RT Report
T1 Single-Use Face Masks and their Alternatives: Recommendations from Life Cycle Assessments
A1 United Nations Environment Programme, 
A2 Notten, Philippa
A2 Gower, Alexandra
A2 Lewis, Yvonne
K1 recycling
K1 life cycle
K1 COVID-19
K1 environmental aspect
K1 surgical mask
SN 978-92-807-3924-4
YR 2022
FD 2022-06
LK https://wedocs.unep.org/handle/20.500.11822/40121
UL https://wedocs.unep.org/handle/20.500.11822/40121
NO This 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.
DS UN Environment Document Repository
RD Sep 16, 2026