Hygienic bag for medical use

Abstract

To provide a hygiene bag having a good mechanical performance and containing sufficient recycled plastic for use in a medical situation.SOLUTION: There is provided a hygienic bag 10 for medical use, intended to collect waste generated by patients, including: a leak-proof envelope 12 provided with an opening 20 and made of a plastic film; and optionally at least one string 141, 142 for closing the opening, in particular slidably attached within hems 241, 242 of the envelope 12, such that withdrawal of the closure strings 141, 142 from the hems 241, 242 reduces the opening 20, in which the plastic film of the envelope contains over 30% recycled plastic.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a sanitary bag containing recycled plastic, which is particularly intended for collecting waste generated from patients, especially liquid waste, in hospitals. The present invention also relates to a method for manufacturing such a sanitary bag. Finally, the present invention also relates to a strip of such a sanitary bag, an assembly including such a sanitary bag, and a package of said sanitary bag.

Background Art

[0002] In hospitals, waste generated from a patient (urine, excrement, vomit) may need to be collected because these patients may not be able to go to the toilet or for analysis purposes. For this reason, patients may have to rely on a sanitary bag that can be placed on a support such as a bedpan, a toilet bucket, or a toilet as needed. Such sanitary bags are described, for example, in Patent FR3081103.

[0003] Known sanitary bags are mainly composed of virgin plastic. With a view to being more environmentally friendly, manufacturers are conducting research to reduce the proportion of virgin plastic in these bags. However, this is a complex process. Therefore, replacing a part of the virgin plastic with an organic material such as corn starch is, firstly, that the organic material decomposes too rapidly and excessively, which limits the service life of the sanitary bag, and secondly, that the insufficient mechanical performance of the sanitary bag results from this combination, which is sensitive, for example, to friction or scratching with nails, and it has been found to be impossible because the sanitary bag is likely to develop holes. Ensuring that the bag is sealed is actually essential in a medical situation to prevent the growth of bacteria from the waste. Finally, these organic materials have limited supply, making it difficult for them to be used in mass production.

[0004] It has been proposed to replace a small percentage of virgin plastic used in bags with post-industrial recycled plastic, also known as PIR plastic. PIR plastic is plastic manufactured using recycled plastic resin produced from virgin plastic production scrap within a factory. However, only a small percentage of recycled PIR plastic can be used in bags, and the remainder is virgin plastic.

[0005] This option is functional from a mechanical perspective but remains limited from an environmental perspective. However, considering the current state of technology, it is difficult to increase the percentage of recycled plastic in sanitary bags. Specifically, in addition to the small percentage of recycled plastic in the bags, the recycled materials used to produce the resin required to manufacture the bags are considered unstable because it is difficult to ensure the traceability and reproducibility of the plastic waste from which they are made. Furthermore, increasing the percentage of recycled plastic makes it difficult to maintain the whiteness of the product, which is essential for medical applications as the whiteness of the product is synonymous with hygiene and sterility.

[0006] Therefore, there is a need for sanitary bags with good mechanical performance and containing sufficient recycled plastic for use in medical situations.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0007]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Means for Solving the Problems

[0008] The present invention relates to meeting this need, and thus its subject matter is a sanitary bag for medical use aimed at collecting waste generated from patients, said sanitary bag comprising: - A leak-proof envelope provided with an opening and formed from a plastic film; - Optionally, at least one string for closing the opening, said string being slidably mounted within the hem of the envelope in particular such that the draw of the closing string from the hem reduces the opening; and The plastic film of the envelope contains more than 30% recycled plastic.

[0009] The term "for medical use" means that the sanitary bag is a medical device which can come into contact with the skin of a patient. Thus, it must comply with the Medical Device Regulation (MDR) and the ISO standard 13485.

[0010] The waste generated from patients can be at least partially liquid and / or at least partially solid. In particular, it can be urine, excrement, and / or vomit.

[0011] The sanitary bag can be a bucket protection cover and / or a bedpan protection cover. In a variant form, the sanitary bag can be a toilet seat protection cover. In a variant form, the sanitary bag can be a urine bag or a vomit bag.

[0012] The sanitary bag envelope can accommodate a waste volume of 200 - 1000 mL, or even 400 - 800 mL, for example 450 mL or 500 mL or even 700 mL.

[0013] The sanitary bag can be an antibacterial bag.

[0014] The envelope may include the same first sheet and second sheet that are overlapped with each other and attached together along the right edge, left edge, and bottom edge.

[0015] The envelope may have no flap. The envelope may have no gripping strap.

[0016] The plastic film of the envelope may be thinner than 40 microns, particularly 30 - 36 microns, for example about 32 microns. Reducing the thickness of the plastic film below the "reference" thickness of 40 microns allows for less plastic usage.

[0017] The plastic film may be made of polyethylene (PE).

[0018] In one embodiment, the sanitary bag may include at least one string for closing the opening, and the closing string is attached in the hem of the envelope, particularly slidably, such that the drawing out of the closing string from the hem reduces the opening.

[0019] The closing string may be a ribbon. Each ribbon may have a width greater than 10 mm, more preferably greater than 15 mm, more preferably greater than 20 mm, and preferably about 25 mm.

[0020] In one embodiment, when the sanitary bag is a urine bag, the closing string may be a cord. Each cord may have a width greater than 2 mm, more preferably greater than 5 mm, more preferably greater than 10 mm, and preferably greater than 15 mm.

[0021] The closing string may be plastic, particularly polyethylene.

[0022] The recycled plastic has a melt flow index of the resin of 1.40 g / 10 min or more, more preferably 1.50 g / 10 min or more, even more preferably 1.60 g / 10 min or more, and / or a density of the resin of 0.9 g / cm 3 Higher, sufficiently high-grade recycled plastic resin can be manufactured.

[0023] The recycled plastic can be manufactured from a sufficiently high-grade recycled plastic resin having a melt flow index of the resin of 1.40 g / 10 min or more, more preferably 1.50 g / 10 min or more, even more preferably 1.60 g / 10 min or more. The melt flow index can be measured according to ASTM standard D1238.

[0024] The recycled plastic has a resin density of 0.9 g / cm 3 Higher, sufficiently high-grade recycled plastic resin can be manufactured. The density can be measured according to ASTM standard D792.

[0025] The NAT% PLUS grade is a grade used by CY Plastique on a scale that particularly includes the following grades from the lowest grade to the highest grade: N1, N1A, N1B, N2, N3, AB, AA, AAA, NAT, NAT%, NAT% PLUS. This NAT% PLUS grade corresponds to a resin having a density of about 0.9169 g / cm 3 and a melt flow index of about 1.60 g / 10 min. The recycled plastic resin used can be a grade higher than the NAT% PLUS grade.

[0026] The grade of the resin is an indicator of its quality depending on the level of its contamination by external factors such as soil, dust, oil, chemicals, or fertilizers. Therefore, the quality of the resin is essentially related to the plastic waste selected for its production. High-quality resin is the result of a complete sorting process and the selection of less contaminated plastic waste for its production. Various grades of resin can be distinguished by their colors that prove their levels of contamination. Therefore, higher-grade resin is lighter in color than lower-grade resin.

[0027] The resin grade also affects the level of impurities generated during the formation of the plastic film and its mechanical properties, especially the resistance to perforation. Specifically, the more impurities the resin contains, the lower its grade, and especially the higher the risk of forming holes in the plastic film during the plastic extrusion process.

[0028] Therefore, selecting a higher grade resin to produce the plastic film can enable an increase in the percentage of recycled plastic in the sanitary bag, while at the same time maintaining the mechanical properties required for its use in medical situations.

[0029] The plastic film of the envelope can contain more than 30% post-consumer recycled (PCR) plastic, preferably at least 40% PCR plastic, preferably at least 50% PCR plastic, preferably at least 60% PCR plastic, preferably at least 70% PCR plastic, preferably at least 80% PCR plastic, preferably at least 90% PCR plastic, particularly 100% PCR plastic.

[0030] Post-consumer recycled (PCR) plastic is produced using recycled plastic resin produced from plastic waste that is routinely used by users, such as plastic bags, supermarket packaging, pallet film, etc. (this list is non-exhaustive).

[0031] The volume of available PCR plastic is much larger than the volume of available post-industrial recycled (PIR) plastic. Furthermore, in a certain industrial group, choosing PCR plastic contributes more strongly to the group's ability to reduce its carbon footprint, reduce its impact on landfills, and help achieve its overall sustainable development goals.

[0032] The plastic film of the envelope may contain more than 30% post-industrial recycled (PIR) plastic, more preferably at least 40% PIR plastic, more preferably at least 50% PIR plastic, more preferably at least 60% PIR plastic, more preferably at least 70% PIR plastic, more preferably at least 80% PIR plastic, more preferably at least 90% PIR plastic, particularly 100% PIR plastic.

[0033] Post-industrial recycled plastic is plastic that is considered to have a low potential for containing impurities as it is relatively clean and uniform and has not been contaminated by external use. Post-industrial recycled plastic is easily traceable and can meet the requirements of the MDR regulation and ISO standard 13485.

[0034] The plastic film of the envelope may contain strictly less than 100% post-industrial recycled (PIR) plastic, or even less than 90%, more preferably less than 80%, more preferably less than 70%, more preferably less than 60%, even less than 50%, particularly less than 40%, or even less than 30% post-industrial recycled (PIR) plastic, more preferably less than 20%, or even less than 10%, particularly 0% PIR plastic. The plastic film of the envelope may not contain post-industrial recycled (PIR) plastic.

[0035] The plastic film may contain at least 30% low-density polyethylene (LDPE), more preferably at least 50%, or even at least 70%, particularly 100% low-density polyethylene.

[0036] Low-density polyethylene (LDPE) may be preferred over high-density polyethylene (HDPE) or linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE).

[0037] The plastic film can contain, in particular, less than 30% high-density polyethylene, more preferably less than 20%, or even less than 10%, in particular 0% high-density polyethylene (HDPE). The plastic film of the envelope may not contain high-density polyethylene (HDPE). LDPE is not more brittle than HDPE. LDPE does not easily wrinkle and is not noisy when touched, which makes it advantageous for use in medical situations.

[0038] The plastic film can contain less than 30% linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE), more preferably less than 20%, or even less than 10%, in particular 0% linear low-density polyethylene. The plastic film of the envelope may not contain linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE). Unlike LLDPE, LDPE does not require the addition of additives to increase its adhesiveness during its production. Therefore, by using LDPE, there is less risk of seeing traces of sticky substances on the produced film. Traces of sticky substances can make it difficult to open the envelope of the bag and can make it difficult for the closure string to slide within the hem of the envelope.

[0039] The recycled plastic resin can be configured such that the plastic film has a white and / or shiny appearance when viewed under white light. The plastic resin can be produced, in particular, from light-colored waste.

[0040] The term "white light" means light having a continuous spectrum that combines all wavelengths within the visible range.

[0041] The term "white" means a color associated with the three primary colors (r, g, b) such that r, g, b ≧ 245, or even r, g, b ≧ 250, more preferably r, g, b = 255 within the RGB code. The difference between two components of the three primary colors can be, in particular, less than 10, or even less than 5, more preferably less than 2. White can be characterized by visual inspection, for example, based on Pantone 11-0601, 11-4800TPX, or 11-4001TCX.

[0042] As previously recalled, white is, in a medical context, synonymous with hygiene and sterility. However, white also makes it much easier to see any impurities within the plastic film. The shiny appearance is also highly appreciated in a medical context as it is associated with the concept of hygiene.

[0043] The plastic film can be manufactured using a sufficiently high-grade recycled plastic resin, where the plastic film is white and / or has a shiny appearance.

[0044] The use of such high-grade resins also makes it possible to contribute to the reduction of impurities present within the plastic film.

[0045] Recycled plastic can potentially be manufactured using recycled plastic resin produced from plastic waste, especially where said plastic waste from a single source is highly traceable.

[0046] The term "highly traceable" means that the source of the resin-based plastic waste can be easily identified and that the plastic waste used can be traced through its recycling process. The source of the plastic waste may, in particular, comply with European Standard 15343:2007 regarding the traceability of recycled plastic.

[0047] Selecting a resin produced from highly traceable plastic waste ensures the stability and reproducibility of the resin manufacturing process, thereby making the recycled material more "stable".

[0048] The ratio of foreign matter to plastic in the plastic waste used to produce the resin can be less than 10 / 90, more preferably less than 3 / 97, and even more preferably less than 1 / 99.

[0049] The term "foreign matter" means any element that is not plastic but that may pass through the first sorting of the plastic waste being carried out. The foreign matter may be, for example, a printed label attached to a plastic film.

[0050] This ratio indicates the rate of foreign matter contained in the batch of waste from the supplier. The lower this ratio, the easier it is to sort the waste, the less "contamination" of the waste, and thus the higher the grade of the resin produced from the waste.

[0051] Recycled plastics may be manufactured using recycled plastic resins, which are produced from the same type of plastic waste.

[0052] Recycled plastic resins can be produced, for example, from the plastic bags of a given supermarket.

[0053] This identification of the supplier and the type of plastic waste contributes to the traceability of the recycled plastic resin. This makes it possible to recommend resins of equivalent quality produced from the same plastic source, thereby promoting the stability and reproducibility of the resin manufacturing process.

[0054] Recycled plastic resins can be produced from a single plastic waste, particularly low-density polyethylene.

[0055] Recycled plastic resins can be produced from the inner film of a flexi-con bag (jumbo bag), which ensures waterproofing. This product is advantageous because it is virgin non-contaminated plastic and furthermore has a white color when observed under white light.

[0056] Recycled plastic resin can be produced from plastic waste other than agricultural plastic waste. Plastic waste from agriculture is, for example, too contaminated with external elements such as soil, dust, oil, chemicals, or fertilizers for the resin derived from such waste to be suitable for medical use, especially to comply with the MDR regulation. Plastic waste from agriculture results in plastic resin that may not exceed grade N1A, using the grades defined by CY Plastique as listed above. Waste from the fashion industry and / or the logistics industry results in resin with grades of AB~NAT% PLUS.

[0057] PCR plastic can be produced using recycled plastic resin produced from plastic waste from, for example, logistics channels or hypermarkets.

[0058] The closed loop may contain at least 30% PIR plastic, more preferably at least 50%, or even more preferably at least 70%, especially 100% PIR plastic, and / or at least 30% high density polyethylene (HDPE), more preferably at least 50%, or even more preferably at least 70%, especially 100% HDPE.

[0059] The plastic film may contain at least one additive selected from the following list: flow promoters, antibacterial agents (this list is non-limiting). The plastic material may contain 1-2% additives. The use of flow promoters in polyethylene films enables the reduction of the coefficient of friction (COF) while maintaining the optical properties of gloss, transparency and clarity.

[0060] The plastic film may contain a sliding agent, preferably 1-3% sliding agent, more preferably 1.5-2.5% sliding agent, for example approximately 2% sliding agent. The sliding agent may be the sliding agent Zip-33 supplied by JUSU E and may be.

[0061] The closure string may contain a sliding agent, preferably 0.5 to 1.5% of the sliding agent, more preferably 0.8 to 1.2% of the sliding agent, for example approximately 1% of the sliding agent. The sliding agent is the sliding agent Zip-33 supplied by JUSU E It may be.

[0062] Recycled plastic is less slippery than virgin plastic, so bags with a high proportion of recycled plastic in both the envelope film and the closure string may be difficult to slide the string. The use of a sliding agent in the plastic film of the envelope and / or the closure string helps to reduce this problem.

[0063] Recycled plastic may be manufactured using recycled plastic resin produced from plastic waste, and plastic waste based on recycled plastic is heated to a temperature above 200°C, more preferably above 220°C, especially about 230°C during resin production.

[0064] The high temperature at which the plastic waste is heated makes it possible to remove at least some, or even all, of the possible pathogens.

[0065] The subject of the present invention is also a method for producing a recycled plastic resin, comprising a) selecting at least one source, especially a single source, of plastic waste that is not generated by agriculture; b) identifying the type of plastic waste selected for resin production, preferably plastic waste that is not very contaminated, especially transparent or white, such as the inner film of a flexi bag; c) performing one or more, especially at least two, or even at least three, more preferably at least four, or even five manual sorting operations and / or automatic sorting operations on the plastic waste; d) heating the selected plastic waste to a temperature above 200°C, more preferably above 220°C, particularly to about 230°C including at least one, or even all, of the following.

[0066] The method may include e) performing post-production management to check the quality of the produced recycled resin. These post-production tests may be based on ASTM standard D1238 and ASTM standard D792.

[0067] The method may include f) ensuring the traceability of the produced plastic resin by associating a batch number with each batch produced.

[0068] The source of the plastic waste may have a certificate that enables it to obtain, from this plastic waste, a self-certified plastic resin.

[0069] The recycled plastic resin may be manufactured in a factory that separates resin production lines according to their grades.

[0070] The recycled plastic resin may be manufactured in a factory that does not produce low-grade resins, particularly those produced from agricultural plastic waste.

[0071] The separation of production lines, or even resin production factories, avoids contamination of high-grade resins by low-grade resins, for example, those obtained from agricultural plastic waste.

[0072] The staff of the factory manufacturing the recycled plastic resin may be trained to ensure that they are able to select the plastic waste and classify it according to its contamination level.

[0073] The plastic waste from which the recycled plastic resin is based may result from a sorting process that includes several, particularly at least two, or even at least three, more preferably at least four, or even five manual sorting operations.

[0074] Each production line can be completely cleaned whenever there is a change in the source of plastic waste and / or the type of plastic waste.

[0075] Manufacturers of recycled plastic resins may have an EUCERPLAST certificate. The EUCERPLAST certificate is based on European Standard 15343 regarding the traceability of the materials used to produce recycled materials. The certificate may define that the supplier has the highest level of traceability and thus sorting, i.e., Level 1.

[0076] Manufacturers of recycled plastic resins may have a GRS certificate. This certificate ensures that the recycling process complies with environmental and social standards.

[0077] These certificates enable compliance with certain regulatory requirements and are quality assurances that ensure, in particular, the stability of the quality of the resins produced.

[0078] Resin manufacturers may conduct at least one test to evaluate the biocompatibility of recycled plastic resins.

[0079] Manufacturers may conduct chemical property tests based on ISO Standard 10993-18. This test makes it possible to determine whether the resin contains substances that are particularly carcinogenic, allergenic, irritating, or mutagenic.

[0080] Bag manufacturers may conduct cytotoxicity tests based on ISO Standard 10993-5-2009. Manufacturers may also conduct sensitization tests to ensure that there is no risk when the product comes into contact with patients.

[0081] The plastic film of the envelope can be produced using an inflation film machine equipped with a filter having a mesh size of 85 to 120 mesh, particularly about 100 mesh. The filter can be changed regularly, particularly every 24 hours, preferably every 12 hours.

[0082] The use of a filter having a mesh size of 85 to 120 mesh, which is changed fairly regularly, allows the impurity level of the plastic film to be further reduced.

[0083] The sanitary bag may contain an absorbent pad.

[0084] The absorbent pad can gelify body fluids (vomit, urine, excrement) in order to limit their spread. The absorbent pad can be composed of a mixture of absorbent cotton and superabsorbent polymer powder.

[0085] The absorbent pad can be attached to the inner surface of the envelope by a particularly reversible, preferably reusable adhesive.

[0086] The envelope may include the same first sheet and second sheet that are overlapped with each other and attached together along the right edge, left edge, and bottom edge, and the absorbent pad is attached to only one of the first sheet and the second sheet.

[0087] According to another aspect thereof, the subject matter of the present invention is also a strip of the sanitary bags defined previously, each sanitary bag being attached to an adjacent sanitary bag by at least one side edge, and the sanitary bags being particularly separated from each other by at least one weak line extending along the side edge. The strip can include 10 to 30, particularly 20, sanitary bags.

[0088] According to another aspect thereof, the subject matter of the present invention is - a plurality of the previously defined sanitary bags, particularly in the form of the previously defined strip, - Packaging for containing the sanitary bag, and is an assembly including.

[0089] The packaging may be a box, such as a cardboard box. Preferably, the packaging is a 100% recycled cardboard box.

[0090] The packaging may be recyclable. The packaging may be Chain of Control-certificated by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC). This certificate ensures that FSC materials can be traced through every step of the production process, including all the steps of a series of processes, deformations, manufacturing, and distribution steps from the forest to the finished product.

[0091] According to another aspect thereof, the subject matter of the present invention is finally a method for manufacturing the sanitary bag defined previously, comprising a) checking the recycled plastic resin supplied, especially the grade of low-density polyethylene; b) preparing a mixture from the recycled plastic resin and, optionally, a flow promoter and / or a moisture-proof agent masterbatch; c) filling an inflation film machine with the mixture, the machine being especially pre-cleaned; d) installing a filter, especially a new filter, having a mesh size of 85 - 120 meshes, especially about 100 meshes, in the inflation machine, the filter being especially intended to be replaced regularly, especially at least every 24 hours, or even every 12 hours; e) inflating the film with the inflation machine and including.

[0092] The respective ratios of the elements in the mixture of step b) can be optimized in order to obtain a white, shiny plastic film. The masterbatch may contain other additives.

[0093] As previously explained, the use of a flow promoter within the polyethylene film enables the reduction of the coefficient of friction (COF) while maintaining the optical properties of gloss, clarity, and transparency.

[0094] Recycled plastic resins contain more moisture than virgin resins due to the numerous washings carried out during their manufacture. This moisture can lead to the formation of air bubbles during the extrusion of the plastic film, but the presence of a moisture-proof agent in the mixture during step b) helps to prevent this.

[0095] As previously explained, using a filter with a mesh size of 85 - 120 mesh, particularly about 100 mesh, and changing it regularly, for example, every 24 hours or every 12 hours, reduces the impurities in the bag.

[0096] The manufacturing process may include step f), in which the film is left in the open air for at least 24 hours. Leaving the film in the open air tends to reduce any unpleasant odors that may be associated with film production. This also helps to make the film less sticky.

[0097] The manufacturing process may include a step following previously defined step e) or step f), in which at least one item 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 regarding the volume of waste that may be contained within the bag, or a mention of the percentage of recycled plastic. The printing parameters may be varied in this step in order to obtain a high-quality print.

[0098] The manufacturing process may preferably include the step of assembling a bag from the film following the step of printing information on at least one item on the film.

[0099] The manufacturing process may include the step of inserting an absorbent pad into the bag.

[0100] Another aspect of the present invention is a plastic film containing more than 30% recycled plastic.

[0101] The plastic film may have all or some of the above-described features.

[0102] The plastic film may be translucent.

[0103] The plastic film may be white when viewed under white light.

[0104] The plastic film may be transparent.

[0105] The plastic film may have a glossy appearance.

[0106] According to another aspect of that embodiment, the subject matter of the present invention is - A leak-proof envelope provided with an opening and formed from the plastic film defined above, and - Optionally, at least one string for closing the opening, the at least one string being slidably attached within the hem of the envelope in particular such that the drawing out of the closing string from the hem reduces the opening. A bag including

[0107] The bag may have all or some of the above-described features.

[0108] The bag may be a general-purpose bag that does not require any degree of hygiene or sterility, etc.

[0109] The bag may be especially for medical use and sterilized.

[0110] The bag may be a sanitary bag especially for medical use and sterilized.

[0111] The bag may be configured for the safe storage and / or transportation of food products.

[0112] The bag may be configured for household or industrial use.

[0113] The present invention can be more clearly understood by reading the following non-limiting examples of its implementation and examining the accompanying drawings.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0114]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0115] Figure 1 shows a disposable sanitary bag 10 intended to collect at least partially liquid waste, especially from patients. The sanitary bag 10 is a bucket protection cover and / or a urinal protection cover. It can accommodate, for example, a waste volume of 450 mL.

[0116] The sanitary bag 10 includes an envelope 12 having an opening 20, a first closing string 141, and a second closing string 142. The envelope 12, which generally has a rectangular shape when the bag is flat, includes a first sheet 161 and a second sheet 162 of similar dimensions, which are overlapped and attached together in a leak-proof manner along a right edge 18d, a left edge 18g, and a bottom edge 18f connecting the lower ends of the right and left edges. The first sheet and the second sheet may result from folding the sheet along the bottom edge 18f. The right and left edges may be sealed, for example, by welding. The envelope has no gusset. The envelope also has no gripping strap.

[0117] The opening 20 of the sanitary bag is defined by an opening edge 18o composed of a first free edge 221 of the first sheet and a second free edge 222 of the second sheet, respectively. Along the first free edge and the second free edge, the first sheet and the second sheet define first hems 241 and second hems 242, respectively, which are interrupted by a first window 261 and a second window 262, respectively. The first closing string and the second closing string are slidably attached into the first hem and the second hem, respectively. They are accessible through the first window and the second window, respectively. Their right and left ends are attached to the right edge 18d and the left edge 18g of the envelope, respectively, such that their pulling out or "tightening" through the first window and the second window, respectively, causes the contraction of the first free edge 221 and the second free edge 222, thus causing the constriction of the opening 20. The first sheet 161 and the second sheet 162 define a first inner surface 281 and a second inner surface 282.

[0118] The closing strings 141 and 142 are ribbons. These ribbons are wider than 20 mm, particularly about 25 mm. The closing strings 141 and 142 may contain at least 30% PIR plastic, particularly 100% HDPE in the example described.

[0119] Envelope 12 includes an absorption pad 15. This pad 15 is composed of a mixture of absorbent cotton and superabsorbent polymer powder. The volume of the absorption pad is suitable for absorbing liquid waste introduced into the envelope by the patient.

[0120] The absorption pad 15 is attached to at least one of the inner surfaces of the envelope, preferably only to the second inner surface 282. The pad 15 is attached by a reversible adhesive, i.e., one selected to allow the absorption pad 15 and / or the second sheet to be peeled off without damaging the absorption pad 15 and / or the second sheet respectively.

[0121] Envelope 12 is made of a plastic film 29 containing more than 30% recycled plastic. This plastic film is thinner than 40 microns, particularly about 32 microns. The recycled plastic is manufactured from a recycled plastic resin from CY Plastique having a grade of NAT% PLUS or higher. The recycled plastic resin used has a density of about 0.9169 g / cm 3 and a melt flow index of about 1.60 g / 10 minutes. The plastic film 29 of envelope 12 may contain more than 30% post-consumer recycled (PCR) plastic, and in the example described, particularly 100% PCR plastic.

[0122] The material film 29 may contain at least 30% low-density polyethylene (LDPE), and in the example described, particularly 100% low-density polyethylene.

[0123] The recycled plastic resin is configured such that the plastic film 29 is white when viewed in white light and has a shiny appearance.

[0124] The recycled plastic film 29 is manufactured using recycled plastic resin produced from plastic waste from a single source. The recycled plastic resin is produced from the same type of plastic waste. It is the inner film of a flexi-con bag.

[0125] Figure 2 schematically shows a method that can be implemented to manufacture the sanitary bag 10 according to the present invention.

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

[0127] In step b), a mixture is prepared from the recycled plastic resin and optionally a flow promoter masterbatch. The respective ratio of the elements in this mixture is optimized to obtain a white, glossy plastic film 29.

[0128] In step c), the inflation film machine is filled with the said mixture, and the machine is, in particular, pre-cleaned.

[0129] Step d) includes installing a filter having a mesh size of 85 - 120 mesh, in particular about 100 mesh, in particular a new filter, in the inflation machine, and the said filter is intended to be replaced, in particular, at least every 24 hours, or even every 12 hours.

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

[0131] Optionally, the method is completed by step f), and the film is left standing in the open air for at least 24 hours.

[0132] The method may also optionally include step g) following these steps, in which information on at least one item, in particular information on the manufacturer's brand and logo of the sanitary bag 10, or information on the amount of waste contained in the bag 10, is printed on the film.

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

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

[0135] The sanitary bag 10 may be a urine bag or a vomit bag. In this embodiment, the closing string may be a cord.

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

[0137] The absorption pad 15 may also be contained within the envelope, for example, without being attached to the envelope.

Explanation of reference numerals

[0138] 10 Sanitary bag 12 Envelope, leak-proof envelope 141 First closing string 142 Second closing string 15 Absorption pad 161 First sheet, first identical sheet 162 Second sheet, second identical sheet Right edge, right side, side edge of the envelope Bottom edge of the envelope Left edge, left side, side edge of the envelope Opening edge Opening of the envelope First free edge of the first sheet Second free edge of the second sheet First hem Second hem First window Second window First inner surface Second inner surface Plastic film, material film, recycled plastic film

Claims

1. A hygiene bag (10) for medical use intended to collect waste generated by a patient, comprising: a leaktight envelope (12) provided with an opening (20), said leaktight envelope (12) being made from a plastic film (29); - optionally at least one string (14) for closing said opening; １ , 14 ２ ), wherein the closure string (14 １ , 14 ２ ) is heme (24 １ , 24 ２ ) from the closure string (14 １ , 14 ２ In particular, the hem (24) of the envelope (12) is pulled out so that the pulling out of the hem (24) reduces the opening (20). １ , 24 ２ At least one string (14) slidably mounted within the １ , 14 ２ )and Including, A hygiene bag (10), wherein the plastic film (29) of the envelope contains more than 30% recycled plastic.

2. 2. The hygienic bag (10) of claim 1, wherein the recycled plastic is made from a sufficiently high grade recycled plastic resin, the resin having a melt flow index of 1.40 g / 10 min or more, better 1.50 g / 10 min or more, better 1.60 g / 10 min or more.

3. The recycled plastic has a resin density of 0.9 g / cm ３ 3. The hygiene bag (10) according to claim 1 or 2, which is made from a sufficiently high grade recycled plastic resin, above 100%.

4. 4. The hygiene bag (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the plastic film (29) of the envelope (12) comprises more than 30% post-consumer recycled (PCR) plastic, better at least 40% PCR plastic, better at least 50% PCR plastic, better at least 60% PCR plastic, better at least 70% PCR plastic, better at least 80% PCR plastic, better at least 90% PCR plastic, in particular 100% PCR plastic.

5. 5. The hygiene bag (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the plastic film (29) of the envelope (12) comprises more than 30% post-industrial recycled (PIR) plastic, better at least 40% PIR plastic, better at least 50% PIR plastic, better at least 60% PIR plastic, better at least 70% PIR plastic, better at least 80% PIR plastic, better at least 90% PIR plastic, in particular 100% PIR plastic.

6. The hygiene bag (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the plastic film (29) comprises at least 30% low density polyethylene (LDPE), better at least 50%, or even at least 70%, in particular 100% low density polyethylene.

7. The hygiene bag (10) of any of claims 2 or 3 related thereto, wherein the recycled plastic resin is configured such that the plastic film (29) is white when viewed under white light and / or has a glossy appearance.

8. The hygiene bag (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the recycled plastic is manufactured using recycled plastic resin produced from plastic waste, in particular from a single source, the plastic waste being highly traceable.

9. The closure string (14 １ , 14 ２ 9. The hygiene bag (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the bag (10) comprises at least 30% PIR plastic, better at least 50%, or even at least 70%, in particular 100% PIR plastic, and / or at least 30% high density polyethylene (HDPE), better at least 50%, or even at least 70%, in particular 100% HDPE.

10. The hygiene bag (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the plastic film (29) comprises at least one additive selected from the following list: a glidant or an antimicrobial agent, this list being non-limiting.

11. 11. The hygienic bag (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the recycled plastic is produced by recycled plastic resin produced from plastic waste, the plastic waste on which the recycled plastic resin is based being heated to a temperature of more than 200°C, better more than 220°C, in particular about 230°C, during the production of the resin.

12. The hygiene bag (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the plastic film (29) of the envelope (12) is produced by a blown film machine equipped with a filter having a mesh size of 85 to 120 mesh, in particular about 100 mesh, said filter being changed in particular every 24 hours, better still every 12 hours.

13. The hygiene bag (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, comprising an absorbent pad (15).

14. The absorbent pad (15) is attached to the inner surface (28) of the envelope (12), in particular by means of a reversible, preferably reusable adhesive. １ , 28 ２ 14. The hygiene bag (10) according to claim 13, wherein the pouch (10) is attached to a

15. The envelope is made up of first identical sheets (16) that are overlapped and attached together along their right edge (18d), left edge (18g) and bottom edge (18f). １ ) and a second identical sheet (16 ２ 15. The hygiene bag (10) according to claim 13 or 14, comprising a first sheet (14) and an absorbent pad (15) attached to only one of the first sheet and the second sheet.

16. 16. A strip of hygiene bags (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein each hygiene bag (10) is attached to an adjacent hygiene bag (10) by at least one side edge (18d, 18g), said hygiene bags (10) being in particular separated from one another by at least one line of weakness extending along said side edge.

17. - a plurality of hygiene bags (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 15, in particular in the form of a strip according to claim 16, - packaging in which said hygiene bag (10) is contained; Including, assembly.

18. A method for manufacturing a hygiene bag (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 15, comprising the steps of: a) identifying the grade of recycled plastic resin, in particular low density polyethylene, being supplied; b) providing a mixture of the recycled plastic resin and, optionally, a flow promoter and / or a moisture barrier masterbatch; c) filling a blown film machine with the mixture, said machine having in particular been previously cleaned; d) installing a filter, in particular a new filter, having a mesh size of 85-120 mesh, in particular about 100 mesh, in said inflation machine, said filter being intended in particular to be changed at least every 24 hours, or even every 12 hours; e) inflating the film (29) in said inflation machine; A method comprising:

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