UNS — Concerned with the increase of medical waste, especially disposable face mask during the Covid-19 pandemic, five Universitas Sebelas Maret (UNS) Surakarta students designed an eco print mask product, branded as “MEWARNA”. The mask was created using natural coloring pigments, and that was developed by Annindhitya Pradhini Intan K. S. P. (Forestry Program 2019), Alvianto Putro Yuwono (Forestry Program 2019), Muhammad Fajrur Rifqi (Forestry Program 2019), Isnaeni Sri Wahyuti (Soil Science 2019), and Wendy Yoga Artananda (Agribusiness 2020) under the supervision from Rezky Lasekti Wicaksono, S. Hut., M. Sc., with funding from Kemdikbudristek through the Student Creativity Program Entrepreneurship (PKM-K) 2021.
To the uns.ac.id, Wendy Yoga, a member of the team, stated that a fabric mask was introduced to reduce the negative impact of disposable face masks. However, he added that this solution created a new issue regarding the increase in the use of textile pigments which have a negative impact on the environment, especially the river ecosystem. Therefore, his team decided to promote MEWARNA as a solution to reduce the use of chemical pigments.
“MEWARNA was made from cotton and environmentally friendly natural coloring from plants which has no negative impact towards the environment,” Wendy stated.
Product Advantages
MEWARNA product has several advantages over general fabric masks. MEWARNA is made from cotton with natural fibers, coloring and motif are created using the eco print technique, and products are created in limited edition. The mask is also designed using a three-dimensional design that is comfortable for people in general, especially those wearing glasses. Lastly, the mask band is adjustable to the ear loop or head loop option, and the product is environmentally friendly.
The product is marketed online through Instagram (@maskermewarna) and TikTok and can be purchased both through its Instagram account or Shopee account. The team also has prepared financial analysis and determines that the business is feasible. The team hopes that MEWARNA products could minimize the negative impacts of medical masks and chemical coloring in fabric masks. They also hope that the product can maintain the environmental sustainability. Humas UNS
Reporter: Kaffa Hidayati
Editor: Dwi Hastuti