| dc.contributor | Economy Division | en_US |
| dc.contributor.author | United Nations Environment Programme | en_US |
| dc.contributor.other | Life Cycle Initiative | en_US |
| dc.contributor.other | Notten, Philippa | en_US |
| dc.contributor.other | Gower, Alexandra | en_US |
| dc.contributor.other | Lewis, Yvonne | en_US |
| dc.coverage.spatial | Global | en_US |
| dc.date.accessioned | 2022-06-08T06:58:33Z | |
| dc.date.available | 2022-06-08T06:58:33Z | |
| dc.date.issued | 2022-06 | |
| dc.identifier.isbn | 978-92-807-3924-4 | en_US |
| dc.identifier.other | DTI/2422/PA | en_US |
| dc.identifier.uri | https://wedocs.unep.org/20.500.11822/40121 | |
| dc.description | This study by UNEP and the Life Cycle Initiative, reviews five scientific Life Cycle Assessments (LCA) on face-masks to draw conclusions on which among the available alternatives, single-use or reusable, have the lowest environmental impacts, along their life cycle – from extraction of raw materials, to their end of life. The report finds that reusable masks (particularly if made from synthetic materials) are less damaging for the environment than single-use face masks, and reusable cotton masks, if used responsibly and economically. To identify which type of face masks are environmentally preferred; the study considers the following factors: • Number of reuses and washing practices (which are key to minimize environmental impacts); • Materials used; • Guidelines and standards on how to use masks; • Location of production vs. point of sale (transport); and • End-of-life disposal. | en_US |
| dc.format | Text | en_US |
| dc.language | English | en_US |
| dc.rights | Public | en_US |
| dc.subject | recycling | en_US |
| dc.subject | life cycle | en_US |
| dc.subject | COVID-19 | en_US |
| dc.subject | environmental aspect | en_US |
| dc.subject | surgical mask | en_US |
| dc.title | Single-Use Face Masks and their Alternatives: Recommendations from Life Cycle Assessments | en_US |
| wd.identifier.sdg | SDG 3 - Good Health and Well-being | en_US |
| wd.identifier.sdg | SDG 12 - Responsible Consumption and Production | en_US |
| wd.identifier.pagesnumber | 49 pages | en_US |
