life cycle assessment of disposable razors11 Apr life cycle assessment of disposable razors
It all starts with the melting and combining of the desired metal. Shavers. BICWorld, www.bicworld.com/en/our-products/shavers. Cited Here. Safety Razor. How Products Are Made www.madehow.com/Volume-5/Safety-Razor.html. Here we present a life cycle assessment of 2 laryngeal mask airways (LMAs), a one-time-use disposable Unique LMA and a 40-time-use reusable Classic LMA. 2006 have considered a process water flow of 10,000 m3/day for a time period of 15 years (system design life) as the function unit used in order to compare the different wastewater treatment processes . Their carbon footprint was reported with the highest offender being air travel for the product, and staff transportation coming from France: accounting for 73% of the companys annual greenhouse gas emissions (Bic). We perform Life Cycle Assessments (LCA) and Critical Reviews in accordance with ISO 14040/44 for products and services. There could be hundreds of different sources for their materials. Choosing models that use alternate materials is recommended, particularly because the American Medical Association is urging hospitals and health systems to reduce their use of PVC products, especially those containing DEHP.26 The shipment of LMAs by air also greatly increased overall impacts, pointing to a strategy of bulk ordering from local distributors well in advance of use, and avoiding overnight shipment whenever possible. Its an extremely strong and durable metal compound, making it perfect for the use of razor blades (Siddle, How Is Tungsten Carbide Formed?; Tungsten Carbide. Wikipedia.org). The largest difference in environmental impacts is seen in the impact category of carcinogenesis, in which reusable LMAs cause 5% of the impacts of disposable LMAs. What Is Polystyrene? Considering human health concerns, the majority (60%) of impacts for the disposable LMA is due to the production of polymers, PVC in particular, with emissions from incineration contributing another 15%. On the basis of observation at Yale New Haven Hospital, it takes approximately 10 minutes to conduct all cleaning processes for 1 LMA, which is equivalent to roughly $3 in wages. Despite the overall lower impacts of the reusable LMA, there are still several ways that its environmental profile could be improved, as suggested by the results shown in Table 2. The plastic handle and head of the disposable razor consists of a hybrid of polypropylene, polystyrene, and phenylene oxide, also known as PPO. These impacts are quantified here in terms of energy use, water use, and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions using general factors for US labor.22. Questions and Answers: CreutzfeldtJakob Disease Infection-Control Practices. The total amount of Direct emissions from BIC factories was 8,689 tonnes of carbon dioxide (For You For Everyone Registration Document). Disposable razors are designed for consumers that prefer minimum spending . Gillette Razor Local Recycling Solutions.TerraCycle, www.terracycle.com/en-US/brigades/gillette-local-recycling. For a number of perioperative textiles, surgical instruments, and anesthetic devices, a life cycle assessment (LCA) has been done and has shown reusables to be environmentally favorable to disposables [ 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23 ]. Resources, Conservation & Recycling 156 (2020) 104704. The GTG LCIs are added together to give a cradle-to-gate (CTG) life cycle inventory . Contamination problems with reuse of laryngeal mask airways and laryngoscopes. The total amount of indirect emissions was 89,762 tonnes of carbon dioxide (For You For Everyone Registration Document). And then there's the water. Sustainable Development at BIC . 6 Jan. 2011. This is because of the complexity of the life cycle, from the acquisition of materials to the management of a product at the end of its life. The cheap price of the razor does not reflect the high cost of its waste and impact on the environment. To bring the metal to its final form, it is heated to extremely high temperatures to remove the binders, and to mold the metal particles together, in turn, creating a very strong and durable metal compound (Siddle, How Is Tungsten Carbide Formed?). GaBi is a LCA software that allows its users to connect environmental impacts to a product across its lifespan. Reusable LMAs in general appear to be made largely of silicone, lacking these same concerns for PVC/DEHP. Ison E, Miller A. Yet, tungsten has been found to deposit particles into the soil that causes some contamination, making it a recent concern to the United States Environmental Protection Agency. In order to carry out the Eco-Indicator analysis method, the methodology described below has to be followed: 1.Establish the purpose of the Eco-Indicator calculations 2.Define the life-cycle 3.Quantify the materials and processes 4.Complete the form 5.Interpret and analyse the results Tungsten has a high melting point and is used mainly for strong tools unless used for smaller applications when combined with a carbon alloy: Its alloys are employed in rocket-engine nozzles and other aerospace applications (Safety Razors). Direct emissions refer to any emissions that resulted from the burning of fossil fuels and Indirect emissions refer to any emissions that resulted from the generation of electricity. The LMA, within the heat seal pouch, was then placed in the steam autoclave sterilizing machine (Castle/Getinge MC 3522). BIC has reported their total energy usage and carbon footprint in their factories around the world, this was all however for the year 2016. The product doesnt contain any material labels, so the materials have been assumed to be low alloy steel for the body, PP for the plastic parts of the body, EPDM rubber for the grip and an acrylic polymer coating for the lubricating band. Previous studies have examined the relative environmental profiles of reusables and disposables with regard to medical textiles7 and anesthetic drug trays.8 The present study uses life cycle assessment to evaluate the life cycle impacts of disposable and reusable LMAs across several categories of environmental and human health impacts. Reusable LMAs were collected in a dirty device bin on the anesthesia cart and then reprocessed by the anesthesia technicians. The alloy must allow for easy manufacturing due to the high demand of disposable razors and enough strength to last through transportation and shelf holding. Cad M, Webb T, Bjorksten A. The unit cost of disposable LMAs is 20% higher at approximately $9.60 per unit. Reprints will not be available from the authors. A SYSTEMATIC METHODOLOGY FOR ACCURATE DESIGN-STAGE ESTIMATION OF ENERGY CONSUMPTION FOR INJECTION MOLDED PARTS. BIC put out a report detailing how they deal with the waste from their factories. DEHP leaches out upon exposure to heat and lipids, as would be the case in contact with mucous membranes. B|$5 There are only two components for the BIC disposable razors which are the plastic body and razor blade. J Clin Anesth 1997;9:432, 20. Life-cycle assessment (LCA) is a process of evaluating the effects that a product has on the environment over the entire period of its life thereby increasing resource-use efficiency and decreasing liabilities. Research about tungsten is ongoing and includes health effects and risks, degradation processes and an inventory of its use in the defense industry as a substitute for lead-based munitions (EPA). Case Studies. Case Studies : Reducing BIC's Rejection Rates | KEYENCE America, www.keyence.com/solutions/case-studies/bic.jsp. The studies have not found it to be harmful to drinking water, or public safety, however, it is an ongoing research of soil data that continues. Polystyrene is not biodegradable and takes hundreds of years to break down. Subramaniar Trading Company. In this paper, many details about the life cycle stages were not included. The natural half life of a large stock of reusable laryngeal mask airways at a teaching hospital. The metal is then heated and then cooled slowly to remove any internal stress, which makes it tougher, this process is called annealing (Safety Razor). : Uses, Benefits, and Safety Facts, ChemicalSafetyFacts.org,). Washington, DC: U.S. Bureau of Transportation, 2002, 14. If all 2.6 billion of those razors each weight 8.8 grams, then the total amount of waste produced would be around 25,220 tonnes. A life-cycle assessment or LCA is a 'cradle to grave' analysis of the impact of a manufactured product on the environment. Plastics are cleaned and pelletized to be recycled into new products, such as picnic tables and park benches. The EPA has said in their 2014 report: Currently, little information is available about the fate and transport of tungsten in the environment and its effects on human health. Approximately 24 L/min of water are used by the autoclave for cooling, for a total of 960 L of water needed to sterilize an LMA 40 times. Siddle, Dave. All of these equipment-related cases occurred before the routine implementation of sterilization procedures currently used in health care facilities. We performed a life cycle assessment of 2 analogous LMAs, the disposable LMA Unique and the reusable LMA Classic, according to internationally accepted standard life cycle assessment methods (ISO 14040: 2006). Reducing Trichloroethylene (TCE) Waste in the Fabricated Metals Sector.EPA, Environmental Protection Agency, 9 Aug. 2016, www.epa.gov/toxics-release-inventory-tri-program/reducing-trichloroethylene-tce-waste-fabricated-metals-sector. Convenience is a potential advantage for disposable LMAs, and facilities that use reusable LMAs must ensure that a variety of sizes are always available when needed. The aim of this paper is to analyse substitutes to disposable plastic tableware using the Life Cycle Assessment methodology. A life cycle assessment (LCA) is a tool for analyzing the environmental impacts and resources used throughout a product's life, from raw materials extraction to production, and extending through product use and disposal. The tables didnt contain values for welding steel, so it has been assumed that the value is close to welding aluminium which is in the table. BIC is a French manufacturing company that produces a variety of disposable consumer products like pens, lighters and disposable razors. Despite this, a general perception is that reusable LMAs possess a safety profile inferior to that of disposable LMAs, thus contributing to the proliferation of the latter. It has a low density and is quite flexible and heat resistant, therefore making it an easily moulded and extruded material. During production, two components have to be created which are the blade and the plastic body. When you take your blades in to the scrap metal center, choose the steel recycling bin. Upgrading to a new, energy-efficient autoclave machine leads to a nearly equal reduction in life cycle GHG emissions and may be considered particularly in instances in which older equipment is being used. Goodman EJ, Haas AJ. #4. Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) is a modeling tool for quantifying the environmental impacts of products and processes. GaBi includes its own database containing life cycle inventories of processes such as polypropylene manufacturing, transportation, and landfill . The sheets are then cut out using a process called die stamping, using a tool called a die stamp which is a special, one-of-a-kind precision tool that cuts and forms sheet metal into a desired shape or profile, where the blades are die stamped at a rate of 800-1,200 strokes a minute into the desired shape and size (Hedrick, Die Basics 101: Intro to Stamping.). This points to the need for effective inventory control, which is also critical for the reusable devices because there needs to be a sufficient number clean and on hand while another batch is undergoing cleaning, sterilization, and cooling. Sets Strategy to End 'Staggering' Garbage Crisis.The New York Times, The New York Times, 23 Sept. 1988, www.nytimes.com/1988/09/23/us/epa-sets-strategy-to-end-staggering-garbage-crisis.html. There are so many variables that you have to take into account when calculating how much of an impact a product is having on the environment and our resources. What's the Difference Between Disposable and Reusable Razors for Women?Venus, www.gillettevenus.com/en-us/womens-shaving-guide/learning-to-shave/disposable-razors-vs-refillable-razors/. The polypropylene is sorted during recycling using a float test that separates it from other materials based on its ability to float due to its weight, then it is often melted down and reused in other product manufacturing. Max Soft Disposable Razor For Women - 3 Pcs In A Pack. Atlanta, 2012. Complete with an ergonomic shaped non-slip rubber handle for great control and maneuverability and easy rinse blades for 100% better rinsing (vs . Differences in environmental impacts between devices may present a compelling consideration in their selection. These few simple materials go through processes of heating, cooling, moulding, cutting, and sharpening throughout their manufacturing process to eventually become the handle, razor blades, and blade cartridge, that will then be assembled to become a disposable razor. Chicago: American Medical Association, 2006, 27. The differences in environmental impacts between these devices may present a compelling consideration in device selection when concern for infection transmission is not a factor. Biro P. Damage to laryngeal masks during sterilization. For You For Everyone: Registration Document.Bic World, Bic, 2016, www.bicworld.com/sites/default/files/2017-03/BIC_DRF2016_EN.pdf. An updated lifecycle assessment for disposable and reusable nappies Report that looks at the effect of disposable and reusable nappies on global warming and other environmental impacts. Assessing all steps in that life cycle provides insight into individual stresses and burden shifts from one step to another and enables understanding of both the cumulative environmental impacts and related trade-offs in each area, throughout the lifespan of both a facility and its manufactured products. It has been assumed that the only part recycled at the end of life is the packaging. This obviously makes the results less accurate, but it can still be used as a general indicator of impact. The life cycle assessment results shown here allow clinicians and health care administrators to understand the balance between direct benefits of a given LMA choice to local patient care and the environmental and human health impacts of that choice that occur far from the operating room. Technical Fact Sheet-Tungsten.Technical Fact Sheet- Tungsten, EPA, Jan. 2014, www.epa.gov/sites/production/files/2014-03/documents/ffrrofactsheet_contaminant_tungsten_january2014_final.pdf. Comparison of disposable and reusable laryngeal mask airways in spontaneously ventilating adult patients. Waste is not only a problem when a product is disposed of, but also when it is initially manufactured. The metal is heated to a temperature of 1967-2048 degrees Fahrenheit and tungsten carbide has a specific heat of 0.226 BTU/lb/Fahrenheit (Safety razor). For more information, please refer to our Privacy Policy. The total energy consumption of the Babyplast in its four-step molding cycle of setup, fill, cool, and reset was approximately 4.5 kilowatts (Weissman et.al). Despite manufacturer-recommended cleaning processes, and various modifications thereof, proteinaceous material may remain on reusable LMAs.27 Of particular concern, these residues may expose patients to prions causing transmissible spongiform encephalopathy, CreutzfeldtJakob disease. However, by looking at just this one company, there is a sense of the massive amount of direct and indirect emissions from just the making of razors that are thrown away so quickly after use, with an increase annually of users. There are various ways that the product can get there. Gillette's slogan 'Gillette - the best a man can get' is famous the world over. This was a cradle-to-grave study that included inputs and outputs for the manufacture, transport, use, and waste phases of the LMAs. 3. Health care facilities can decrease their environmental impacts by using reusable LMAs, to a lesser extent by selecting disposable LMA models that are not made of certain plastics, and by ordering in bulk from local distributors. Another advantage is that the process produces a single score (Eco-Indicator Point) for the all the impacts of the product, not just individual ones for each part. Please enable scripts and reload this page. CASE STUDY ANALYSIS - CLEAN EDGE, NON DISPOSABLE RAZOR Q1. Life cycle assessment software I used GaBi 6 software, produced by PE International. Depending upon on how the razor is packaged, the finished cartridge may or may not be assembled onto the handle of the razor, as some companies choose to package the handle detached the cartridge(s). The metal liquid then goes through a strengthening process called annealing. 3.Quantify the materials and processes This is based on our Life Cycle Inventory flows from phase 2. Land transport like trains and trucks use diesel as fuel and that produced 138,700 BTU (Energy Consumption by Mode of Transportation.). The blades do eventually dissipate within the landfill, yet, it is not cost-free, as the tungsten waste can be ultimately harmful to the environment. Research and Innovative Technology Administration. Innovative and strategic advisor to leading philanthropies, corporates, governments, international institutions and NGOs. The EPA has now stopped tracking the: impact of disposable razors on the environment and has no update on the figure (Olsen). Nash, Nathaniel C. HOW BIC LOST THE EDGE TO GILLETTE. The New York Times, The New York Times, 11 Apr. Whereas transportation has a relatively significant GHG impact for the disposable LMAs, by comparison the transportation of reusable LMAs has little impact on GHG emissions, because 40 disposable LMAs must be shipped to provide an equivalent function to 1 reusable LMA. Poly(p-Phenylene Oxide). Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 28 Sept. 2019, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Poly(p-phenylene_oxide). There are three main materials used in the plastic handle and the cartridge of the disposable razor. 2. There much environmentally friendly options when it comes to shavings, such as the traditional safety razor and straight razors, which can have a much longer life than disposable razors. The extraction and consumption of resources (including energy), as well as releases to air, water, and soil, are quantified throughout all stages. Select patients who are highly infective warrant the choice of disposable devices; however, data do not support selecting disposables for all patients to avoid any possible risk of infection. What makes for an easy, simple, and affordable mass produced and used product costs more in its long afterlife in the landfill, out of sight of the buyers awareness. The product fails to include proper instructions for its waste management, causing it to be disposed of, as the name suggests. 761 0 obj <>/Filter/FlateDecode/ID[]/Index[748 22]/Info 747 0 R/Length 72/Prev 421064/Root 749 0 R/Size 770/Type/XRef/W[1 2 1]>>stream To make the handle and cartridges, these various plastics are heated together and melted together along with optional colorants and various filler materials. This assessment is exceptionally useful as it shows the designer what areas are the most impactful during the products life cycle. Sherman JD, Ryan S. Ecological responsibility in anesthesia practice. After the parts are manufactured it is time for the final product assembly. Available at: http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvrd/cjd/qa_cjd_infection_control.htm. A Comparison Life Cycle Assessment between Razor Blade and Electric Shaver. Dec. 2012. There are land, air, and water-based transportation methods. The carbon alloy allows for the metal to be strong enough to be exposed to high levels of moisture without corroding, yet brittle enough to be made into thin blades for a multiple blade razor (Safety Razor). Washington, DC: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 2000 rev, 25. However, the viability of the disposable razor is always thrown into question because of the sheer amount of resources that it expends. In this life cycle breakdown, I will be discussing what materials go into the making of disposable razors and what processes the materials go through in the operation of making a disposable razor. hbbd``b`z$k@D This reflects the equivalence between 40 disposable LMAs and their associated materials, waste, and 40 uses of 1 reusable LMA. After the reusable LMA was washed and dried, it was then placed into a heat seal pouch, made of polypropylene film and paper. Gillette Mach3 Disposable Razors for Men, 6 Count, Designed for Sensitive Skin. After that, the metal is pressed down to the desired blade thickness which is around 1mm (Manufacturing Processes). The next step the blade goes through is called polishing in which is done using strops made out of cowhide to get the desired blade edge shape, the blade is then cut into the sizes of the individual blades, which are then sent off to be inspected. qILL@#nO @8 This break-even point will change depending on the category of environmental impact being considered. Everything You Need To Know About Polystyrene (PS). Everything You Need To Know About Polystyrene (PS), 5 Nov. 2015, https://www.creativemechanisms.com/blog/polystyrene-ps-plastic. BIC has done their best to deal with waste in an environmentally conscious manner. Choosing a less-green disposable will magnify your razor's manufacturing impact, but it won't change the overall picture very much. One of the materials used is polypropylene, a thermoplastic addition polymer made from the combination of propylene monomers (Creative Mechanisms Staff, creativemechanisms.com). Decision makers have typically favored disposable LMAs because the purchase price is perceived to be less for a comparable quantity of disposable LMAs, in comparison with 1 reusable LMA with its associated labor costs for in-house reprocessing.6. The Great Recovery was a project by the RSA working with Innovate UK which ran between 2012 and 2016. This manuscript was handled by: Steven L. Shafer, MD. Most tungsten, about 85%, is extracted from various ores in China (Siddle, How Is Tungsten Carbide Formed?). Contribution: This author helped design the study, analyze the data, and prepare the manuscript. This is where most of the complexity of an LCA is involved. An estimated 1 L of tap water was used to wash and rinse 1 LMA (or 40 L over a lifetime of 40 uses). Our team of experts has many years of experience in the ecological evaluation of products and services. Our LCA team retains its reputation as the most experienced life cycle staff in North America. a 4.1% (Bic). When designing a product for circularity it is often difficult to know where to begin. Anesth Analg 1993;77:1079, 21. Life cycle assessment, according to ISO 14040/44, is conducted in four steps [29,30,31]: (1) goal and scope definition, (2) life cycle inventory, (3) life cycle impact assessment, and (4) interpretation.
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