Disposable Face Mask Industry ESG Thematic Report, 2023

Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) in Disposable Face Mask Industry

Integrating ESG into decision making and business strategies contributes to an effective due diligence and a better investment decision for the company as well as relevant stakeholders. The companies which are in focus have been market leaders in this sector and their ESG impact can be assessed from the standpoint of achieving the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs). 

Disposable face masks have been the primary safety measure used in the times of pandemic, along with other measures. Generally, face masks create a positive health impact, as it prevents any diseases which can be airborne. Various innovative products have been offered from this segment like anti-pollution face masks, masks to prevent irritants etc. However, since the pandemic, the face mask segment has a negative impact on the environment. Face mask waste has been causing soil as well as water pollution, as a result biodegradable or reusable masks have been gaining attention. This sector has

ESG Trends

Face mask sector has both social and environmental impact, starting with positive health impact (SDG 3 health and wellbeing) as it is one of the primary safety measures undertaken by many people. Influence of CDC and WHO pressing the benefits of face masks made consumers use them at a higher rate, especially N95 masks along with surgical masks. This sector has influence of both fashion and innovation (SDG 9 Industry, innovation, and infrastructure) for example very recently the Department of Science and Technology, Govt. of India had introduced self-disinfecting, biodegradable face masks to combat COVID-19. Copper-based Nanoparticle-coated Antiviral face masks under DST have developed which has a high disinfection rate of 99.9%. Such biodegradable face masks can be a redemption against soil and water pollution. Using Reusable cloth mask and surgical mask is more than enough as it blocks 85.4% of airborne particles and is more efficient than disposable face masks as per CDC. Invasive pathogens have been to reverse the effect of water pollution and ensuring health of marine species (SDG 14-Life below water)

ESG Challenges

Major challenge which this segment offers is linked with Environmental impact; usage of face masks has increased during the time of COVID. It has caused severe damage to land and water, as these disposable masks have been either treated by Landfill or deposited in water. As these masks contain elements like polyethylene, polycarbonate, polyacrylonitrile which in turn is the main cause of micro plastic and   plastic pollution which have a critical negative health impact. Studies show marine species were having higher levels of micro plastics during the time of pandemic. To eliminate the effect of micro plastics and plastics DST had introduced biodegradable face masks in early 2022. 

Growth of the Disposable Face Mask Market

Disposable face mask market has ensured and earned a stable place in the market as pandemic has been a lesson learnt to many people to ensure personal hygiene and to avoid contracting an airborne disease which can be fatal. Moreover, introducing innovative products which are sustainable and not impacting the environment can improve business growth. This segment has been valued at 38.9 billion USD in 2021 and is expected to grow even further 27.6% by 2030.

Key Companies in this theme

    • 3M

    • Honeywell International Inc

    • Moldex-Metric, Inc.

    • Kimberly-Clark

    • Uvex

    • KOWA

    • SAS Safety Corp.

    • The Gerson Company

    • DACH

    • Te Yin

Scope of the Disposable Face Mask Industry ESG Thematic Report

    • Macro-economic and ESG-variable analysis of the industry, including regulatory, policy, and innovation landscape

    • Key insights on infrastructure developments and ESG issues affecting the theme

    • Identify key initiatives and challenges within the industry

    • Identify ESG leaders within the industry

    • Understand key initiatives and the impact of companies within the sector to fuel an informed decision-making process.

    • Analysis of industry activities based on multi-media sources, including significant controversies and market sentiment

Key Benefits of the Disposable Face Mask Industry ESG Thematic Report

    • Developing a comprehensive understanding of macro-economic, Policies & Regulations and innovations affecting the disposable face mask space, globally

    • Key insights into environmental developments and ESG issues affecting the theme

    • Identifying ESG risks and opportunities to business among leading players in the disposable face mask industry

    • Obtaining a clear and relevant understanding of company actions, progress, and impact and find opportunities for investment into the sector