# Compostable Shields Brands are launching biodegradable, single-use masks and gloves. By [Grace Mahas](https://www.trendhunter.com/Grace.Mahas), VP of Content & Insights | Published May 26, 2020 | Category: [Eco](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/environmental-trends) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/compostable-shields ## Key Figures - Trend score: 5.6/10 - Evidence articles: 4 ## What is the Compostable Shields trend? **Compostable Shields:** The COVID-19 pandemic has lead to a shortage of personal protective equipment for frontline workers and the public. As a result, brands that have pivoted production to offer a solution to this are creating single-use face masks and gloves that can be composted after use to reduce waste. ## The consumer insight behind the Compostable Shields trend The COVID-19 pandemic has brought awareness to many consumers about the amount of single-use products used by the health industry, leading many eco-conscious consumers to be concerned with the number of disposable products filling up landfills and waterways. This demographic is asking the industry to re-examine these practices and have turned to brands to provide sustainable alternatives to mitigate the environmental impact. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 4 featured examples - Articles from: Mar 24 to May 27, 2020 - Published: May 26, 2020 - Patterns: [Cyclicality](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/cyclicality) - Megatrends: [Naturality](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/naturality) ## Audience - Gender: 30% men, 70% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Themes within the Compostable Shields trend ### Compostable PPE Brands are creating single-use face masks and gloves that can be composted after use to reduce waste in response to the demand for PPE during COVID-19. ### Sustainable Fabric Masks Companies are creating face masks from sustainable fabrics like coffee and bacterial cellulose in response to the demand for non-medical protection in public. ### Compostable N95 Masks Researches are developing compostable N95 face masks made from local wood fibers to address the detrimental environmental impact of increased use of disposable masks during COVID-19. ## What the Compostable Shields trend means for industry ### For Healthcare The healthcare industry can explore sustainable and compostable PPE to mitigate the environmental impact of current practices. ### For Fashion The fashion industry can use sustainable fabrics like coffee and bacterial cellulose to revolutionize the use of face masks for everyday wear. ### For Environmental The environmental industry can help bring awareness to the detrimental impact of one-time use face masks on the planet and explore new sustainable alternatives like wood fibers to create compostable N95 masks. ## Workshop question How can your brand pivot its product to be environmentally-friendly to appeal to eco-conscious consumers? ## Trend signals for Compostable Shields Trend score 5.6 out of 10, from popularity 84%, activity 76%, freshness 9%. - Popularity: 84% - Activity: 76% - Freshness: 9% ## Examples of the Compostable Shields trend 4 featured examples from Mar 24 to May 27, 2020. - [Coffee-Based Face Masks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/airx): The Reusable AirX is Touted as the World's First-Ever Coffee Mask (Category: Eco) Implication: Disruptive innovation opportunity: Incorporate coffee-based materials into sustainable fashion products. - [Biodegradable Face Masks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/n95-masks): UBC Recently Launched Compostable, Made-in-Canada N95 Masks (Category: Eco) Implication: The healthcare industry can embrace compostable face masks as a sustainable alternative to traditional single-use masks, promoting environmental responsibility while ensuring pati… - [Bacteria-Grown Face Masks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mask-prototype): Sum Studio's Mask Prototype Approaches Production Sustainably (Category: Eco) Implication: Textile manufacturers can explore using bacterial cellulose as a sustainable alternative material in mask production. - [Biodegradable Single-Use Gloves](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/goodjudyca): GoodJudy.ca Offers Biodegradable Nitrile Gloves That are Food-Safe (Category: Eco) Implication: Disruptive innovation opportunity: Revolutionize the healthcare industry by introducing eco-friendly and allergy-free personal protective equipment, enhancing safety measures whil… ## Recent trend clusters - [Assisted Choices](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/weight-loss-medication-support) (Lifestyle) - [Storyline Sips](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/themed-drink-menus) (Lifestyle) - [Bedtime Cocoon](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/sleep-sensory-blocking) (Lifestyle) - [Source Signatures](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/oak-finish-whiskey) (Lifestyle) ## Trending in Eco - [Jewel-Toned Fall Apparel](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/quince-silk) - [Compostable Coffee Pucks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/compostable-coffee-pucks) - [Intelligent Private Grids](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ara-core-powers) - [Compact Electric Family MPVs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/compact-electric-family-mpvs) All articles: [Eco](https://www.trendhunter.com/eco)