darmstadt still have a significantly increased need in the wake of the COVID-19 crisis. For this reason, Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, is donating 50,000 liters of disinfectant and 40,000 face masks to the city.

"We have been part of Darmstadt for more than 350 years. Therefore, it is absolutely clear that we will continue to support the city in the current COVID-19 crisis to the best of our ability,” said Kai Beckmann, member of the Executive Board of Merck KGaA. "Many of our approximately 12,000 employees in Darmstadt also live in the city. We can overcome the current crisis together by having everyone do what they do best.

"For us as a company, this means tackling problems innovatively and creating progress that will benefit everyone," Beckmann continued. "That's why in addition to our donations, we also support scientists by offering solutions to help them detect viruses and develop vaccines and therapies. We also continue to provide medicines to those who are among the most vulnerable in this pandemic – patients with serious diseases."

In addition, at its Innovation Center in Darmstadt, the company is currently producing 200 face shields every day using 3D printing processes. 

These are being donated to medical facilities in Germany and Italy. 

Normally, the 3D printers are used to manufacture prototypes of innovative products. 

The initiative is taking place in cooperation with the Makerspace Darmstadt Association, which is coordinating the production of the shields for Darmstadt and other areas of the Rhine-Main region.

Several weeks ago, Merck KGaA began producing disinfectants at its sites in Darmstadt and Wiesbaden – some of this production output is now being donated to the city. As previously reported, a further 150,000 liters went to the federal state of Hesse.

The FFP2 respirators will be supplied to hospitals, inpatient and outpatient care facilities and emergency services. 5,000 masks will be sent to Brescia, Darmstadt's twin city in northern Italy – one of the regions most affected by COVID-19, according to Darmstadt Mayor Jochen Partsch.