Life Cycle Analysis – Toothbrush

A RANJANI - 01
ARYA KARAN– 07
ATISHAY JAIN – 11
BOROLE RAKSHA RAM – 12
FAYE DEVESH ANIL - 19
NISHANT MAL – 42
SURBHI ROUTELA – 64
VIDHI RAJSHEKAR BHATE - 70
 Introduction to Project
• Toothbrush forms an integral part of daily
activities of billions of people around the
globe
• Commonly used toothbrush is made from
plastic, which has adverse ecological impacts
• This presentation aims to provide a basic life
cycle analysis of toothbrush
 Life Cycle Analysis
• Life cycle analysis (LCA) is the systematic approach of
looking at a product’s complete life cycle, from raw
materials to final disposal of the product

• It offers a “cradle to grave” look at a product or

process, considering environmental aspects and
potential impacts

• It covers the major stages that include: Raw material

acquisition, processing, manufacturing, product life
and waste management/end of life.
 Raw materials
• Nylon Bristles: Carbon based chemicals,
extracted oil and petroleum

• Propylene Plastic: Created out of crude oil

• Rubber in the handle: Petroleum and crude oil

Raw Materials
 Manufacturing
• Nylon Bristles undergoing manufacturing
processes release greenhouse gases like
nitrous oxide, contributing to Global Warming
• Link to how tootbrushes are manufactured
 Packaging and Distribution
• Paper Box packaging
• Plastic hard container packing
• Blister card packing
• Recycling of Blister can be done if segregated in the
initial stage of waste disposal
• The transportation involves shipping it through vehicles
running on non-renewable fuels like petrol , diesel.
• In some cases it is transported through railways which
run on electricity generated from coal or directly on
coal, diesel
• Non renewable fuels generate pollutants like
hydrocarbons and oxides of nitrogen and Sulfur which
are harmful for health
 Disposal
• Over a billion toothbrush end up in landfills,
every year
• Also some toothbrushes are disposed in sea
and other water bodies that have an adverse
impact on marine life.
• Plastic toothbrush take over 400 years to
decompose
• Nylon of bristles is a non biodegradable
component
 Pragmatic Recommendation
• We have identified Disposal as the domain
where more sustainability practices could be
undertaken
• Billions of toothbrushes are disposal all over
the world that would cause a large
accumulation of plastic in the soil
 Alternatives to Disposal
• Bamboo Handle
• Handles made from recycled yogurt cups
• Silicone Toothbrush
• Light weight package made from propylene
and polyethylene to lighten the effect of
manufacturing and shipping
Thank You