The need for protective face masks is creating an influx of PPE litter and Masuku is one company that's offering a solution for responsibly dealing with a product at the end of its usable life. Masuku was co-founded by Johann Boedecker, CEO of design and technology company Pentatonic and model and entrepreneur Natalia Vodianova. The UK-based start-up makes face masks that go beyond offering comfort and breathability. As Boedecker describes, "The idea was to create a mask that’s at the same level as a product as consumer electronics, fashion, and other product categories are."
The new Masuku One mask is comparable to an N95 mask and it boasts the ability to filter out 94% of particles. The mask includes a compostable filter and the mask itself can be sent back to the company for recycling.
Key Themes Behind This Trend
- Reusable Face Masks
- The trend of reusable face masks can lead to the development of biodegradable and recyclable materials for masks.
- Circular Economy
- The circular economy trend can lead to more companies like Masuku that offer sustainable solutions for disposing of products at the end of their usable life.
- Smart PPE
- The trend towards smart PPE can lead to the development of masks that not only protect but also offer additional benefits such as air quality monitoring.
Where This Applies
- Sustainability
- The sustainability industry can benefit from developing better sustainable materials and solutions for PPE disposal like Masuku's masks.
- Fashion
- The fashion industry can explore the trend of fashionable face masks that can be reused and recycled to reduce waste.
- Healthcare
- The healthcare industry can leverage the trend of smart PPE and develop masks that actively monitor air quality and other indicators for protection against airborne disease risks.
