TBM and Bioworks to start accepting pre-orders for Bio Face, a washable and reusable face mask made of biomass-based yarn. © TBM.

TBM and Bioworks will promote reuse of face masks to help resolve the shortage of face masks worldwide, and at the same time strive to improve their carbon footprint by using renewable biomass-based yarns - PLA (polylactic acid) yarns to be precise.

Production of Bio Face outside of Japan is also planned and TBM and Bioworks are also looking for partner companies and organizations that can market and distribute Bio Face masks.

"Most of the disposable face masks are made of petroleum-derived plastic, and, as face mask consumption increases, appropriate disposal of face masks is becoming critical as there are masks washed out to sea and ended up on beaches. By supplying biomass-based and reusable Bio Face masks all over the world, including countries and regions where the COVID-19 is spreading as well as developing countries that are faced with shortage of face masks, TBM and Bioworks are striving to protect people around the world from the risk of infection, and protect the global environment," said Nobuyoshi Yamasaki, CEO of TBM, regarding the goals of Bio Face development.

TBM and Bioworks have collaborated with Shima Seiki, a world leader in the manufacture of flat knitting machines and achieved a mask design that is comfortable and easily fits the shape of a face, by knitting masks three dimensionally with the Shima’s WHOLEGARMENT technology with PLA yarns developed through collaborations among the three parties.

Bio Face features

·      Bio Face masks help to prevent spray from coughing and sneezing and can also reduce

·      exposure to various allergens

·      Bio Face masks can be washed and reused. They can be washed around 30 times

·      Bio Face masks have been reported to be antibacterial and mildly acidic (close to human skin)

·      Bio Face masks are comfortable and fit the shape of a face, since they have a 3D knit shape

·      that leaves room around the mouth

·      Bio Face masks can be equipped with commercially available virus filters, cotton gauze, and similar accessories

TBM and Bioworks plan to start producing Bio Face masks in and outside Japan, from June 2020.The partners have started accepting pre-orders for Bio Face masks. Regarding orders from overseas, TBM and Bioworks will register for local certifications as necessary.

How to pre-order Bio Face masks

Please click here for further information and to buy Bio Face masks