Business ProfileforArmbrust American

BBB promotes truth in advertising by contacting advertisers whose claims conflict with the BBB Code of Advertising.  These claims may come to our attention from our internal review of advertising, consumer complaints, and competitor challenges.  BBB asks advertisers to prove their claims, change ads to make offers more clear to consumers, and remove misleading or deceptive statements. 

On September 26, 2023, BBB contacted Armbrust American regarding advertised claims on their website: https:www.armbrustusa.com.  Armbrust American advertises their breathe99 masks and breathe99 Elastomeric masks are eco-friendly.  

Specifically, Armbrust American advertises "Breathe99's mask is an eco-friendly solution for protecting your respiratory health against pet dander, biologics, allergens, vehicle emissions, and wildfire smoke."

"The elastomeric mask offers an incredibly comfortable fit, with a full face seal that has up to 99.6% filtration at 0.1 micron, according to independent testing. Plus, it's made from durable materials that can be washed and reused hundreds of times, which reduces waste by up to 80%. Breathe99 is the most convenient, eco-friendly, and comfortable solution for keeping particulates out of your lungs – and still proudly American-made."

BBB Code of Advertising states advertisers should not make broad, unqualified general environmental benefit claims like, “green” or “eco-friendly.”  Advertisers must qualify general claims with specific environmental benefits.  Advertisers must possess competent and reliable evidence (often scientific evidence) to support all environmental benefit claims.  Qualifications for any claim must be clear, conspicuous, and understandable.  The benefit qualifications should be significant and must not highlight small or unimportant benefits. 

BBB requested Armbrust American to substantiate with scientific or other evidence qualifying the environment-friendly claims or discontinue the advertised statements.  

Armbrust American modified the advertisement to discontinue the term "eco-friendly."

BBB also requested Armbrust American to substantiate their "Made in the USA" claims.  Armbrust American responded that they produce their meltblown for their masks.  BBB requested Armbrust American provide substantiation of where the materials of their meltblown including thermoplastic resin, meltblown, and any other material to manufacture masks were supplied from and the origination of the material.

Armbrust American replied with claims masks were reusable reducing the amount of waste. 

On January 30, 2024, Armbrust American also provided certification from SafeSource Direct confirming that all KN95 respirators manufactured for Armbrust Inc. by SafeSource Direct are in compliance with Made in America, Buy American, TAA and Berry Amendment made exclusively at the SafeSource Direct factories in Louisiana.