Avery Dennison Corporation, a global materials science company headquartered in Glendale, is using its next-generation innovation expertise to design and manufacture a soon to be patented disposable plastic face shield for healthcare professionals on the frontlines of the COVID-19 response.

The company is donating 500,000 of the new face shields to hospitals across the country, including a donation of 80,000 to CommonSpirit Health, one of the nation’s largest not-for-profit health systems and the largest hospital provider in California. CommonSpirit Health operates six Dignity Health hospitals in Southern California, and one of the first deliveries of the face shields will be sent to Glendale Memorial Hospital.

The new disposable face shield is a protective, clear anti-fog coated polyester plastic sheet that can be used two different ways. The innovative design allows the user to wear it using the easy to assemble integrated adjustable plastic headband, or the shield can be applied directly to an article of clothing using the skin-friendly, gentle and repositionable adhesive tape strip. It is designed with user comfort in mind and accommodates the wearing of facemasks or respirators. Since they are disposable there is no need for cleaning or sterilization post-use.

“Thank you Avery Dennison for your innovative work to help protect health care workers across the country, and especially here in Los Angeles, where we continue to see the activity of COVID-19 in our communities,” said Julie J. Sprengel, Southwest Division president, Dignity Health Hospitals. “Your expertise and generosity are greatly appreciated.”

The new face shields will be available for use by physicians, nurses and other caregivers at Dignity Health hospitals this month, pending distribution from its warehouse where the first shipment will arrive soon.