NEWS
A WORLD OF DIFFERENCE IN CLEANING CLOTHS
A study by the climate-neutral consulting firm, ClimatePartner has shown the enormous ecological footprint of disposable cleaning cloths compared to reusable textile cloths.
The study looked at water and energy consumption as well as CO2 emissions during the manufacture [and use] of both types of wipes. The results showed significant differences, up to 40 times more, in the resources used to remove one kilogram of dirt.
A Mewa MEWATEX reusable cloth (based on an average use of 25 times) and two types of disposable wipes were tested; a 100% cellulose paper towel and a non-woven cloth made of 70% cellulose and 30% polypropylene. One usage was defined as picking up 1kg of dirt.
It was found that the total amount of water consumed when using a 100% disposable paper towel is 188,500 litres, compared to just 4,538 litres for the MEWATEX reusable wipe. The energy consumption during production was also clearly contrasting; a MEWATEX reusable cloth consumes nearly three times less energy than a disposable cloth with 87 kWh compared to 31 kWh for a reusable cloth.
In terms of greenhouse gas emissions generated, disposable wipes cause between 2.8 and five times more pollution than reusable cloths: 33.3 and 61.6 kg of CO2 compared to 11.9 kg of CO2.
Also remarkable was the difference in the amount of textile needed to make the cloths. The amount of textile used in a disposable paper-based cloth is 25.5kg compared to just 0.5kg for a Mewa cloth that has a cleaning life of up to 50 applications.
PPE: CHECK SELECT PROTECT
The British Safety Industry Federation (BSiF) is urging buyers and end users of PPE and safety equipment to follow a simple process when specifying products to ensure that they are fit for purpose.
Under PPE Regulations, buyers of PPE and safety equipment have a responsibility to ensure that the products they buy are compliant, but many buyers don't have the knowledge and resources to validate suppliers' claims.
It is easy to assume that if products look like PPE and safety equipment and are marketed as such, they will provide the protection that's needed. However, mounting evidence shows that this is not always the case, and the use of ineffective products that put people at risk of injury, or worse, is on the rise.
The simple solution is to ensure that your supplier is a member of the BSiF's Registered Safety Supplier
6
Guenes Yenen, Mewa UK Managing Director, said: "It is obvious that the more often something is used before it is replaced, the smaller its environmental footprint, but what this study has worryingly revealed is how large the ecological footprint is to make a disposable cloth that is thrown away after a single use. Cleaning wipes are one of the most commonly used consumables in almost all industries. Millions and millions are used and disposed of every day. Companies need to rethink the impact of their choice of cleaning cloth on the environment."
www.mewa.co.uk
Scheme. Therefore, if you are a business or organisation in the UK that is buying PPE and safety equipment, the BSiF urges you to:
• CHECK your supplier is BSiF Registered. BSiF audited suppliers are compliant, competent and trustworthy.
• SELECT appropriate, certified and approved products. Registered Safety Suppliers can support the product selection process through their competence, capability and knowledge.
• PROTECT your people, your most precious asset, and help your business to thrive.
BSiF CEO Alan Murray said: “However you are sourcing your PPE and safety equipment, checking whether your vendor is a Registered Safety Supplier is a quick and easy way of ensuring they are committed to high standards of operation and are compliant with relevant regulations."
www.registeredsafetysupplierscheme.co.uk www.tomorrowshs.com
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46
