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Comparative Life Cycle Assessment of Petroleum-based Plastics and Cellulose-based Single-Use Masks
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Researchers conducted a comparative life cycle assessment of single-use masks made from petroleum-based polypropylene versus wood-based cellulose, finding cellulose masks emit 15.6% less CO2 and require 38.1% fewer resources, but impose greater burdens on human health and ecosystem quality due to energy-intensive production and disposal processes.
The COVID-19 pandemic significantly increased the consumption of single-use masks globally, resulting in a surge in plastic waste and its associated environmental issues. This study conducts a comparative life cycle assessment(LCA) of single-use masks made of petroleum-based polypropylene(PP) and wood-based cellulose materials to evaluate their environmental impacts by life cycle. The results showed that cellulose-based masks found to be approximately 15.6% lower CO2 eq emission and 38.1% reduced resource depletion than PP-based masks, highlighting their potential as an eco-friendly alternative. However, cellulose-based masks also exhibit higher environmental burdens in human health(33.8%) and ecosystem quality(109.8%), mainly due to increased energy use and by-products during production and disposal processes. The study identifies areas for improvement, including optimizing cellulose-based production processes and establishing specialized waste management systems. It concludes that while cellulose-based materials show promise as sustainable substitutes, further technical advancements in material and process optimization are needed to enhance their overall environmental performance. This research provides useful data for the development of alternative mask materials and sustainable waste management strategies.
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Eco-design Actions to Improve Life Cycle Environmental Performance of Face Masks in the Pandemic Era
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This study evaluated the environmental impact of single-use face masks throughout their life cycle and proposed eco-design strategies to reduce their footprint. The massive increase in disposable mask use during COVID-19 generated significant plastic waste and potential microplastic pollution.
Applicability of Membranes in Protective Face Masks and Comparison of Reusable and Disposable Face Masks with Life Cycle Assessment
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A comparison of reusable and disposable face masks using life cycle assessment found that while reusable masks have lower total environmental impact over their lifetime, disposable masks shed microplastic fibers that could enter both environmental and human biological systems.
Understanding the environmental impacts of facemasks: a review on the facemask industry and existing life cycle assessment studies
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This review examined the environmental life cycle impacts of disposable face masks during the COVID-19 pandemic, finding that the surge in mask production and disposal created a significant new source of plastic waste and microplastic pollution globally.
The impact and effectiveness of the general public wearing masks to reduce the spread of pandemics in the UK: a multidisciplinary comparison of single-use masks versus reusable face masks
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Researchers compared single-use and reusable face masks across effectiveness, environmental impact, and cost during the COVID-19 pandemic in the UK. The study found that while single-use masks have higher standalone filtration performance, reusable masks adequately slow respiratory virus transmission and generate over 85% less waste, 3.5 times lower climate impact, and 3.7 times lower costs than single-use alternatives.
Face Masks to Combat Coronavirus (COVID-19)—Processing, Roles, Requirements, Efficacy, Risk and Sustainability
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This review examines the materials, manufacturing methods, and effectiveness of face masks used during the COVID-19 pandemic, most of which are made from non-biodegradable plastics like polypropylene and polyester. Researchers found that while masks are effective at reducing virus transmission, their widespread use and improper disposal have created a significant environmental concern as they break down into microplastics. The study calls for more sustainable mask materials and better waste management strategies to reduce the environmental footprint of pandemic-related plastic waste.
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When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.