Abaca Face Masks: Everything You Need to Know

Supporting local businesses is a commitment that never goes out of style. In Misamis Oriental, a heritage company named SalayHandmade Products Industries Incorporated is leading the way in sustainable innovation with their abaca face masks. Backed by positive research from the DOST and DENR in Region 10, these masks have transitioned from a quick solution to a long-term favorite for eco-conscious travelers and health-conscious Filipinos alike.

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The story behind SalayHandmade’s abaca face masks

By now, every Pinoy is familiar with abaca, a plant from the banana family that grows abundantly in the Philippines. But did you know that the country actually supplies 87% of the world’s abaca needs? The locally sourced fibre is actually used for manufacturing commercial surgical face masks and N95 masks, among many other items.

Enter: SalayHandmade. This local artisanal company has been around since 1987, and developed its abaca paper around 10 years back. This was mostly used to create things like stationery, lamps, and boxes. Upon learning that it can also be utilised to filter out particles, SalayHandmade experimented with the use of their abaca paper to create face masks.

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A locally made and sustainable alternative to regular face masks

Soon, a test run by the DOST-10 showed favourable results. According to the DOST-10, abaca face masks have a filtration rate seven times better than cloth masks; at the same time, their water absorption rate was found to be slower than that of N95 masks. To add to this, the DENR-10 was also able to verify that the masks are, indeed, biodegradable.

7XB face mask features | Image credit: Fiber Mask – Sevenxb

The "7XB face masks" by SalayHandmade are designed for those who value both function and the environment. Unlike disposable synthetic options, these masks are crafted without harmful plastics or chemicals. They are fully reusable after a gentle wash with soap and water, making them a staple for commuting or travel in areas where air quality or personal health is a priority.

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How to order yours

The best part? You can purchase your own 7XB face masks for you and your loved ones! Just head to one of their Facebook pages, Fiber Mask – Sevenxb or SalayHandmade Shapii, to place your order.

With each purchase, you provide livelihood to hundreds of SalayHandmade’s artisans and producers; you help support our local economy, too! Not to mention, choosing sustainable is also a great way to help the environment. Sounds like a win-win-win to us!

Featured image credit: Fiber Mask – Sevenxb | Official Facebook Page.