Exploring The Feasibility of Repurposing Wasted Disposable Face Masks into Sustainable Food Trays in The Food and Restaurant Industry

Abstract

Continuously since the COVID-19 pandemic started, the need and demand for disposable face masks increased. As demand increases, the production of disposable masks also increases, producing both quality products and rejects. Disposable masks, made mostly of polypropylene, serve as an effective means of protection for individuals to fight against the spread of respiratory infections, including the previously unidentified COVID-19 virus. These masks, which are lightweight and effective at catching respiratory droplets, quickly became an essential part of millions of people's daily lives around the world. However, due to their ease of use and extensive use, an unexpected volume of discarded masks has resulted, raising environmental problems due to their non-biodegradable nature. In response to the global challenge of plastic pollution, this study aims to integrate sustainability by exploring the feasibility of repurposing wasted disposable facemasks into a sustainable food tray in the food and restaurant industry. 600 grams of rejected facemasks has been used in the process of creating a food tray with a dimensions of 34.29 cm x 22.86 cm x 0.77 cm. The repurposing of facemasks into a tray represents a unique and innovative approach to sustainability and creativity.