A Swiss federal research institute has found that disposable surgical masks made of plastic are more environmentally friendly than cotton fabric masks based on a lifecycle assessment.
This content was published on
2 minutes
Empa/jdp
The analysisExternal link was released on Wednesday by the Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology (Empa).
The mask study took into account the greenhouse gas balance, energy and water consumption as well as the overall environmental impact (expressed in so-called environmental impact points) of the production, use and disposal of both a disposable surgical mask and a fabric mask made of cotton.
This was calculated for a person who uses public transport to commute to work on a daily basis and goes shopping three times a week. Based on recommendations from the Swiss National Covid-19 Science Task Force, this person would either use two cotton masks per week, which are washed at 60° Celsius (140° Fahrenheit) after use and disposed of after five washing cycles, or 13 disposable polypropylene surgical masks.
Contrary what many would expect, the cotton mask performed worse than the disposable mask when considering the overall balance.
Roland Hischier, head of Empa’s Life Cycle Assessment Group, explained that this is because the “fabric mask has a very high environmental impact during manufacturing”. This is because cotton cultivation is very water intensive. Cotton fabric masks perform better than surgical masks in terms of energy consumption and greenhouse gas balance.
How the mask was produced can also put the fabric mask out ahead. For example, if the regions where the cotton is harvested have a high proportion of rain irrigation or use recycled cotton the so-called water footprint of cotton masks would be better, said Hischier.
If the fabric can be washed 20 times (rather than five) without losing its protective function, it is ahead of the disposable mask in terms of ecological impact. This could be a factor to consider in the design of masks. Empa also notes that some masks are also not disposed of properly, creating environmental pollution.
The researchers are planning to look at other types of masks, such as compostable version, as well as additional factors to include in the assessment methodology such as antiviral coatings on masks that could increase the wearing time between washes.
Swiss Hells Angels trial alleges rape and money laundering
This content was published on
An allegedly high-ranking member of the Hells Angels is accused of money laundering totalling millions and rape, among other serious crimes.
SWISS is airline ‘group flagship’ says Lufthansa boss
This content was published on
Despite challenges, Lufthansa and its most important subsidiary, Swiss International Airlines, promise increased satisfaction and continued growth.
Swiss rediscover communist zeal after 84-year hiatus
This content was published on
Over 300 participants founded the Revolutionary Communist Party (RKP) at its congress in Burgdorf in canton Bern at the weekend.
This content was published on
Nemo brought the Eurovision Song Contest to Switzerland with a victory on Saturday evening in Malmö, Sweden. It is Switzerland's third victory in the history of the music contest.
Switzerland abstains from vote on Palestinian bid for full UN membership
This content was published on
On Friday, Switzerland abstained from the vote at the General Assembly on granting the Palestinians new rights at the United Nations (UN).
This content was published on
More than 1,000 volunteers have picked up five tonnes of rubbish across Switzerland as part of the annual World Cleanup Day.
Plastic: How can the Swiss use so much and recycle so little?
This content was published on
Switzerland consumes three times as much plastic as EU countries, but recycles 30% less. Bans on plastic in the EU and China may change that.
You can find an overview of ongoing debates with our journalists here . Please join us!
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.