Single-Use Face Masks and their Alternatives: Recommendations from Life Cycle Assessments

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dc.contributor.authorUnited Nations Environment Programme
dc.contributor.organizationEconomy Division
dc.contributor.otherNotten, Philippa
dc.contributor.otherGower, Alexandra
dc.contributor.otherLewis, Yvonne
dc.date.accessioned2022-06-08T06:58:33Z
dc.date.available2022-06-08T06:58:33Z
dc.date.issued2022-06
dc.descriptionThis study by UNEP and the Life Cycle Initiative, reviews five scientific Life Cycle Assessments (LCA) on face-masks to draw conclusions on which among the available alternatives, single-use or reusable, have the lowest environmental impacts, along their life cycle – from extraction of raw materials, to their end of life. The report finds that reusable masks (particularly if made from synthetic materials) are less damaging for the environment than single-use face masks, and reusable cotton masks, if used responsibly and economically. To identify which type of face masks are environmentally preferred; the study considers the following factors: • Number of reuses and washing practices (which are key to minimize environmental impacts); • Materials used; • Guidelines and standards on how to use masks; • Location of production vs. point of sale (transport); and • End-of-life disposal.en
dc.formatpdf
dc.identifier.isbn978-92-807-3924-4
dc.identifier.otherDTI/2422/PA
dc.identifier.urihttps://wedocs.unep.org/handle/20.500.11822/40121
dc.languageEnglish
dc.page.number49 pages
dc.relation.ispartofLife Cycle Initiative
dc.rights.accessLevelPublic
dc.subjectrecycling
dc.subjectlife cycle
dc.subjectCOVID-19
dc.subjectenvironmental aspect
dc.subjectsurgical mask
dc.subject.sdgSDG 3 - Good Health and Well-Being
dc.subject.sdgSDG 12 - Responsible Consumption and Production
dc.titleSingle-Use Face Masks and their Alternatives: Recommendations from Life Cycle Assessmentsen
dc.typeTechnical report

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