Previously, we saw how Covid 19 has worsened the issue of plastic pollution in Thailand. Yet, interestingly, a recent innovative project in Thailand (Tanakasempipat and Kittisilpa, 2020) was developed to tackle both problems at the same time. It is not only lucrative and environmentally friendly, but will help Thailand in combating the pandemic.

Besides the consumer plastic waste that ends up in the ocean, fishing nets are also a main contributor to the marine pollution. However, the project that was led by Thai Design company Qualy’s with great support from the Thai Government aims to buy fishing discarded fishing nets from fishermen at 10 baht per kilogram.

These discarded fishing nets are then washed thoroughly and shredded to yield nylon granules that are melted and mould into face shield and alcohol spray bottles.

This is indeed a welcoming solution not just at a local level, but on a global scale. Amidst the pandemic, we have often forgotten the ongoing issue of pollution and contributed even more levels of pollution at an unprecedented level.

Figure 1: Petit Pli Beta Face Mask (Block, 2020)

Upon further research, I also found out that similar initiatives are prevalent in other parts of the world. For example, a UK-based wearable technology company made use of its own patented recycling technology to recycle plastic waste generated from the pandemic (mainly disposable personal protective equipment), into wearable face mask (see Figure 1).

The mask is made from 100 per cent recycled polyester, a hard-wearing fabric created using plastic from recycled bottles, and the pattern for Beta (MSK) is designed to waste as little fabric as possible. The mask can be machine washed at 30 degrees Celsius.

Hence, while a pandemic generates more plastic waste which worsens marine pollution, it is also heartwarming to see the development of innovative solutions in mitigating the issue. Perhaps the tougher the situation, the more creative one gets.

References:

1. Tanakasempipat, P. and Kittisilpa, J., 2020. Net Gains – Thai Project Turns Fishing Nets Into Virus Protection Gear. [online] U.K. Available at: <https://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-health-coronavirus-thailand-fishing-n/net-gains-thai-project-turns-fishing-nets-into-virus-protection-gear-idUKKBN2431IZ> [Accessed 21 July 2020].

2. Block, I., 2020. Petit Pli Makes Expandable And Reusable Face Mask From Recycled Plastic Bottles. [online] Dezeen. Available at: <https://www.dezeen.com/2020/07/14/petit-pli-beta-msk-face-mask-coronavirus-recycled-sustainable/> [Accessed 21 July 2020].