DuPont has just released the names of the winners of the XXI DuPont Awards for Innovation in Packaging, an award that distinguishes those companies committed to the environment and sustainable packaging. The winners received their title in a worldwide online event, which incorporated exchanges on key sustainability issues for the packaging industry, including removal solutions.
XXI winners Products DuPont Awards for Innovation in Packaging.
According to recent studies, consumers do not stop supporting friendly trade for the economy. Thus, 44% of consumers said that their ecological habits have not changed despite the current economic situation and a third said they currently are keener to buy environmentally responsible than before. The producers of consumer goods, more than half (55%) say their commitment to sustainable initiatives has not changed and that the packaging is an area of utmost importance (76%).
A jury consisting of a panel of independent international experts coordinated by Anne Johnson, director of the Sustainable Packaging Coalition, evaluated over 120 candidates contest this year in seven areas of innovation included the optimization of energy and resources and improving performance, to select 10 winners and 8 outstanding achievements.
Aveda Vintage Clove shampoo companies Estee Lauder (USA).
Estee Lauder performs a recovery and innovation in using recycled after consumption. This is a proactive program, funded by the company, collection, taken internationally to shops and schools is the heart of this success, complete with the manufacture of bottles, with 96% post-consumer recycled bottle, and whose plugs used 100% recycled polypropylene. The information from the bottle promotes recycling. The bottles are made in a plant using 100% renewable wind energy.
Renewable and compostable tray
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Biosphere confectionery Food Industries (USA) cooked in baking dish Renew-A-Pak Company Sealed Air.
Biosphere Industries tray is renewable and compostable, which makes possible the reinvention of retail bakery practices and streamlining the supply chain with a significant reduction of waste.
This new tray of pastries made from 100% renewable material and the total system concept helps to change the processes of pastries to get a result more sustainable. The practices consisted of cooking in pre-disposable metal trays and transfer food to a second container for sale in stores. Ultimately, the consumer is the one that gets rid of the pack as junk. Now the product is maintained in the new dual tray that can be used in the microwave oven and throughout the process to the consumer and can be turned into compost at the end of their use, eliminating waste generation and aluminum need for a second trash container that generated after use.
Aseptic packaging materials using natural light
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Lightweight Package Ecolean Group (Sweden).
The innovative design and use of materials on this package, developed by Ecolean Group, allow a tremendous reduction in resources and energy saving. The design for management avoids the need for a separate serving support and rigid. Empty containers weigh only 14 grams, which approximates to a weight reduction of 50% compared with the cartoons, which are the current standard for aseptic packaging. The use of calcium carbonate (lime) reduces the amount of polymer is needed for the structure. With little weight and volume, allows substantially higher freight by truck.
Frozen food trays with 40% of material recovered
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ConAgra's Healthy Choice Trays, developed and produced by Associated Packaging Technologies (USA).
With significant use of recycled material, these new trays Associated Packaging Technologies for frozen foods using 40% post-consumer recovered material instead of virgin PET and reinforce the market recovered post-consumer.
A significant achievement is the high level of recycling, scoop into suitable containers for both types of ovens (conventional and microwave). In 2008, prevented more than 3 million and a half kilos of PET recycling landfills after use and used less than 236 million kilocalories in the manufacture of the trays due to the use of recycled content. Virgin CPET is normally used in this type of application due to hygiene requirements. The company met the FDA requirements for use of recycled material in this application.
Bag polythene bags of detergent to replace the corrugated
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The polythene invisible box Procter & Gamble (Belgium and Turkey).
A clear and innovative bag replaces the corrugated cardboard, reducing packaging weight by 80% and compressing the volume by 20%, allowing for more efficient transportation and better handling of loads in stock. With a significant reduction in packaging material, P & G achieved a remarkable efficiency to replace the corrugated polythene bag with this sack of detergent packaging multiple and transport more energy efficient. For trade, the advantages include better handling and stock management.
New design of secondary packaging that uses less material
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All Days compresses cardboard tray with a case of Procter & Gamble (Germany and USA).
The merchants want to reduce packaging in its stores. Whole systems thinking, Procter & Gamble redesigned this product for smaller packages. The design of the tray and the cardboard sleeve reduces the volume of material and labor, warehouse and improved consumer appeal. It uses less ink and saves up to 80% in print. The shop benefits are improved significantly.
Replacing the bags glass bottle for stand-up '
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Bag Bertolli pasta sauce, Unilever and Amcor Flexibles (USA).
Amcor Flexibles Unilever and replaced by glass bottle bags stand-up 'to use 70% less material. This development overcame significant technical limitations in shelf stable packaging for a product that is sensitive to oxygen.
By being able to put in the microwave with the bag, this new package offers significant advantages to consumers and ease of use against the glass and offers advantages in retail because of its easy handling with a shelf life equivalent. The advantages due to the transport efficiency are substantial. A truckload of empty bags equivalent to 25 trucks of empty glass jars.
Pill that reduces packaging waste
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Package Prilosec OTC Procter & Gamble and Alcan Packaging (USA).
The search for systems resulted in this major redesign of a standard concept in the industry. This new design of a container for pills reduces waste and allows to include a full treatment in a single blister. This achievement has doubled the number of pills that can go in a blister, so that the consumer has a complete treatment in a single strip. Reducing packaging waste is significant.
Cardboard gift boxes and labels renewable, recyclable and biodegradable
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Pangea Organics Gift Boxes Holiday Gift Boxes (USA).
The carton and label change to renewable / recyclable / biodegradable reinforcing the brand image of these organic gift boxes Pangea Organics Holiday Gift Boxes, while that gives it more attractive on the shelf. Among the outstanding achievements in sustainability in the category of gift boxes, this redesign is in line with ecological brand positioning and maintain the attractiveness while reducing substantially the amount of packaging. The board has made entirely with renewable materials, recyclable or biodegradable and uses vegetable inks. The seeds are embedded in the cardboard, which can be planted as directed.
Cans, 30% more efficient transport and storage
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Easy Pour Containers barrier of A & C Packers (Australia).
A & C Packers develops a new design for cans of 20 liters to 30% more efficient transport and storage, and reusable and recyclable after use. This new structure replaces barrier steel drums in the most common applications and is reusable solvent at 5 years of use, compared with the previous single-use. The innovative design allows for better stacking and space efficiency (30% improvement). The new Easy Pour neck design also helps prevent splashing loss or transfer. At the end of its use, the containers are recycled into items such as drainage pipes.
domingo, 20 de septiembre de 2009
sábado, 19 de septiembre de 2009
viernes, 18 de septiembre de 2009
Side-loading plastic containers accessible to all citizens
Starting in November, Barcelona installed on their streets a new concept of side-loading container for collecting waste. This is a model developed by Ros Roca improving accessibility for people with reduced mobility. Moreover, the new model, dubbed Barcelona, reduces odors and noise. The company Fultech drove much of the draft design and manufacture of molds in such containers.
Barcelona join your furniture a new line of containers accessible to all citizens, with a design that takes into account the problems of disabled people. Thus, on 2 November, the Catalan capital will be 27,000 new side-loading containers, designed by Ros Roca Fultech with the help of a specialized engineering plastics industry.
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The covers are organized asymmetrically in some fixed points and displaced to the user side.
100% recyclable
The new side-loading plastic containers, which Ros Roca presented at the last edition of Ecocity & Industry, are characterized by being manufactured in a 82% plastic and 17% in metal components, all one hundred percent recyclable. Containers, dubbed the Barcelona model, are designed for ease of use, is why have a lower loading lip height that allows for improved accessibility for people with reduced mobility or physical limitations.
The new containers have a lower loading lip height that allows for improved accessibility for people with reduced mobility or physical limitations
Emphasizes the absence of articulated gantry mechanism for the tops of the new containers. These are organized asymmetrically in some fixed points and displaced to the user side, allowing to have a larger cap for container discharge into the collector and a smaller cap for the user to deposit the waste.
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The company has models for packaging, paper and cardboard, glass, organic matter and rest.
For packaging, paper and cardboard, glass and organic debris
The new containers are available in models 3200 or 2200 liters for MSW / Rest; of 2,200 liters for organic than 3,200 liters for packaging; of 3,200 liters for paper / cardboard and 2,200 liters for glass.
All compliant UNE - EN 12,574 - 1/2/3, have marked the sound level according to European Directive 2000/14/EC and reduce odors by adding a record for ventilation. The two volumes of container (2,200 or 3,200 liters) share the same profile so that only the width varies between lifting devices. This promotes uniformity of the containers installed on the street in the case of islands shaped containers with different capacities. They are also equipped with a centering / alignment beneath the containers at its central axis which allows all containers on battery to maintain their alignment and position.
Barcelona join your furniture a new line of containers accessible to all citizens, with a design that takes into account the problems of disabled people. Thus, on 2 November, the Catalan capital will be 27,000 new side-loading containers, designed by Ros Roca Fultech with the help of a specialized engineering plastics industry.
photo
The covers are organized asymmetrically in some fixed points and displaced to the user side.
100% recyclable
The new side-loading plastic containers, which Ros Roca presented at the last edition of Ecocity & Industry, are characterized by being manufactured in a 82% plastic and 17% in metal components, all one hundred percent recyclable. Containers, dubbed the Barcelona model, are designed for ease of use, is why have a lower loading lip height that allows for improved accessibility for people with reduced mobility or physical limitations.
The new containers have a lower loading lip height that allows for improved accessibility for people with reduced mobility or physical limitations
Emphasizes the absence of articulated gantry mechanism for the tops of the new containers. These are organized asymmetrically in some fixed points and displaced to the user side, allowing to have a larger cap for container discharge into the collector and a smaller cap for the user to deposit the waste.
photo
The company has models for packaging, paper and cardboard, glass, organic matter and rest.
For packaging, paper and cardboard, glass and organic debris
The new containers are available in models 3200 or 2200 liters for MSW / Rest; of 2,200 liters for organic than 3,200 liters for packaging; of 3,200 liters for paper / cardboard and 2,200 liters for glass.
All compliant UNE - EN 12,574 - 1/2/3, have marked the sound level according to European Directive 2000/14/EC and reduce odors by adding a record for ventilation. The two volumes of container (2,200 or 3,200 liters) share the same profile so that only the width varies between lifting devices. This promotes uniformity of the containers installed on the street in the case of islands shaped containers with different capacities. They are also equipped with a centering / alignment beneath the containers at its central axis which allows all containers on battery to maintain their alignment and position.
jueves, 17 de septiembre de 2009
The Spanish chemical industry production drops by 16% due to crisis
The chemical production site in Tarragona, the most important of the Spanish State and Southern Europe in 2008 fell by 16% over the previous year as a result of the economic crisis.
This is reflected in the public report released today by the Tarragona Chemical Business Association (HECT), entity that groups 26 chemical companies present at the chemical plant in the province, including some gauge as BASF, Dow Chemical, Repsol, Air Products or Ercros.
The data indicate that production in 2008 stood at 17.824 million tons, representing 16% less than in the previous year, when chemical plants produced a total of 21.183 million tonnes.
The decrease is directly related to the economic crisis, although the chemical only started to notice symptoms of recession during the fourth quarter of last year, which does provide some results for 2009 still less complimentary, recognized the president of the HECT, Antón Valero.
Projections show, in this sense that production will fall this year by around 30% over 2008, bringing it to values below 2001.
This is due in part to the crisis in housing and automotive sectors, to which the chemical industry in Tarragona devoted about 10% of its production and whose orders have fallen about 40%, said Valero.
Other sectors, like agriculture and food, have kept the volume of orders, he added.
The drop in orders not only affects production, but is forcing companies to reduce the number of employees themselves, that so far this year has dropped about 5%, which means they have destroyed some 300 jobs, of which 5705 were accounted last year.
Layoffs in regard to staff recruitment in 2008, a total of 4562 people worked indirectly for chemistry Tarragona, are even more bulky, although concrete data are available, said the president of the HECT.
Nor is ruled out of a plant shutdown because "we are still facing a major crisis," he insisted Valero, who has observed that "recently there are signs of movement, which, however," are not yet consolidated.
Will the "October or November," when you start walking to see where the industry has added the head of the HECT, who considers to be "fundamental" the speed of recovery from the Asian continent.
Still, the industry has stated that new investments are being implemented, including $ 15 million of the new center for desalination and water recycling Dow or the six million that is being devoted to the construction of single outfall the south site, which is expected to launch later this year.
Looking ahead, the HECT has presented the principal work of the Strategic Plan 2009-2012, whose objectives are to promote legislation "applicable and consistent" with the sector, sustainably develop the 'cluster' chemical de Tarragona, promote investment productive R & D & I and streamline workflows.
This is reflected in the public report released today by the Tarragona Chemical Business Association (HECT), entity that groups 26 chemical companies present at the chemical plant in the province, including some gauge as BASF, Dow Chemical, Repsol, Air Products or Ercros.
The data indicate that production in 2008 stood at 17.824 million tons, representing 16% less than in the previous year, when chemical plants produced a total of 21.183 million tonnes.
The decrease is directly related to the economic crisis, although the chemical only started to notice symptoms of recession during the fourth quarter of last year, which does provide some results for 2009 still less complimentary, recognized the president of the HECT, Antón Valero.
Projections show, in this sense that production will fall this year by around 30% over 2008, bringing it to values below 2001.
This is due in part to the crisis in housing and automotive sectors, to which the chemical industry in Tarragona devoted about 10% of its production and whose orders have fallen about 40%, said Valero.
Other sectors, like agriculture and food, have kept the volume of orders, he added.
The drop in orders not only affects production, but is forcing companies to reduce the number of employees themselves, that so far this year has dropped about 5%, which means they have destroyed some 300 jobs, of which 5705 were accounted last year.
Layoffs in regard to staff recruitment in 2008, a total of 4562 people worked indirectly for chemistry Tarragona, are even more bulky, although concrete data are available, said the president of the HECT.
Nor is ruled out of a plant shutdown because "we are still facing a major crisis," he insisted Valero, who has observed that "recently there are signs of movement, which, however," are not yet consolidated.
Will the "October or November," when you start walking to see where the industry has added the head of the HECT, who considers to be "fundamental" the speed of recovery from the Asian continent.
Still, the industry has stated that new investments are being implemented, including $ 15 million of the new center for desalination and water recycling Dow or the six million that is being devoted to the construction of single outfall the south site, which is expected to launch later this year.
Looking ahead, the HECT has presented the principal work of the Strategic Plan 2009-2012, whose objectives are to promote legislation "applicable and consistent" with the sector, sustainably develop the 'cluster' chemical de Tarragona, promote investment productive R & D & I and streamline workflows.
Chemical Waste kill three people in China
Three people died and 17 others required medical treatment after coming into contact with pockets of a discarded chemical illegally by a factory in eastern China, said Wednesday the local government.
Four of those affected by the waste were children playing near the substance, 2, 4 dinitrophenol, used in scientific research and the manufacture of explosives and pesticides, according to a government statement in Dongyang, a city 250 kilometers southwest Shanghai.
The researchers kept holding four people allegedly responsible for the poisoning, which occurred and Sunday, and city officials pledged to tighten the measures for waste chemicals.
According to a preliminary investigation, a chemical company in substances discarded plastic bags and these arrived illegally in a garbage collector, which in turn sold the bags to another collector. The three people who died were carrying the bags when they started to feel ill, according to the official statement.
It was not clear because it was collectors who bought the chemical waste or if they knew what was in the bags. The immigrants, who hardly have the means to survive by selling scrap recycling industry in the country, selling everything they can find no protective equipment or other precautionary measures.
Four of the injured needed intensive care, but the condition of 17 people was "basically stable", the government of Dongyang.
化学废物杀死3人
在中国
3人死亡和17人后，需要与一个废弃化学品的口袋东部的中国工厂非法接触医疗周三表示，当地政府。
受影响的废物是儿童近4个物质，2，4二硝基科研使用，炸药和农药生产演奏，根据东阳，城市西南250公里处政府的声明上海。
研究人员一直持有4人涉嫌负责中毒，发生和星期日，城市官员承诺收紧废弃化学品的措施。
据初步调查，在物质的化学公司丢弃的塑料袋，这些抵达垃圾收集器，从而出售运到另收集非法。谁的3人死亡，随身携带的包时，他们开始感到不适，据官方声明。
目前尚不清楚，因为它是收藏家买谁的化学废物，或者，如果他们知道自己的包了。移民，谁也难以继续生存的手段出售在该国的工业废料回收，销售一切他们能找到任何防护设备或其他预防措施。
四名受伤需要特别护理，但17人的状况“基本稳定”的项目，东阳政府。
Four of those affected by the waste were children playing near the substance, 2, 4 dinitrophenol, used in scientific research and the manufacture of explosives and pesticides, according to a government statement in Dongyang, a city 250 kilometers southwest Shanghai.
The researchers kept holding four people allegedly responsible for the poisoning, which occurred and Sunday, and city officials pledged to tighten the measures for waste chemicals.
According to a preliminary investigation, a chemical company in substances discarded plastic bags and these arrived illegally in a garbage collector, which in turn sold the bags to another collector. The three people who died were carrying the bags when they started to feel ill, according to the official statement.
It was not clear because it was collectors who bought the chemical waste or if they knew what was in the bags. The immigrants, who hardly have the means to survive by selling scrap recycling industry in the country, selling everything they can find no protective equipment or other precautionary measures.
Four of the injured needed intensive care, but the condition of 17 people was "basically stable", the government of Dongyang.
化学废物杀死3人
在中国
3人死亡和17人后，需要与一个废弃化学品的口袋东部的中国工厂非法接触医疗周三表示，当地政府。
受影响的废物是儿童近4个物质，2，4二硝基科研使用，炸药和农药生产演奏，根据东阳，城市西南250公里处政府的声明上海。
研究人员一直持有4人涉嫌负责中毒，发生和星期日，城市官员承诺收紧废弃化学品的措施。
据初步调查，在物质的化学公司丢弃的塑料袋，这些抵达垃圾收集器，从而出售运到另收集非法。谁的3人死亡，随身携带的包时，他们开始感到不适，据官方声明。
目前尚不清楚，因为它是收藏家买谁的化学废物，或者，如果他们知道自己的包了。移民，谁也难以继续生存的手段出售在该国的工业废料回收，销售一切他们能找到任何防护设备或其他预防措施。
四名受伤需要特别护理，但17人的状况“基本稳定”的项目，东阳政府。
Rodrigo Casasnovas chemist has won the SusChem
The graduate in Chemistry Casasnovas Rodrigo Perera has been awarded the prize for young researchers SusChem of this specialty, 2009, in the future category, which rewards the best academic obtained his degree in 2007-2008, according to Monday's UIB.
The aim of these awards is to give public recognition to the work of young researchers in the field of chemistry and promote scientific and educational activities among students.
SusChem Spain Spanish is the technology platform for sustainable chemistry, an entity promoted by the Business Federation of Spanish Chemical Industry and several more bodies.
The aim of these awards is to give public recognition to the work of young researchers in the field of chemistry and promote scientific and educational activities among students.
SusChem Spain Spanish is the technology platform for sustainable chemistry, an entity promoted by the Business Federation of Spanish Chemical Industry and several more bodies.
La gripe A ha puesto en evidencia que el pánico tiene más acogida que los mensajes de Sanidad y que la psicosis global es un gran negocio.
Los reiterados mensajes de tranquilidad lanzados por el Gobierno ante un virus que en el 95% de los casos se manifestará de manera leve han perdido el pulso contra lucrativos negocios que desde hace meses especulan con el miedo.
El Gobierno retiró
el Tamiflu de las farmacias para que
la población no se automedicaseEl mercado negro del Tamiflú es el ejemplo más sangrante. La retirada oficial de este antigripal de las farmacias ha disparado su venta ilegal en Internet. Su precio oscila entre los 150 y 175 euros –una cifra hasta 445% superior a la que tenía en el mercado cuando se dispensaba– y la farmacéutica suiza Roche, que tiene la patente del producto, ha recomendado no adquirir el medicamento on line ante el aumento de falsos antigripales.
"El Gobierno decidió retirar el fármaco para evitar que la población se automedicase y quedase inmunizada contra la vacuna de la gripe A", informan desde Sanidad. La advertencia ha sido ignorada.
El Gobierno retiró
el Tamiflu de las farmacias para que
la población no se automedicaseEl mercado negro del Tamiflú es el ejemplo más sangrante. La retirada oficial de este antigripal de las farmacias ha disparado su venta ilegal en Internet. Su precio oscila entre los 150 y 175 euros –una cifra hasta 445% superior a la que tenía en el mercado cuando se dispensaba– y la farmacéutica suiza Roche, que tiene la patente del producto, ha recomendado no adquirir el medicamento on line ante el aumento de falsos antigripales.
"El Gobierno decidió retirar el fármaco para evitar que la población se automedicase y quedase inmunizada contra la vacuna de la gripe A", informan desde Sanidad. La advertencia ha sido ignorada.
miércoles, 16 de septiembre de 2009
Is there room for bioplastics in the packaging industry?
In the past five years some plastic packaging manufacturers have launched various forms of biodegradable plastics made from polymers derived from renewable natural resources or bioplastics (BPL). BPL products today have proved adequate to be introduced commercially in certain sectors. Let's see how this type of bioplastic can be introduced into our country.
José Vicente López Álvarez, Universidad Politecnica de Madrid - Lecture Ecoembes
A combination of factors is driving the use of biodegradable plastics. Among them are:
- The high price of petroleum-based resins.
- The increasing consumer awareness about the need to protect the environment.
- Technological maturity reached during the generation of high performance products with these resins.
This explains why in the past five years packaging suppliers have launched biodegradable plastic containers, made from various plants, especially corn, confident that demand will respond positively to their offers. Due to rising prices since 2005 had conventional resins, between 30 and 80%, many companies are inclined to seek alternatives. Some biodegradable plastics have developed a level of maturity that allows them to be competitive, the price gap that separated them from the common resins has decreased considerably, and commodities such as sugar cane and starch are currently cheaper than oil. The productivity and competitiveness tend to increase long-term perspective, and it was evident early and massive concrete applications for these polymers.
Some companies predict that the market for bioplastics in Europe will grow at a rate of 20% per year
Biodegradable plastics can be produced from renewable resources of animal or plant, or fossil resources. The most common materials are PLA, polylactic acid, and PHA, poly-hydroxy-alcanoatos. It is the chemical structure that makes a biodegradable polymer, which unlike a conventional polymer and allows it to be destroyed by microorganisms such as fungi and bacteria in biologically active environments. Although figures are not official, it is estimated that the current market for biopolymers is around 300,000 tonnes per year (base 2007), in which the European consumption is around 50,000 tonnes. Maintaining the continuous growth that has occurred so far, the overall capacity required for production of biodegradable polymers reached a million tons around 2010. In this perspective, Ecoembes considered necessary to determine the impact of so-called bioplastics in the management chain of recovery and recycling of conventional plastics. The Environment Ecoembes Chair of the Polytechnic University of Madrid is developing a project to meet this need. The project includes several aspects: criteria for differentiation between bioplastics and biodegradable plastics, quantification of the production and use of this type of plastic, compliance with established standards of biodegradability in the European Union, impacts on current management processes: collection, plant selection (impact on processing lines) and recycling (impacts on processes and mixtures of raw materials).
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Biodegradable plastic containers are made from various plants, especially corn. Photo: Stacy Braswell.
Some companies predict that the market for bioplastics in Europe will grow at a rate of 20% annually. Experts, including the Biodegradable Polymers Association and Affinity Groups (IBAW), estimate that with the existing quality and prices is possible to have a growth potential for cornering almost 10% of this market of plastics, which arrives in Europe currently about 45 million tonnes per year.
Currently, the market for biopolymers is developing but still can not compete with traditional plastics
Currently the market for biopolymers is developing but still can not compete with traditional plastics. In the European Union some countries have in their shops fruit and vegetables packed in BPL, but in the case of Spain, the market for BPL in containers is limited to any campaign in any mall.
The market for BPL
The projections are made worldwide for 2010, expects growth of installed global capacity for production of biodegradable materials is 75% compared to the present. Although at present the absolute values do not reach even 1% of the total demand for plastic resins in the world, the growth of biodegradable resins is very high.
A combination of factors is driving the growth and acceptance of biodegradable resins, which are:
- The rising price and high oil-derived resins.
- The consumer awareness on the need to protect the environment, purchase produce 'greener'.
- Technological maturity already achieved in the basic generation of products with these resins.
- Government laws are brewing in several countries, particularly in Europe, encouraging the use of these biodegradable products.
- The exclusion of waste management systems such as landfills and the poor image of energy recovery as a final solution.
Against this background Ecoembes considered necessary to determine the impact of so-called bioplastics in the management chain of recovery and recycling of conventional plastics, and in particular in the management of packaging. The Chair Ecoembes of environment of the Polytechnic University of Madrid is developing a project to meet this need.
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It is defined as 'compostable packaging' to one that is biodegradable, producing mainly carbon dioxide, water and humus at a rate similar to that of simple organic materials (eg cellulose) and leaves no toxic or visible residue.
Bioplastic project
The project defined and specific criteria for differentiation between BPL and biodegradable plastics and, above all, the scope of the certificate of composted called these containers.
It is defined as 'compostable packaging' to one that is biodegradable, producing mainly carbon dioxide, water and humus at a rate similar to that of simple organic materials (eg cellulose) and leaves no toxic or visible residue. There is legislation in the European Union, as the Standard EN 13432 in force since January 2005, among others, which could certify compostable plastics and containers made from them, so that consumers can easily distinguish them. Certification and labeling of bioplastics and biodegradable / compostable, would deal with these post-consumer materials along with the organic waste (food scraps, pruning, papers, etc..) Municipal solid waste composting plants.
Requirements for obtaining a plastic container labeled 'compostable':
- Biodegradability (90% before six months).
- Disintegrated: the fragmentation and loss of visibility of the residue in the final compost (absence of visual contamination). This is measured with a composting test (EN 14045), in which the material must be broken before 3 months, with a size less than 2 mm and reach 90% of the initial mass.
- No negative effects on the composting process itself.
- Low levels of heavy metals (below the predefined maximum values), and the absence of negative effects on the quality of the compost (eg reduction of agronomic value and presence of eco-toxic effects on plant growth).
- Other physical and chemical parameters that should not be different from the control compost after the degradation: pH, salinity, volatile solids, N, P, Mg and K.
Therefore, under this hypothesis, the reason for the packaging of BPL is that the final residue will be managed along with organic matter for composting.
Issues that arise with the use of BIOENV
The market trend is to replace the packaging of malls synthetic plastic packaging for fruit and packaged foods manufactured by other biopolymers. This would avoid, manufacturers claim that many of the containers end up in landfills and composting could be directly with organic matter.
Many supermarket chains and stores in Europe are encouraging the use of these biodegradable packaging to meet the interest of consumers to reduce use of fossil fuels and prevent climate change. Companies know that biodegradable packaging are unpopular among the public with an environmental and want to show their support for sustainable development adopted in their marketing plans.
Conclusions
Within the group of degradable plastic containers, the BPL is presented as an opportunity in all environmental strategies demanded by society. However, technical limitations when it comes to sustainably manage their waste, are still high. The evidence is translated into:
- The market for BPL will be a replacement market, primarily by a shortage of raw materials and competition with other sectors such as bioenergetics and feeding.
- Achieving total biodegradability and no toxicity, is currently investigating. Some biopolymers are not achieved the desired levels.
- Would be needed to develop an infrastructure to collect and process biodegradable polymers as an available option for waste disposal.
- Need for international regulatory or grade to distinguish between biodegradable plastics recyclable plastics.
- The creation of 'eco', based on the life cycle impact of a BIOENV (including raw materials, energy consumption, emissions from manufacture and disposal of waste).
- Education and awareness of biopolymers. Consumers will have to learn that the biopolymers must be separated with organic waste (if available separation) or recovered (where appropriate) and precise technology develops.
This project was presented to CONAMA 9, the National Congress of the Middle A
José Vicente López Álvarez, Universidad Politecnica de Madrid - Lecture Ecoembes
A combination of factors is driving the use of biodegradable plastics. Among them are:
- The high price of petroleum-based resins.
- The increasing consumer awareness about the need to protect the environment.
- Technological maturity reached during the generation of high performance products with these resins.
This explains why in the past five years packaging suppliers have launched biodegradable plastic containers, made from various plants, especially corn, confident that demand will respond positively to their offers. Due to rising prices since 2005 had conventional resins, between 30 and 80%, many companies are inclined to seek alternatives. Some biodegradable plastics have developed a level of maturity that allows them to be competitive, the price gap that separated them from the common resins has decreased considerably, and commodities such as sugar cane and starch are currently cheaper than oil. The productivity and competitiveness tend to increase long-term perspective, and it was evident early and massive concrete applications for these polymers.
Some companies predict that the market for bioplastics in Europe will grow at a rate of 20% per year
Biodegradable plastics can be produced from renewable resources of animal or plant, or fossil resources. The most common materials are PLA, polylactic acid, and PHA, poly-hydroxy-alcanoatos. It is the chemical structure that makes a biodegradable polymer, which unlike a conventional polymer and allows it to be destroyed by microorganisms such as fungi and bacteria in biologically active environments. Although figures are not official, it is estimated that the current market for biopolymers is around 300,000 tonnes per year (base 2007), in which the European consumption is around 50,000 tonnes. Maintaining the continuous growth that has occurred so far, the overall capacity required for production of biodegradable polymers reached a million tons around 2010. In this perspective, Ecoembes considered necessary to determine the impact of so-called bioplastics in the management chain of recovery and recycling of conventional plastics. The Environment Ecoembes Chair of the Polytechnic University of Madrid is developing a project to meet this need. The project includes several aspects: criteria for differentiation between bioplastics and biodegradable plastics, quantification of the production and use of this type of plastic, compliance with established standards of biodegradability in the European Union, impacts on current management processes: collection, plant selection (impact on processing lines) and recycling (impacts on processes and mixtures of raw materials).
photo
Biodegradable plastic containers are made from various plants, especially corn. Photo: Stacy Braswell.
Some companies predict that the market for bioplastics in Europe will grow at a rate of 20% annually. Experts, including the Biodegradable Polymers Association and Affinity Groups (IBAW), estimate that with the existing quality and prices is possible to have a growth potential for cornering almost 10% of this market of plastics, which arrives in Europe currently about 45 million tonnes per year.
Currently, the market for biopolymers is developing but still can not compete with traditional plastics
Currently the market for biopolymers is developing but still can not compete with traditional plastics. In the European Union some countries have in their shops fruit and vegetables packed in BPL, but in the case of Spain, the market for BPL in containers is limited to any campaign in any mall.
The market for BPL
The projections are made worldwide for 2010, expects growth of installed global capacity for production of biodegradable materials is 75% compared to the present. Although at present the absolute values do not reach even 1% of the total demand for plastic resins in the world, the growth of biodegradable resins is very high.
A combination of factors is driving the growth and acceptance of biodegradable resins, which are:
- The rising price and high oil-derived resins.
- The consumer awareness on the need to protect the environment, purchase produce 'greener'.
- Technological maturity already achieved in the basic generation of products with these resins.
- Government laws are brewing in several countries, particularly in Europe, encouraging the use of these biodegradable products.
- The exclusion of waste management systems such as landfills and the poor image of energy recovery as a final solution.
Against this background Ecoembes considered necessary to determine the impact of so-called bioplastics in the management chain of recovery and recycling of conventional plastics, and in particular in the management of packaging. The Chair Ecoembes of environment of the Polytechnic University of Madrid is developing a project to meet this need.
photo
It is defined as 'compostable packaging' to one that is biodegradable, producing mainly carbon dioxide, water and humus at a rate similar to that of simple organic materials (eg cellulose) and leaves no toxic or visible residue.
Bioplastic project
The project defined and specific criteria for differentiation between BPL and biodegradable plastics and, above all, the scope of the certificate of composted called these containers.
It is defined as 'compostable packaging' to one that is biodegradable, producing mainly carbon dioxide, water and humus at a rate similar to that of simple organic materials (eg cellulose) and leaves no toxic or visible residue. There is legislation in the European Union, as the Standard EN 13432 in force since January 2005, among others, which could certify compostable plastics and containers made from them, so that consumers can easily distinguish them. Certification and labeling of bioplastics and biodegradable / compostable, would deal with these post-consumer materials along with the organic waste (food scraps, pruning, papers, etc..) Municipal solid waste composting plants.
Requirements for obtaining a plastic container labeled 'compostable':
- Biodegradability (90% before six months).
- Disintegrated: the fragmentation and loss of visibility of the residue in the final compost (absence of visual contamination). This is measured with a composting test (EN 14045), in which the material must be broken before 3 months, with a size less than 2 mm and reach 90% of the initial mass.
- No negative effects on the composting process itself.
- Low levels of heavy metals (below the predefined maximum values), and the absence of negative effects on the quality of the compost (eg reduction of agronomic value and presence of eco-toxic effects on plant growth).
- Other physical and chemical parameters that should not be different from the control compost after the degradation: pH, salinity, volatile solids, N, P, Mg and K.
Therefore, under this hypothesis, the reason for the packaging of BPL is that the final residue will be managed along with organic matter for composting.
Issues that arise with the use of BIOENV
The market trend is to replace the packaging of malls synthetic plastic packaging for fruit and packaged foods manufactured by other biopolymers. This would avoid, manufacturers claim that many of the containers end up in landfills and composting could be directly with organic matter.
Many supermarket chains and stores in Europe are encouraging the use of these biodegradable packaging to meet the interest of consumers to reduce use of fossil fuels and prevent climate change. Companies know that biodegradable packaging are unpopular among the public with an environmental and want to show their support for sustainable development adopted in their marketing plans.
Conclusions
Within the group of degradable plastic containers, the BPL is presented as an opportunity in all environmental strategies demanded by society. However, technical limitations when it comes to sustainably manage their waste, are still high. The evidence is translated into:
- The market for BPL will be a replacement market, primarily by a shortage of raw materials and competition with other sectors such as bioenergetics and feeding.
- Achieving total biodegradability and no toxicity, is currently investigating. Some biopolymers are not achieved the desired levels.
- Would be needed to develop an infrastructure to collect and process biodegradable polymers as an available option for waste disposal.
- Need for international regulatory or grade to distinguish between biodegradable plastics recyclable plastics.
- The creation of 'eco', based on the life cycle impact of a BIOENV (including raw materials, energy consumption, emissions from manufacture and disposal of waste).
- Education and awareness of biopolymers. Consumers will have to learn that the biopolymers must be separated with organic waste (if available separation) or recovered (where appropriate) and precise technology develops.
This project was presented to CONAMA 9, the National Congress of the Middle A
martes, 15 de septiembre de 2009
GRIPE A PREGUNTAS Y RESPUESTAS:
GRIPE A, casi todas las PREGUNTAS y RESPUESTAS (difundir)
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lunes, 14 de septiembre de 2009
GRIPE A EN LA VUELTA AL COLE
ANTE LA GRIPE A, CARTA ABIERTA A LA MINISTRA Y A LOS CONSEJEROS DE SANIDAD (CON COPIA A MIS PACIENTES)
Por Juan Gérvas, Licenciado y Doctor en Medicina por la Universidad de Valladolid
Con el debido respeto, ruego que escuchen a este médico general rural preocupado por el pánico desatado ante la epidemia de gripe A. Es preocupación clínica y social, pues se refiere tanto a la atención a los pacientes como al impacto en la estructura social, laboral y económica de un pánico que tendrá peores consecuencias que la propia epidemia de gripe A.
CONSIDERACIONES
Conviene recordar que el Gobierno de Canadá se planteó dos objetivos ante la gripe aviar, 1/ disminuir su impacto en mortalidad y 2/ mantener la estructura social. No es una visión improbable la de un país sumido en el caos, parado por cierres de escuelas y centros de trabajo, con las urgencias y servicios médicos colapsados, con falta de atención a otros problemas de salud incluso graves, como infartos de miocardio y apendicitis (sin hablar de los errores tipo retrasos en el diagnóstico de meningitis por confusión con la “omnipresente” y deslumbrante gripe A).
Y, sin embargo, la gripe A es enfermedad benigna, con menos mortalidad que la gripe estacional (la de todos los años). Lo sabemos ya con datos, por la experiencia del invierno en los países del hemisferio sur. La diferencia es responder como Argentina (pánico y descontrol absoluto) o como Australia (organización y eficacia). Según los cálculos más ciertos podemos esperar como máximo unos 500 fallecimientos por gripe A, frente a los más de 1.500 anuales por la gripe estacional. Por ello, habrá menos muertos en todos los grupos de edad con la gripe A que con la gripe estacional. Para disminuir la mortalidad habrá que tratar adecuadamente a los casos que se compliquen. Lastimosamente la vacuna prometida llegará tarde, y no deja de ser una vacuna cuya eficacia desconocemos. Hasta que no haya más conocimiento muchos ni nos la pondremos ni la recomendaremos.
Respecto a las embarazadas, siempre se han visto más afectadas por la gripe, especialmente en el tercer trimestre, por los cambios cardio-respiratorios que provoca la ocupación del abdomen por el útero grávido. La gripe A no cambia nada respecto a la gripe estacional; habrá la misma proporción de ingresos, y menos muertes que con la gripe estacional. La embarazada puede y debería llevar la vida sana que siempre se le ha recomendado, lo que incluye continuar con su vida normal, familiar y laboral. La gripe A no provoca abortos ni malformaciones del feto. Estar embarazada no aumenta la probabilidad de contagiarse por gripe A.
La selección de personas por sus “factores de riesgo” es cuestión discutible pues los factores de riesgo ni son necesarios ni son suficientes para explicar las complicaciones. Por ejemplo, hasta el 70% de los niños que mueren por gripe estacional carecen de factores de riesgo definidos.
La predicción sobre la evolución de la gripe A debería basarse en lo que sabemos de esta propia epidemia y de pandemias previas. Por ello lo previsible es una onda de rápido contagio. Hablar de otras posibilidades es ignorancia, fantasía, irresponsabilidad o maldad. Es absurdo recordar epidemias de gripes de cuando ni había una cobertura pública sanitaria ni existían antibióticos para tratar las neunomías que las complican.
PROPUESTAS
Dejen de organizar protocolos y de promover medidas de recepción a los pacientes de probable gripe A que carecen de sentido. Es absurdo el aislamiento en urgencias y en los centros de salud de los pacientes con fiebre y síntomas de gripe. Durante la epidemia los griposos estarán en todos sitios y las medidas de aislamiento son innecesarias en los centros sanitarios. Sólo contribuyen a crear alarma y pánico.
No promuevan el diagnóstico exacto de la gripe A, excepto para investigación y vigilancia epidemiológica. Las pruebas de detección rápida son poco fiables, e inútiles. El seguimiento es el mismo sea gripe A, gripe estacional, o cualquier otra infección respiratoria.
Dejen que los médicos clínicos hagan su labor. Llevan años atendiendo a los pacientes con gripe, y saben hacerlo en las urgencias, las consultas y los domicilios. Los “expertos” poco pueden añadir, salvo colaborar como consultores. La gripe A es más benigna que la estacional, pero concentrará a los enfermos en un periodo breve de tiempo. No conviene hacer grandes inversiones ni cambios, sino reforzar los dispositivos existentes con lógica y sentido común. La buena atención clínica a los casos complicados es tan importante o más que todas las demás medidas juntas. La atención a domicilio debería gravitar sobre los médicos de cabecera que tienen conocimiento y capacidad de decisión respecto a sus pacientes y su entorno familiar. Tengan en cuenta la sobrecarga de trabajo y prevean medidas para compensar las horas extras de trabajo (no todo es gastar en acumular anti-virales y vacunas).
No promuevan excesivamente ni los anti-virales ni la vacuna. Hay dudas razonables sobre sus ventajas, y tienen efectos adversos innegables.
Tengan en cuenta que la gripe A tendrá más impacto en la clase social baja, entre los pobres, marginados, toxicómanos, mal alimentados, mal abrigados y habitantes de viviendas insalubres. Todos ellos tienen menos interés por su salud por lo que habrá que prever medidas pro-activas tendentes a evitar la falta de equidad en la atención a estos pacientes y poblaciones.
No promuevan el uso de mascarillas. Su eficacia es dudosa.
Promuevan el auto-cuidado. Lo importante es que los pacientes y las familias se enfrenten a la gripe A con la misma serenidad y buen hacer que a la gripe estacional. El ser humano ha evolucionado en convivencia con el virus gripal, de forma que hay un excelente cúmulo increíble de normas sensatas de auto-cuidados en la población. Como siempre ante la gripe, los individuos y las familias son capaces de cuidarse sin necesidad de médicos ni de sanitarios.
Faciliten la justificación de la ausencia al trabajo. La gripe dura siete días, y normalmente los tres primeros son los peores. Nada impide que esos tres días se puedan justificar por el propio trabajador, sin necesidad de baja médica (con lo que se ahorra la visita al médico en el 95% de los casos, que serán leves). Y en caso de ausencia más larga, de hasta una semana, facilite la justificación de la baja con un solo documento que se pueda hacer en sólo una visita (según la organización actual se requerirían tres).
Pidan a los medios de comunicación que sean responsables. No tiene sentido transmitir en vivo y en directo cada muerte por gripe A. En vez de 500 parecerán 500.000. Con ello se crea alarma social innecesaria. Tenemos la experiencia de la meningitis C, que desató el pánico por este comportamiento absurdo de los medios de comunicación. La percepción social del riesgo de contagiarse y de morir por gripe A no tiene nada que ver con la realidad. Todos tenemos la culpa, desde la Organización Mundial de la Salud al Ministerio de Sanidad y Política Social, pasando por las Consejerías de Sanidad, los Colegios de Médicos y los medios de comunicación. Y entre todos hay que lograr enmendar este desaguisado antes de que sea tarde. Es clave que la percepción social del riesgo de enfermar y de morir por gripe A corresponda a la realidad, a la de una enfermedad leve, una gripe de menor gravedad que la habitual.
Juan Gérvas es médico de Canencia de la Sierra, Garganta de los Montes y El Cuadrón (Madrid). Profesor Honorario de Salud Pública en la Facultad de Medicina de la Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, y Profesor Visitante de Atención Primaria en Salud Internacional de la Escuela Nacional de Sanidad (Madrid).
Por Juan Gérvas, Licenciado y Doctor en Medicina por la Universidad de Valladolid
Con el debido respeto, ruego que escuchen a este médico general rural preocupado por el pánico desatado ante la epidemia de gripe A. Es preocupación clínica y social, pues se refiere tanto a la atención a los pacientes como al impacto en la estructura social, laboral y económica de un pánico que tendrá peores consecuencias que la propia epidemia de gripe A.
CONSIDERACIONES
Conviene recordar que el Gobierno de Canadá se planteó dos objetivos ante la gripe aviar, 1/ disminuir su impacto en mortalidad y 2/ mantener la estructura social. No es una visión improbable la de un país sumido en el caos, parado por cierres de escuelas y centros de trabajo, con las urgencias y servicios médicos colapsados, con falta de atención a otros problemas de salud incluso graves, como infartos de miocardio y apendicitis (sin hablar de los errores tipo retrasos en el diagnóstico de meningitis por confusión con la “omnipresente” y deslumbrante gripe A).
Y, sin embargo, la gripe A es enfermedad benigna, con menos mortalidad que la gripe estacional (la de todos los años). Lo sabemos ya con datos, por la experiencia del invierno en los países del hemisferio sur. La diferencia es responder como Argentina (pánico y descontrol absoluto) o como Australia (organización y eficacia). Según los cálculos más ciertos podemos esperar como máximo unos 500 fallecimientos por gripe A, frente a los más de 1.500 anuales por la gripe estacional. Por ello, habrá menos muertos en todos los grupos de edad con la gripe A que con la gripe estacional. Para disminuir la mortalidad habrá que tratar adecuadamente a los casos que se compliquen. Lastimosamente la vacuna prometida llegará tarde, y no deja de ser una vacuna cuya eficacia desconocemos. Hasta que no haya más conocimiento muchos ni nos la pondremos ni la recomendaremos.
Respecto a las embarazadas, siempre se han visto más afectadas por la gripe, especialmente en el tercer trimestre, por los cambios cardio-respiratorios que provoca la ocupación del abdomen por el útero grávido. La gripe A no cambia nada respecto a la gripe estacional; habrá la misma proporción de ingresos, y menos muertes que con la gripe estacional. La embarazada puede y debería llevar la vida sana que siempre se le ha recomendado, lo que incluye continuar con su vida normal, familiar y laboral. La gripe A no provoca abortos ni malformaciones del feto. Estar embarazada no aumenta la probabilidad de contagiarse por gripe A.
La selección de personas por sus “factores de riesgo” es cuestión discutible pues los factores de riesgo ni son necesarios ni son suficientes para explicar las complicaciones. Por ejemplo, hasta el 70% de los niños que mueren por gripe estacional carecen de factores de riesgo definidos.
La predicción sobre la evolución de la gripe A debería basarse en lo que sabemos de esta propia epidemia y de pandemias previas. Por ello lo previsible es una onda de rápido contagio. Hablar de otras posibilidades es ignorancia, fantasía, irresponsabilidad o maldad. Es absurdo recordar epidemias de gripes de cuando ni había una cobertura pública sanitaria ni existían antibióticos para tratar las neunomías que las complican.
PROPUESTAS
Dejen de organizar protocolos y de promover medidas de recepción a los pacientes de probable gripe A que carecen de sentido. Es absurdo el aislamiento en urgencias y en los centros de salud de los pacientes con fiebre y síntomas de gripe. Durante la epidemia los griposos estarán en todos sitios y las medidas de aislamiento son innecesarias en los centros sanitarios. Sólo contribuyen a crear alarma y pánico.
No promuevan el diagnóstico exacto de la gripe A, excepto para investigación y vigilancia epidemiológica. Las pruebas de detección rápida son poco fiables, e inútiles. El seguimiento es el mismo sea gripe A, gripe estacional, o cualquier otra infección respiratoria.
Dejen que los médicos clínicos hagan su labor. Llevan años atendiendo a los pacientes con gripe, y saben hacerlo en las urgencias, las consultas y los domicilios. Los “expertos” poco pueden añadir, salvo colaborar como consultores. La gripe A es más benigna que la estacional, pero concentrará a los enfermos en un periodo breve de tiempo. No conviene hacer grandes inversiones ni cambios, sino reforzar los dispositivos existentes con lógica y sentido común. La buena atención clínica a los casos complicados es tan importante o más que todas las demás medidas juntas. La atención a domicilio debería gravitar sobre los médicos de cabecera que tienen conocimiento y capacidad de decisión respecto a sus pacientes y su entorno familiar. Tengan en cuenta la sobrecarga de trabajo y prevean medidas para compensar las horas extras de trabajo (no todo es gastar en acumular anti-virales y vacunas).
No promuevan excesivamente ni los anti-virales ni la vacuna. Hay dudas razonables sobre sus ventajas, y tienen efectos adversos innegables.
Tengan en cuenta que la gripe A tendrá más impacto en la clase social baja, entre los pobres, marginados, toxicómanos, mal alimentados, mal abrigados y habitantes de viviendas insalubres. Todos ellos tienen menos interés por su salud por lo que habrá que prever medidas pro-activas tendentes a evitar la falta de equidad en la atención a estos pacientes y poblaciones.
No promuevan el uso de mascarillas. Su eficacia es dudosa.
Promuevan el auto-cuidado. Lo importante es que los pacientes y las familias se enfrenten a la gripe A con la misma serenidad y buen hacer que a la gripe estacional. El ser humano ha evolucionado en convivencia con el virus gripal, de forma que hay un excelente cúmulo increíble de normas sensatas de auto-cuidados en la población. Como siempre ante la gripe, los individuos y las familias son capaces de cuidarse sin necesidad de médicos ni de sanitarios.
Faciliten la justificación de la ausencia al trabajo. La gripe dura siete días, y normalmente los tres primeros son los peores. Nada impide que esos tres días se puedan justificar por el propio trabajador, sin necesidad de baja médica (con lo que se ahorra la visita al médico en el 95% de los casos, que serán leves). Y en caso de ausencia más larga, de hasta una semana, facilite la justificación de la baja con un solo documento que se pueda hacer en sólo una visita (según la organización actual se requerirían tres).
Pidan a los medios de comunicación que sean responsables. No tiene sentido transmitir en vivo y en directo cada muerte por gripe A. En vez de 500 parecerán 500.000. Con ello se crea alarma social innecesaria. Tenemos la experiencia de la meningitis C, que desató el pánico por este comportamiento absurdo de los medios de comunicación. La percepción social del riesgo de contagiarse y de morir por gripe A no tiene nada que ver con la realidad. Todos tenemos la culpa, desde la Organización Mundial de la Salud al Ministerio de Sanidad y Política Social, pasando por las Consejerías de Sanidad, los Colegios de Médicos y los medios de comunicación. Y entre todos hay que lograr enmendar este desaguisado antes de que sea tarde. Es clave que la percepción social del riesgo de enfermar y de morir por gripe A corresponda a la realidad, a la de una enfermedad leve, una gripe de menor gravedad que la habitual.
Juan Gérvas es médico de Canencia de la Sierra, Garganta de los Montes y El Cuadrón (Madrid). Profesor Honorario de Salud Pública en la Facultad de Medicina de la Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, y Profesor Visitante de Atención Primaria en Salud Internacional de la Escuela Nacional de Sanidad (Madrid).
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