CHAPTER I

THE PROBLEM AND ITS SCOPE

Introduction

The COVID−19 pandemic has prompted panic buying and high levels of

demand for personal protective equipment (PPE) in many countries, leading to

a global shortage of equipment, especially face masks (De Man P.,2020) . In

Hong Kong, numerous local news outlets, such as the South China Morning

Post, have reported that even hospitals and clinics lack an adequate supply of

face masks despite the fact that the government has repeatedly pledged that

there is enough for medical workers (Ng J. & Lai C.K., 2020). In situations in

which face masks are becoming increasingly scarce, many individuals rush to

purchase as many as possible, often overlooking the importance of filtration

effectiveness and comfort (Secon H., 2020).

With the demand for face masks and other PPE equipment soaring high

worldwide due to the dreaded COVID-19 pandemic spread, it is quite

impossible to not ignore the increasing plastic wastes created by their disposal.

According to estimates by Greenpeace Taiwan, the country produced and used

about 1.3 billion surgical masks during the apex of the pandemic- from early

February to mid-May. This number generates over 5,500 metric tons of general

waste within a span of 3 months.

 Such numbers signify that although face masks add to the general

protection during the pandemic situation, they also contribute massively

towards environmental degradation and landfill pollution, demanding a bio-

degradable solution and substitute. This has gradually led to the emergence

and usage of abaca fiber-based surgical and sustainable masks (“Global

Market Insights”, 2020).

Recently, a Philippines-based firm- Salay Handmade Products

Industries, Inc. had come forward to commercialize and supply masks made

from raw abaca fibers, which boast of the property to decompose in just two

months. Abaca fibers are generally rooted from banana leaf and are considered

to be strong as polyester but high on the sustainability front. Banana Fiber, on

the other hand, is one of the world’s strongest natural fibres. Biodegradable,

the natural fibre is made from the stem of the banana tree and is incredibly

durable. The fibre consists of thick-walled cell tissue, bonded together by

natural gums and is mainly composed of cellulose, hemicelluloses and lignin.

Banana fibre is similar to natural bamboo fibre, but its spin ability, fineness

and tensile strength are said to be better. Banana fibre can be used to make a

number of different textiles with different weights and thicknesses, based on

what part of the banana stem the fibre was extracted from. The thicker,

sturdier fibres are taken from the banana trees outer sheaths, whereas the

inner sheaths result in softer fibres (Vivian H., 2017).

 Over the years the global consumption of banana fruit has quickly

outpaced the usage of banana fibres in industrial textile production. On

average, one person consumes approximately 11.9 kgs of bananas per year.

But more than a billion tonnes of banana tree stems are thrown away each

year, as banana plants only fruit once in their lifetime before they die. For this

reason, the researchers have come up with an idea to utilize the banana fiber

and make an alternative face mask to help in decreasing its waste and help the

environment.

Statement of the Problem

This study aims to determine the potentiality of Banana Fiber (Musa

fibre) as alternative Face mask. Specifically this will answer the following

quires:

1. Determine the efficacy of banana fiber when used as an alternative face

mask in different physical tests of :

1.1 Structure test

1.2 Fit test

1.3 Pressure Test

2. Is there a significant difference between the alternative face mask and the

disposable face mask in terms of the tests mentioned above?

Significance of the Study

The community will benefit this for it will serve as an alternative face

mask made out of cost and environmental friendly materials. Furthermore,

collecting the biodegradable and banana fiber can help lessen the wastes in the

surroundings especially the huge amount of waste face masks these days that

are caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. This will help them to learn and utilize

the biodegradable materials and make of their own to save money and help the

environment.