PADM Medical Gets First Medical Clearance for Plant-Based Mask

The FDA has granted 510(k) clearance to PADM Medical’s Precision Eco Compostable plant based procedural mask with ear loops, the first clearance for a plant-based mask for use in healthcare and medical settings.

The biodegradable mask, which is made of materials manufactured from renewable crop resources, offers the same level of protection as masks made of synthetics.

Most disposable personal protective equipment is made of petroleum-based non-biodegradable polymers, which can take up 450 years to decompose, the company said.

The mask is a USDA Certified Biobased product under the USDA’s BioPreferred Program, with 82 percent biobased content.