Hygienic bag for medical use

Abstract

Hygienic bag for medical use. A hygienic bag (10) for medical use intended for the collection of waste produced by a patient, said hygienic bag (10) comprising: a leak-proof envelope (12) having an opening (20), the envelope (12) being formed of a plastic film (29), optionally, at least one closure tie (141, 142) for said opening, the closure tie (141, 142) being in particular mounted to slide within a hem (241, 242) of the envelope (12) such that removing said closure tie (141, 142) from said hem (241, 242) reduces said opening (20), characterized in that the plastic film (29) of the envelope comprises more than 30% recycled plastic. Figure: Figure 1

Description

Title of the invention: Hygienic bag for medical use technical field

[0001] The invention relates to a hygienic bag made of recycled plastic for the collection of waste, particularly liquid waste, produced by a patient, especially in hospitals. The invention also relates to a method for manufacturing such a hygienic bag. Finally, the invention relates to a strip of such hygienic bags and an assembly comprising such hygienic bags, as well as packaging for said hygienic bags. Previous technique

[0002] In hospitals, it may be necessary to collect waste produced by certain patients (urine, feces, vomit) because these patients are unable to use the toilet, or for analysis purposes. For this purpose, patients may use hygienic bags, which can be placed, as needed, on a support such as a bedpan, a commode bucket, or a toilet. Such a hygienic bag is described, for example, in French patent FR 3 081 103.

[0003] Known sanitary bags are primarily made of virgin plastic. In an effort to be more environmentally friendly, manufacturers have conducted research to reduce the proportion of virgin plastic in these bags. This process is, however, complex. Replacing some of the virgin plastic with organic materials, such as cornstarch, has proven impossible due to, firstly, the rapid degradation of organic materials, which limits the lifespan of the sanitary bags, and secondly, the poor mechanical performance of the resulting bags, which are, for example, more susceptible to friction or fingernail marks, making them prone to tearing. Ensuring an airtight bag is indeed essential in a medical setting to prevent the proliferation of bacteria from waste.These organic materials are finally in limited supply, making their use for mass production difficult.

[0004] It has been proposed to replace a small portion of the virgin plastic used in a bag with post-industrial recycled plastic, also known as PIR plastic. PIR plastic is a plastic made from recycled plastic resin produced from virgin plastic production scraps in factories. However, it has only been possible to use a small proportion of PIR recycled plastic in the bags, the remainder being virgin plastic.

[0005] Although functional from a mechanical point of view, this option nevertheless remains Limited from an environmental perspective. With current technology, increasing the proportion of recycled plastic in sanitary bags is difficult. Indeed, beyond a small proportion of recycled plastic in a bag, the recycled material used to produce the resin necessary for bag manufacturing is considered unstable because it is difficult to guarantee traceability and repeatability of the plastic waste it contains. Furthermore, increasing the proportion of recycled plastic makes it difficult to maintain the product's white color, essential for medical use as it signifies hygiene and sterility.

[0006] There is therefore a need for a hygienic bag with good mechanical performance for use in a medical setting, and which contains sufficient recycled plastic. Summary of the invention

[0007] The invention aims to meet this need and thus relates to a hygienic bag for medical use intended for the collection of waste produced by a patient, said hygienic bag comprising:

[0008] - a sealed envelope having an opening, the envelope being formed of a plastic film,

[0009] - optionally, at least one closing link of said opening, the link of closure being in particular mounted sliding in a hem of the envelope so that an extraction of said closure link out of said hem reduces said opening,

[0010] characterized in that the plastic film of the envelope comprises more than 30% recycled plastic.

[0011] By "for medical use," it is understood that the hygiene bag is a medical device that may come into contact with a patient's skin. It must therefore comply with the Medical Devices Regulations (MDR) and ISO 13485.

[0012] The waste produced by the patient may be at least partly liquid and / or at least partly solid. This may include urine, excrement, and / or vomit, in particular.

[0013] The hygiene bag may be a bucket liner and / or a bedpan liner. Alternatively, the hygiene bag may be a toilet seat liner. Alternatively, it may be a urine bag or a vomit bag.

[0014] The hygienic bag envelope can contain a volume of waste between 200 and 1000 mL, or even between 400 and 800 mL, for example 450 mL or 500 mL or even 700 mL.

[0015] The hygienic bag may be an antimicrobial bag.

[0016] The envelope may comprise identical first and second sheets, superimposed one on top of the other and fixed to each other along the right and left lateral edges and a bottom edge.

[0017] The envelope may be without a gusset. The envelope may be without carrying straps.

[0018] The plastic film of the envelope can be less than 40 microns thick, in particular between 30 and 36 microns, for example approximately 32 microns. Reducing the thickness of the plastic film below the "standard" thickness of 40 microns makes it possible to reduce the use of plastic material.

[0019] The plastic film can be made of polyethylene (PE).

[0020] In one embodiment, the hygienic bag may include at least one closure tie for said opening, the closure tie being in particular mounted sliding in a hem of the envelope so that an extraction of said closure tie from said hem reduces said opening.

[0021] The fastening link(s) may be ribbons. Each ribbon may have a width greater than 10 mm, preferably greater than 15 mm, even better greater than 20 mm, preferably about 25 mm.

[0022] In an embodiment where the hygienic bag is a urine bag, the closure tie(s) may be cords. Each cord may have a width greater than 2 mm, preferably greater than 5 mm, even better greater than 10 mm, and preferably greater than 15 mm.

[0023] The closure link(s) may be plastic, in particular polyethylene.

[0024] The recycled plastic may be made from a recycled plastic resin of sufficiently high grade so that the hot melt index of the resin is greater than or equal to 1.40 g / 10 min, better greater than or equal to 1.50 g / 10 min, even better greater than or equal to 1.60 g / 10 min and / or so that the density of the resin is greater than 0.9 g / cm3.

[0025] Recycled plastic can be manufactured from recycled plastic resin of sufficiently high grade so that the hot melt index of the resin is greater than or equal to 1.40 g / 10 min, preferably greater than or equal to 1.50 g / 10 min, and even better greater than or equal to 1.60 g / 10 min. The hot melt index can be measured according to ASTM D1238.

[0026] Recycled plastic can be manufactured from recycled plastic resin of sufficiently high grade so that the resin density is greater than 0.9 g / cm³. The density can be measured according to ASTM D792.

[0027] The NAT% PLUS grade is a grade used by CY Plastique, on a scale including, from lowest to highest grade, the following grades: NI, NIA, N1B, N2, N3, AB, AA, AAA, NAT, NAT%, NAT% PLUS. This NAT% PLUS grade corresponds to a resin with a density of approximately 0.9169 g / cm³ and a hot melt index of approximately 1.60 g / 10 min. The plastic resin recycled material used can be of grade greater than or equal to grade NAT% PLUS.

[0028] The grade of a resin is an indicator of its quality, depending on its level of contamination by external elements such as soil, dust, oil, chemicals, or fertilizers, for example. The quality of the resin is thus intrinsically linked to the plastic waste selected to produce it. A high-quality resin results from a rigorous sorting process and the selection of minimally contaminated plastic waste. Resins of different grades can be distinguished by their color, reflecting their level of contamination. High-grade resins are therefore lighter in color than low-grade resins.

[0029] The grade of a resin impacts the level of impurities produced during the formation of the plastic film as well as its mechanical performance, particularly its resistance to punctures. Indeed, the more impurities the resin contains and the lower its grade, the higher the risk of holes forming in the plastic film, especially during the plastic extrusion process.

[0030] By choosing a high-grade resin to produce the plastic film, it is possible to increase the percentage of recycled plastic in the hygienic bag while maintaining the mechanical performance necessary for its use in a medical setting.

[0031] The plastic film of the envelope may comprise more than 30% post-consumer recycled (PCR) plastic, better at least 40% PCR plastic, better at least 50% PCR plastic, better still at least 60% PCR plastic, better still at least 70% PCR plastic, better still at least 80% PCR plastic, better still at least 90% PCR plastic, in particular 100% PCR plastic.

[0032] Post-consumer recycled plastic, also known as PCR plastic, is manufactured using recycled plastic resin produced from plastic waste used daily by consumers, such as plastic bags, supermarket packaging, pallet films, this list is not exhaustive.

[0033] The volume of PCR plastic available is much greater than the volume of post-industrial recycled (PIR) plastic available. Furthermore, for an industrial group, opting for PCR plastic contributes more significantly to helping the group reduce its carbon footprint, decrease its impact on landfills, and achieve its overall sustainable development goals.

[0034] The plastic film of the envelope may comprise more than 30% post-industrial recycled plastic (PIR), better at least 40% PIR plastic, better at least 50% PIR plastic, better still at least 60% PIR plastic, better still at least 70% PIR plastic, better still at least 80% PIR plastic, better still at least 90% PIR plastic, in particular 100% PIR plastic.

[0035] Post-industrial recycled plastic is considered relatively clean and uniform, and unlikely to contain impurities because it has not been soiled by outdoor use. Post-industrial recycled plastic is easily traceable and likely to meet the requirements of the MDR regulation and ISO 13485.

[0036] The plastic film of the envelope may contain strictly less than 100% post-industrial recycled plastic (PIR), or even less than 90%, better less than 80%, or even less than 70%, better still less than 60%, or even less than 50%, in particular less than 40%, or even less than 30% post-industrial recycled plastic (PIR), better less than 20%, or even less than 10%, in particular 0% PIR. The plastic film of the envelope may be devoid of post-industrial recycled plastic (PIR).

[0037] The plastic film may comprise at least 30% low-density polyethylene (LDPE), better at least 50%, or even at least 70%, in particular 100% low-density polyethylene.

[0038] Low-density polyethylene, also known as LDPE, for "low density polyethylene" in English, may be preferred to high-density polyethylene (HDPE) or linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE).

[0039] The plastic film may contain less than 30% high-density polyethylene, preferably less than 20%, or even less than 10%, including 0% high-density polyethylene (HDPE). The plastic film of the envelope may be free of high-density polyethylene (HDPE). LDPE is less brittle than HDPE. It creases less easily and is quieter to the touch, hence its advantage for use in a medical setting.

[0040] The plastic film may contain less than 30% linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE), preferably less than 20%, or even less than 10%, including 0% linear low-density polyethylene. The plastic film of the envelope may be devoid of linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE). Unlike LLDPE, LDPE does not require the addition of an additive to make it stickier during its manufacture. By using LDPE, there is therefore less risk of observing glue marks in the produced film, which can make the bag envelope difficult to open and cause the closure tie(s) to slide improperly in the envelope hem.

[0041] The recycled plastic resin can be configured so that the plastic film appears white when viewed under white light and / or has a glossy appearance. The plastic resin can, in particular, be produced from light-colored waste.

[0042] By "white light" is meant light having a continuous spectrum comprising the entire range of wavelengths in the visible spectrum.

[0043] By "white color" is meant the color associated in the RGB code with triplets (r, g, b) such as r, g, b > 245, or even r, g, b > 250, better r, g, b = 255. The difference between two components of the triplet may in particular be less than 10, or even 5, better 2. The white color can be characterized by a visual test based on pantones 11-0601, 11-4800 TPX, or 11-4001 TCX, for example.

[0044] As previously mentioned, the color white is synonymous with hygiene and sterility in a medical context. However, it makes any impurities present in the plastic film much more visible. A glossy finish is also valued in a medical setting because it is associated with hygiene.

[0045] The plastic film can be manufactured using recycled plastic resin of sufficiently high grade so that the plastic film is white in color and / or has a glossy appearance.

[0046] The use of a resin of such a grade also helps to reduce the impurities present in the plastic film.

[0047] Recycled plastic can be manufactured using recycled plastic resin produced from plastic waste, said plastic waste being highly traceable, coming in particular from a single supplier.

[0048] By “high traceability,” we mean that the supplier(s) of the plastic waste used to make the resin can be easily identified and that the plastic waste used can be tracked throughout its recycling process. The supplier(s) of plastic waste must, in particular, comply with standard EN 15343:2007 on the traceability of recycled plastics.

[0049] The choice of a resin produced from highly traceable plastic waste ensures stability and repeatability of the resin manufacturing process, thus making the recycled material more "stable".

[0050] A foreign body / plastic ratio in the plastic waste used to produce the resin can be less than 10 / 90, better less than 3 / 97, even better less than 1 / 99.

[0051] The term "foreign body" means any element that is not plastic but that can pass through the initial sorting of plastic waste. A foreign body could be, for example, a printing label stuck to a plastic film.

[0052] This ratio indicates the proportion of foreign matter contained in a batch of waste from a supplier. The lower this proportion, the easier the waste sorting will be, the less "contaminated" the waste will be, and therefore the higher the grade of the resin produced from it will be.

[0053] Recycled plastic can be manufactured using recycled plastic resin, the recycled plastic resin being produced from the same type of plastic waste.

[0054] Recycled plastic resin can, for example, be produced from plastic bags from a given supermarket.

[0055] Identifying a supplier and a type of plastic waste contributes to the traceability of the recycled plastic resin. This makes it possible to recommend a resin of the same quality, produced with the same plastic sources, thereby facilitating the stability and repeatability of the resin manufacturing process.

[0056] Recycled plastic resin can be produced from a single plastic waste, in particular low-density polyethylene.

[0057] Recycled plastic resin can be produced from the inner film of "jumbo bags," which ensures their airtightness. This product is advantageous because it is virgin, uncontaminated plastic, and it also appears white when viewed under white light.

[0058] Recycled plastic resin can be produced from plastic waste other than agricultural plastic waste. Agricultural plastic waste is too contaminated by external elements, such as soil, dust, oil, chemicals, or fertilizers, for resin derived from this waste to be compatible with medical use, particularly to comply with the MDR regulation. Agricultural plastic waste results in plastic resins whose grade cannot exceed NIA, using the grades defined by CY Plastique listed above. Waste from the fashion and / or logistics industries produces resins of grades ranging from AB to NAT%PLUS.

[0059] PCR plastic can be manufactured using recycled plastic resin produced from plastic waste originating, for example, from logistics circuits or hypermarkets.

[0060] The closure link(s) may comprise at least 30% PIR plastic, preferably at least 50%, or even at least 70%, in particular 100% PIR plastic, and / or at least 30% high-density polyethylene (HDPE), preferably at least 50%, or even at least 70%, in particular 100% HDPE.

[0061] The plastic film may contain at least one additive, which may be selected from the following list: sliding agents, antimicrobial agents, this list not being exhaustive. The plastic may contain between 1 and 2% additive. The use of sliding agents in polyethylene films makes it possible to reduce the Coefficient of Friction (COF) while maintaining the optical properties of gloss, transparency, and clarity.

[0062] The plastic film may contain a sliding agent, preferably between 1 and 3% sliding agent, better between 1.5 and 2.5% sliding agent, for example about 2% sliding agent. The sliding agent may be Zip-33E sliding agent, supplied by JUSU.

[0063] The closure link(s) may contain a sliding agent, preferably between 0.5 and 1.5% sliding agent, better between 0.8 and 1.2% sliding agent, for example approximately 1% sliding agent. The sliding agent may be Zip-33E sliding agent, supplied by JUSU.

[0064] Recycled plastic is indeed less slippery than virgin plastic, and therefore a bag containing a significant proportion of recycled plastic in both the outer film and the closure ties may have difficulty sliding the ties. The use of sliding agents in the plastic film of the outer film and / or in the closure tie(s) helps to reduce this problem.

[0065] Recycled plastic can be manufactured using recycled plastic resin produced from plastic waste, the plastic waste on the basis of the recycled plastic resin being heated during the production of the resin to a temperature above 200°C, preferably above 220°C, in particular around 230°C.

[0066] The high heating temperature of plastic waste makes it possible to eliminate at least some, or even all, of possible pathogens.

[0067] The invention also relates to a method for manufacturing a recycled plastic resin comprising at least one, or even all, of the following steps:

[0068] a) select at least one supplier, in particular a single supplier, of plastic waste that does not originate from agriculture,

[0069] b) identify a type of plastic waste to be selected for producing the resin, preferably a type of plastic waste with low contamination, in particular transparent or white in colour, for example the inner film of “jumbo bags”,

[0070] c) carry out one or more, in particular at least two, or even at least three, better at least four, or even five, manual and / or automatic sorting of plastic waste,

[0071] d) heat the sorted plastic waste to a temperature above 200°C, better above 220°C, in particular about 230°C.

[0072] The process may include a step e) in which post-production checks are carried out to verify the quality of the recycled resin produced. These post-production tests may be based on the ASTM D1238 and ASTM D792 standards.

[0073] The process may include a step f) in which the traceability of the plastic resin produced is ensured by associating each batch produced with a batch number.

[0074] The supplier(s) of plastic waste may have certificates allowing them to obtain from this plastic waste a plastic resin certified by independent bodies.

[0075] Recycled plastic resin can be manufactured in a factory separating the resin production lines according to their grade.

[0076] Recycled plastic resin can be manufactured in a factory that does not produce low-grade resins, in particular those produced from plastic waste from agriculture.

[0077] Separating production lines or even resin production plants helps to avoid contamination of high-grade resins by low-grade resins, for example from agricultural plastic waste.

[0078] The employees of the recycled plastic resin manufacturing plant can be trained to ensure their ability to sort plastic waste and categorize it according to its level of contamination.

[0079] The plastic waste at the basis of the recycled plastic resin used may result from a sorting process involving several, in particular at least two, or even at least three, better at least four, or even five, manual sortings.

[0080] Each production line can be fully cleaned at each change of supplier of plastic waste and / or type of plastic waste.

[0081] The manufacturer of the recycled plastic resin may hold EU-CERPLAST certification. The EUCERPLAST certificate is based on the EN15343 standard relating to the traceability of materials used to produce the recycled material. The certificate may stipulate that the supplier has the highest level of traceability and therefore sorting, namely level 1.

[0082] The manufacturer of the recycled plastic resin may have GRS certification. This certification guarantees recycling that meets environmental and social criteria.

[0083] These certifications allow us to comply with certain regulatory requirements and are a guarantee of quality, in particular to ensure stability in the quality of the resin produced.

[0084] The resin manufacturer can implement at least one test evaluating the biocompatibility of the recycled plastic resin.

[0085] The manufacturer may implement a chemical characterization test based on the ISO 10993-18 standard. This test makes it possible to determine whether there are substances in particular carcinogenic, allergenic, irritating, mutagenic in the resin.

[0086] The bag manufacturer can implement a cytotoxicity test based on ISO 10993-5-2009. They can also perform a sensitization test to ensure that the product does not present a risk when in contact with the patient.

[0087] The plastic film of the envelope can be produced using a film blowing machine equipped with a mesh filter of between 85 and 120 mesh, in particular of approximately 100 mesh. The filter can be changed regularly, in particular every 24 hours, preferably every 12 hours.

[0088] The use of a mesh filter between 85 and 120 meshes which is changed very Regularly cleaning the plastic film further reduces the level of impurities.

[0089] The hygienic bag can contain an absorbent pad.

[0090] The absorbent pad can gel bodily fluids (vomit, urine, excreta) in order to limit their spread. The absorbent pad can be made of a mixture of cotton wool and a powder in a super-absorbent polymer.

[0091] The absorbent pad can be fixed to an inner face of said envelope, in particular by means of a reversible and, preferably, reusable adhesive.

[0092] The envelope may comprise identical first and second sheets, superimposed on one another and fixed to one another along right and left lateral edges and a bottom edge, the absorbent pad being fixed on only one of said first and second sheets.

[0093] According to another aspect of the invention, the invention also relates to a strip of hygienic bags as defined above, each hygienic bag being attached by at least one lateral edge to an adjacent hygienic bag, said hygienic bags being separated from each other by at least one weakening line extending along said lateral edge or edges. The strip may comprise between 10 and 30 hygienic bags, in particular 20.

[0094] According to another aspect of the invention, the invention relates to an assembly comprising:

[0095] - a plurality of hygienic bags as defined above, in particular in the form of a strip as defined previously, and

[0096] - a package in which said hygienic bags are housed.

[0097] The packaging may be a box, for example a cardboard box. Preferably, the packaging is a 100% recycled cardboard box.

[0098] The packaging can be recyclable. It can be FSC Chain of Custody certified by the Forest Stewardship Council. This certificate ensures the traceability of FSC materials at each stage of the production process, from the forest to the finished product, including all successive stages of processing, transformation, manufacturing, and distribution.

[0099] According to another aspect, the invention finally relates to a method for manufacturing a hygienic bag as previously defined, comprising the following steps:

[0100] a) confirm a grade of a supplied recycled plastic resin, in particular low-density polyethylene,

[0101] b) prepare a mixture from recycled plastic resin and optionally a slip agent mastermix and / or a moisture-absorbing agent,

[0102] c) filling a film blowing machine with said mixture, the machine having in particular been cleaned beforehand,

[0103] d) to place a filter, in particular a new filter, with a mesh size of between 85 and 120 mesh, in particular of about 100 mesh, in the blowing machine, the filter being specifically designed to be replaced regularly, at least every 24 hours, or even every 12 hours,

[0104] e) blow a film with the blowing machine.

[0105] The respective proportions of the components of the mixture in step b) can be optimized to obtain a white and glossy plastic film. The master mix may include other additives.

[0106] As explained previously, the use of sliding agents in polyethylene films makes it possible to reduce the Coefficient of Friction (COF) while retaining the optical properties of brightness, transparency and clarity.

[0107] Recycled plastic resin contains more moisture than non-recycled resin due to the numerous washings carried out during its production. This moisture can lead to the formation of bubbles during the extrusion of the plastic film, which the presence of a moisture-reducing agent in the mixture in step b) helps to prevent.

[0108] Using a mesh filter of between 85 and 120 mesh, in particular of about 100 mesh, changing it regularly, for example every 24 hours or every 12 hours, makes it possible to reduce impurities in the bag, as explained previously.

[0109] The manufacturing process may include a step (f) in which the film is left to rest in the open air for at least 24 hours. Letting the film rest in the open air tends to reduce the unpleasant odor that can accompany film production. It also helps to make the film less sticky.

[0110] The manufacturing process may include a step following step e) or step f) defined above, in which at least one piece of information is printed on the film. The information printed on the film may include, among other things, the brand name, the brand logo, the product name, information on the volume of waste that can be contained in the bag, and a statement on the percentage of recycled plastic. Printing parameters may be varied at this step to obtain a high-quality print.

[0111] The manufacturing process may include a step of assembling the bag from the film, preferably following a step of printing at least one piece of information on the film.

[0112] The manufacturing process may include a step where an absorbent pad is inserted into the bag. Brief description of the drawings

[0113] The invention will be better understood upon reading the following description, non-limiting examples of its implementation, and upon examination of the accompanying drawing, in which:

[0114] [Fig.1] Fig.1 represents a hygienic bag according to the invention.

[0115] [Fig.2] Fig.2 illustrates the main stages in the manufacture of a sanitary bag according to the invention. Detailed description

[0116] Figure 1 illustrates a single-use hygienic bag 10 for collecting waste, including at least some liquid waste, from a patient. The hygienic bag 10 is a bucket and / or bedpan liner. It can hold, for example, 450 mL of waste.

[0117] The hygienic bag 10 comprises an envelope 12 having an opening 20 and first and second closure ties 14i and 142. The envelope 12, generally rectangular in shape when the bag is flat, comprises first and second layers 16i and 162, respectively, of the same dimensions, overlapping and fixed to each other in a hermetic manner along a right lateral edge 18d, a left lateral edge 18g, and a bottom edge 18f connecting the lower ends of the right and left lateral edges. The first and second layers may be formed by folding a sheet along the bottom edge 18f. The hermetic seal of the right and left lateral edges may be achieved, for example, by welding. The envelope is without a gusset. It is also without carrying straps.

[0118] The opening 20 of the hygienic bag is defined by an opening edge 18o formed by the first and second free edges 22i and 222 of the first and second liners, respectively. Along the first and second free edges, the first and second liners define first and second hems 24i and 242, respectively, interrupted by first and second windows 261 and 262, respectively. The first and second closure ties are mounted to slide within the first and second hems, respectively. They are accessible through the first and second windows, respectively. Their right and left ends are fixed to the right edge 18d and left edge 18g of the envelope, respectively, so that their extraction through the first and second windows, respectively, or "tightening," causes a contraction of the first and second free edges 22i and 222, and thus the constriction of the opening 20.The first and second sheets 161 and 162 define the first and second inner faces 281 and 282.

[0119] The closure links 14i and 142 are ribbons. These ribbons are wider than 20 mm, in particular about 25 mm. The closure links 14i and 142 may comprise at least 30% PIR plastic, in particular 100% HDPE in the example described.

[0120] The envelope 12 includes an absorbent pad 15. This pad 15 is made of a mixture of wadding and a powder in a super-absorbent polymer. The volume of the absorbent pad is suitable for absorbing liquid waste introduced into the envelope by the patient.

[0121] The absorbent pad 15 is fixed to at least one of the inner faces of the envelope, preferably only on the second inner face 282. The pad 15 is fixed by means of a reversible adhesive, i.e. chosen so as to allow the absorbent pad 15 and / or the second sheet to be peeled off without damage to the absorbent pad 15 and / or the second sheet, respectively.

[0122] The envelope 12 is formed from a plastic film 29 containing more than 30% recycled plastic. This plastic film is less than 40 microns thick, in particular about 32 microns. The recycled plastic is made from recycled plastic resin from the company CY Plastique, of a grade equal to or greater than NAT% PLUS. The recycled plastic resin used has a density of approximately 0.9169 g / cm³ and a melt flow index of approximately 1.60 g / 10 min. The plastic film 29 of the envelope 12 may contain more than 30% post-consumer recycled (PCR) plastic, in particular, in the example described, 100% PCR plastic.

[0123] The film in material 29 may comprise at least 30% low-density polyethylene (LDPE), in particular in the example described 100% low-density polyethylene.

[0124] The recycled plastic resin is configured so that the plastic film 29 is white when viewed in white light and has a glossy appearance.

[0125] The recycled plastic film 29 is manufactured using recycled plastic resin produced from plastic waste from a single supplier. The recycled plastic resin is produced from the same type of plastic waste. This is the inner film of "jumbo bags" or pouf bags. Figure 2 schematically illustrates a process that can be implemented to manufacture a hygienic bag 10 according to the invention.

[0126] In a first step a), a grade of a recycled plastic resin, in particular low-density polyethylene supplied, is confirmed.

[0127] In step b), a mixture is prepared from the recycled plastic resin and optionally a slip agent mastermix. The respective proportions of the elements of this mixture are optimized to obtain a white and glossy plastic film 29.

[0128] In a step c), a film blowing machine is filled with said mixture, the machine having in particular been cleaned beforehand.

[0129] Step d) includes the provision of a filter, in particular a new filter, with a mesh size of between 85 and 120 mesh, in particular of about 100 mesh, in the blowing machine, intended to be replaced in particular at least every 24 hours, or even every 12 hours.

[0130] Step e) is the step of blowing the film with the blowing machine.

[0131] Optionally, a step f) completes this process, in which the film is left to rest in the open air for at least 24 hours.

[0132] The process may also optionally include a step g) following these steps in which at least one piece of information is printed on the film, in particular information on the brand and logo of the manufacturer of the hygienic bag 10 or information on the volume of waste contained in the bag 10.

[0133] A step h) of assembling the bag 10 from the plastic film 29 may be included in this process. Finally, the process may include the step i) of inserting the absorbent pad 15 into the bag 10.

[0134] The invention is not limited to the examples described.

[0135] The hygienic bag 10 can be a urine bag or a vomit bag. In this embodiment, the closure tie(s) can be cords.

[0136] In one embodiment, the plastic film 29 of the envelope 12 may comprise more than 30% post-industrial recycled plastic (PIR), better at least 40% PIR plastic, better at least 50% PIR plastic, better still at least 60% PIR plastic, better still at least 70% PIR plastic, better still at least 80% PIR plastic, better still at least 90% PIR plastic, in particular 100% PIR plastic.

[0137] The absorbent pad 15 can also, for example, be housed in the envelope, without being fixed to it.

Claims

Demands

1. A hygienic bag (10) for medical use intended for the collection of waste produced by a patient, said hygienic bag (10) comprising: - a leak-proof envelope (12) having an opening (20), the envelope (12) being formed of a plastic film (29), - optionally, at least one closure tie (14b 142) of said opening, the closure tie (14b 142) being in particular mounted sliding in a hem (24b 242) of the envelope (12) so that an extraction of said closure tie (14b 142) from said hem (24b 242) reduces said opening (20), characterized in that the plastic film (29) of the envelope comprises more than 30% recycled plastic.

2. Hygienic bag (10) according to the preceding claim, said recycled plastic being made from a recycled plastic resin of sufficiently high grade that the hot melt index of the resin is greater than or equal to 1.40 g / 10 min, better greater than or equal to 1.50 g / 10 min, still better greater than or equal to 1.60 g / 10 min.

3. Hygienic bag (10) according to one of the two preceding claims, said recycled plastic being made from recycled plastic resin of sufficiently high grade so that the density of the resin is greater than 0.9g / cm3.

4. Hygienic bag (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, the plastic film (29) of the envelope (12) comprising more than 30% post-consumer recycled (PCR) plastic, better at least 40% PCR plastic, better at least 50% PCR plastic, better still at least 60% PCR plastic, better still at least 70% PCR plastic, better still at least 80% PCR plastic, better still at least 90% PCR plastic, in particular 100% PCR plastic.

5. Hygienic bag (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, the plastic film (29) of the envelope (12) comprising more than 30% post-industrial recycled plastic (PIR), better at least 40% PIR plastic, better at least 50% PIR plastic, better still at least 60% PIR plastic, better still at least 70% plastic PIR, even better at least 80% PIR plastic, even better at least 90% PIR plastic, especially 100% PIR plastic.

6. Hygienic bag (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, the plastic film (29) comprising at least 30% low-density polyethylene (LDPE), better at least 50%, or even at least 70%, in particular 100% low-density polyethylene.

7. Hygienic bag (10) according to any connection to claim 2 or 3, said recycled plastic resin being configured so that the plastic film (29) is white when viewed in white light and / or has a glossy appearance.

8. Hygienic bag (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, the recycled plastic being manufactured using recycled plastic resin produced from plastic waste, said plastic waste being highly traceable, in particular from a single supplier.

9. Hygienic bag (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, the closure ties (14b 142) comprising at least 30% PIR plastic, preferably at least 50%, or even at least 70%, in particular 100% PIR plastic, and / or at least 30% high-density polyethylene (HDPE), preferably at least 50%, or even at least 70%, in particular 100% HDPE.

10. Hygienic bag (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, the plastic film (29) comprising at least one additive selected from the following list: sliding agents or antimicrobial agents, this list not being exhaustive.

11. Hygienic bag (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, the recycled plastic being manufactured using recycled plastic resin produced from plastic waste, the plastic waste on the basis of the recycled plastic resin being heated during the production of the resin to a temperature above 200°C, preferably above 220°C, in particular about 230°C.

12. Hygienic bag (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, the plastic film (29) of the envelope (12) being produced by means of a film blowing machine equipped with a mesh filter of between 85 and 120 mesh, in particular of about 100 mesh, the filter being changed in particular every 24 hours, better every 12 hours.

13. Hygienic bag (10) according to any one of the preceding claims preceding, comprising an absorbent pad (15).

14. Hygienic bag (10) according to the preceding claim, the absorbent pad (15) being fixed on an inner face (28b 282) of said envelope (12), in particular by means of a reversible and, preferably, reusable adhesive.

15. Hygienic bag (10) according to one of the two preceding claims, the envelope (12) comprising identical first and second layers (16i62), superimposed one on the other and fixed to one another along right (18d) and left (18g) lateral edges and a bottom edge (18f), the absorbent pad (15) being fixed to only one of said first and second layers.

16. A strip of hygienic bags (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, each hygienic bag (10) being fixed by at least one lateral edge (18d, 18g) to an adjacent hygienic bag (10), said hygienic bags (10) being in particular separated from each other by at least one weakening line extending along said or said lateral edges.

17. Assembly comprising: - a plurality of hygienic bags (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 15, in particular in the form of a strip according to claim 16, and - a package in which said hygienic bags are housed.

18. A method for manufacturing a hygienic bag (10) according to any one of claims 15, comprising the following steps: a. confirming a grade of a supplied recycled plastic resin, in particular low-density polyethylene, b. preparing a mixture from the recycled plastic resin and optionally a slip agent masterbatch and / or a moisture-absorbing agent, c. filling a film blowing machine with said mixture, the machine having in particular been cleaned beforehand, d. placing a filter, in particular a new filter, with a mesh size of between 85 and 120 mesh, in particular about 100 mesh, in the blowing machine, the filter being intended to be replaced in particular at least every 24 hours, or even every 12 hours, e. blow a film (29) with the blowing machine.

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