The second filter “biodegradability” is published by the BIO-PLASTICS EUROPE Team
Face masks are a predominant non-pharmaceutical measure used around the world to limit the spread of COVID-19. Although professional masks such as medical and FFP masks are effective against SARS-CoV-2, they harm the environment when being incorrectly disposed. Recent studies suggest that 75% of the COVID-19 related waste ends up in the environment.
In addition to the social media filter “protection”, which was released last week, BIO-PLASTICS EUROPE is now releasing a second filter, “biodegradability”. This new filter aims to shed light on the potential environmental impact of several types of masks by showing how long it takes for them to biodegrade in natural conditions in case they end up in the environment by mistake. As was the case for the first filter, it is again possible to choose a mask type (cotton mask, medical mask, FFP2 mask or bio-based mask) and pose a virtual pile of it in your surrounding environment. After the the pile of masks appears, it is visually animated to show users how long it would take for that type of mask to decompose.
Youtube-Video: Cotton mask
Please note that the length of time communicated in this social media filter are science-based estimations, which were derived from trustworthy sources. You can have a look here for further information on our sources.
