Hong Kong-based textile company Esquel Group reaffirmed its commitment to sustainability by developing a reusable mask even as it was hit hard by the unfolding pandemic and escalating U.S.-China tensions. While initially made for donations, especially in the communities where it had operations, the product soon became a business as well, demonstrating that social responsibility can go hand in hand with opportunity.

The desire to protect the environment is one that runs deep in the family-owned business, and the company has potentially saved 1.3 billion single-use masks from disposal. Esquel’s achievements are due to a convergence of innovation, a focus on wellness, and an ethos of carving out new opportunities while serving the community.