Development bio-based and biodegradable non-woven materials for protective equipment

Development of bio-based materials is significant step towards sustainable medical face mask and disposable and reusable filtering half mask ("mask") production and reduced environmental impact. Through the Bio-Prot Co-innovation project and ecosystem constructed by 2030, a sustainable mask manufacturing industry will be established in Europe.

VTT's sub-project focuses on use of bio-based alternatives for production of masks as well as ensuring antimicrobial, technical properties and performance of masks. In materials development we focus on thermoplastic processing methods for biobased polymers and use of those as base material and as filtration layer nonwowen to be used as disposable mask or in making of reusable mask. In addition, we will study other types of biobased concepts for masks. For tasks related to manufacturing of face masks VTT will leverage knowledge on possibilities, hinderers, gaps and critical points of biobased facemask manufacturing in general level. In cooperation with the consortium and stakeholders, VTT establishes a concept for a "chain of quality" for biobased facemask manufacturing that covers all the steps from manufacturer in house quality checks and different approvals stages to the use of the product. VTT will provide deeper understanding on features that affect overall protection especially during the use of masks and tolerance of biomaterials against stresses during use and expected shelf life. VTT provides knowledge on approaches to elevate the performance of biomasks during use exploiting e.g. initial concepts developed in a preceding co-creation phase.