IMEC 2019 focuses on theme “Material Innovation in Industry 4.0 in Indonesia”. In the competition, a team from ITB with members Ilham Octiano, Hening Puji Pangastuti, dan Farhandra Ramdhani got into the final and competed with other participants from Institut Teknologi Sepuluh Nopember, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Universitas Brawijaya, Universitas Indonesia, and Universitas Riau.

In accordance with the designated theme, Ilham and his team conduct a research on biomask, a facial mask in which the materials come from waste. “We try to combine the function of sunscreen and a facial mask. Hence, we make biomask which is made from nanocellulose from banana waste. Chitosan from shrimp shell, and biomass of English Ivy. These materials fulfill the function of facial mask, anti-microbes, and anti-UV,” Ilham explained.

The product combines the function of a facial mask and sunscreen. Sunscreen protects skin from UV, while a facial mask keeps skin’s moisture and is anti-microbes. “In industry, biomasks use materials made from waste so that the production process becomes more efficient. From the environmental aspect, this product is biodegradable and thus does not cause long-term hazards. And from economic aspect, this product is expected to be competitive,” he said.

Explaining about design and application of the mask, Hening who is one of team members said, “Design of this biomask is like a sheet mask applied before outdoor activities. This mask will keep the moistness and give nutrition to skin. It also contains active agent which enter the skin and function as anti-UV. Hence, after using the mask, we do not need to apply sunscreen,” she said.

The team members are all final year students, but that does not discourage them to compete in competitions. For them, this opportunity and experience is priceless, especially because some of them have no prior experience in any competition.

“One of my motivation is to try all things before I graduate. I have never try any competition before, so I think this is the time,” Andra said.

The team also gave a message, that the opportunity to create works and to compete is a definite must for every student before they graduate. For them, this feat is priceless, and every student has the right to try it.

Reporter: Annisa Nur Diana (Environmental Engineering 2015)