ECO UVmask

In response to Covid-19, this sustainable solution consists of two components. A transparent, breathable, high protection mask made of 100% sustainable materials and a portable case that uses UV-C disinfection technology.

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The problem

In 2020 the world was affected by the Covid-19 pandemic. Personal protective equipment has become an essential weapon against the virus. As most countries in the world have made wearing face masks mandatory in indoor spaces and public transports, billions of them are used and discarded on a daily basis. However, most of the masks available contain plastic layers and are for a certain number of uses, while homemade masks are claimed to offer low protection. Therefore, billions of tonnes of non-recyclable mask waste already pollute the environment. There is a high demand for more sustainable solutions in this field, as people should be able to protect both themselves and nature and not have to choose one against the other.

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Product overview

An overview with the main components and functions of the product

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User journey

A description of how the product is used.

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It makes it easy!

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I am a recent graduate in the Product Design Engineering master course. Having a background in Production Engineering and Management I am familiar with technical issues and I have developed strong problem-solving skills. However, I have always been more interested in people and nature than in machines and production lines. Being a Product Design Engineer gives me the opportunity to fulfil my passion which is to solve problems but with a more creative and human-centred approach.

This year at the Glasgow School of Art I learned a lot about design thinking and design processes and gained valuable skills for my next steps. As a member of the Covid-19 class, we faced practical limitations, but it was an opportunity to show flexibility and creativity and find alternative ways to complete our projects.

This project was based on my particular interest in sustainable design and a problem arising due to Covid-19 pandemic. This is the Personal Protective Equipment and the terrible consequences that this waste has on the environment. More specifically mask waste adds to the already existing plastic pollution, as it contains plastic layers. ECO UVmask is a reusable sustainable mask which offers high protection, focuses on human needs, has a portable case where it can be easily stored and sterilised and after its disposal does not remain in the environment.