4 eco-friendly disposable masks that reduce plastic waste

The recent worldwide epidemic of COVID-19 has made masks an indispensable part of our lives. Various types of masks are presently available in the market. Noteworthy are cloth masks that can be washed and used multiple times, but for hygiene and convenience reasons, the need for “disposable masks” still remains high.

But did you know that “mask waste” is slowly becoming a new cause of environmental damage? At first glance, non-woven masks seem to be made up of fibers irregularly knitted into thin paper or cloth. However, they are comprised of microfiber plastic called PET (polyethylene terephthalate). According to “Plastic masks take 450 years to decompose in nature,” an article published by Waste Free Oceans (WFO), a recycling organization for marine plastic waste, non-woven fabric with PET takes 450 years to decompose if discarded into the natural environment.

Therefore, we must choose “environmentally friendly disposable masks” as a new option. Here are a few examples of next-generation disposable masks that eliminate plastic materials as much as possible.

nepia eco biomass mask

Oji Nepia Co. Ltd. is a company that boasts a high market share as a sanitary paper manufacturer. Their biomass mask aims to be carbon-neutral by blending 80% of plant-derived materials into its fabric. Also, photosynthesis of raw sugar cane and corn absorbs CO2 generated during incineration.

All three layers of the mask contain plant-derived ingredients. The package, which includes ten masks, is partly made of biomass resources.

ECOthical Mask

ECOthical Mask developed by SAMURAIWORKS Inc. is a mask comprised mainly of PLA resin. It is made up of 99% plant-derived sustainable material that can be decomposed into water and carbon dioxide with microorganisms if placed in an appropriate environment. Everything from ear straps to wires is made of PLA resin.

“JITO” Arcia Cinal Abadi

Arcia Cinal Abadi is an Indonesia company that sells eco-friendly JITO masks. Like Japan, the country is surrounded by sea. To solve the problem of marine waste, the company uses a special spun-bond polypropylene material for its masks.

Biodegradability tests showed that JITO masks completely biodegraded in merely a year and a half, which is outstanding compared to conventional non-woven fabric masks. Though the masks are not completely plastic-free, they use materials that can easily return to nature.

Marie Bee Bloom

Designed by Dutch graphic designer Marianne de Groot-Pons of Utrecht, the Netherlands, these handmade 100% biodegradable masks will sprout and bloom when buried in the soil after use. Flower seeds such as aster and gilia are embedded in the part that covers the nose and mouth. The cap part is made of straw paper, the string is made of wool, the stopper that adjusts the string is made from egg packs, and the brand logo uses biodegradable ink.