Have a question about your 55% Biodegradable 3-Ply Mask? See our FAQ below for more information. If you have additional questions, please contact us at hi@shopvida.com.
Product Specifications
- This US-made mask is hypoallergenic. It is a three-layer mask which is 55% biodegradable.
- The inner & outer layers are BPI-Certified, biodegradable, nonwoven fabric derived from cornstarch.
- Featuring soft eco-elastic ear loops
- A filtration efficiency of >95% BFE & PFE and a notably high breathability rate of 3.14mm H2O/cm2 (Differential Pressure).
- It includes a prepaid return label to send back your used masks for recycling/composting.
- 66% sustainable: This is calculated by mass. Compostable materials + the OEKO-TEX certified post-consumer recycled nylon eco-elastic.
- Ear loops- recycled (OEKO-TEX certified post-consumer recycled nylon eco-elastic)
- Two layers BPI-certified compostable PLA
- High filtration melt blown filtration layer. Lab tested non-toxic.
What are the dimensions of this mask? What are the available sizes?
At the moment, this only comes in a regular adult size (6.89" W x 3.74" L (Ear loop - 6.06")). We are developing biodegradable kids products and are planning to have these for you in May.
These mask can be made to fit kids using our Mask Comfort Fit Set. Mask fit can also be improved using the knot and tuck method as shown on this video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GzTAZDsNBe0
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NFL-fS5ZZug
Where are these made?
The masks are made in the USA. These masks are made by a woman-owned, minority-owned and operated small business on a mission to reduce plastic waste and create a new vision for the future of the environment within this new normal in Florida. The biodegradable masks are created with thoughtful consumerism in mind.
What materials are the masks made from?
This is a 3-layer face mask. Inner and Outer layers are BPI-certified, biodegradable, nonwoven fabric, with soft eco-elastic ear loops, and a non-toxic melt-blown filter layer that offers >95% BFE protection.
What are the filtration capabilities of these masks?
- > 98% BFE protection (Bacterial Filtration Efficiency)
- > 95% PFE protection (Particle Filtration Efficiency)
Here are the test reports:
Biodegradability Test Report/Compostability
Flammability and Resistance to Blood Penetration
What’s the shelf life for these masks?
We do not have any defined shelf life on the Bio masks. Even by NIOSH standards, there are currently no requirements for shelf-life; https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/npptl/respirators/testing/ExpiredN95results.html. Studies such as this one have shown that there is no significant change in the level of protection over time. Generally, disposable face masks claim to have a shelf life between 3-5 years after the date of manufacture.
Can I compost the mask at home? If not, how or where do I send it for industrial composting?
No, this is recommended to be returned for industrial composting. The biodegradable components should be disposed of in a compost facility. Other components such as the nose strip and paper based packaging can also be properly disposed of through recycling.
If a compostable product has more of a paper consistency, or is a very thin film, it can potentially be disposed of in a backyard compost. However, this is not guaranteed, since decomposition relies on the elements (heat, moisture, oxygen). Having these masks on commercial or industrial composting which is designed to handle a very high volume of organic waste, as opposed to private or home composting, the process is a lot faster resulting in high-quality compost for soil remediation, thus, a greener environment.
What makes this mask biodegradable?
This mask is made up of one of the synthetic biodegradable polymers - poly(lactic acid), a polymer which can be produced from renewable resources annually through fermentation and polymerization processes.
What is a PLA (Polylactic Acid)
Polylactide (PLA) is a biodegradable, biocompatible, and renewable thermoplastic polyester, mainly derived from corn starch. It has characteristics similar to polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE), or polystyrene (PS). It can be produced from already existing manufacturing equipment (those designed and originally used for petrochemical industry plastics). This makes it relatively cost-efficient to produce. Accordingly, PLA has the second largest production volume of any bioplastic (the most commonly typically cited as thermoplastic starch).
How long does it take for these masks to decompose?
When sorted and properly composted in the right facility, biodegradable and compostable plastics (biopolymers) will only take about three to six months to return to their basic states after decomposition.
How are these masks tested?
The certifying bodies of the materials we use to manufacture our masks use the ASTM - D5526-18 and EN 13432: 2000 (European equivalent standard) respectively. We vetted sustainable suppliers in our R&D and have their respective certifications mentioned above.
While properly disposing and composting face masks is the goal, the materials themselves are renewably sourced, bio-based, recycled, and lab-tested non-toxic, which altogether make a huge difference in terms of carbon emissions, sourcing, and manufacturing.
Comments
0 comments
Please sign in to leave a comment.