Easy2reUse project will develop an intelligent reusable mask for healthcare workers, critical working groups and citizens. The mask will be sustainable, easy-to-breath, comfortable to wear long working hours, low lifetime cost, easy to clean, meeting the universal fit and standard requirements. Cleaning and maintaining in the hospital environment and other environments are the essential part to make the mask reusable, fulfilling the cleanliness
requirements. The market readiness research for reusable facemasks focuses on designing manufacturing processes that emphasize material sourcing, cost efficiency, and sustainability. A comprehensive understanding of economic feasibility, usability, and manufacturing efficiency is achieved by combining quantitative and qualitative analyses throughout the prototype development and testing phases. During these tests, facemask prototypes with integrated electronics are evaluated for functionality, durability, and compliance with current regulations and standards. Additionally, documentation for EU type-examination is prepared, and an internal quality control system is established and verified.
The project explores best practices and challenges in production, regulatory compliance, and market entry by drawing insights from similar industries. Comparative case studies, life cycle costing (LCC), and assessments of market and technology readiness (MRL and TRL) guide the creation of scalable production plans. A preparedness plan is also developed for stockpiling, scale-up, and adoption by healthcare workers and the public during pandemics, applicable across European countries. The manufacturing process is designed to ensure production takes place in Europe, supporting regional supply chain resilience. Market readiness and cost-effectiveness are evaluated to create a comprehensive plan for rapid production and widespread market adoption.
Project funding:
EU Research and Innovation Funding Programme “Horizon Europe”
Project results:
Reusable sustainable and easy to use mask will be developed and prepared for scaling up in the EU.
KTU is responsible for creating a communication plan to promote the product in the market.
Period of project implementation: 2025-09-01 - 2029-08-31
Project coordinator: Lappeenranta-Lahti University of Technology LUT
Project partners: FUNDACION PARA EL FOMENTO DE LA INVESTIGACION SANITARIA Y BIOMEDICA DE LA COMUNITAT VALENCIANA (FISABIO), ASOCIACION CLUSTER PARA EL USO EFICIENTE DEL AGUA-ZINNAE, BCN HEALTH ECONOMICS & OUTCOMES RESEARCH SL (BCNH), UNIVERSITE CATHOLIQUE DE LOUVAIN (UCLouvain), UNIVERZITA TOMASE BATI VE ZLINE (TBU), Tallinn University of Technology, Kaunas University of Technology, LAB-AMMATTIKORKEAKOULU OY (LAB), TYOTERVEYSLAITOS (FIOH)
