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Engineering Design Process of Face Masks Based on Circularity and Life Cycle Assessment in the Constraint of the COVID-19 Pandemic

Author

Listed:
  • Núria Boix Rodríguez

    (Department of Engineering and Architecture, University of Parma, 43124 Parma, Italy)

  • Giovanni Formentini

    (Department of Engineering and Architecture, University of Parma, 43124 Parma, Italy)

  • Claudio Favi

    (Department of Engineering and Architecture, University of Parma, 43124 Parma, Italy)

  • Marco Marconi

    (Department of Economics, Engineering, Society and Business Organization, Università degli Studi della Tuscia, 01100 Viterbo, Italy)

Abstract

Face masks are currently considered key equipment to protect people against the COVID-19 pandemic. The demand for such devices is considerable, as is the amount of plastic waste generated after their use (approximately 1.6 million tons/day since the outbreak). Even if the sanitary emergency must have the maximum priority, environmental concerns require investigation to find possible mitigation solutions. The aim of this work is to develop an eco-design actions guide that supports the design of dedicated masks, in a manner to reduce the negative impacts of these devices on the environment during the pandemic period. Toward this aim, an environmental assessment based on life cycle assessment and circularity assessment (material circularity indicator) of different types of masks have been carried out on (i) a 3D-printed mask with changeable filters, (ii) a surgical mask, (iii) an FFP2 mask with valve, (iv) an FFP2 mask without valve, and (v) a washable mask. Results highlight how reusable masks (i.e., 3D-printed masks and washable masks) are the most sustainable from a life cycle perspective, drastically reducing the environmental impacts in all categories. The outcomes of the analysis provide a framework to derive a set of eco-design guidelines which have been used to design a new device that couples protection requirements against the virus and environmental sustainability.

Suggested Citation

  • Núria Boix Rodríguez & Giovanni Formentini & Claudio Favi & Marco Marconi, 2021. "Engineering Design Process of Face Masks Based on Circularity and Life Cycle Assessment in the Constraint of the COVID-19 Pandemic," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(9), pages 1-26, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:13:y:2021:i:9:p:4948-:d:545194
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Jolanta Harasymiuk & Elżbieta Szafranko, 2022. "Method of Construction Projects’ Classification for Habitat Assessment in Poland and the Problem of Choosing Materials Solutions," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(7), pages 1-21, April.
    2. Honglei Lu & Chunxiao Zhu & Xin Cao & Yen Hsu, 2022. "The Sustainability Evaluation of Masks Based on the Integrated Rank Sum Ratio and Entropy Weight Method," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(9), pages 1-13, May.
    3. Marcell Mariano Corrêa Maceno & Samuel João & Danielle Raphaela Voltolini & Izabel Cristina Zattar, 2023. "Life cycle assessment and circularity evaluation of the non-medical masks in the Covid-19 pandemic: a Brazilian case," Environment, Development and Sustainability: A Multidisciplinary Approach to the Theory and Practice of Sustainable Development, Springer, vol. 25(8), pages 8055-8082, August.
    4. Tao, Yanqiu & You, Fengqi, 2021. "Can decontamination and reuse of N95 respirators during COVID-19 pandemic provide energy, environmental, and economic benefits?," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 304(C).

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