Dai Nippon Printing Co., Ltd. (DNP) has successfully developed an ultra-low reflection face shield, which includes a superior anti-reflection function that allows people to see the wearer’s facial expression while improving overall visibility. The newly developed face shield will go on sale from October 12.

At left: Ultra-low reflection face shield

[Background]

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to spread around the world, demand for transparent face masks and face shields is rapidly increasing as a means of preventing viral infection due to air-borne droplets.

In particular, we are witnessing increased use of transparent face shields in place of opaque masks in business areas such as sign language interpreting, customer service, and entertainment, in which facial expressions play an important role in conveying information.

However, currently available transparent face shields tend to reflect light, making it difficult to see the wearer’s facial expression. Other challenges also exist, including the obstruction of the wearer’s field of vision, along with fatigue and other inconveniences arising from extended use. Even within DNP, hearing-challenged employers have used Social Networking Solutions to raise these issues and appeal for solutions.

In order to overcome these challenges, DNP has leveraged proprietary optical film processing technology to reduce light reflection. According to a report entitled Highly Functional Coating Material 2020 · Present and Future Outlook from the Fuji Chimera Research Institute, Inc., DNP maintains the top global share in processed surface films for displays.

The newly developed product has been subjected to an anti-reflection treatment on both sides of the shield panel, which makes it easier to see the wearer's facial expression. The new face shield also significantly reduces the surface light reflectance that obstructs the field of vision, while also preventing those factors that make the face shield  uncomfortable to wear.

Images of face shield usage

At left: Ultra-low reflection face shield

Images of field of vision when using face shields

At left: Ultra-low reflection face shield

[Product Features]

• Maintains ultra-low reflection with light reflectance of 0.2% or less (measured in-house) and high transparency.
• The surface of the face shield is specially processed to prevent scratching and soiling.
• Even in instances where the shield becomes soiled, the surface can be wiped allowing for repeated use.
• The new face shield has also been rendered with an ultraviolet (UV) reduction capability.

[Looking Ahead]

Going forward, in addition to anti-reflection functions DNP will support better communication between people by developing face shields with high design, anti-fog, and anti-viral features. We are also forging ahead with the development of various goods linked to concerts, events, and sports viewing, by applying various printing technology formats, such as digital printing and photo printing to the face shield.

We will market the newly developed face shield on a broad base to the welfare, hospitality, and entertainment industries along with public agencies, local governments, and educational institutions. We will also propose the anti-reflection film to face shield manufacturers aiming for annual sales of 1.2 billion yen in 2021.

* Product prices, specifications and service contents mentioned in this news release are current as of the date of publication. They may be changed at any time without notice.