Major mask material producer unveils plant-based alternative

In Taiwan, polyester producer Far Eastern New Century Corp has developed surgical masks using sugarcane bagasse.

The new masks have a 60% lower carbon footprint compared to petroleum-based masks, but also cost about three times as much, FENC tells Central News Agency. Nonetheless, interest has been firm, particularly from Japan and Europe. The fibers can also be used in diapers and alcohol wipes.

FENC supplies over a tenth of global mask materials market, and also produces polyethylene via sugarcane ethanol.

Mask demand has skyrocketed a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, but there have been concerns over the large amount of waste being generated.

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