- The joint venture was created by supermodel and entrepreneur Natalia Vodianova and Pentatonic.
- Its next products Masuku Daily and Flat Fold will be launched soon.
- Masuku wants to partner with globally-renowned institutions and organisations to develop future generations of high-tech sustainable filtration devices.
It is estimated that more than three million face masks are disposed of every minute globally and it takes up to 450 years to decompose, representing catastrophic ecological impact and staggering pollution in our oceans, waterways and land environments.
One company that is trying to make a difference is the UK-based Masuku, whose masks are made of compostable materials to safeguard the health of the planet as well as the people.
Masuku is named after the Japanese word for ‘mask’.
The scientists at the start-up have completely reinvented the mask and when littered, it leaves behind no trace, unlike other masks which may deteriorate but are not bio-compatible and can leaving behind microplastics.
The joint venture was created by supermodel and entrepreneur Natalia Vodianova and Pentatonic, a design and technology company that operates in the circular economy, based in Britain.
Speaking to TechChannel News, Johann Boedecker, CEO and co-founder of Pentatonic, said that he and Vodianova met in 2018 and joined forces intending to reinvent the category ‘from scratch, and after two years of development was born.
“She [Vodianova] has been looking to create a sustainable alternative to everyday masks in 2016, and had very high standards for performance and sustainability. She designed the mask. Her basic insights were that people need masks for air filtration to protect against airborne pathogens, allergens and pollutants,” he said.
At the same time, he said that Pentatonic could invent the air filtration technology that did not exist today.
Patented technology
The company has patented its nano-fibre filtration material, which is created from a newly developed electrospinning process. In this process, bio-based polymers are spun into nano-fibres using a high electric voltage.
The electrospinning method creates a uniform membrane that is lighter than conventional melt-blown membranes by up to 15 times and provides a significant upgrade on filtration efficiency. This technology operates similarly to how a spider web catches particles, making for stronger protection.
“We started the project with a seven-figure R&D budget in 2018. But the biggest question was how to convince westerns to wear a mask back then when we did not have the Covid-19 pandemic. The core difference, when compared to the products available, is the unique filtration technology.
“We deployed a process that is not used before and has better filtration, more breathability, comfort and style. Its membranes are between 100 and 150 times lighter than the filters in masks that you wear today,” he said.
The company’s first product, Masuku One, which is equivalent to FFP2 standards, features a ‘spacer mesh’ fabric cover, made from 100 per cent recycled performance polymer and optimised for airflow.
The material is heat-pressed into a shell-like shape and equipped with soft guard fabric on the side in contact with the skin. The ear-loops are also made from recycled materials and feature four 360-degree joints for a personalised fit.
Each country has its certification standards for different masks. In Europe, EN 14683 is the standard for surgical masks, whereas China uses the YY 0469 standard. China uses the KN standard (KN95) and the US uses the N standard (N95) for respirator masks.
The standard for single-use masks is the lowest for filtration effectiveness while surgical masks have higher requirements, and respirators have the highest requirements.
FFP2 is the standard recommended by WHO (World Health Organisation) during pandemics and is normally used in healthcare settings during influenza outbreaks. Masuku Surgical masks possess FFP1 efficiency.
Eyes partnerships
“Most of the masks, similar to N95, KN95 or FFP2, use a mixture of several thermal plastics in the filtration membrane. Some of the plastics used do not decompose. We can design to any level of filtration. When you pass the tests like N95, KN95 or FFP2, which are roughly equivalent to most standards, you don’t tell the public how much better your product is,” Boedecker said.
Moreover, he said that they can develop masks based on FFP1, FFP2 or FFP3 standards.
“One thing that we have invested heavily is breathability with the same level of protection. Each component has been re-engineered and selected for specific performance criteria and can be broken down naturally and metabolised by bacteria. The consumer no longer has to choose between protecting themselves and protecting the planet,” he said.
In the next couple of days, the startup will be launching Masaku Daily, which is an FFP2-standard mask for daily use.
“It will have all the features similar to Masaku One but it needs to be changed daily, similar to a surgical mask. Masaku Daily, which can compost in just months in water, earth, a plant pot, and alongside household food waste, ranges from $1 to $2,” Boedecker said.
Out of the $10 the startup makes, $9 goes to R&D and human resources and $1 for marketing.
The company’s next product – Flat Fold – mask, rated similar to surgical style, is expected to launch later this summer or early autumn.
Boedecker said the filtration material used to make Masuku Flat Fold is optimised to FFP2 standard and has a filtration efficiency of over 94 per cent.
“We aim to become the best brand for face masks. We want to partner with globally-renowned institutions and organisations to develop future generations of high-tech sustainable filtration devices,” he said.