According to the Hong Kong based environmental group OceanAsia, about 1.56 billion masks entered oceans in 2020, which amounts to between 4,680 and 6,240 metric tonnes of plastic pollution. These masks could take as long as 450 years to break down, and all the while serving as a source of microplastic and negatively impact marine wildlife and ecosystems.
Researchers from around the globe are trying hard to minizine such waste. FPInnovations has launched biodegradable masks for the said purpose. FPInnovations is a Canadian research and development center based in Montreal.
Mr. Seamus O’Regan, the Canadian Minister of Natural Resources, said in launching the product that the biodegradable masks are now ready for commercialization as a result of a C$3.3 million project. The masks being biodegradable are not a burden on the environment.
Stephane Renou, president and CEO of FPInnovations, said, “The development of this biodegradable mask clearly shows that stimulating the economy can contribute to a cleaner environment in Canada. The forest sector’s outstanding collective scientific and technological expertise has been key to this project’s success and speed. It is proof that together, we are capable of bringing eco-friendly bio-sourced products through the pipeline from research to market within just months.”
