Marimask: A Biodegradable Mask for Marine Life Protection

Reducing Pollution and Saving Marine Life, One Mask at a Time

Marimask is a face mask with easy-cutting straps, designed to guide people in the proper disposal of masks and reduce the risk of marine life being entangled. Made from biodegradable materials, this innovative mask can be degraded and composted after use, minimizing its impact on the environment.

The mask and its packaging are made of seaweed-based materials, which can be biodegraded in soil or seawater. The addition of seaweed fiber to the mask also provides antibacterial properties, creating an environment where bacteria cannot survive. Furthermore, the mask meets the standard filter efficiency of KN95, ensuring effective protection against airborne particles.

Marimask not only addresses the environmental impact of disposable masks but also educates users on the importance of cutting the straps. The packaging includes intuitive graphic information and a simple push-button mechanism that allows users to easily cut off the mask straps before disposal. By making this behavior more natural and efficient, Marimask encourages individuals to protect marine life through simple daily actions.

The design process for Marimask presented several challenges. The team had to carefully select a structure that enabled people to cut the straps in a natural and efficient way. Ultimately, they chose a push-button mechanism that aligns with the action of removing the mask, making it easy and convenient for users.

Marimask was developed in Guangzhou, with the project starting in December 2022 and finishing in February 2023. The design team, consisting of Yawen Chen, Xiaofeng Wu, Lixuan Zhao, and Angchi Huang, conducted extensive research to understand the impact of discarded masks on marine life. Their findings revealed that less than 20% of people are aware of the proper way to dispose of masks by cutting the straps.

The innovative design and environmental impact of Marimask have been recognized with the Iron A' Design Award in the Disposable and Single-Use Product Design category. This prestigious award is given to well-designed, practical, and innovative creations that meet professional and industrial requirements. Marimask's integration of industry best practices, competent technical characteristics, and commitment to a better world have earned it this accolade.

With Marimask, Yawen Chen and her team have created a solution that not only protects individuals but also safeguards marine life and the environment. By promoting proper mask disposal and utilizing biodegradable materials, Marimask sets a new standard for sustainable design in the face mask industry.