Life cycle assessment and circularity evaluation of the non-medical masks in the Covid-19 pandemic: a Brazilian case

Marcell Mariano Corrêa Maceno (), Samuel João, Danielle Raphaela Voltolini and Izabel Cristina Zattar
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Marcell Mariano Corrêa Maceno: Federal University of Paraná
Samuel João: Federal University of Paraná
Danielle Raphaela Voltolini: Department of Technological Innovation Management, WEG Group
Izabel Cristina Zattar: Federal University of Paraná

Environment, Development and Sustainability: A Multidisciplinary Approach to the Theory and Practice of Sustainable Development, 2023, vol. 25, issue 8, No 27, 8055-8082

Abstract: Abstract This paper aims to evaluate the life cycle impact and the circularity of face masks to support government public policies in extreme consumption of these products as in the case of the Covid-19. The reference case was the Brazilian context for using and consuming Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). Two types of face masks were defined for analysis: handmade reusable face masks made with cotton fabric and single-use face masks made with nonwoven fabric. To achieve this goal, the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) steps following ISO 14040 and the Material Circularity Indicator (MCI) by the Ellen Macarthur Foundation were applied. The results obtained show that the reuse of face masks has a better environmental performance over five uses. The comparative analysis between the ReCiPe 2016 and IMPACT World+ methods shows that the impact categories linked to human health are the most important in terms of environmental impact. Nevertheless, the trend toward improved environmental performance for the handmade reusable face mask has continued. The possibility of recycling shows that the reintegration of material after the use of the product could improve the environmental performance of both face masks. Finally, the reuse increases the circularity of cotton fabric masks compared to nonwoven fabric masks according to MCI. In this way, it is possible to observe that the handmade reusable face mask has a better environmental performance and a higher circularity than the single-use face mask. Thus, the results of the environmental performance and circularity of the face masks may support the decision of government agents to guide the public in the use of face masks, not only contributing to the protection of health against Covid-19, but also reducing the environmental impact of PPE. Furthermore, the methodological steps adopted in the study gives greater reliability in the conclusions obtained.

Keywords: LCA; Circularity evaluation; Non-medical face masks; Personal protective equipment (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023
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DOI: 10.1007/s10668-022-02388-2

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