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PADI Creates Face Masks from Recycled Ocean Plastic Amid COVID-19

Protect public health and the oceans at the same time.
By Alexandra Gillespie | Updated On June 22, 2022
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PADI Creates Face Masks from Recycled Ocean Plastic Amid COVID-19

PADI ocean plastic face mask covid19

Made out of water bottles pulled from the ocean, the washable masks are being sold at-cost with a pack of five carbon filters.

Courtesy PADI

PADI and Rash’R are producing face masks with recycled ocean plastic to protect the oceans and public health.

One size fits most adults and the machine washable, double layered masks come in five different aquatic patterns. Orders come with five carbon-activated filters, which work for up to eight hours each; replacement filters can be purchased at Amazon, Etsy, and other online retailers. PADI plans to offer replacement filters through their online store in the future. The filters are not medical grade as the World Health Organization advises medical grade equipment like N-95 masks be used only by healthcare workers given global shortages.

Each mask and five-pack of carbon filters costs about $20 plus shipping.

“PADI is not making any profit from the sale of these masks—the price you pay is our actual cost,” PADI says. “Our driving incentive and hope is that ocean lovers will take precautions for their personal well-being and the well-being of the communities they call home and the ocean they dive.”

No mask guarantees protection from coronavirus, but the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend people wear face masks in public settings to slow the spread of the disease. As with any personal protective equipment, it is important to follow local and national recommendations for use. Masks are not a replacement for other COVID-19 mitigation techniques like social distancing and washing hands.

Masks can be pre-ordered at PADI's American and UK stores. Production and delivery may take up to three weeks. The first shipment is expected to reach PADI warehouses on April 21, assuming there are no supply chain disruptions.