We’ve all seen pictures of landfills around the world filled to the brim with rubbish, and that’s only worsened thanks to our use of surgical face masks during Covid-19. These masks won’t be going anywhere for hundreds of years, which is not only awful for the environment, but equally dangerous for our health.
Enter reMatter, Hong Kong’s first biodegradable mask. Here’s what you need to know about the company that is working to minimise the impact of COVID-19 medical waste on the environment.
Research has shown that globally, we’re using 129 billion – with a “b!” – face masks every month, most of which are single-use disposable and made from plastic microfibres. reMatter founder, Alex Lee, realised that the problem was worsening as the pandemic continued, and with his team, developed Hong Kong’s first biodegradable mask.
When reMatter masks are thrown away, they’re exposed to microbes and enzymes in the landfill and break down into water, carbon dioxide and other non-toxic gases. After 90 days, more than 15% of the masks can decompose, while the entire mask can decompose after five years.
Available in stylish white and mint colourways, sustainability has been considered at every point of the production process of the reMatter masks – they’re packaged in biodegradable plastic bags, and are then put into bamboo paper boxes with zero printing. The masks and packaging are made locally, reducing carbon emissions from transportation.
Alex says, “The sudden epidemic has significantly increased the global demand for masks, and a huge number of discarded masks have caused irreversible damage to the natural environment, such as the soil and the ocean. We created the reMatter mask in the hopes that everyone can protect themselves while also protecting the ecological environment and reducing damage to the earth.”
Of course, we’re still living with COVID, so protection is more important than how the mask looks. Thankfully, the reMatter masks are made with three layers, which is what the World Health Organization recommends, so you can be sure that not only are you protecting yourself and those around you by wearing reMatter masks, you’re also doing your bit for the environment.
Alex echoes this, saying, “Wearing masks has become a matter of course. The reMatter mask made in Hong Kong hopes to give Hong Kong people one more choice to protect themselves while also practicing a sustainable, green and healthy life.”
If you’re interested in checking out reMatter, you can find them at their pop-up store in Harbour City that’s open from now until 28 February 2022!
Learn more on reMatter’s website.
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