Production of a Wood–Plastic Composite with Wastes from Disposable Masks and Corrugated Cardboard: A Sustainable Post-Pandemic Approach

The increasing demand for disposable textile products, personal care items, and electronic commerce has led to a substantial rise in waste generation, particularly from nonwoven fabric masks (wNWFs) and corrugated cardboard (wCC). This study assessed the feasibility of utilizing these waste materials, which were produced in significant amounts during the COVID-19 pandemic, as both a matrix and reinforcement filler in wood–plastic composites (WPCs). The WPC was fabricated using either two extrusion cycles or thermokinetic homogenization, with both processes being followed by hot pressing. The formulations consisted of virgin polypropylene (vPP), wNWF, and wCC in proportions of 45, 45, and 10 wt %, respectively. The results demonstrated that the composites produced via two extrusion cycles exhibited a tensile strength that was 85% higher and three-point flexural strength three times greater than those produced through thermokinetic homogenization. These findings contribute to advancements in scientific and technological knowledge and offer an efficient solution for managing these types of waste, which continue to be generated post-pandemic.