BCC Research’s Post

Medical device industry acknowledges environmental challenges, commits to improvement. From reducing plastic in products to innovative recycling initiatives industry is reimagining #sustainability goals. Lifelong diabetic Brian Brandell's initiative to recycle single-use insulin pens highlights broader challenges in the healthcare sector's plastic waste management: with over 24 billion pounds of plastic waste generated in 2023, innovative solutions like his are crucial.   While individual efforts are commendable, collaboration and policy reforms are essential for significant progress - systemic changes are needed to address the health industry's #environmental impact.   A must-read from The New York Times shedding light on crucial shifts needed in recycling, sustainability, and healthcare. #healthcare #plastics #waste #recycling #reduce #redesign #medicaldevice

Great story highlighting the work of Triumvirate Environmental in The New York Times! While we work as a society to reduce our plastic consumption in the US and figure out alternatives for medical device packaging, we’ve developed a solution to recycle some of this waste. Our equipment allows us to process medical waste and turn the useful plastics into things like plastic lumber for landscaping and underlay for turf fields. Read more by Ted Alcorn here: https://lnkd.in/eWakWs5P #recycling #environmental #climatechange

This report shows how widespread plastics have become and their effect on our health. I knew we ate it but we also breathe it. Each year we consume/inhale enough plastic to make a bar of soap... #recyclingisnottheanswer https://lnkd.in/eUnQaZJF

🌱 Reflecting on the latest findings, it's evident that our choices regarding plastic usage profoundly impact people's health and economy. Dr. Trasande's insights shed light on actionable steps we can take to mitigate exposure to harmful chemicals, from opting for stainless steel over plastic containers to avoiding microwaving plastic altogether. As professionals, let's advocate for sustainable practices and consumer awareness to reduce the burden of plastic-related diseases, fostering a healthier and more sustainable future for all. #Sustainability #HealthAwareness #PlasticReduction 🌍 https://lnkd.in/dWHDsppg

Microplastics everywhere: Are we facing a new health crisis? | World Economic Forum https://lnkd.in/e-xrtqzb Plastic is getting smaller and is working itself into our bodies. With initial worrisome results out already we are only starting to understand what the impacts on our health will be. By the it might be too late. Better start now to reduce consumption. Here is what I do: - Buy loose products or those packed in paper only - Buy cotton clothes not polyester etc. - Stop using plastic containers like water bottles and tupper wares. They shed micro plastics. What do you do? Does this worry you?

"Plastic is everywhere, including our bodies. This year, various researchers found microplastics in every sample of placental tissue they tested; in human arteries, where plastics correlate with increased risk of heart attacks and strokes; in all 27 of the human testes they studied; and the semen of 40 otherwise healthy patients, adding to concerns that plastics – many of which contain hormone-disrupting chemicals – may be contributing to a global decline in sperm health. These recent discoveries add to the rapidly mounting evidence of plastic’s ubiquity and our growing understanding of the health risks it poses. It is increasingly apparent that we are in a plastic health crisis. Industry profits from products that are not safe, passing these health and economic burdens on to the public and governments." https://lnkd.in/ery7qzZP #plastic #plastics

Microplastics are everywhere, even in our bodies. New research reveals their presence in human placentas, arteries, semen, and testes. These discoveries add to growing evidence that plastic pollution poses a significant health risk. The problem: • Global plastic production has doubled since 2000 and is expected to double again by 2040. • Microplastics are accumulating in our environment and bodies, potentially contributing to declining sperm health and other health issues. • The economic burden of plastic-related diseases is staggering, exceeding $675 billion in the U.S. alone for BPA, DEHP, and PBDE exposure. Experts warn we're approaching a tipping point. While the current health effects are concerning, they may be just the beginning. #PlasticPollution #Sustainability #Packaging #MicroPlastics https://lnkd.in/dzVNxdM5

https://lnkd.in/g43PATEh Not only is the idea of plastic recycling mostly nonsense - it doesn't get recycled - the plastic itself has been causing health issues that cost our system hundreds of billions to address. Plastic and plastic coatings are toxic - full stop. Why it is that we continue to debate how much of a non-recyclable, toxic substance that, in many cases, does not ever degrade, we will allow to permeate our waterways, land, air and our own bodies is beyond my comprehension. How sick are you willing to get for the sake of plastic? That's ultimately the question being debated by politicians who are heavily lobbied by the fossil fuel and chemical companies. An informed public would be better able to champion their own decisions in that respect. If products were labelled according to their life-cycle impact, social impact and toxicity and health impact, how many people would be championing plastic-covered everything? Let's start being open and honest about the actual impact of what we consume. A healthy planet is profitable for everyone. #HPRT #wecaretorepair

WHY PLASTIC DERIVED FROM FOSSIL FUELS CANNOT BE RECYCLED EITHER BY MECHANICAL OR CHEMICAL RECYCLING TECHNOLOGY ACCORDING TO MATERIAL SCIENCE Not all plastic polymers derived from oil can be efficiently recycled, whether through mechanical or chemical processes, due to several reasons: CHEMICAL COMPOSITION: Different plastic polymers have varying chemical compositions, which affect their recyclability. For instance, polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP) are relatively easier to recycle compared to polystyrene (PS) or polyvinyl chloride (PVC) due to their molecular structures and properties. CONTAMINATION: Contaminants such as food residues, dyes, or other materials can degrade the quality of recycled plastics, making them less suitable for reuse. Some plastics are more prone to absorbing contaminants than others, complicating the recycling process. THERMAL STABILITY: Plastics with low thermal stability, such as thermosetting polymers like polyurethane (PU), undergo irreversible chemical changes when heated, hindering their ability to be recycled through conventional melting and reshaping methods. COMPATIBILITY: Mixing different types of plastics during recycling can result in material degradation and reduce the quality of the recycled product. Therefore, certain polymers cannot be effectively recycled together, limiting the efficiency of recycling processes. ECONOMIC VIABILITY: Recycling certain types of plastics may not be economically feasible due to the high costs associated with collection, sorting, and processing. This is especially true for plastics with limited demand or low market value in their recycled form. DEGRADATION DURING USED: Some plastics degrade over time due to exposure to heat, light, or chemical reactions, leading to a decrease in their physical and mechanical properties. Recycled plastics derived from such materials may exhibit inferior performance compared to their virgin counterparts. LACK OF INFRASTRUCTURE: Inadequate recycling infrastructure and technology may limit the types of plastics that can be effectively recycled in certain regions. Without proper facilities and processes in place, many plastics end up being disposed of in landfills or incinerated instead of being recycled. Addressing these challenges requires advancements in material science, recycling technologies, and waste management strategies to improve the recyclability of plastics and reduce their environmental impact. Bioplastics can replace plastics that originated from fossil fuels. Bioplastics are derived from renewable resources such as plants, agricultural byproducts, or even algae. They offer several advantages over traditional petroleum-based plastics examples are polylactic acid (PLA), polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA), and starch-based plastics. These materials are being increasingly utilized in industries ranging from packaging to medical devices, demonstrating their potential to replace conventional plastics derived from fossil fuels.

Plastic pollution poses a significant environmental threat, and the rise of microplastics and nanoplastics has added a new dimension to this issue. Recent research highlights their omnipresence in our environment, from contaminated food and water sources to airborne pollutants and skincare products. The pathways through which these tiny plastic particles enter our bodies—ingestion, inhalation, and dermal contact—underscore the urgency of understanding their potential health impacts. Studies indicate adverse effects on various organ systems, including the gastrointestinal, respiratory, immune, and nervous systems, with implications for prenatal development. Read more on this by clicking on my Down To Earth India article. #Microplastic #Nanoplastic #Healtheffects #Plasticexposure https://lnkd.in/gPSJAdpK