Press release 28 April 2020, Heerlen, Deventer, Alkmaar

Production of millions of medical facemasks for healthcare professionals starts in the

The Dutch consortium of AFPRO Filters, Royal Auping, and Royal DSM has begun large-scale production of medical FFP2 facemasks in the Netherlands to protect healthcare workers against the coronavirus. At the request of , Minister for Medical Care and Sport, millions of masks will be produced in the coming months. This large-scale national production will meet approximately 25% of the acute need for medical masks in the Netherlands, in record time.

Following an impromptu meeting between the CEOs of AFPRO, Auping, and DSM on 10 April, the consortium dedicated their efforts and resources to setting up large-scale production in the Netherlands. With this initiative, the consortium will meet the urgent demand for certified facemasks to protect those healthcare workers who regularly come into contact with coronavirus patients. Fully developed production lines are now being set up in Alkmaar and Deventer for the production of one million FFP2 facemasks per week. The first thousands of masks, which are handmade by Auping in accordance with government guidelines, will be delivered to the Landelijk Consortium Hulpmiddelen (LCH), which organizes distribution to healthcare institutions, this week. AFPRO, Auping, and DSM will supply the facemasks to the government at cost-price, providing full and transparent information on the costs incurred.

Joining forces The large-scale production of these certified facemasks combines the expertise of the three companies involved: AFPRO Filters' knowledge of air filtration systems, Auping's production capacity and experience in the manufacture of fabrics and materials in various layers, and DSM’s specialist materials knowledge, overall coordination, and global network. This unique collaboration will support the Dutch government to rapidly start production of FFP2 masks on Dutch soil. With this public-private partnership, the Dutch government and business community have joined forces to tackle the coronavirus crisis and protect those working on the frontline.

Minister Martin van Rijn (Medical Care): “It's great that production of FFP2 mouth masks has started here in the Netherlands, thanks to this collaboration between DSM, Auping and AFPRO. Together with the airlift from China to the Netherlands and the reuse of existing masks, this will enable the supply of millions of masks per week – great news for all those who are working so hard in healthcare.”

Minister Eric Wiebes (Economic Affairs and Climate): “The enormous willingness of the business community to contribute to the fight against coronavirus is an important ray of hope at this exceptional time. Thanks to this joint effort from the consortium and the government, the production of high-quality masks can now begin, despite the scarcity of materials and machinery.”

Note for editors A high-resolution photo can be requested from the media relations departments of the respective companies and is free to use. Caption: At Tergooi hospital in Hilversum, Martin van Rijn, Minister for Medical Care, receives the first of millions of handmade medical facemasks from Karel Bosschieter, CEO AFPRO, Jan-Joost

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Bosman, CEO AUPING, and , President DSM Nederland. They form the specially formed consortium that will be producing one million medical facemasks per week at cost-price.

AFPRO Filters AFPRO Filters was founded in 1979 and has a leading position in the international air filtration market. Its products deliver an optimal combination of quality (the cleanest air) and performance (high energy- efficiency). AFPRO's air filters offer clients protection against hazards including fine dust and viruses. As a supplier to the healthcare industry, the company aims to contribute to building healthier living and working environments for people worldwide. With branches in the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, France, Poland, Finland, Switzerland, China and Australia, and an extensive international distribution network, it is able to achieve this goal. AFPRO Filters is also distinguished by its extensive R&D program and its micro-glass production. The company has 700 employees worldwide and is headquartered in Alkmaar. More information can be found at www.afprofilters.com.

Royal Auping Auping has been working on personal solutions for sleep and rest for more than 130 years. Based on our conviction that a well-rested world is a more beautiful world, we work every day with care for people, the environment and the future. With craftsmanship and eye for detail, we develop products and services that ensure that you get the best sleep and rest. So that you can live your life relaxed, energetic and friendly. Sustainability, design and innovation are central to this. Auping manufactures exclusively in the Netherlands and has become the leading bed and mattresses specialist and market leader in the Benelux, with sales offices in Europe and distribution across the world. Auping is a leader in the circular economy and aims to be fully circular by 2030. www.auping.nl.

DSM – Bright Science. Brighter Living.™ Royal DSM is a global, purpose-led, science-based company active in Nutrition, Health and Sustainable Living. DSM’s purpose is to create brighter lives for all. DSM addresses with its products and solutions some of the world’s biggest challenges while simultaneously creating economic, environmental and societal value for all its stakeholders – customers, employees, shareholders, and society at large. DSM delivers innovative solutions for human nutrition, animal nutrition, personal care and aroma, medical devices, green products and applications, and new mobility and connectivity. DSM and its associated companies deliver annual net sales of about €10 billion with approximately 23,000 employees. The company was founded in 1902 and is listed on Euronext . More information can be found at www.dsm.com. For more information:

DSM Media Relations André van der Elsen +31 (0)45–5782421|+31630628485|email:[email protected]

Auping Media Relations Ine Stultjens +31 (0)570-681911 | +31612106148 | email: [email protected]

AFPRO Filters Joost Margry: +31 72-5675500 | +31652628858 | email: [email protected]