'Marimask' by Yawen Chen: Innovation in Biodegradable Mask

Marimask

Biodegradable Mask for Yawen Chen

Every month that the planet faces the coronavirus, an estimated 200 billion disposable face masks are being disposed of and entering rivers and oceans. These synthetic PPE items can hurt marine life by entangling them with straps, polluting the environment with their Non-biodegradable material. Marimask is a face mask with easy-cutting straps. It guides people to click the button, which can easily cut off the mask straps, aiming to reduce the risk of marine life strangled by masks. Being made of Biodegradable Materials, it can be degraded and composted later after use.

Yawen Chen 2023 Emergent Iron Press Kit № 150054

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Marimask by Yawen Chen

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Biodegradable Mask by Yawen Chen

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Yawen Chen Marimask

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Yawen Chen Biodegradable Mask

Download 1800 Pixels JPEG Image.

Maximize the potential of this 1800-pixel image: at 300 DPI, it delivers exceptional detail up to 6 inches, while at 150 DPI, it offers clarity for prints up to 12 inches. Unlock high-res, watermark-free images with press accreditation, or instantly download a low-res version today. Consult the Image Credits Section for information on photo credits.

Marimask Biodegradable Mask Press Releases

Press resources for Marimask are offered in several languages: English.

Marimask Biodegradable Mask Media Articles

Utilize our prepared articles to feature Marimask, available in the languages: Italian, Indonesian, Hindi, English, Spanish, Chinese (Mandarin), German, French, Portuguese, Dutch, Turkish, Korean, Arabic (Standard), Japanese and Russian.

Unique Properties

Marimask is a face mask with easy-cutting straps. It guides people to click the button, which can easily cut off the mask straps, aiming to reduce the risk of marine life strangled by masks. Being made of Biodegradable Materials, it can be degraded and composted later after use.

Production Technology

Marimask and its package are made of seaweed-based materials, which can be biodegraded in soil or seawater. The seaweed fiber added to the mask has an antibacterial effect because it will form a weak acid environment rich in sodium and calcium ions, where bacteria cannot survive. Additionally, the filter efficiency of the mask reaches the standard of KN95.

Design Challenge

The most difficult part of the design process is selecting the appropriate structure to enable people to cut the straps in a natural and efficient way. Finally, we chose the Push-button structure, which makes the action of cutting the straps consistent with that of removing the mask, which is easy and convenient. Additionally, we innovatively use the seaweed-based materials that can be degraded and composted later after use to add more value of environmental protection.

Project Duration

The project started in December 2022 and finished in February 2023 in Guangzhou.

Operation Flow

People can learn the significance of cutting mask straps to save marine life from Marimask’s package. When they run out of the mask, they can click the button and the mask straps will be cut off. And then they can throw it in a dustbin. The mask will be biodegraded in soil or seawater, which is environmentally and sustainable.

Research

Abstract Research types- Interpreting research. Purpose- The pollution of discarded masks has become a huge threat to marine life. However, little design has provided a practical way to solve this problem. This work aims to remind people to cut the straps when discarding masks and make this behavior more natural and efficient. Design/methodology/approach- Primary research, secondary research, Focus Groups, User Journey Map, etc. Findings- Every month that the planet faces the coronavirus, an estimated 200 billion disposable face masks are being disposed of and entering rivers and oceans. These synthetic PPE items can hurt marine life by entangling them with straps, polluting the environment with their Non-biodegradable material. Cutting straps is a proper way to discard the masks. However, only less than 20% of people know it. Originality/value- We design a face mask with easy-cutting straps. Through intuitive graphic information and simple operation, it mobilizes people to protect marine life through simple daily behaviors and makes an outstanding contribution to marine protection.

Inspiration

Every month that the planet faces the coronavirus, an estimated 200 billion disposable face masks are being disposed of and entering rivers and oceans. These synthetic PPE items can hurt marine life by entangling them with straps, polluting the environment with their Non-biodegradable material. Cutting straps is a proper way to discard the masks. However, only less than 20% of people know it.

Project Overview

Marimask Biodegradable Mask has been a Iron winner in the Disposable and Single-Use Product Design award category in the year 2022 organized by the prestigious A' Design Award & Competition. The Iron A' Design Award is awarded to good designs that meet the rigorous professional and industrial standards set by the A' Design Awards. This recognition is reserved for works that demonstrate a solid understanding of design principles and show creativity within their execution. Recipients of the Iron A' Design Award are acknowledged for their practical innovations and contributions to their respective fields, providing solutions that improve quality of life and foster positive change. These designs are a testament to the skill and dedication of their creators, showcasing their ability to address real-world challenges through thoughtful design.

Image Credits

For design images and photos please credit Yawen Chen.

Iron Recognition

Yawen Chen was recognized with the coveted Iron A' Design Award in 2023, a testament to excellence of their work Marimask Biodegradable Mask.

Yawen Chen Press Releases

Explore the world of Yawen Chen through our press releases, designed for media members to use freely and enrich your content. Immediate access is granted to 1 press releases for all journalists.

Introducing Marimask: The Biodegradable Mask Designed to Protect Marine Life

Guangzhou, China - February 2023

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