Are cork masks the future of reusable personal protective equipment? Disposable PPE is littering the planet and its waterways while clogging landfills with unnecessary plastic waste. Cotton masks are great, but unless they are made from reclaimed fabric from clothing or sheets they still pose an unnecessary environmental impact. The most sustainable textile out there is cork, and cork offers additional environmental benefits.
Cork is a sustainable material that increases biodiversity in the world’s forests. When cork bark is harvested, the trees absorb five times the amount of carbon dioxide, making it an excellent carbon sink. When cork is no longer needed it is both biodegradable and recyclable.
Cork is naturally antimicrobial as well as hypoallergenic, so it’s an ideal material to use for face masks. It’s washable, vegan, and PETA-approved. It’s naturally buoyant and lightweight.
Cork face masks are lined with nonwoven fabric, making them effective at stopping respiratory droplets. Learn more about cork masks below.
Infographic source: https://www.corkmasks.com/
