Engineering Design Process of Face Masks Based on Circularity and Life Cycle Assessment in the Constraint of the COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

Face masks are currently considered key equipment to protect people against the COVID-19 pandemic. The demand for such devices is considerable, as is the amount of plastic waste generated after their use (approximately 1.6 million tons/day since the outbreak). Even if the sanitary emergency must have the maximum priority, environmental concerns require investigation to find possible mitigation solutions. The aim of this work is to develop an eco-design actions guide that supports the design of dedicated masks, in a manner to reduce the negative impacts of these devices on the environment during the pandemic period. Toward this aim, an environmental assessment based on life cycle assessment and circularity assessment (material circularity indicator) of different types of masks have been carried out on (i) a 3D-printed mask with changeable filters, (ii) a surgical mask, (iii) an FFP2 mask with valve, (iv) an FFP2 mask without valve, and (v) a washable mask. Results highlight how reusable masks (i.e., 3D-printed masks and washable masks) are the most sustainable from a life cycle perspective, drastically reducing the environmental impacts in all categories. The outcomes of the analysis provide a framework to derive a set of eco-design guidelines which have been used to design a new device that couples protection requirements against the virus and environmental sustainability.

Life cycle assessment and circularity evaluation of the non-medical masks in the Covid-19 pandemic: a Brazilian case

“…In a study developed by Rodríguez et al ( 2021b ), the authors obtained similar results when comparing five different face masks containing among them single-use face masks and reusable face masks. In this study, reuse actions were the ones that most contributed to the increased circularity of the face masks.…”

“…Including landfill and incineration options, both centrally and decentralized The incineration process significantly reduced the impact on Human Toxicity Potential (HTP), Eutrophication Potential (EP), Acidification Potential (AP), Freshwater Aquatic Ecotoxicity Potential (FAETP), and Photochemical Ozone Depletion Potential (POCP) over landfill, resulting in a high overall impact of landfilling over incineration. On the other hand, the incineration process has demonstrated strong Global Warming Potential (GWP) Rodríguez et al ( 2021b ) Sustainabily LCA/ Circularity indicator assessment (MCI). ReCiPe method and cumulative energy demand (CED) Apply LCA and MCI to evaluate masks (i) 3D printing with interchangeable filters, (ii) a surgical mask, (iii) an FFP2 mask with valve, (iv) a non-valve FFP2 mask, and (v) a washable mask Reusable masks (i.e.…”

Waste management beyond the COVID-19 pandemic: Bibliometric and text mining analyses

“…Developing circular networks and creating circularity to reduce waste, and to return resources to the production cycle was proposed by Alonso-Muñoz et al (2021) , as a cure to make the supply chains resilient against the pandemic adverse effects. Designing eco-design process of face masks based on circularity and life cycle assessment ( Boix Rodríguez et al, 2021 ), recycling of the materials of the disposable filtering masks ( Battegazzore et al, 2020 ), the potential of agri-food loss and waste to contribute to a circular economy ( Osorio et al, 2021 ), blockchain-based forward supply chain and WM practices for COVID-19 medical equipment and supplies ( Ahmad et al, 2021 ), safe WM during the pandemic and circular economy implementation ( Pikoń et al, 2021 ), and the interplay of industry 4.0 and circular economy for developing a smart healthcare waste disposal system ( Chauhan et al, 2021 ) have constructed the bottom line of this research theme. In this regard, smart cities with a special focus on using smart technologies, such as Internet of Things, big data analytics, and cyber-based decision support systems can better support solving WM problems ( Shevchenko et al, 2021b ).…”

“…The major keywords and terms in this research themes are mask, face mask, plastic, plastic waste, landfill, contaminant, plastic pollution, surgical mask, polymer, and disposable mask. The high demand for personal protective equipment such as face masks, as the main equipment to protect humans against the pandemic, has led to approximately 1.6 million tons/day of plastic waste worldwide ( Boix Rodríguez et al, 2021 ). Consequently, the disposal of such an unprecedented amount of personal protective equipment has posed significant challenges to WM practitioners and societies ( Nowakowski et al, 2020 ), such as environmental pollution ( Lee et al, 2021 ), recycling difficulties ( Maderuelo-Sanz et al, 2021 ), redesigning and reduction of single-use plastics and personal protective equipment ( Patrício Silva et al, 2020 ), and threat to the marine environment and coastal regions ( Chowdhury et al, 2021 , Dharmaraj et al, 2021 ).…”

Contact transmission of SARS-CoV-2 on fomite surfaces: surface survival and risk reduction

“…So, it is very important to follow and monitor the various control measures in order to break the chain of infection/ transmission of all possible ways like including proper hand hygiene, appropriate cleaning, disinfection and multilayered mask [41]. Many researchers have suggested improved design strategies for increasing and improving the quality of airflow in the respirators [42,43]. The evidence from the reported studies put forward that the droplet transmission and the aerosol transmission as the primary transmission of SARS-CoV-2 virus.…”