Trends in Surgical and Beauty Masks for a Cleaner Environment

The document discussed the environmental impact of non-biodegradable surgical face masks (SFMs) and beauty face masks (BFMs), which were primarily made from petrol-derived polymers. These masks contributed significantly to global waste, estimated at about 2 billion tons per year. The study highlighted the need for biodegradable alternatives, which could offer antimicrobial and skin-repairing benefits for SFMs and hydrating and anti-aging benefits for BFMs. The shift towards biodegradable masks was driven by consumer demand for environmentally friendly products, aiming to reduce pollution and promote a greener future.