Manufacturing Processes (RAZOR): KAI FACTORY: KAI Group.KAI FACTORY | KAI Group, www.kai-group.com/global/en/kai-factory/process/razor/. 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. To aid in solving this issue, I believe consumers should stray away from wasteful disposable razors and be encouraged to go with more sustainable and longer lasting options such as classic safety razors.
After the products make their way to consumers and serve their purpose, the waste must be dealt with.
Environmental Life-Cycle Assessment of Disposable Bioreactors U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) Hazard Summary. 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%. To go from raw materials to final product involves many steps and heavy energy input. Once Terracycle has collected the waste, it is: broken down and separated by material. BIC has reported their total energy usage and carbon footprint in their factories around the world, this was all however for the year 2016. Dbendorf, Switzerland, 2011, 12. 2011, Packaging Technology and Science. 761 0 obj
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DEHP leaches out upon exposure to heat and lipids, as would be the case in contact with mucous membranes. The largest source of GHG emissions for the disposable LMAs (23%) is the production and polymerization of PVC, the main material constituent.
(PDF) A Comparative Life Cycle Assessment of Disposable - academia.edu Pollution of the oceans from plastics has become an increasingly large issue that researchers are still assessing. endstream
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They also reported how they dealt with their non-hazardous waste 76 percent was recycled, 11 percent incineration with energy recovery, 10 percent was sent to land disposal, and the remaining 3 percent was sent off for a different treatment (For You for Everyone Registration Document). :396?Qkt)e. After that the blades go through a blade edging process, which consists of the blade strips first being coarsely ground by whetstone, second being ground at an angle with a finer whetstone, and then having the tip of the blades ground (Manufacturing Processes). A 2005 analysis published by U.K. There are some solutions and new recycling ideas, yet, the reduction of waste for disposable razors is still far off. This makes it an easy and quick method to start the analysis of a product and aid the designer when creating alternative concepts which are more environmentally friendly, because they can clearly identify what areas need improvement and which ones work well already. 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). 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. There are land, air, and water-based transportation methods. They are resins that maintain a high dimensional stability, which helps create fast and cheap plastic razor handles (Safety Razor). The company urges users to mail packages over 15 lbs., in order to reduce the waste of mail as well, yet is not necessary. For waste management, switching from 100% incineration to 100% landfilling typically reduced impacts across all categories by 5%10%, with the national average scenario results decreasing in between.
Sustainability | Free Full-Text | Reducing the Environmental Impact of 1. An LCA is an accounting of the inputs and outputs for a product system, beginning with extraction of raw materials from the earth and continuing through all of the steps of transportation, manufacturing, product fabrication, product use, and end-of-life, which may include reuse, recycling . Thomas, G.P. 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. Gillette Razor Local Recycling Solutions.TerraCycle, www.terracycle.com/en-US/brigades/gillette-local-recycling. Such an analysis is commonly performed using life cycle assessment. Information on PPO plastics are difficult to find, as most of the data is about how it is made, and the chemical makeup and stability of the plastic, rather than information on the decomposition rate or waste used in the making of it. Properties: Tungsten Carbide-An Overview. AZoM.com, 25 Nov. 2019, www.azom.com/properties.aspx?ArticleID=1203. The life cycle of plastics Life cycle assessment (LCA) considers the environmental aspects associated with a product over its lifespan. Polystyrene is not biodegradable and takes hundreds of years to break down. How Long Will It Take That Bag of Trash to Decompose in a Landfill?The Balance Small Business, The Balance Small Business, 22 Oct. 2019, www.thebalancesmb.com/how-long-does-it-take-garbage-to-decompose-2878033#plastic-waste. 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%). Gillette Mach3 Men's Disposable Razor for Sensitive Skin - Best Cartridge Razor for Sensitive Skin. Disposable LMAs are made largely from PVC plastic, which is associated with a number of health concerns that are gaining increased attention.23 Historic efforts to minimize routine medical incineration resulted in the 1998 Memorandum of Understanding between the American Hospital Association and the US Environmental Protection Agency, largely on the basis of recognition of the potential carcinogenic effects of burning PVC plastics. 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). Disposable razors are designed for consumers that prefer minimum spending . This is only the operational energy consumption, but you still have to take into account all the energy used in the design and installation of the machinery. The metal must be mined and extracted from the mountain causing an emission of fossil fuels and greenhouse gases (Wang). You Asked, We Answered. Chronicle, 12 June 2015, chronicle.kennametal.com/what-is-tungsten-carbide-you-asked-we-answered/. 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. @article{Cordella2015EvolutionOD, title={Evolution of disposable baby diapers in Europe: life cycle assessment of environmental impacts and identification of key areas of improvement}, author={Mauro Cordella and Iris Bauer and Anja Lehmann and Matthias Schulz and Oliver Wolf}, journal={Journal of Cleaner Production}, year={2015}, volume={95 . 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 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. By not using air travel and transport, BIC greatly reduces their energy usage and carbon footprint at the same time. The powder is then shaped, usually by the process of die stamping. Of course the 2.6 billion razors were not, all the same, however, we can still give a ballpark estimate of how many tonnes of plastic/metal waste is being produced every year. Steel Life Cycle.SSAB, www.ssab.com/company/sustainability/sustainable-offering/steel-life-cycle?di=discover21C927E58ECC41198B78D915F7E3E2AF. Several waste management scenarios were also considered, including 100% landfilling and 100% incineration, because practices are highly location dependent. 3. 2002/03 and 2005/06, to include an assessment of the effects of a range of behavioural assumptions on the life cycle environmental impacts of the reusable nappy types, and to compare these with each other and with modern disposable nappies. 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). However, of the 2 billion razors disposed of annually, about 32% end up in the ocean (Kaplan). From mining and extracting the natural tungsten metal, to making the metal alloy and manufacturing just the blade, waste is released. This means, of the 2 billion razors disposed of annually within the United States, each razor will be on the planet longer than the people who used them. Can J Anaesth 2001;48:40912, 22.
PDF A Comparative Life Cycle Assessment of Compostable and Reusable Takeout PDF An updated lifecycle assessment study for disposable and reusable nappies Available at: http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvrd/cjd/qa_cjd_infection_control.htm. Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) is a modeling tool for quantifying the environmental impacts of products and processes. The long and harmful life-cycle of disposable razors is not reflected to the buyer browsing aisles of fully stocked razor shelves. 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. PurposeIn this study, a life cycle assessment of a bioplastic based diaper was performed. The specific type or blend of plastic for BIC razors is used is called polystyrene (Europe). Disposable razors are created for a short user time, and an easy answer to the growing populations fast paced lifestyles and needs for shaving: they are primarily designed to be simple, economical, and disposable (Safety Razor).
Life cycle assessment comparison among different reuse intensities for Chain Management by Life Cycle Assessment (CMLCA) software has been used to conduct the LCA and Ecoinvent 2.01 has been used for life cycle inventory data. 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). A Comparison Life Cycle Assessment between Razor Blade and Electric Shaver. Dec. 2012. Get new journal Tables of Contents sent right to your email inbox, http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvrd/cjd/qa_cjd_infection_control.htm, Comparative Life Cycle Assessment of Disposable and Reusable Laryngeal Mask Airways, Articles in PubMed by Matthew Eckelman, PhD, Articles in Google Scholar by Matthew Eckelman, PhD, Other articles in this journal by Matthew Eckelman, PhD, May 2012 - Environment and Anesthesia Practice, A Comparison of Reusable and Disposable Perioperative Textiles: Sustainability State-of-the-Art 2012, Life Cycle Greenhouse Gas Emissions of Anesthetic Drugs, Environmental and Occupational Considerations of Anesthesia: A Narrative Review and Update, Global Warming Potential of Inhaled Anesthetics: Application to Clinical Use, A Survey of Anesthesiologists' Views of Operating Room Recycling, Privacy Policy (Updated December 15, 2022), International Anesthesia Research Society. 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. Holes are then punched into the metal and the tapelike sheets of razors are then put in a roll (Manufacturing Processes). 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. Due to the nature of the disposable razor, they are usually just thrown in the trash and sent off to a landfill. Differences in environmental impacts between devices may present a compelling consideration in their selection. PPO elements of the disposable razor are hard to determine in years, however, data shows that most plastic items take up to 1,000 years to begin to decompose (LeBlanc). The Bic Razor, Still the Sharpest of the Bunch. Plastics Le Mag, 31 Jan. 2017, plastics-themag.com/The-Bic-razor-still-the-sharpest-of-the-bunch. Manufacturer specifications indicate 20 kWh of electricity use for a 5-minute cycle at 135C. Anesth Analg 1998;87:921, 3. These included alternative routes and modes of transport from San Diego to New Haven, changes in autoclave loading practices and efficiency, and varied amounts of PVC in the disposable LMA. Finally, the razors are packaged in cardboard and plastic, and shipped out to stores and markets globally for customers to purchase and use. 4. Certain practices would further reduce the environmental impacts of reusable LMAs, such as increasing the number of devices autoclaved in a single cycle to 10 (25% GHG emissions) and improving the energy efficiency of the autoclaving machines by 10% (8% GHG emissions). LMA Classic Product Specifications, 2011, 10. Complete with an ergonomic shaped non-slip rubber handle for great control and maneuverability and easy rinse blades for 100% better rinsing (vs . 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. My next blog post will show some design recommendations using sketches and 3D-printed prototypes. The alternatives are objects made of bio compostable plastic,. The study found that: One of the materials used is polypropylene, a thermoplastic addition polymer made from the combination of propylene monomers (Creative Mechanisms Staff, creativemechanisms.com). These containers, mainly wooden pallets and spools, are subject to European legislat Life Cycle Assessment - definition & methodology. RSA
This is done on an assembly line by the robotic arm the inserts the razor blade into the small crevices in the plastic body. Each year in Italy, millions of tons of fruits and vegetables are harvested, packed and transported to national and foreign retail outlets. In this post I havent shown the whole process, but there are downloadable links to my full Eco-Indicator results, and to the template form if youd like to carry out an assessment yourself. Waste is not only a problem when a product is disposed of, but also when it is initially manufactured. Each time the steam autoclave machine conducts a sterilizing cycle, a large amount of energy is used to heat the steam. A SYSTEMATIC METHODOLOGY FOR ACCURATE DESIGN-STAGE ESTIMATION OF ENERGY CONSUMPTION FOR INJECTION MOLDED PARTS. The total amount of direct GHG emissions in 2016 was estimated at 8,689 teqCO2, i.e. Gillette Mach3 Disposable Razors for Men, 6 Count, Designed for Sensitive Skin. This liquid material is then injected into moulds, or extruded through moulds, where it will cool and take the form of the desired cartridge and handle shape. %PDF-1.5
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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. Alternate assumptions were used to test model sensitivity and to create bounds to aid interpretation of the results (Table 2). How Is Tungsten Carbide Formed? Chronicle, 20 Aug. 2015, chronicle.kennametal.com/how-is-tungsten-carbide-formed/. Part of this responsible shipping mentality forces them to change their packaging to be able to ship more at a time. A Comparative Life Cycle Assessment of Disposable and Reusable Packaging for the Distribution of Italian Fruit and Vegetables. 11,772. 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. 769 0 obj
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The effect of alternate transport modes was quite small for the reusable LMA but quite significant for the disposable LMAs, leading to a large increase in GHG emissions in particular from air freight. BIC has repeatedly come under fire because of the environmental impact their disposable razors have, due to the sheer amount of their disposable products are used every year. . Washington, DC: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 2011, 16. However, given the environmental toll to such a fast accumulating, and non-biodegradable product, waste management must be more considered by both the manufacturers and the buyers. The use of LCA to introduce life-cycle thinking into decision-making for the purchase of medical devices in the NHS. Subramaniar Trading Company. To begin the process of creating the razor blades, tungsten carbide, which is the metal that the blades and other optional components are made of, must first be manufactured. 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. Encyclopaedia Brittanica, Encyclopaedia Brittanica, Inc., 26 Sept. 2012, www.britannica.com/technology/tungsten-processing#ref82029. 11 / Piece. 6,474. LCA's are completed particularly in relation to how to develop a sustainable world where less waste and more reuse is implemented. 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. The hardest part of this whole process is the data gathering.
Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) - Complete Beginner's Guide - Ecochain Eshwar Shop. This is shown through their commitment to their eco-design process and new recycling programs that are undergoing testing. Soulias M, Martin L, Garnier N, Juniot A, Aho L, Freysz M. Disposable vs reusable laryngeal mask airway: a cost-minimization analysis. 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. 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. The use of disposable razors is unsustainable with our growing population and increased demand. Questions and Answers: CreutzfeldtJakob Disease Infection-Control Practices. Policy H-135.945: Encouraging Alternatives to PVC/DEHP Products in Health. 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). The disposable LMA consisted largely of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) plastic, and the reusable LMA consisted primarily of silicone. The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica. These steps are not necessarily conducted in succession, but iteratively. The metal that can be used in the cartridge is also cut out during this stage. Lv, Andrea Lind, and Tigist Fetene. 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 next step is to temper the steel at a temperature of 482-752F (250- 400C) and pressed into thin sheets (Safety Razor, madehow.com). Tungsten Carbide. Encyclopdia Britannica, Encyclopdia Britannica, Inc., 17 Dec. 2018, www.britannica.com/science/tungsten-carbide. The high levels of pollution from disposable razor blades alone caused the EPA to claim a national garbage crisis in the late 1980s, and the actual figure of 2 billion razors thrown away every year dates back to the 1990s. 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). 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. How One Facility Completely Eliminated the Use of TCE Schick Razor Blade Manufacturing in Knoxville, Tennessee. 2017. In 2016, Bic reduced packaging for their Soleil Razor by 40%. Shavers. BICWorld, www.bicworld.com/en/our-products/shavers. associated with the environmental interventions attributable to the life-cycle of a product. 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. 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.