Greeny Compostable Underpad Instructions

Greeny Compostable Underpad

Product Information

• The Compostable Underpad, also known as “Blueys,” is a highly absorbent and certified compostable alternative to traditional underpads. It is designed to be used in healthcare settings, such as hospitals, and offers a sustainable solution to the problem of waste disposal.
• The Blueys are 60% more absorbent than standard underpads, ensuring effective leakage protection. Additionally, they are 100% compostable, meaning they can be broken down naturally without causing harm to the environment.

Product Usage Instructions

Disposal Options:

• If the Compostable Underpad is not contaminated with bodily fluids, it can be placed in a Compost or Green Waste bin. This allows for natural decomposition without causing harm to the environment.
• If the underpad is contaminated with bodily fluids, it should be placed in a Clinical Waste bin designated for incineration. This ensures proper disposal of potentially hazardous materials.
• Avoid disposing of the underpad in a General Waste bin if possible. While it will decompose in an open landfill with oxygen available, it may release methane if disposed of in a closed landfill deprived of oxygen.

Environmental Benefits:

When the Compostable Underpad is incinerated, it releases an amount of CO2 equal to what was fixed during its growth by the plants used as raw materials. This makes it a more environmentally friendly option compared to oil-based plastics.

Warning:
For any inquiries or concerns regarding the Compostable Underpad, please contact Haines Medical at:

• Address: 26 Heath Street, Lonsdale South Australia 5160
• Phone: 08 8294 5999
• Fax: 08 8294 4337
• Email: sales@hainesmedical.com.au
• Website: hainesmedical.com.au

Compostable Underpad

• Blueys are an extremely high-turnover consumable. A recent procurement audit of numerous Australian hospitals (conducted by sustainable healthcare advocacy group, TRA2SH5) found that between 15,600 and 96,000 Blueys were used at each site per year, relative to the number of theatres.

• With 1350 hospitals in Australia alone, that equates to roughly 75 million Blueys (over 1,950 tonnes) every year, taking over 100 years to break down when disposed in landfill.4

• The Haines® Greeny® has been developed to help alleviate the burden of Blueys on our environment.

• While we recognise that it will take more than this to overcome the problem, we figure a highly absorbent, certified compostable alternative is a great place to start.

• Made of cornstarch-based bioplastic with a 5-ply paper fluff pulp top layer sourced from responsibly managed forests1, Greenys® are 100% compostable2 and compliant with AS
  473611 and EN 13432 standards. What’s more, they are 60% more absorbent than 5-ply Blueys and 14% more absorbent than 8-ply Blueys.1 Greenys® are also 14 times more breathable than Blueys.1

• Higher absorbency and better breathability means a Greeny® can remain in place for longer, reducing

HOW TO DISPOSE OF A GREENY

GREEN WASTE BIN

If not contaminated place in a Compost or Green Waste bin.✔ CLINICAL WASTE BIN (INCINERATION STREAM)✔

• If contaminated with bodily fluids, place in a Clinical Waste bin for incineration.
• When bioplastics are incinerated, the amount of CO2 released into the atmosphere is equal to that fixed during their growth by the plants that serve as raw material. This is an asset compared to oilbased plastic.9

AVOID GENERAL WASTE BIN

• What happens if Greenys® are disposed of via General Waste?
  • If compostable products are placed in an open landfill where oxygen is available, they will decompose at a rate similar to other biodegradable materials in the same setting.6
  • However, in a closed landfill deprived of oxygen, compostable bioplastics may release methane while breaking down, much like food waste.10 So, it’s better to avoid disposal via General Waste if possible.

WARNING!

• Greeny® is not a patient handling device and should not be used to move or reposition a patient.
• Please refer to the full Haines® Greeny® User Guide and always follow the directions for use.

AVOID RECYCLING BIN

• What happens if Greenys® are disposed of via a Recycling Bin? ✘
  • The Greeny® is not suitable for disposal via a Recycling Bin.
  • Greenys® and other unsuitable products can contaminate batches of materials intended for recycling, resulting in entire lots being rejected and sent to landfill.10

1. Test data and/or certification on file.
2. Intertek EN 13432 (compostability requirements) Report. Published December 16, 2021. Accessed Aug 3, 2022.
3. Dean, S. “Moisture Management Report”. Published December 16, 2013. Reviewed July 11, 2022.
4. Grobler, S., Davies, J. Clean Up Theatre Day – “Reduce Bluey Use”. ANZCA Bulletin. Accessed June 30, 2022.
5. TRA2SH. FAQ. FAQ — TRA2SH. Accessed June 30, 2022.
6. Taylor, A. “If You Throw a Compostable Cup in the Trash, Does It Still Break Down?” Published September 17, 2018. Accessed June 30, 2022.
7. European Bioplastics. “What are the required circumstances for a compostable product to compost?” Published March 2, 2016. Accessed June 30, 2022.
8. TÜV Austria. “OK Compost and Seedling”. Accessed June 30, 2022.
9. David, R. Energy Industry Review, ‘Bioplastics: The Best of the Bad’. Accessed Oct 10, 2022.
10. Cho, R. Columbia Climate School – State of the Planet, ‘The Truth About Bioplastics’. Accessed Oct 10, 2022.
11. Intertek AS 4736 (compostability requirements) Report. Published December 16, 2021. Accessed Aug 3, 2022.

HAINES® MEDICAL AUSTRALIA. ALWAYS THINKING. ALWAYS THERE.

• Specialists in Medical and Single Patient Use Products
• T 08 8294 5999
• F 08 8294 4337
• 26 Heath Street, Lonsdale
• South Australia 5160
• E sales@hainesmedical.com.au
• W hainesmedical.com.au
  

References

• Haines Medical Australia

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