Reusable face masks made from recycled plastic bottles

After a surge in plastic pollution from disposable personal protective equipment, Petit Pli has designed a washable fabric face mask made from recycled plastic bottles

Spotted: Although there have been some positive environmental changes since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been a surge in plastic pollution due to use of disposable personal protective equipment. In an effort to reduce this, Petit Pli Has used its patent-pending technology to create a reusable face mask. Made from recycled plastic bottles, the Beta (MSK) follows the contours of the face and is supported at the neck to provide optimal comfort.  

The mask fastens around the neck and features geometric pleats that the wearer can pull over their chin and nose. It also contains a pocket between the face and neck where an extra disposable filter can be inserted, which provides extra protection. The Beta (MSK) design creates as little fabric waste as possible, with the hard-wearing fabric made from 100 per cent recycled polyester from recycled plastic bottles. It can be machine washed at 30 degrees Celsius and is reusable.

The unique pleat design was developed by Petit Pli founder, Ryan Mario Yasin, who tapped into his background in aeronautical engineering. He also used this design for children’s clothes, where the folds can expand as the child grows. For the Beta (MSK), the pleats make it a comfortable accessory that can easily be converted into a face covering.

The Beta (MSK) is now available to pre-order on the Petit Pli website. They come in four colours: Luna Blue, Neptune Blue, Mars Red, and Aurora Green.  

This innovation is brought to you by Plastic Odyssey, an expedition across 3 continents that will reach areas most affected by plastic pollution and develop local solutions. Click here to learn more.

Explore more: Health & Wellbeing Innovations | COVID-19 Innovations