Introducing the world’s first ready-to-produce
biodegradable and eco-friendly non-medical mask
FPInnovations, in partnership with Natural Resources Canada, is pleased to present the world’s first ready-to-produce biodegradable and eco-friendly non-medical mask.
Since the beginning of the pandemic, the unprecedented use of non-biodegradable protective masks has become a major environmental concern. And so, in June 2020, Natural Resources Canada, FPInnovations, and the Canadian Forest Industry accepted the challenge to produce a certifiable and biodegradable non-medical mask that is entirely made in Canada.
The mask is ready for hand-off to a Canadian manufacturer for mass production and therefore not yet available on the market.
Interested in learning more?
Contact Stéphane Barbier, Business Development Manager
A Canadian R&D Success
Technical performance
- This green PPE mask would set the standard for non-medical masks in terms of filtration, breathability, and biodegradability
- No new equipment is needed to produce these masks in high volume using existing industry capacity in Canada
- The mask has a 95% filtration performance and biodegradability. A unique combination on the market!
- The mask attains the more demanding ASTM norms of filtration efficiency and breathability that are required for procedure masks.
FPInnovations in the news
- PPE waste: The growing plastic problem the pandemic is creating
The Weather Network, March 16, 2021 - Talking threads (2:32)
World Textile Information Network, March 11, 2021 - Montreal non-profit creates biodegradable COVID-19 face masks
Global News, March 6, 2021 - Eco-friendly biodegradable non-medical mask
CBC Montreal News, February 28, 2021 - Canadian non-profit develops biodegradable mask
CTV News, February 26, 2021 - Un masque biodégradable disponible au Québec
Avec Bernard Drainville
98.5 FM, February 26, 2021 - Un masque biodégradable «made in Québec» pourrait bientôt être certifié
TVA Nouvelles, February 26, 2021
News releases
February 26, 2021 – Canada’s Forest Sector Develops Made-in-Canada Biodegradable PPE Solution
Natural Resources Canada, February 26, 2021
FPInnovations completes phase 1 of development of biodegradable disposable masks from Canadian forests
FPInnovations, September 16, 2020
Canada’s Forest Sector Developing Biodegradable Face Mask Filters
Natural Resources Canada, August 7, 2020
FAQ
Is this mask biodegradable?
Yes. All components of the mask are considered biodegradable.
Can the mask be discarded in a compost bin?
Yes, it can.
What is the difference between these masks and procedure masks?
All masks are tested according to multiple standards.
We tested our mask with third-party labs according to the AFNOR and ASTM standards.
The mask attains 95% for filtration efficiency for procedure mask under ASTM standard.
Have these masks been independently tested for filtration efficiency?
Yes, the masks have been assessed by external labs, and we are benchmarking our results as part of our normal research process
How will this impact the Canadian forest sector?
The biodegradable sustainable mask layers (exterior layers and filter) can be manufactured by existing Canadian paper mills. The mask procurement needs of Canada could be met quickly, and significant export opportunities could be developed in a very short time frame.
What are the next steps?
The biodegradable non-medical mask is now ready for hand-off to a Canadian manufacturer for mass production at a competitive cost. It is not yet available for sale.
What's next?
FPInnovations is developing a high-performance biodegradable procedure mask that could be mass-produced and used by health care workers across Canada.
Interested in learning more?
Contact Stéphane Barbier, Business Development Manager