Eco Masque IIR

The objective was to design Type IIR surgical masks that are bio-based and biodegradable, in order to reduce their environmental impact while ensuring effective protection for public-facing personnel. This project also aimed to promote local resources and regional expertise. CANOE developed the various layers of the mask, including the filter layer, the inner and outer layers, and identified suitable materials for the additional components such as the nose clip and ear loops. Several hundred prototypes were assembled, tested, and characterized, and a techno-economic study was conducted. This innovation is part of a sustainable development approach, promoting the reduction of plastic waste, the use of local raw materials, and the creation of a regional industrial sector. It also helps to reduce the carbon footprint associated with transportation and supports the transition to a circular economy.