Design Life-Cycle

Navneet Randhawa

Anika Vikash, Danny Lopez

DES40A WQ 2023

Professor Cogdell

Rip, Peel, and Cover Raw Materials that go into a Pimple patch. 

Pimple patches have become a popular solution for treating acne and reducing blemishes. These small stickers cover and treat pimples, flattening them effectively. The market for pimple patches was valued at a staggering 510 million US Dollars in 2021, indicating their prevalent use and convenience. However, with the increasing demand and production, there are concerns about what makes these stickers so special. The process of using them is straightforward - rip, peel, and cover. But the quality and effectiveness of pimple patches rely heavily on the raw materials used in their lifecycle, from their acquisition to the final product. 

      In the raw material acquisition stage, pimple patches are made using a variety of raw materials,  including gel-forming, absorbent agents, antioxidants, antiseptics, and moisturizing agents that go into raw material acquisition. Gel-forming agents react with oil to create a rubber-like texture and stabilize the product. Pectin, carrageenan, and gelatin are examples of gel-forming agents commonly used in pimple patches (USEPA). They are used to create a thicker texture or to stabilize the product. Absorbent agents are also crucial for the effectiveness of pimple patches, as they help to absorb excess oil and blemishes from the skin's surface. Sodium carboxymethylcellulose and sodium polyacrylate are absorbent agents commonly used in the production of pimple patches. In addition, pimple patches may contain antioxidants, antiseptics, or moisturizing agents, such as tea tree oil and coconut oil. Tea tree oil, derived from the leaves of the Melaleuca alternifolia tree, is a well-known natural ingredient used to treat acne. The quality and effectiveness of pimple patches depend heavily on the quality of the raw materials used. High-quality agents and antioxidants can help prevent breakouts, and scarring, and reduce inflammation, making pimple patches more efficient at treating pimples and acne.

      The second stage of the pimple patch lifecycle is manufacturing, processing, and formulation which requires raw materials such as adhesives, hydrocolloid dressing, release liners, and agents such as preservatives, stabilizers, and emulsifiers. Adhesives are used in attaching the patch to the face. There are three types of adhesives: Acrylic adhesives, Silicone adhesives, and hydrogel adhesives. Considering the quality, it is best to use either silicone or hydrogel since they are made from biodegradable material. However, it is important to utilize a high-quality adhesive so it stays in one place and does not cause irritation to the skin. Adhesives are applied to hydrocolloid dressing which is the patch itself and contains gel-forming and absorbent agents that help the patch absorb moisture. After the manufacturing, processing includes sterilizing and quality checking of the product with chemicals such as preservatives, stabilizers, and emulsifiers. Preservatives are used to prevent bacteria and prevent contamination. Stabilizers are used to maintain the stability of the product and emulsifiers are used to keep the oil and water-based ingredients from separating. These agents are used to maintain the quality of the pimple patch so it is safer to use. If low-quality agents or hydrocolloids or adhesives are used, the material of the pimple patches starts to break down, possibly causing infection and irritation to the skin. When the manufacturing process is completed, the processing process begins as the patch consists of hydrocolloid dressing which has undergone agents and quality control to be ready to get packaged. But before the packaging, a protective film is applied to the patch to prevent dirt, dust, and other contamination. It is made out of thin transparent material that is easy to peel off such as polyurethane. 

      The third stage of the pimple patch lifecycle is Distribution and transportation which includes raw materials such as packaging materials, labels, shipment equipment, and storage equipment. After the completion of manufacturing and processing, the patches are ready to be distributed to end consumers via the use of packaging materials such as cardboard boxes, plastic bags, and bubble wrap. Then the labels are applied to reach its end consumers correctly with mailing addresses, which are made out of paper or plastic and adhesives. After the packaging, the patches are shipped via equipment like pallets, forklifts, and trucks. To maintain quantity control storage equipment such as pallet racks and warehouses are used to store the patches. 

      In addition to packaging and transportation, the distribution stage also includes marketing and advertising. Pimple patch manufacturers use various marketing strategies to promote their products, including social media, influencers, and online advertising. They also collaborate with beauty and skincare brands to increase their product's visibility and credibility. The use of social media and influencer marketing is particularly effective in promoting pimple patches because the target market is mostly young adults who are more likely to use social media platforms. Distribution and transportation of pimple patches can impact the overall quality of the product, particularly if proper temperature and humidity control are not maintained during shipping and storage. Exposure to high temperatures or humidity can cause the pimple patches to lose their effectiveness and quality. As a result, proper storage conditions are essential to ensure the product's quality and longevity.

      During the use, reuse, and maintenance process, the raw materials that went into the manufacturing process are repeatedly utilized. However, a pimple patch is designed for one-time use since the capacity of agents to absorb oils is limited. The actual patch is disposable due to the biodegradable materials used in its production. One film of pimple patches typically consists of up to 15 patches.

      When it comes to the maintenance and storage of the patches, it is advisable to refrigerate them if you want to reduce pain or cool the blemish on your skin (Beautylish). After applying the patch, you can apply makeup, but it is recommended to be gentle. It may be safer to purchase brands that offer transparent or makeup-free patches. You can also apply skincare as you normally would without any issues, and you can even wear the patch in the shower since they are waterproof. Pimple patches can stay on your skin for 6-8 hours, but if you use them for longer periods, skin irritation may occur.

      Once the pimple patches are used and disposed of, they end up in the waste stream. Proper waste management is important to ensure that the materials do not harm the environment. Pimple patches should be disposed of in a bin designated for non-recyclable waste. This is because the patches are made of a combination of biodegradable and non-biodegradable materials. The backing material and contamination agents may not be biodegradable and therefore cannot be recycled. However, the hydrocolloid material and adhesive material used in the patch can be composted in a controlled environment. The composting process helps to break down the materials into organic matter which can be used as a natural fertilizer. In summary, the waste management process for pimple patches involves disposing of the used patches in the correct waste bin and composting the biodegradable materials. By properly managing the waste generated by pimple patches, we can minimize their impact on the environment.

      The process of recycling the pimple patches is not possible because the patches themselves are not recyclable due to the combination of materials used in manufacturing. However, some materials can be recycled if separated from the actual patch such as packaging materials and preservatives and stabilizers. Packaging materials are made out of paper or plastic which can be recycled. Preservatives and stabilizers may be recycled but due to the small quantity used, it might not be worth separating from other waste for recycling. 

      In conclusion, pimple patches are a popular and effective product for treating acne, and their production relies heavily on the quality and effectiveness of the raw materials used. The lifecycle of a pimple patch involves several stages, including raw material acquisition, manufacturing and processing, distribution and transportation, use, reuse and maintenance, and waste management. Each stage plays a crucial role in the overall quality and safety of the product, and companies must prioritize using high-quality, eco-friendly materials and sustainable practices to reduce their impact on the environment. Consumers can also play their part by disposing of used patches properly and choosing brands that prioritize sustainability. With proper care and attention, pimple patches can continue to be a valuable tool for those dealing with acne while minimizing their impact on the environment.

Sources:

1. DeFino, Jessica. “Here's What's *Actually* in Those Trendy Pimple Patches.” The Zoe Report, The Zoe Report, 23 Jan. 2020, https://www.thezoereport.com/p/the-pimple-patch-ingredients-you-need-to-know-about-20513846. 

2. Velasco, Pia. “Sorry, but Pimple Patches Are Worse than You Think.” HelloGiggles, 15 Sept. 2022, https://hellogiggles.com/pimple-patches-problem/. 

3. Kapao, Nattawadee, and Wassanai Wattanutchariya. “Development of Natural Acne Patch from Local Materials Using Quality Function Deployment Technique.” MATEC Web of Conferences, vol. 192, 2018, p. 01050., https://doi.org/10.1051/matecconf/201819201050. 

4. Darmawan, Claudia. “10 Best Acne Patches to Try Now.” Healthline, Healthline Media, 7 Sept. 2019, https://www.healthline.com/health/beauty-skin-care/acne-patches#comparison. 

5. “Hydrocolloid Sources.” CyberColloids, http://www.cybercolloids.net/information/technical-articles/marine-hydrocolloid-market#:~:text=Hydrocolloids%20can%20be%20obtained%20from,the%20pulp%20and%20paper%20industry. 

6. “Salicylic Acid.” National Center for Biotechnology Information. PubChem Compound Database, U.S. National Library of Medicine, https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/Salicylic-acid#:~:text=Salicylic%20acid%20is%20a%20monohydroxybenzoic,white%20willow%20and%20wintergreen%20leaves. 

7. “Ultimate Pimple Patch Kit.” Rael, https://www.getrael.com/products/ultimate-pimple-patch-kit?variant=39998704418931&utm_source=rael_google&utm_medium=sem&utm_campaign=&utm_term=&utm_content=&keyword=&gclid=CjwKCAiAioifBhAXEiwApzCztpHcQqVPidUwsuIo-TVsajIuoaN2EHTDjG5a6rzMaQBI7kfHtvSABhoCpEIQAvD_BwE. 

8. “Hydrocolloid.” Hydrocolloid - an Overview | ScienceDirect Topics, https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/chemistry/hydrocolloid. 

9. “The Reason behind Zitsticka's Packaging.” ZitSticka, https://zitsticka.com/blogs/skin-tech/the-reason-behind-zitstickas-packaging. 

10. Mandell Janna.“Acne-Fighting Pimple Patches Are 'Here to Stay' " Borneo Bulletin Online.” Acne-Fighting Pimple Patches Are 'Here to Stay', 3 Aug. 2021, https://borneobulletin.com.bn/acne-fighting-pimple-patches-are-here-to-stay/. 

Danny Lopez

Anika Vikash, Navneet Randhawa

DES40A WQ 2023

Professor Cogdell

The Life Cycle of the Pimple Patch (Waste and Emissions)

Just how sustainable is everybody’s new favorite skincare product? The “pimple patch” has recently seen a huge increase in popularity as it has been coined one of the best solutions for spot reduction among skincare experts. The simple sticker-like product is said to get rid of pimple “gunk” just by being placed on top of the pimple for a few hours. Not only is the pimple patch enticing to consumers because of its simple yet effective nature, it is also enticing to skincare brands. The pimple patch is relatively simple when it comes to how it's made and what it takes to produce it. Because of this, many skincare brands are creating their own “dupes” of the product so they can get their hands on some of the pimple patch hype. Arguably the most popular brand for pimple patches is Mighty Patch. They market their pimple patches as “breathable, biodegradable, and keeps out bacteria for reinfection” (Yaptangco). This product almost seems too good to be true. They’re effective, simple, relatively inexpensive, and environmentally friendly. What’s not to like? Well, just like any other mass produced product, pimple patches do produce a significant amount of waste throughout their lifetime. From the beginning of their production process, such as the acquisition of the raw materials, to the very end of their lives, such as the packaging’s fate in a landfill. While pimple patches are advertised to be environmentally sustainable because of their biodegradable nature, there are many other aspects of the pimple patch that do not have such a neat end of their life cycle, such as the excessive amount of plastic packaging they come attached to, the paper cardboard boxes they’re sold in, and the waste produced during the production and distribution of pimple patches. 

Many raw materials go into making a single beauty product from the beginning of the process to the end. To start off, there’s the pimple patch itself. The pimple patch is a relatively simple product. Pimple patches are small discs made almost entirely of a material called hydrocolloid. Hydrocolloids are “hydrophilic polymers derived from plant, animal, microbial, or synthetic sources” (Cassiday). Hydrocolloids are typically made from organic materials, such as tree exudes, seed flours, plant fragments, seaweed extracts, and animal derived gelatins. These materials are made into a pectin or gelatin-like substance that typically absorbs the excess moisture and bacteria in a wound when applied directly to one. The acquisition of these materials most likely comes from agricultural industries since it mostly plant and animal matter. The agricultural industry is responsible for a particularly high amount of carbon emissions. It also produces other forms of waste that get disposed of in bodies of water, such as pesticides, manure, and fertilizers. Pimple patches also typically have an adhesive on them, which is also made of similar materials as the hydrocolloid dressing.

The story of raw material acquisition doesn’t quite end with the product itself. The packaging also needs to be taken into account. Pimple patches typically come attached to a sheet of plastic, inside of a plastic bag, inside of a paperboard box. While pimple patches themselves are biodegradable, almost none of the packaging material is. Paperboard itself is made through a similar process that paper is. The primary raw material for paperboard is trees. The wood from the trees is typically ground to a pulp and then bleached to resemble the white color we associate with paper. The other main component of the packaging is plastic. Plastic is primarily made of cellulose trees and fossil fuels. The extraction of fossil fuels creates toxic runoff into waterways. It also emits harmful chemicals into the air, causing more air pollution. 

The production process of a product like pimple patches doesn’t end in the factory- after the patches have been made and packaged, there is also the matter of distributing them to retailers across the globe. During the production process of the hydrocolloid disc, a lot of the organic material that was gathered to make the pectin or gelatin gets discarded, creating organic waste as a byproduct after being processed. The wastewater produced by this process is not as harmful to the environment as other chemical beauty products. Another major aspect of the production of pimple patches is the making of the plastic packaging. Plastic is produced through the process of taking the raw materials and treating them with high heat. This process leads to the polymerisation of the material. After a catalyst is added to the polymer mixture, it is then processed into plastic tubes which can be cut up and melted down into any plastic product. This process puts a large amount of waste into both the air and the water. During plastic production, “major emissions from plastic production processes include sulfur oxides, nitrous oxides, methanol, ethylene oxide, and volatile organic compounds” (Ecology Center) are pumped into the air. This is only a small fraction of the list. Other chemicals released into the air by the production of plastic include acetone, benzene, methylene chloride, and toluene. 

After these components have been produced, the product must then be shipped to retailers across the world. The leading brand of pimple patches, Mighty Patch, has them produced in South Korea to be sold in western countries, such as the United States. These products have to be packaged in boxes to be sold in bulk to stores. This typically means even more cardboard, paperboard, and plastic shipping products such as bubble wrap being used. Products are typically sent to the United States in shipping containers on cargo boats. Container ships “can produce the same amount of pollution as 50 million cars” (Heckstall). These ships are incredibly big and require large amounts of fuel to travel across the ocean with actual tons of weight on them. For this reason, container ships put out tons of carbon dioxide, sulfur oxides, and nitrous oxides into the atmosphere. This is not to mention the chemicals that are being dumped into the ocean by these ships. Once these containers finally make their way to different continents, they have to be transported across the content. This is typically done by freight trucks, which are “responsible for seven percent of all corporate greenhouse gas emissions” (Heckstall). The waste produced by any product that’s being made across the ocean is unnecessary, and is only ever done for the sake of cheapening the production cost. There are hydrocolloid producers in the United States. Utilizing their means of production would greatly decrease the amount of emissions being put into the air and the water. 

While pimple patches themselves are typically biodegradable, there are still many other variables as a result of the pimple path that should be taken into account when considering the disposal of the product. Since there are no recycling instructions on the packaging of most pimple patch products, it is hard to say whether they are properly recyclable or not. It is likely most people who use the product just throw the packaging into trash. Plastic can take up to a hundred years to start degrading in landfills. “In 2014, Americans discarded about 33.6 million tons of plastic, but only 9.5 percent of it was recycled” (Cho). Even when plastic is recycled, it is difficult for it to be properly sorted in recycling centers. Recycling plastic is a relatively complicated process. Most consumers do not bother with recycling their plastics and just end up throwing it away. “Relatively little of our plastic waste is recycled because there are various types of plastic with different chemical compositions, and recycled plastics can be contaminated by the mixing of types” (Cho). While pimple patches themselves are biodegradable, the plastic sheets they come attached to do not have as convenient of an ending. Paperboard, however, have more of a hopeful ending. Like most other paper products, paperboard is recyclable and not as difficult to recycle as plastic products. “Paperboard is highly recyclable since it is made out of organic material. It can be recycled multiple times and about 75% of paperboard products come back in to be recycled” (Hurley). On top of it being recyclable, paperboard is also typically biodegradable. It does depend on whether the paperboard is lined with plastic or not. If the packaging of the pimple patch is lined with plastic, it is no longer biodegradable.

While pimple patches are biodegradable, they are not the perfect beauty product when it comes to their environmental sustainability. From the beginning of their life cycle to the end, pimple patches produce excessive amounts of carbon dioxide as well as other harmful chemicals that get put into the atmosphere and into waterways. After the patches themselves, the packaging also puts harmful chemicals into the environment. The packaging is primarily made up of paperboard and plastic sheets. There are no instructions on the proper disposal of the packaging of pimple patches, and since they’re marketed as a sustainable biodegradable product, most consumers probably don't think twice about throwing the packaging away alongside the patches themselves. Besides the product and packaging, there is also the waste that is produced by the process of transporting the product across the world, since many American companies outsource their products from foreign countries like South Korea to lower production costs. Even despite all of this, pimple patches are not as bad for the environment as most other beauty products. If companies take the steps to make the packaging fully biodegradable or easily recyclable, pimple patches have the potential to be a great product both for our skin and the environment.

Bibliography

31, Renee Cho |January, et al. “What Happens to All That Plastic?” State of the Planet, 18 Oct. 2022, https://news.climate.columbia.edu/2012/01/31/what-happens-to-all-that-plastic/.

Cassiday, Laura. “Hydrocolloids Get Personal.” The American Oil Chemists Society, June 2012, https://www.aocs.org/stay-informed/inform-magazine/featured-articles/hydrocolloids-get-personal-june-2012?SSO=True#:~:text=Natural%20hydrocolloids%20are%20derived%20from,gum%2C%20gellan%20gum)%20sources.

Deshwal, Gaurav Kr, et al. “An Overview of Paper and Paper Based Food Packaging Materials: Health Safety and Environmental Concerns.” Journal of Food Science and Technology, U.S. National Library of Medicine, Oct. 2019, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6801293/.

Hero Cosmetics. “What Are Hydrocolloid Acne Patches and How Do They Work?” Hero Cosmetics, 11 Nov. 2017, https://www.herocosmetics.us/blogs/news/what-are-hydrocolloid-acne-patches-and-how-do-they-work.

Hurley, Andrew. “How Sustainable Is Paperboard Packaging?” The Packaging School, 15 Nov. 2018, https://packagingschool.com/blog/2018/11/15/2018-11-14-how-sustainable-is-paperboard-packaging/.

“Hydrocolloid Adhesives Manufacturer: Custom Hydrocolloid Formulation.” Amparo Medical Technologies, 20 June 2022, https://amparomedical.com/.

Kuo, Chi-Wen, et al. “Gelatin/Chitosan Bilayer Patches Loaded with Cortex Phellodendron Amurense/Centella Asiatica Extracts for Anti-Acne Application.” MDPI, Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute, 15 Feb. 2021, https://www.mdpi.com/2073-4360/13/4/579.

Voigt, Charles D, et al. “Chapter 6: Care of Outpatient Burns.” Total Burn Care, 5th ed., 2018, https://www.sciencedirect.com/book/9780323476614/total-burn-care#book-description. Accessed 8 Feb. 2023.

Wojcik, Michal, et al. “Superabsorbent Curdlan-Based Foam Dressings with Typical Hydrocolloids Properties for Highly Exuding Wound ManagementMichal.” Science Direct, Elsevier, 26 Mar. 2021, https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0928493121002071. 

Yaptangco, Ariana. “Pimple Patches Are Your Maskne Savior.” ELLE, 6 Feb. 2023, www.elle.com/beauty/g33264882/best-pimple-patch.

“Eco-Friendly Glue | Plastic-Free Biodegradable Adhesives.” LD Davis, 22 Sept. 2021, www.lddavis.com/products/eco-friendly-glue/#:~:text=However%2C%20some%20adhesives%20are%20derived,be%20sourced%20from%20gelatin%20netting.

Weishaupt, Jeffrey. “What Are Hydrocolloid Patches for Pimples?” WebMD, 30 July 2022, www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/acne/what-are-hydrocolloid-patches-for-pimples#:~:text=If%20you%20have%20sensitive%20skin,also%20irritate%20your%20sensitive%20skin.

Hydrocolloid Sources | CyberColloids. www.cybercolloids.net/information/technical-articles/marine-hydrocolloid-market.

AZoM.com. “What Raw Materials Are Used to Make Plastic?” AZoM.com, 10 Mar. 2022, www.azom.com/article.aspx?ArticleID=21427.

PTF: ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS | Ecology Center. ecologycenter.org/plastics/ptf/report3/#:~:text=Other%20major%20emissions%20from%20plastic,generated%20by%20producing%20plastic%20resin.

Cernansky, Rachel. “Beauty Has a Waste Problem, and It’s Not Packaging.” Vogue Business, 16 Sept. 2021, www.voguebusiness.com/sustainability/beauty-has-a-waste-problem-and-its-not-packaging.

Heckstall, Victoria. “Here’s How Much Pollution Shipping Containers and Freight Trucks Cause.” Medium, 3 Aug. 2018, medium.com/@victoria27/heres-how-much-pollution-shipping-containers-and-freight-trucks-cause-b358cb034c70.

Federation, British Plastics. “How Is Plastic Made? A Simple Step-By-Step Explanation.” British Plastics Federation, www.bpf.co.uk/plastipedia/how-is-plastic-made.aspx.

Anika Vikash

Ravneet Randhawa, Danny Lopez

DES 40A

Professor Cogdell

Pimple Patch Life Cycle: Energy

Pimple patches are the pinnacle of skincare in the modern world, by applying some to your acne hotspots you can see desired results overnight. You can even apply one when you feel a pimple developing, wait overnight and see fast results.  However, as effective as pimple patches are, they are not reusable and contain plastic packaging. Pimple patches claim to be a sustainable and rapid solution to acne, however given the energy put into the raw material sourcing, labor, and plastic packaging waste of their life cycles, they are not as viable as thought. Despite this, pimple patches can be improved so they become more biodegradable in terms of energy and possibly produce further dermatological effectiveness. 

 Pimple patches are made from a dressing of hydrocolloids, a chain of polymers that react with water, the most common ones being starch and cellulose. In the dermatology industry, cellulose is a key raw material and ingredient used globally for pulp and paper. The patches also utilize some variety of skin-safe adhesive like acrylic, silicone, or most commonly hydrogel, as well as a protective firm made of a variation of polyethylene. Additionally, pimple patches contain certain natural substances like tea tree oil and salicylic acid for the needed dermatology effect. Sourcing the chemical materials to make the patch itself  puts forth a substantial amount of energy because of the specific combination of hydrocolloid dressing to chemical substances. Typically, most materials are sourced from larger companies that specialize in that type of substance creation, they are able to generate the substances needed in mass portions or source it naturally. Energy sources like the ones used to make pimple patches can be officially categorized into primary, secondary, renewable, and nonrenewable energies, “Primary energy sources take many forms, including nuclear energy, fossil energy -- like oil, coal, natural gas-- and renewable sources like wind, solar and hydropower. These primary sources are converted to electricity, a secondary energy source, which flows through power lines and other transmission infrastructure…”(U.S. Department of Energy, 2021). The natural materials for pimple patches like the hydrocolloid dressings, tea tree oils, and salicylic acid fall under primary but nonrenewable conditions due to the patches one time use. The other materials that are man made such as the adhesives, polyethylene protective firms, and plastic packaging can be identified as secondary and nonrenewable, they are just waste after they have been used by the consumer. This information insinuates that the energy usage to sustainability of the raw material acquisition ratio is quite poor, even at just the beginning stages of its life cycle. 

Human labor is responsible for the essential processing of the pimple patches and the supplying of them to consumers, in which energy is consumed. Pimple patches are manufactured, processed, and formulated to fit the needs of the consumer, and often the rates of energy change due to the demand of the industry. Taking the amount of human labor into consideration with the distribution and transportation of the pimple patches also highlights the sizable amount of energy expressed. This type of energy can also be measured in efficiency, whether humans keep up with the amount of energy they put out an can be calculated as a ratio, “In general, efficiency is calculated as a ratio (output/input) with respect to a single parameter…Therefore an objective definition of energy efficiency needs an absolute and quantifiable definition of what is best for the system.” (Giampietro, Pimentel, 1990). It is obvious humans need to do what is best for their product despite the energy cost because when energy equals physical labor, compensation is usually required financially. There is an increasing number of energy demands from human labor per worker per area, “This paper presents a straightforward method of estimating the energy demands of an hour of industrial labor based on readily available national statistics. In the United States, this estimate yields 30 MJ of primary energy use per worker-hour (EPWH). These results can be applied to inform and expand the application of process-based and hybrid economic input-output life-cycle assessment.” (Zhang, Dornfeld, 2007). To start the manufacturing process, dermatologists set the ratio of the pimple patch ingredients like the salicylic acid, natural oils, and skin-safe adhesive, which are essentially applied to a hydrocolloid bandage. Like most manufactured consumer products, to save time and cut labor costs, the product is usually made in bulk batches keeping in mind the expiration times to the ingredients. When manufactured, a small portion of the pimple patches are tested by humans using time and energy again to ensure customer satisfaction and quality. When the pimple patches are being tested in a lab, that is also considered human labor and energy usage because dermatologists go through trials of trying to improve the patch. This small portion can also contribute to the waste of the original batch because the pimple patches are experimented on and can no longer be used, so essentially that necessary energy and labor is dead. After the trials are complete and the batch is approved, the patches are either hand packed in plastic packaging by a human or by using machinery, and then it is ready for distribution and transportation. Human labor is also used in the dispersing of the pimple patches to stores and dermatology offices, and energy is used through transportation like cross country shipments. While human labor takes extreme amounts of unrenewable energy to process certain parts of the pimple patches life cycle, the manufacturing process would not be feasible. 

 Similar to all consumer products, there is always an amount of waste leftover that cannot be reused and can come from the manufacturing process or even after the product is used. Aforementioned, a small sample of each bulk batch of pimple patches gets experimented on in trials before they even get shipped out to consumers. Again, as necessary as it is to ensure customer satisfaction, this causes that portion of the pimple patches to get discarded as waste, classifying the energy into that portion is also classified as waste. Pimple patch waste can also be broken down into two parts, the hydrocolloid waste, and the polyethylene (plastic), each of which takes substantial energy to break down. While hydrocolloid dressing is biodegradable and breaks down into a gel-like matter over the usage time like many medical products, “Protein-based materials have found applications in a wide range of biomedical fields because of their biocompatibility, biodegradability and great versatility. Materials of different physical forms including particles, hydrogels, films, fibers and microneedles have been fabricated…” (Stie, Mai Bay, 2022). While the hydrocolloids can break down, they are still attached to the thin film of skin safe adhesive meaning it does not fully go through the decomposition process. Energy is needed for the decomposition of al mater, and it always takes time to fully break down a product that is built to withstand certain conditions. A significant part of the simple patch energy usage, is the amount of plastic used in the packaging, which also gets discarded as well. Plastic packaging is widely used when producing consumer goods, it is inexpensive, commonly sourced, and effective as protection until the product is ready to use, but it’s not sustainable, “Sustainable manufacturing has become essential amongst industries of all types due to the diminishing non-renewable sources and an ever- increasing demand for environmentally friendly products. Injection molding is one of the most widely used processes for the production of plastic products and is a large consumer of energy. Energy efficiency has become a serious concern due to the rising energy costs and the associated environmental impacts.” (Meekers, Refalo, 2018). Energy consumption through plastic has rapidly increased in the past few decades, but it's also unavoidable because of how large the consumer population has grown, “Energy efficiency has become a serious concern due to the rising energy costs and the associated environmental impacts. IEA (2007) reports that one third of the global energy consumption and 36 percent of CO2 emissions are attributed to the manufacturing sector.” ( Meekers, Refalo, 2018). Energy wise, plastic waste will just continue to collect until there is a sustainable way to break it down rather than recycling but for now plastic materials remain long term, “Most plastic packages are discarded after a relatively short service life and the resulting plastic packaging waste is subsequently landfilled, incinerated or recycled,” (Luijsterburg, Goosssens, 2023). Despite the large issue surrounding plastic and its suitability, there are still ways to make the pimple patch environmentally friendly and worth the energy usage. 

Many consumer products are always looking to be improved in terms of efficiency, and consumer review, however pimple patches can focus on sustainability and energy usage through plastic use. The increasing number of plastic use in the world has directly endangered inhabitants, “The widespread presence of these materials has resulted in numerous accounts of wildlife becoming entangled in plastic, leading to injury or impaired movement and, in some cases, resulting in death. Concerns have been raised regarding the effects of plastic ingestion as there is some evidence to indicate that toxic chemicals from plastics can accumulate in living organisms and throughout nutrient chains.” (Nkwachukwu, Onwughara, 2013). Energy usage is crucial as well, because manufacturers put energy into consumer products to get non recyclable products back. Scientists are testing out potential plastics that are far more sustainable as in water bottles, but this plastic could essentially be used in other consumer goods., “...explores consumer preferences and willingness to pay for plastic water bottles made of conventional plastic polymer and of more sustainable plastic alternatives.” (De Marchi, Elisa, 2020). Recycled plastics, and other softer plastic materials are now being tested as well. Pimple patch brands might be able to use an after version of plastic packaging so the decomposition time is more sustainable, requiring less energy put out. 

 Pimple patches are an effective  dermatology skin care treatment in which a combination of hydrocolloid material, skin safe adhesives, and natural oils and salicylic acid are combined to give the consumer rapid results. While these patches produce desired results, they are not sustainable given the energy put into the raw material sourcing, labor, and plastic packaging waste of their life cycle. However, pimple patches can be improved so they become more biodegradable in terms of energy and possibly produce further dermatological effectiveness while still reducing the amount of plastic waste.

Bibliography

Citations

• “Energy Sources.” Energy.gov, U.S. Department of Energy, 2021, https://www.energy.gov/energy-sources.

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Additional Sources

• Kapao, Nattawadee, and Wassanai Wattanutchariya. “Development of Natural Acne  Patch from Local Materials Using Quality Function Deployment Technique.” MATEC Web of Conferences, vol. 192, 2018, p. 01050. https://doi.org/10.1051/matecconf/201819201050.

• “Hydrocolloid Sources.” CyberColloids, http://www.cybercolloids.net/information/technical-articles/marine-hydrocolloid-market#:~:text=Hydrocolloids%20can%20be%20obtained%20from,the%20pulp%20and%20paper%20industry.

• “The Reason behind Zitsticka's Packaging.” ZitSticka,

https://zitsticka.com/blogs/skin-tech/the-reason-behind-zitstickas-packaging.

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