FPInnovations pioneers green PPE

FPInnovations introduces world’s first ready-to-produce biodegradable and eco-friendly non-medical mask. (CNW Group/FPInnovations)

MONTREAL — FPInnovations, a Canadian research and development centre, has developed a biodegradable mask ready to be manufactured in Canada and ready for public use. The biodegradable mask is now ready for commercialization by Canadian manufacturers.

Seamus O’Regan, Minister of Natural Resources of Canada, announced the results of the $3.3 million mask project that was entrusted to FPInnovations.

“The development of a biodegradable mask clearly shows that stimulating the bioeconomy can contribute to a cleaner environment in Canada,” said Stéphane Renou, President and Chief Executive Officer of FPInnovations, in a prepared statement. “The outstanding collective scientific and technological expertise of the forest sector has been key to the success and speed of this project, and is proof that together, we are capable of bringing eco-friendly bio-sourced products through the pipeline from research to market within just months.”

The collaborative research and scientific innovation between FPInnovations and its partners allowed for the successful development of a fully biodegradable mask using its unique pilot-scale paper-machine. In addition of the mask filtering materials, FPInnovations has identified and incorporated elastic ear loops and nose pieces that are biodegradable.

The green Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) mask has been assessed by external labs according to international norms, and would set the standard for non-medical masks in terms of filtration, breathability, and biodegradability. FPInnovations recently attained the more demanding ASTM norms of filtration efficiency and breathability that are required for procedure masks.