Collaboration to relief mask shortages with face masks made from plants

Bio Face is a new face mask made by two Japanese enterprises, TBM Co., Ltd. and Bioworks Corporation. The product is a washable antibacterial face mask made from plant-derived materials. Some countries are facing chronic shortages due to the huge demand for face masks worldwide against the outbreak of COVID-19. Bio Face plans to tackle this shortage issue in a sustainable manner.

TBM specializes in creating ecological products like LIMEX, a biodegradable material made from limestone which replaces paper and plastic without consuming any water or trees. Bioworks develops modifiers to improve high-functioning bioplastic. These two companies collaborated to create an eco-friendly, antibacterial face mask that is also comfortable to wear. The mask is braided with thread made from polylactic acid, which is not only biodegradable but also safe and biocompatible. Its weak acidity is also gentle on the skin. Production is by SHIMA SEIKI, famous for its wholegarment knitting, which makes the masks are seam-free and comfortable to wear.

In the present situation, tons of masks are produced and discarded all over the world. Some discarded coronavirus masks are reported to be cluttering on beaches, threatening to marine life and exacerbating marine debris problem. Because the conventional kind are made from petroleum-derived plastic and are intended for single use, production and disposal could negatively impact the environment. Bio Face can overcome this problem with its biodegradability and washing durability. The masks are intended for repetitive use which will reduce waste. They can also be worn repeatedly up to 30 times hygienically by washing after each use.

Although in some countries there is still discussion over the effectiveness of wearing masks to prevent virus transmission, there are studies that show cloth face coverings protect people from someone who is infected to coronavirus without any symptoms. How and when the COVID-19 pandemic will end is still uncertain and the future is hard to foresee. So it is good to have an sustainable alternative to choose from.

TBM and Bioworks are aiming to protect people around the world from the risk of infection and to protect the environment. They plan to expand the overseas sales channel by recruiting enterprises, business partners and corporations who may be interested. By cooperating with foreign sectors, Bio Face will be available for government agencies, businesses and developing countries facing shortage of masks in the midst of a pandemic.