MANILA (BLOOMBERG) - Fibre from a relative of the banana tree could replace plastic in millions of face masks and hospital gowns the world is making to fight the coronavirus.. Read more at straitstimes.com.
MANILA - Fibre from a relative of the banana tree could replace plastic in millions of face masks and hospital gowns the world is making to fight the coronavirus.
Global efforts to ban single-use plastics have retreated as nations prioritised hygiene over the environment for packaging and medical supplies, creating a bright spot for chemical companies such as LyondellBasell Industries and Trinseo. A preliminary study by the Philippine Department of Science and Technology showed abaca paper to be more water resistant than a commercial N-95 mask, and to have pore sizes within the United States Centres for Disease Control and Prevention's recommended range to filter hazardous particles.
The Philippines is the world's largest producer, supplying 85 per cent of the fibre in 2017, according to the latest data from the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation. Global production is projected to be worth US$100 million this year, Mr Gurnani said. "People see this pandemic lasting for some time, so even small companies are trying to make protective equipment, which require our fibre," said Mr Kabasakalli, general manager of Dragon Vision Trading."We are getting a lot of inquiries from new clients abroad."
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