GRIPE A, casi todas las PREGUNTAS y RESPUESTAS (difundir)
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martes, 15 de septiembre de 2009
GRIPE A PREGUNTAS Y RESPUESTAS:
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).
sábado, 12 de septiembre de 2009
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).
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.
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.
viernes, 11 de septiembre de 2009
miércoles, 9 de septiembre de 2009
Iten investigating novel biodegradable packaging made with agricultural commodities
Get a new package of non-food agricultural raw materials that after use can be eliminated thanks to its complete dissolution in water is the purpose of the research project ReBioFoam (Renewable Bio-polymer FOAMS), funded by the European Union under the FP7 and involving 10 partners from 8 European countries (Italy, Poland, Spain, Czech Republic, Ireland, Germany, Netherlands and United Kingdom), with the collaboration of ERRMA (European Renewable Raw Materials Association), association that promotes a European level the recovery of the use of renewable resources in the field of materials and energy. The Technological Institute of Packaging, Transportation and Logistics, Iten, will be responsible for conducting the tests on the prototypes that will be achieved.
Writing Interempresas
In the EU, each year there are 12 million tons of protective packaging for transport. The aim of the project, coordinated by Novamont Italian company specialized in the sector of bioplastics, a new process is to develop flexible, low-impact eco-sustainable energy and to produce biodegradable packaging containing expanded renewable raw materials. The expansion of biopolymers will be obtained through microwave technology (with the ad hoc use of molds with innovative coatings) makes use of the water naturally present in the materials (biopolymers Novamont) expandente agent.
photo
Plastic has an enormous burden on agriculture. Photography Novamont.
The final application is the protective packaging, a sector in which they are commonly used materials such as expanded polystyrene (EPS), polyurethane (EPU), polyethylene (EPE) and polypropylene (EPP) - all synthetic polymers. Bioplastics Novamont may represent an important opportunity for more sustainable packaging.
The project, which will last 4 years, officially began on 1 February 2009. For more information on ReBioFoam you can visit the website www.rebiofoam.eu. Available in English, the website presents the contents of the draft schematic and "simple" so it can also be found by lay people. An easily accessible tool where you can find all necessary information such as project objectives, structure, companies and individuals involved, news, photo gallery, etc.. In addition, a biannual newsletter will be constantly updated on the progress of the initiative.
photo
Maize is a common source of biodegradable plastics.
Writing Interempresas
In the EU, each year there are 12 million tons of protective packaging for transport. The aim of the project, coordinated by Novamont Italian company specialized in the sector of bioplastics, a new process is to develop flexible, low-impact eco-sustainable energy and to produce biodegradable packaging containing expanded renewable raw materials. The expansion of biopolymers will be obtained through microwave technology (with the ad hoc use of molds with innovative coatings) makes use of the water naturally present in the materials (biopolymers Novamont) expandente agent.
photo
Plastic has an enormous burden on agriculture. Photography Novamont.
The final application is the protective packaging, a sector in which they are commonly used materials such as expanded polystyrene (EPS), polyurethane (EPU), polyethylene (EPE) and polypropylene (EPP) - all synthetic polymers. Bioplastics Novamont may represent an important opportunity for more sustainable packaging.
The project, which will last 4 years, officially began on 1 February 2009. For more information on ReBioFoam you can visit the website www.rebiofoam.eu. Available in English, the website presents the contents of the draft schematic and "simple" so it can also be found by lay people. An easily accessible tool where you can find all necessary information such as project objectives, structure, companies and individuals involved, news, photo gallery, etc.. In addition, a biannual newsletter will be constantly updated on the progress of the initiative.
photo
Maize is a common source of biodegradable plastics.
martes, 8 de septiembre de 2009
Windmöller Hölscher hold an open day at its headquarters in Germany
The German manufacturer of machines and engineering Windmöller & Hölscher hold an international exhibition in their headquarters in Lengerich, Germany from 10 to 12 November 2009. The exhibition will be on stage to present their newest developments of the full range of supplies in the printing sector, Finishing and extrusion and conversion.
Writing PU
"As a technology leader to offer professionals in the flexible packaging industry technical innovations that will make your production even more profitable. And from now on we can already say that visitors can attend more than one world premiere, "said Jürgen Vutz, chairman of the directorate, and Peter Steinbeck, Director of Sales / Service after sales from W & H. More than 700 visitors from 39 countries attended the last edition in Lengerich optimistic and the company looks to the future and hopes for this year, despite the current economic environment, greater participation.
More than 700 visitors from 39 countries attended the last edition in Lengerich
photo
From left to right: Jürgen Vutz and Peter Steinbeck.
Windmöller & Hölscher, international company in the manufacture of flexible packaging machines, supplies both extrusion lines for blown and cast, for flexographic or gravure printing machines and ennoblement, clothing bags, bags (laptops included), and packaging machines according to the principle FFS (Form-Fill-Seal) and lines for woven plastic conversion.
Writing PU
"As a technology leader to offer professionals in the flexible packaging industry technical innovations that will make your production even more profitable. And from now on we can already say that visitors can attend more than one world premiere, "said Jürgen Vutz, chairman of the directorate, and Peter Steinbeck, Director of Sales / Service after sales from W & H. More than 700 visitors from 39 countries attended the last edition in Lengerich optimistic and the company looks to the future and hopes for this year, despite the current economic environment, greater participation.
More than 700 visitors from 39 countries attended the last edition in Lengerich
photo
From left to right: Jürgen Vutz and Peter Steinbeck.
Windmöller & Hölscher, international company in the manufacture of flexible packaging machines, supplies both extrusion lines for blown and cast, for flexographic or gravure printing machines and ennoblement, clothing bags, bags (laptops included), and packaging machines according to the principle FFS (Form-Fill-Seal) and lines for woven plastic conversion.
lunes, 7 de septiembre de 2009
Minimizing the time with the new Allrounder Hidrive
In early July, the Spanish branch of Arburg, located in Valencia, invited several of their clients to attend the seminar 'Packing Allround'. With the collaboration of the institute AIMPLAS and Hasco mold manufacturer, the firm designed a varied program with practical and theoretical components, presenting the classic themes of the packaging industry to an audience of approximately 30 clients. In this context, Arburg also organized a demonstration of the new capabilities of the machine Hidrive Allrounder injection mold.
Writing PU
The event began with a series of specialized presentations. Jörg Bruder, adviser of the Spanish subsidiary of Arburg, spoke about the cost of efficiency of the injection mold in the packaging sector, and analyzed various factors that play a big role in terms of energy efficiency. This includes not only the technology of the machinery but also the energy strategy that follows the company at the production, organization, product design, machine design and the environment, as well as temperature control.
Next, Bruder introduced the product line and its advantages: due to its modularity, machine Allrounder injection mold can be adapted to a very specific requirements, eg, speed, productivity and energy efficiency in industry packaging. Moreover, the system's robotic automation solutions Multilift extends the benefits it can offer new Arburg injection.
For his part, Martin Cayre, branch director of Arburg, answered questions about the packaging industry, offering several examples from different types of thin-walled parts, up close screw heads and mold labeling.
In addition to the electric Allrounders Alldrive also presented the new Allrounder Hidrive series, which offers a powerful combination of hydraulic and electrical technology. Thus, Arburg has expanded this line of high performance injection molding machines with energy efficiency for thermoplastic processing with reduced cycle time.
photo
The seminar 'Packing Allround' in Valencia, Martin Cayre introduced the packaging sector with several examples of applications of thin-walled parts, screw heads and molds for labeling.
Demos
Bruder's presentation concluded with a demonstration of the close of the spindle head, developed by Hasco in collaboration with Arburg. The demonstration focused on reducing cycle time that makes a major decrease in costs. Hasco mold was used in an Allrounder 470 A with a closing pressure of 1,000 kN and a measure of injection unit 400, which produced 8 screw heads in a cycle time of 4.5 seconds.
The second exhibition was an Allrounder 570 H, Spanish debut of the new series Hidrive Allrounder. This machine, with a closing pressure of 2,000 kN and a measure of injection unit 800, was equipped with two mold cavities Hofstetter. Were produced thin-walled tubes with a weight of 31 grams in a cycle time of 3.4 seconds. Matthias Hofstetter Pasurekt of answered questions from the audience about the technology of the mold used in this application. Greenbox provided cooling mechanisms of these two shows.
Writing PU
The event began with a series of specialized presentations. Jörg Bruder, adviser of the Spanish subsidiary of Arburg, spoke about the cost of efficiency of the injection mold in the packaging sector, and analyzed various factors that play a big role in terms of energy efficiency. This includes not only the technology of the machinery but also the energy strategy that follows the company at the production, organization, product design, machine design and the environment, as well as temperature control.
Next, Bruder introduced the product line and its advantages: due to its modularity, machine Allrounder injection mold can be adapted to a very specific requirements, eg, speed, productivity and energy efficiency in industry packaging. Moreover, the system's robotic automation solutions Multilift extends the benefits it can offer new Arburg injection.
For his part, Martin Cayre, branch director of Arburg, answered questions about the packaging industry, offering several examples from different types of thin-walled parts, up close screw heads and mold labeling.
In addition to the electric Allrounders Alldrive also presented the new Allrounder Hidrive series, which offers a powerful combination of hydraulic and electrical technology. Thus, Arburg has expanded this line of high performance injection molding machines with energy efficiency for thermoplastic processing with reduced cycle time.
photo
The seminar 'Packing Allround' in Valencia, Martin Cayre introduced the packaging sector with several examples of applications of thin-walled parts, screw heads and molds for labeling.
Demos
Bruder's presentation concluded with a demonstration of the close of the spindle head, developed by Hasco in collaboration with Arburg. The demonstration focused on reducing cycle time that makes a major decrease in costs. Hasco mold was used in an Allrounder 470 A with a closing pressure of 1,000 kN and a measure of injection unit 400, which produced 8 screw heads in a cycle time of 4.5 seconds.
The second exhibition was an Allrounder 570 H, Spanish debut of the new series Hidrive Allrounder. This machine, with a closing pressure of 2,000 kN and a measure of injection unit 800, was equipped with two mold cavities Hofstetter. Were produced thin-walled tubes with a weight of 31 grams in a cycle time of 3.4 seconds. Matthias Hofstetter Pasurekt of answered questions from the audience about the technology of the mold used in this application. Greenbox provided cooling mechanisms of these two shows.
domingo, 6 de septiembre de 2009
Making a Resin Support Mold
This is the follow up video to our brush on mold video with 71-20 silicone. Here we are making a support shell with 1512 resin thickened with PolyFiber to create a tough, rigid support mold
sábado, 5 de septiembre de 2009
New degrees S (ASA) suitable for food contact
For the new GMP standards of the European Union BASF offers from 1 June this year three new products in its line of specialty styrene, specifically certified for use in applications where contact with food. This is Luran S ASA grades K FC 777, FC G Luran S 757 and S 797 FC Luran S (ASA: acrylonitrile-styrene-acrylic ester).
Writing PU
The new regulations of the EU GMP
On 1 August 2008, the law No (EG) 2023/2006 "On Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP: good manufacturing practices, for its acronym in English) came into force in the European Union. It is part of the European regulatory framework that governs the contact 1935/2004/EC of articles of daily use with food. The purpose of these laws and regulations is to eliminate, at every link of the supply chain, impurities in foods that may endanger the health of consumers. According to GMP standards, there must be a system of improved processes and quality assurance for plastics that come into contact with food.
photo
Among the traditional fields of application include Luran S appliances like coffee makers, juicers, microwave dishes and toothbrushes.
For many years, BASF has produced resins that are used in applications that come in contact with food at a level higher security requirement. However, the new law requires the manufacturer of resins also select and approve a special raw materials and to implement comprehensive measures in terms of documentation and quality assurance in the past. BASF offers its customers the written documentation that confirms compliance with relevant EU legislation.
Toothbrush and juicers
The formulas and manufacturing processes of the three new degrees of Luran S were modified to match the performance of the new legal requirements. Luran S K FC 777 is a material of great fluidity and hardness that is used as base material for a wide range of applications and Luran S 757 G FC offers rigidity and high resistance. Among the traditional fields of application include Luran S appliances like coffee makers, juicers, microwave dishes and toothbrushes. The most important product properties for these applications are high thermal stability, good chemical resistance and good resistance to aging and yellowing.
Writing PU
The new regulations of the EU GMP
On 1 August 2008, the law No (EG) 2023/2006 "On Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP: good manufacturing practices, for its acronym in English) came into force in the European Union. It is part of the European regulatory framework that governs the contact 1935/2004/EC of articles of daily use with food. The purpose of these laws and regulations is to eliminate, at every link of the supply chain, impurities in foods that may endanger the health of consumers. According to GMP standards, there must be a system of improved processes and quality assurance for plastics that come into contact with food.
photo
Among the traditional fields of application include Luran S appliances like coffee makers, juicers, microwave dishes and toothbrushes.
For many years, BASF has produced resins that are used in applications that come in contact with food at a level higher security requirement. However, the new law requires the manufacturer of resins also select and approve a special raw materials and to implement comprehensive measures in terms of documentation and quality assurance in the past. BASF offers its customers the written documentation that confirms compliance with relevant EU legislation.
Toothbrush and juicers
The formulas and manufacturing processes of the three new degrees of Luran S were modified to match the performance of the new legal requirements. Luran S K FC 777 is a material of great fluidity and hardness that is used as base material for a wide range of applications and Luran S 757 G FC offers rigidity and high resistance. Among the traditional fields of application include Luran S appliances like coffee makers, juicers, microwave dishes and toothbrushes. The most important product properties for these applications are high thermal stability, good chemical resistance and good resistance to aging and yellowing.
viernes, 4 de septiembre de 2009
Manufacture of micro to a concept based on the use of ultrasound
The plastics sector, now stalled by a crisis that demands the utmost in business, always noted for his ability to seek new ideas, new niches, new ways of responding to a consumer increasingly complex and voluminous. Precisely in this line of pursuit of innovation is a new concept for the production of plastic parts ranging from 0.1 to 0.001 grams, based on dosing and feeding system adapted to the physical principles of ultrasound. This is a project that the company is involved Mateu and Sole and Ascamm.
Writing PU
photo
The news has already been published in Interempresas.net on 19 June. Mateu y Solé, received yesterday at the hands of Councilor Innovation, and Business University, J. Huguet, the prize for best project strategic Ascamm 2009, awards that are granted to projects of entrepreneurs with a significant influence on improving industrial competitiveness. Moreover, in late 2008 ASCAMM Foundation and was selected as a finalist in the Manufacturing Awards international awards for this project (read more).
Sound specialist, is a European project coordinated by Mateu and Sole in involving companies from 5 countries of the community.
The project, called sound specialist and has been selected as winner for Best Strategic Project, innovative and technological excellence, and development of a proprietary technology that has led to a patent that will radically change the paradigm of plastic injection, as best I + D + ie industrialization and promote cooperation between enterprises and other actors (Mateu y Solé, Ascamm Foundation, etc.). which will significantly improve the competitive position of companies.
Sound specialist, is a European project coordinated by Mateu and Sole in involving companies from 5 countries of the community.
photo
Making mini and micro scale
This project is the development and construction of a molding machine of plastic parts of a size to mini and micro scale, the design and manufacture has been possible thanks to the company Mateu y Solé. The process is based on the use of ultrasound micro-molding, developed by Ascamm.
The development of the machine involves the study of a new concept in the transformation of plastics for the production of plastic parts ranging from 0.1 to 0.001 grams, based on dosing and feeding system adapted to the physical principles of ultrasound .
The manufacturing of micro parts is applicable to various areas, including:
* Electronic Industry
* Telecommunications
* Automotive
* Medicine and Pharmacy
* Industry watch
* Air Space
The machine is designed to work both in industrial sites as clean rooms and laboratories.
The machine is designed to work both in industrial sites as clean rooms and laboratory
There are several advantages obtained with this system include:
* Significant reduction in energy consumption
* Low noise level
* Elimination of fluid contaminants
* Minimum Waste plastic
Writing PU
photo
The news has already been published in Interempresas.net on 19 June. Mateu y Solé, received yesterday at the hands of Councilor Innovation, and Business University, J. Huguet, the prize for best project strategic Ascamm 2009, awards that are granted to projects of entrepreneurs with a significant influence on improving industrial competitiveness. Moreover, in late 2008 ASCAMM Foundation and was selected as a finalist in the Manufacturing Awards international awards for this project (read more).
Sound specialist, is a European project coordinated by Mateu and Sole in involving companies from 5 countries of the community.
The project, called sound specialist and has been selected as winner for Best Strategic Project, innovative and technological excellence, and development of a proprietary technology that has led to a patent that will radically change the paradigm of plastic injection, as best I + D + ie industrialization and promote cooperation between enterprises and other actors (Mateu y Solé, Ascamm Foundation, etc.). which will significantly improve the competitive position of companies.
Sound specialist, is a European project coordinated by Mateu and Sole in involving companies from 5 countries of the community.
photo
Making mini and micro scale
This project is the development and construction of a molding machine of plastic parts of a size to mini and micro scale, the design and manufacture has been possible thanks to the company Mateu y Solé. The process is based on the use of ultrasound micro-molding, developed by Ascamm.
The development of the machine involves the study of a new concept in the transformation of plastics for the production of plastic parts ranging from 0.1 to 0.001 grams, based on dosing and feeding system adapted to the physical principles of ultrasound .
The manufacturing of micro parts is applicable to various areas, including:
* Electronic Industry
* Telecommunications
* Automotive
* Medicine and Pharmacy
* Industry watch
* Air Space
The machine is designed to work both in industrial sites as clean rooms and laboratories.
The machine is designed to work both in industrial sites as clean rooms and laboratory
There are several advantages obtained with this system include:
* Significant reduction in energy consumption
* Low noise level
* Elimination of fluid contaminants
* Minimum Waste plastic
jueves, 3 de septiembre de 2009
martes, 1 de septiembre de 2009
lunes, 31 de agosto de 2009
domingo, 30 de agosto de 2009
viernes, 28 de agosto de 2009
domingo, 23 de agosto de 2009
sábado, 22 de agosto de 2009
domingo, 16 de agosto de 2009
Pinturas y Barnices UV-curado imprimación transparente para madera, altamente reactivo, TSCA aprobado, sin diluyentes reactivos
Pinturas y Barnices UV-curado imprimación transparente para madera, altamente reactivo, TSCA aprobado, sin diluyentes reactivos
ver articulo:
http://richtrezepturen.hoffmann-mineral.com/mineral-e/index_pdf.htm?RRSPaint-2/I45402_0_1_.pdf
http://thechemistrysideoftheforce.blogspot.com/
ver articulo:
http://richtrezepturen.hoffmann-mineral.com/mineral-e/index_pdf.htm?RRSPaint-2/I45402_0_1_.pdf
http://thechemistrysideoftheforce.blogspot.com/
miércoles, 12 de agosto de 2009
lunes, 3 de agosto de 2009
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