All of these equipment-related cases occurred before the routine implementation of sterilization procedures currently used in health care facilities. In addition to traditional criteria for the selection and purchase of medical devices that include safety, efficacy, and cost, growing awareness of the negative impacts from the practice of health care on the environment and public health calls for the routine inclusion of life cycle criteria into the product selection process. 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. The EPA has now stopped tracking the: impact of disposable razors on the environment and has no update on the figure (Olsen). Finally, the need for manual labor in the cleaning process of reusable LMAs contributed to the costs of these LMAs. Another material used is polystyrene. To start the process of making the blades, tungsten carbide is melted at high temperatures. But this is expected from a large brand like Gillette. For climate change impacts specifically, the reusable LMA contributes 7.4 kg CO2e of GHGs over its life cycle, and the equivalent 40 disposable LMAs contribute 11.3 kg CO2e, or approximately the equivalent to burning a gallon (4 L) of gasoline. You may be trying to access this site from a secured browser on the server. This is where most of the complexity of an LCA is involved. "Tungsten Processing." 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. Marvel Product Razor Lady Body Shaver Disposable Razore. Tungsten carbide is a carbide compound, made up of equal parts of tungsten and carbon. Sustainable Development at BIC . 6 Jan. 2011. The cartridge-based razor had a slightly higher impact due to the rubber parts which cant be separated from the plastic body. Safety Razor. How Products Are Made, www.madehow.com/Volume-5/Safety-Razor.html. Hedrick, Art. 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 748 0 obj <> endobj Highly effective in driving partnerships, public policies and projects that accelerate the shift towards a sustainable built environment. 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. 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. The life cycle for disposable razors must first be assessed by the products design. In this paper, this will be exactly what we will discuss, from what materials go into making a disposable razor and how they are made, to what happens to it after its tossed out, and all the energy and waste that is used and expelled throughout its lifecycle. Wang, Chun Tsin, and Alexander Sutulor. Acta Anaesthesiol Scand 2009;53:6878, 19. This means that it takes around 1 BTU to heat a 0.035-ounce razor blade to the desired temperature (Julabo et.al). Each time the steam autoclave machine conducts a sterilizing cycle, a large amount of energy is used to heat the steam. #3. 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%. The largest sources of both cancer and noncancer impacts for the reusable LMA are from emissions from waste management (35%), the mining and production of metals to build wastewater treatment infrastructure (25%), and the bleaching of packaging paper and the card insert (20%). The majority of life cycle human health impacts of disposable LMAs are caused by PVC use in packaging and the device itself. Ann Fr Anesth Reanim 2006;25:8114, 7. The tungsten carbide is then ground into an extremely fine powder in a wet mill process, where metal binders and other metals such as cobalt may be added to increase the metals strength and durability and to help hold the powder together when it is shaped. This assessment is exceptionally useful as it shows the designer what areas are the most impactful during the products life cycle. Facilities that select reusable devices should implement inventory and operating procedures that ensure that devices are reused to the greatest possible extent. After reaching the end of their useful lives, both LMAs and their respective packages entered waste management, which was modeled using US average statistics on recycling/composting, landfilling, and incineration.15 Although some incineration facilities also produce electricity, this credit is not included here. Resources, Conservation & Recycling 156 (2020) 104704. By raising awareness and creating locations where one can drop off used razors for recycling, perhaps a change can come. It can be used to study the environmental impact of either a product or the function the product is designed to perform. 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). The following document provides an introductory overview of Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and describes the general uses and major components of LCA. Bics direct emissions were from: a combustion of fossil fuels, primarily natural gas and fuel oil, mainly used to heat buildings. From the *Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, College of Engineering, Northeastern University, Boston, MA; School of Forestry and Environmental Studies, Yale University, New Haven, CT; Department of Anesthesiology, Yale School of Medicine/YaleNew Haven Hospital, New Haven, CT. Funding: Department of Anesthesiology, Yale School of Medicine. LCA for product sustainability. The environmental impacts of the 2 LMAs were estimated using SimaPro life cycle assessment software and the Building for Environmental and Economic Sustainability impact assessment method. Rogers, Tony. Anesthesiology 2003;99:1066, 6. In my research, I was not able to find specifics about where BIC sources their materials, I believe that this is due to them being a global company. 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 The specific type or blend of plastic for BIC razors is used is called polystyrene (Europe). Disposable razors are a product that can be found in almost any average bathroom. We perform Life Cycle Assessments (LCA) and Critical Reviews in accordance with ISO 14040/44 for products and services. In this paper, many details about the life cycle stages were not included. Disposable razors are made up of three components: a hollowed plastic handle, the razor blade, and the plastic head of the razor that holds the blade (Safety Razor). We are proud that it is among the leading professional LCA software . However, they also affirmed that they strive to make their products with an eco-design approach by using recycled materials or bioplastics in their different products (For You for Everyone Registration Document). LCA is a standardized, science-based tool for quantifying the impact in order to assess lifetime environmental impact. Then we collected and structured the data in phase 2. 2. They have also reduced shipping time, by only sending the blades from Greece to Mexico to optimize the tools and products available in each location, instead of having all the materials shipped to each factory. 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). Once the plastic has cooled, the pieces are released from the moulds. xTkJ((5:Ome\%{yIlka;K=1 The environmental impacts of the 2 LMAs were estimated using SimaPro life cycle assessment software and the Building for Environmental and Economic Sustainability impact assessment method. However, we can discuss the energy usage of different modes of transportation. %%EOF A combination of transportation methods is used depending on where the product needs to go. The laryngeal mask airway (LMA) was introduced into clinical use in the late 1980s and approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use in the US in 1991. Life Cycle Assessment - definition & methodology. The life of a typical razor blade is not an easy one. The major problem with recycling this plastic however, is that during the heating process, the plastic degrades in quality making it less valuable (What Is Tungsten Carbide or Hard Metal?, AZoM.com). Cited Here. 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?). These impacts are quantified here in terms of energy use, water use, and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions using general factors for US labor.22. 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. a 4.1% (Bic). 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. The life cycle of plastics Life cycle assessment (LCA) considers the environmental aspects associated with a product over its lifespan. A Life Cycle Assessment of Disposable Razors. 2. This is based on our Life Cycle Inventory flows from phase 2. The International Journal of Life Cycle Assessment. Overall, reusable LMAs were found to have fewer negative environmental effects in nearly all categories, typically contributing <50% of the impacts of disposable LMAs. Steel Life Cycle.SSAB, www.ssab.com/company/sustainability/sustainable-offering/steel-life-cycle?di=discover21C927E58ECC41198B78D915F7E3E2AF. 769 0 obj <>stream BIC said that around 98 percent of its intercompany product transfer was done by transportation methods that were not related to air-freight (For You For Everyone Registration Document). Anyone can send in razors of any kind, and the plastic and cardboard packaging as well. Tungsten Carbide. Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 26 Nov. 2019, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tungsten_carbide. Di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) Hazard Summary. Each manufacturing plant or node in the supply chain is referred to as agate-to-gate (GTG) life cycle inventory. Gillette Mach3 Men's Disposable Razor for Sensitive Skin - Best Cartridge Razor for Sensitive Skin. A Comparison Life Cycle Assessment between Razor Blade and Electric Shaver. Dec. 2012. The backbone of LCA is the life cycle inventory (LCI), an analysis of material and energy ows resulting from all phases of the product life cycle. Additionally, the PVC-dominated material composition of the disposable LMA and associated packaging added significantly to its impacts. :396?Qkt)e. The LCA is broken into four stages: Defining the goal and scope how much of a product's lifecycle will be addressed, the reasons for carrying out the assessment, the intended audience, and the intended end-use [] 85 percent of the energy came from electricity, 14 percent came from gas, and the rest came from fuel oil (For You For Everyone Registration Document). The Fate of the Disposable Razor.Industrial Equipment News (IEN), 7 Aug. 2019, www.ien.com/product-development/news/21081402/the-fate-of-the-disposable-razor. Health care facilities can decrease their environmental impacts by using reusable LMAs, by selecting disposable LMA models that are not made of certain plastics, and by ordering in bulk from local distributors. A major flaw in the disposable razors design is in fact its inability to be sustainably and properly disposed, despite what its name suggests. The body of both razors had similar impact as their weights were also quite similar. Click the image for pricing & more info. It is used to assist companies, consumers, and policy-makers in greening their practices and decisions. Criteria for the selection and purchase of medical devices typically include safety for patients and staff, efficacy and ease of use, and purchase and handling prices. Environmental Life-Cycle Assessment of Disposable Bioreactors - BioProcess InternationalBioProcess International Upstream Processing Bioprocessing begins upstream, most often with culturing of animal or microbial cells in a range of vessel types (such as bags or stirred tanks) using different controlled feeding, aerating, and process strategies. Lv, Andrea Lind, and Tigist Fetene. What Is Polystyrene? By far, the biggest impact during the manufacturing of the razors was the 17 spot welds done in each cartridge. Yet, as they are designed to be thrown away after use, a question is raised of their fast accumulating waste and its impact on the environment. The fewer LMAs placed in the autoclave, the larger the impacts on GHG emissions and global warming on each individual unit. There are various ways that the product can get there. These results will then be used to inform the design process and improve the redesigned razor. Here's How to Keep Your Razors from Contributing to Landfill Waste. USA Today, Gannett Satellite Information Network, 7 Aug. 2019, https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2019/08/07/landfill-waste-how-prevent-disposable-razor-plastic-pollution/1943345001/. Soulias M, Martin L, Garnier N, Juniot A, Aho L, Freysz M. Disposable vs reusable laryngeal mask airway: a cost-minimization analysis. The company urges users to mail packages over 15 lbs., in order to reduce the waste of mail as well, yet is not necessary. Data Uncertainty. 3. Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) is a technique for assessing the potential environmental aspects and potential aspects associated with a product (or service), by: compiling an inventory of relevant inputs and outputs, evaluating the potential environmental impacts associated with those inputs and outputs, Where regulations permit, disposal of LMA-related waste as regular municipal waste, as opposed to biohazardous waste, should also reduce the adverse health effects stemming from medical waste incineration. For more information, please refer to our Privacy Policy. A comparative cradle to grave life cycle assessment (LCA) was conducted to determine and analyze the environmental impacts of using disposable acrylic speculums versus using reusable stainless-steel speculums in a women's university health clinic where around 5,000 pelvic exams are conducted on a yearly basis. Staff, RT. However, of the 2 billion razors disposed of annually, about 32% end up in the ocean (Kaplan). Disposable razors are a product that can be found in almost any average bathroom. The plastic and steel elements of the razor can be recycled, yet, because they are so lightweight and small it makes it hard to separate in the trash and unable to be recycled normally. The original LMA was a reusable device (Intavent International SA, Henley-on-Thames, UK). Your message has been successfully sent to your colleague. This is known as a Life Cycle Inventory (LCI) This can be extremely complex because it can involve dozens of separate processes, as well as hundreds of tracked substances. These are the reasons why I will carry out an Eco-Indicator Assessment instead of a full LCA. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Being that it is such a common and quickly replaced product, this is is a major issue in terms of waste. Tungsten Carbide. Encyclopdia Britannica, Encyclopdia Britannica, Inc., 17 Dec. 2018, www.britannica.com/science/tungsten-carbide. 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. It has a low density and is quite flexible and heat resistant, therefore making it an easily moulded and extruded material. Disposable razors are designed for consumers that prefer minimum spending . DEHP is a plasticizer routinely added to impart flexibility to PVC-based products, such as IV bags, tubing, and endotracheal tubes. Once Terracycle has collected the waste, it is: broken down and separated by material. hb```X ea i:=3*?a_.k7#uq-u[JRP erle@@)`EkP;~ cdC58xiv06@Jup E BIC put out a report detailing how they deal with the waste from their factories. They have estimated that they expend around 11.77 gigajoules of energy per ton of their products that they produce (For You For Everyone Registration Document) The BIC report also categorized the energy where they obtained the energy. Case Studies. Case Studies : Reducing BIC's Rejection Rates | KEYENCE America, www.keyence.com/solutions/case-studies/bic.jsp. 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. Polystyrene is not biodegradable and takes hundreds of years to break down. Production of razor blades across the industry is fairly standard. Powers, Matt, and Amanda M. Can You Recycle Disposable Razors? Earth911.Com, 30 July 2019, earth911.com/living-well-being/health/can-you-recycle-disposable-razors/. 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. It is at this stage that very small amounts of other metals such as iron, silicon, and chromium may be added to the carbide to increase its strength and durability. Finally, the assessment will be carried out on the new design to assess if it has a lower impact than the other options analysed. Manufacturing Processes (RAZOR): KAI FACTORY: KAI Group. KAI FACTORY | KAI Group, www.kai-group.com/global/en/kai-factory/process/razor/. Life cycle assessment (LCA) is a framework for assessing the environmental impacts of product systems and decisions. Life cycle assessment software I used GaBi 6 software, produced by PE International. Any extra plastic will be discarded, remelted, and reused (Safety Razor, madehow.com). BIC Group, 2016, For You For Everyone Registration Document. Anesth Analg 2012;114:105566, 8. These containers, mainly wooden pallets and spools, are subject to European legislat E-LCA is a time tested assessment technique that evaluates environmental performance throughout the life cycle of a product or from performing a service. The plastic handle and head of the disposable razor consists of a hybrid of polypropylene, polystyrene, and phenylene oxide, also known as PPO. The Potential of Polypropylene.Recycling Today, Recycling Today, 17 July 2019, www.recyclingtoday.com/article/the-recycling-potential-of-polypropylene/. Polystyrene. Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 2 Dec. 2019, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polystyrene. In their study of Life cycle assessment of wastewater treatment technologies treating petroleum process waters, Vlaopolous et al. In this section we also need to state the assumptions made during the process: WC2N 6EZ, Redesigning the razor Life Cycle Assessment. The data collected through LCA helps organizations make conscious decisions that affect the environment. 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. Disposable Razors in Bulk, Bulk Razors with Knife Caps, Individually Packaged Disposable Razors Bulk, Suitable for Hotels, Shelters, Homeless People, Nursing Homes, Charities, Churches (60) 4.2 4.2 out of 5 stars (9) $22.39 $ 22. Gillette Razor Local Recycling Solutions.TerraCycle, www.terracycle.com/en-US/brigades/gillette-local-recycling. The human-health-related impact categories are pertinent to those developing standards for the delivery of health care. Bic Disposable Razor (1975). Plastics News Europe, 19 Nov. 2009, www.plasticsnewseurope.com/article/20091119/PNE/311199986/bic-disposable-razor-1975. We purchase the product in a store, use the product for removing unwanted body and facial hair until it eventually dulls, and then we toss it in the bathroom trash, unaware of where it goes or where it came from. The next step is to temper the steel at a temperature of 482-752F (250- 400C) and pressed into thin sheets (Safety Razor, madehow.com). This manuscript was handled by: Steven L. Shafer, MD. A Life Cycle Assessment is the systematic analysis of the environmental impact of products during their entire life cycle. Gillette Mach3 Disposable Razors for Men, 6 Count, Designed for Sensitive Skin. During a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), environmental impacts are evaluated throughout the entire life cycle of a product (production, use and disposal or recovery).This also includes the upstream and downstream processes associated with production (e.g., the production of . The metal that can be used in the cartridge is also cut out during this stage. Wages are then spent on food, entertainment, transport, and other economic activities that themselves have environmental impacts. RSA Sensitivity and simple life cycle cost analyses were conducted to aid in interpretation of the results. Please try again soon. Disposable and reusable LMAs typically differ in material composition, packaging, reuse, and cost. This project is a collaboration between the Great Recovery Programme and Fab Lab London. Goodman EJ, Haas AJ. Goal, scope and background The industrial packages sector has great importance for the transport sector in Europe. To compile a detailed life cycle inventory of the environmental burdens The LMA, within the heat seal pouch, was then placed in the steam autoclave sterilizing machine (Castle/Getinge MC 3522). What Is Tungsten Carbide?" The biggest impact during the cartridge-based razor life-cycle is manufacturing the cartridge as this is the part which is hardest to make. Both were assumed to be transported to Los Angeles, CA, by container ship, and from there by truck to the company distribution center in San Diego, CA. Current LMA procurement decisions are typically based on perceived costs. With the results we supply the basis for strategic decisions for sustainable action. Tungsten is a natural metal deposit that is found in metamorphic, and granitic igneous rocks, primarily in China, Russia, South Korea, South America, and the Rocky Mountains in the United States. 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. This is where the razors are portioned into their desired packaging amounts, that will be sent off to consumers. Next, the razors will be tested for flaws, strength, and razor hardness and sharpness (Safety Razor, madehow.com). 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. Address correspondence to Jodi Sherman, MD, Yale University, School of Medicine, Department of Anesthesiology, 333 Cedar Street, TMP3, New Haven, CT 06520. Ecoinvent 2.2. Environment Agency (Life Cycle Assessment of Disposable and Reusable Nappies in the U.K.) investigated the impact of three diapering systems: cloth diapers with home wash, cloth diapers with commercial laundry, and disposable diapers. A new incentive must come for companies to be more sustainable with resources and create products that can still be cheap for the buyer, while also not taking a high cost on the environment. LMAs may be composed of 40% DEHP by weight. More immediate levels of waste, however, happen during the processing of disposable razors before they are even brought to the buyer and the landfill. 11,772. Ans: (i) Significant growth in industry of super premium segment . 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. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. 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. At an average of 10 reuse cycles, GHG impacts increase by >50%, and this is the break-even point at which the GHG emissions from reusable and disposable LMAs are essentially equal. The metal and plastic components of the cartridges will be assembled, where they will then go to the next station where the blades will be inserted. J Clin Anesth 1997;9:432, 20. The full life cycle environmental impacts can be challenging to model, because modern production "pathways" can involve numerous interacting technologies, each of which can consume materials and energy that are themselves products of complex production processes. This is the fourth installment in a series of blogs in which weexplore how to design a product for circularity. McGain F, McAlister S, McGavin A, Story D. The financial and environmental costs of reusable and single-use plastic anaesthetic drug trays. 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.). 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). 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). There are land, air, and water-based transportation methods. Anesthesia & Analgesia114(5):1067-1072, May 2012. They are resins that maintain a high dimensional stability, which helps create fast and cheap plastic razor handles (Safety Razor). Weissman, Alexander, et al. No such cases have been reported since 1976.a There is no reported case of iatrogenic infection of any type linked to a reusable LMA. The Eco-Indicator method is a tool developed to help designers conduct a simplified LCA study. After the plastic body is manufactured it goes through inspections similar to ones the blades go through. Not all form of impacts are valued the same, so the ones with the largest impact should be tackled first in order to produce the maximum overall improvement.
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