Another thing from the AGM that seemed clear to me and a few others (conclusions we made) is that significant ZENGuard sales in masks, as well as eventually HVAC, will not occur until 2023. For masks and other medical PPE, the proper sales tools, networks, and infrastructure is only now being established to sell into the professional PPE market in Canada. GF also mentioned that evaluation of ZENGuard mask is currently underway in some hospitals, but he did not specify where.
As for sales in the USA and other jurisdictions, regulatory approvals are not yet in place (ongoing). GF mentioned that was one of the problems with Trebor, as they (Trebor) believed last year that they could sell into the USA market and had this mentioned in last year's AGM. It is my understanding Zentek has submitted everything required to the FDA and the ball is now in their court. I fully believe we will see something from the FDA before year-end with regards to authorization to sell ZENGuard masks in the USA. GF emphasized that there is massive potential for ZENGuard HVAC sales in the USA, and the recent meetings in Washington went very well - their is major interest in what we are doing. One thing that was learned is that ZENGuard HVAC approval in the the USA for use in classrooms in actually under the EPA's authority... I am pretty sure that GF said that whether it be the FDA or EPA, they do not rubberstamp Canadian testing and approvals (like Canada does for example with FAA approval of aircraft), and will make their own fully independent technical evaluations... GF mentioned yet again how HVAC puts a big smile on his face.
With regards to EkoMed, if I am not mistaken, GF said they are currently manufacturing ZENGuard coated masks and EkoMed see these as an opportunity to get in the Level 3 mask market, which they previously were not. In conversations afterwards, GF underscored certain advantages with EkoMed, who are a Canadian company (I admit due to lazy research I was not previously aware of), manufacturing in Turkey. Furthermore the idea with EkoMed manufacturing in their huge plant in Turkey to also focus supply to on Europe and Asian markets. However, although masks are being manufactured, it is my understanding is that sales are not yet a factor, and are probably pending regulatory approvals in target jurisdictions. GF did mention that Zentek's regulatory team are very, very busy.
As for Mark's sales of ZENGuard masks in Canada, FD emphasized that Mark's sells also to the workforce, which includes medical, first responders, etc., and not just to the general public whom are mostly no longer interested in masks - at least for now. I believe he said the inventory still on hand from Trebor's production meets the demand in that sales channel for now.
If anyone thinks I have made any errors, please feel free.
I will post other things as/if I think of them. |
