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Why do disposable masks need to use polylactic acid fiber

source:www.kingcharmgroup.com  |  Release time:2026-06-15
1、 Core: Addressing the significant white pollution caused by disposable masks (primary reason)
      Ordinary disposable masks have two layers inside and outside, and the filter element is made of polypropylene (PP) petroleum based plastic, which is difficult to decompose in natural environments for hundreds of years. Abandoned masks cause microplastic pollution in soil and water bodies.
      PLA raw materials come from plant starch such as corn and cassava, which are renewable biomass and do not rely on crude oil refining. The carbon footprint of production is 50% -70% lower than that of PP;
      Industrial compost completely decomposes into CO ₂ and water in a high humidity environment of 55-60 ℃ for about 180 days, with no toxic residue or microplastic residue, in compliance with EN13432 and T/AHPCA 021 biodegradable mask standards;
      Abandoned medical masks belong to hazardous solid waste. PLA significantly reduces the pressure of end of pipe disposal, and can be disposed of harmlessly through landfill and composting, adapting to the global trend of plastic restriction and low-carbon policies.
2、 Medical wearing experience: skin friendly and antibacterial, suitable for facial contact
1. Natural weak acidity, low sensitivity and skin friendly
      PLA fiber has a pH close to human skin, excellent biocompatibility, no chemical irritation, sensitive skin, and is less prone to redness and itching when worn by children. It is superior to PP inert plastic;
2. Native antibacterial and mite inhibiting properties
      No need to add additional antibacterial agents, it has a high prevention rate against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus, and the inner layer of the mask is less likely to breed bacteria, sweat and smell, making it more hygienic and safe;
3. Soft to the touch, breathable and dry
      More delicate and smooth than PP spunbond fabric, with strong fiber capillary moisture conductivity, allowing for quick release of exhaled water vapor. Wearing it for a long time will not cause discomfort or stickiness to the face; Good fluffiness, fits snugly without hurting the skin.
3、 The filtration and protection performance meets the standard, and it can replace PP as a three-layer structure
      PLA can be used as both outer/inner spunbond fabric and melt spun to make melt blown filter cartridges, meeting the protective requirements of medical masks
      PLA meltblown fabric is capable of electrostatic discharge, with a BFE bacterial filtration efficiency of ≥ 95%, PFE particulate matter filtration meeting standards, controllable respiratory resistance, and achieving the protection level of disposable medical/surgical masks;
      Mechanical strength is sufficient: it is stretchable, tear resistant, and pull resistant, and can be worn normally without holes or significant shedding of fibers; The hot pressing edge sealing and ear band welding processes are mature and stable in mass production;
      Flame retardant safety: Maximum oxygen index 26-27, self extinguishing upon ignition, no pungent toxic smoke during combustion, and qualified medical consumables safety standards.
4、 Safe without precipitation, compliant in medical scenarios
      The entire production process is free of plasticizers, heavy metals, and harmful monomers, meeting the hygiene requirements of GB15979 and the YY medical mask system testing standards;
      The one-time short-term use at room temperature has a stable structure and will not be hydrolyzed or damaged in advance during the wearing process. Degradation only starts when entering the composting microbial environment, and the storage and wearing cycle performance is stable and does not deform.
5、 Supplementary Comparison: PLA vs Traditional PP Mask Shortcomings (Why hasn't it been completely replaced)
      The raw material cost of PLA is higher than that of PP, and the finished product price is more expensive;
      PLA has lower heat resistance (melting point 160-170 ℃), and its processing temperature control requirements are stricter than PP; Long term storage in high humidity results in a slightly faster decay of polar charges;
      The degradation rate of natural soil and seawater is slow, and only under composting conditions can complete degradation occur rapidly; The degradation cycle of ordinary trash cans for daily disposal has become longer.