Supporting Ecostore Manufacturing with a Tailored Respiratory Solution
Overview
In established manufacturing operations, respiratory protection is not about whether safety systems exist, but whether those systems are optimised for the specific environment, workforce, and exposure profile.
This case study outlines how SupplyMe partnered with Ecostore Manufacturing to review existing respiratory controls, apply professional respiratory fit testing, and support the implementation of a tailored respiratory solution aligned to the requirements of their operation. The result was a validated, future‑proof approach supported by high‑end equipment, training, and ongoing supply.
Client Profile
Client: Ecostore Manufacturing
Industry: Manufacturing of household and cleaning products
Website: https://ecostore.com/en-nz
Environment: Chemical handling, mixing, and processing within a controlled manufacturing facility
Ecostore is a well‑established manufacturer with a strong focus on people, process, and environmental responsibility. Ensuring respiratory protection remained aligned to operational realities and workforce needs was a natural extension of this commitment.
The Context: Reviewing Respiratory Protection Within a Mature Operation
Ecostore’s manufacturing processes involved working with a wide range of ingredients and materials. As part of a structured review, SupplyMe worked alongside Ecostore to assess chemical inventories and hazard information, ensuring respiratory protection remained appropriate for the exposures present.
Through this review, SupplyMe identified that the operation involved both vapour and particulate exposure risks, a common scenario in manufacturing environments. This led to the conclusion that protection needed to address organic vapours and particulates together, often referred to as an OV + P approach.
Rather than indicating any deficiency, this assessment reinforced that respiratory protection must be matched precisely to the nature of the operation, highlighting that different environments require different solutions.
Workforce Considerations and Respiratory Fit Testing
Another important consideration was workforce composition. To pass respiratory fit testing, users of tight‑fitting respirators must be clean shaven to achieve an effective face seal. Ecostore operates with a large manufacturing team, and a portion of the workforce has facial hair, meaning a single respirator type would not be appropriate for all users.
At the start of the process, SupplyMe delivered respiratory fit testing as a professional service for all staff who could be tested. This provided Ecostore with clear, documented outcomes identifying which team members could safely use tight‑fitting respirators.
For those who could not pass fit testing, SupplyMe recommended a Powered Air Purifying Respirator system, as PAPR systems do not require respiratory fit testing and can be used by all workers, including those with beards.
By implementing PAPR systems, Ecostore was able to provide staff with the flexibility to wear facial hair or beards where desired, while maintaining consistent respiratory protection across the site. This removed the day‑to‑day operational risk of monitoring who was clean shaven and fit‑test compliant, simplifying supervision and ensuring respiratory controls remained effective regardless of individual appearance.
From both an exposure and workforce perspective, it was clear to SupplyMe and Ecostore that a PAPR system was the correct direction. The focus then shifted to validating the system configuration, components, and filters that best supported this approach.
System Selection and Validation
With the exposure profile and workforce requirements clearly defined, SupplyMe reviewed suitable system options and concluded that the 3M PAPR system provided the performance, durability, and long‑term support required for Ecostore’s operation.
3M PAPR systems are recognised as a high‑end respiratory solution, well suited to complex manufacturing environments. SupplyMe supported Ecostore through system selection, configuration review, and on‑site trials to ensure the solution aligned fully with operational needs.
Manufacturer technical support was introduced at this stage to assist with system validation and trials, ensuring the selected configuration performed as expected in real working conditions.
The Delivered Solution
SupplyMe supplied and supported the rollout of 3M PAPR systems for applicable workers, alongside tight‑fitting respiratory options for fit‑tested staff. The solution was delivered as a complete system, including powered air respiratory units, correctly specified filters aligned to the exposure profile, supporting components required for reliable operation, and guidance around use, cleaning, and ongoing maintenance.
The final solution was built around the 3M Versaflo PAPR platform, selected for its performance, flexibility, and suitability for complex manufacturing environments. Different headtop styles were configured to suit specific tasks and user preferences, and individual kit bags were provided for each user to support correct storage, care, and equipment ownership. SupplyMe also supports Ecostore with the ongoing consumables required for PAPR use, ensuring the system remains effective and easy to manage over time.
What Ecostore Manufacturing Says
“What we valued most was the way SupplyMe approached this as a solution, not just a product. They took the time to understand our manufacturing environment, assessed different options, and helped us trial the right approach before we committed. The outcome was a respiratory setup that works for our team in practice, not just on paper.” — Jay Nair, Ecostore Manufacturing
The Outcome
Through a collaborative, solution‑led process, SupplyMe supported Ecostore Manufacturing with:
- A respiratory solution aligned to the specific requirements of their operation
- Clear separation between fit‑tested and non‑fit‑tested users
- High‑end 3M PAPR systems supported by training and ongoing consumables
- Confidence that respiratory protection remains appropriate, practical, and sustainable
The SupplyMe Way
Every manufacturing environment is different. Every exposure profile is different. Every workforce is different.
SupplyMe works alongside customers to review, validate, and tailor solutions that fit their operation, rather than applying a one‑size‑fits‑all approach. This project reflects how SupplyMe supports customers to make informed, confident decisions that stand up in real‑world use.
