A life cycle assessment of reprocessing face masks during the Covid-19 pandemic

• DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-97188-5
• Publication Date: 2021-09-03T12:22:07Z
• Authors: Bart van Straten; S. Ligtelijn; L. Droog; E. Putman; J. Dankelman; N. H. Sperna Weiland; T. Horeman
• Keywords: Pandemic; 2019-20 coronavirus outbreak; Face masks; Betacoronavirus; Coronavirus Infections

The Covid-19 pandemic led to threatening shortages in healthcare of medical products such as face masks. Due this major impact on our society an initiative was conducted between March and July 2020 for reprocessing masks from 19 different hospitals. This exceptional opportunity used study the costs carbon footprint reprocessed relative new disposable aim is conduct a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) assess compare climate change disposed versus In total 18.166 high quality FFP2 were through steam sterilization 2020. Greenhouse gas emissions during production, transport, end-of-life processes assessed. background life cycle inventory data retrieved ecoinvent database. assessment method ReCiPe translate into impact. cost analysis based actual well associated compared prices A Monte Carlo sampling propagate uncertainty inputs LCA results. appears be 58% lower which reused five times one time only. sensitivity indicated that loading capacity autoclave rejection rate has large influence footprint. estimated price mask €1.40 against €1.55. demonstrates circular economy perspective have than For policymakers it important realize may reduced by means strategies. demonstrated when reusing times. Therefore, serve inspiration investigating other become scarce. Finally, advocates design engineering principles should taken account designing devices. will lead more sustainable manufactured at costs.