FPInnovations, a Canada-based R&D centre, has developed a biodegradable face mask for public use that is ready to be commercialised by the country’s manufacturers.
While launching the masks, Canadian Minister of Natural Resources Seamus O’Regan informed that it’s the result of a C$ 3.30 million project.
The collaborative research and scientific innovation between FPInnovations and its partners in the project allowed for the successful development of a fully biodegradable mask using a unique pilot-scale paper-machine.
Not just the mask filtering materials, FPInnovations has also identified and incorporated elastic ear loops and nose pieces that are biodegradable. These mask components can be readily assembled on existing commercial mask-converting machines.
According to the developers, the mask has been assessed by external labs on international norms and will set the standard for non-medical masks in terms of filtration, breathability and biodegradability.
FPInnovations has recently attained the more demanding ASTM norms for filtration efficiency and breathability that are required for procedure masks.
“The development of this biodegradable mask clearly shows that stimulating the bioeconomy can contribute to a cleaner environment in Canada,” commented Stéphane Renou, President and CEO, FPInnovations.
Bharat Tex Special Report 2026 
