FEATURE


THE ENVIRONMENTAL TOLL OF PPE


Tomorrow’s Health & Safety talks to Maria Campos, Ansell’s Head of Sustainable Product and Innovation, and Independent Sustainability Consultant Nalise Hahn, to understand emissions throughout the PPE product lifecycle.


As sustainability efforts continue to gain momentum among businesses around the world, small yet scalable swaps are an important step. The global COVID-19 pandemic put medical PPE in the spotlight – along with its impact on the environment. Medical plastic waste was estimated to grow at an annual rate of 20% between 2020 and 2025, producing approximately 20.9m tonnes of plastic medical waste in 2025 (Fengang Zeng et al – Journal of Cleaner Production, 2024).


According to a Nanjing University study published in 2021, 25,900 tonnes of plastic waste from single-use PPE used during the pandemic was leaked into the ocean, highlighting a real challenge with the disposal of critical PPE. Even before the pandemic, an estimated 12bn tonnes of plastic was set to accumulate in landfill and the wider environment by the year 2050.


This underscores a serious need for more sustainable solutions. With help from our experts, we’ll explore that demand, the options currently available, and their emissions in the product lifecycle.


Q:


CAN PPE PROTECT BOTH WORKERS AND THE ENVIRONMENT?


Maria: Yes – although, if you had asked me this question a few years back, I might have had a different answer. I think small, scalable changes that reduce waste or limit CO2 emissions are a big part of the global effort. If we use the example of the switch to paper, biodegradable and reusable bags in supermarkets – it’s a small switch for the consumer with a massive impact on businesses and the environment.


With the dual role of preserving worker health and safety, while protecting our environment from unnecessary harm, more sustainable PPE options can play a similar role for industries that rely on it.


MEET THE EXPERTS Maria Campos is the Head of Sustainable Product and Innovation at Ansell. She specialises in new technologies and the environmental impact of products, driving sustainable advancements in Ansell’s portfolio.


Nalise Hahn is a Sustainability Consultant with nearly nine years of experience in ESG issues. Her key expertise lies in climate and sustainability strategy, where she collaborates with businesses to accelerate their ef forts in creating positive change.


Q: Q:


IS THERE MUCH DEMAND FOR SUSTAINABLE PPE?


Nalise: Absolutely. PwC’s Global CEO Survey found that embedding sustainability and climate innovation is a top priority among the 4,700+ leaders surveyed. The business case, combined with the urgency presented by the COVID-19 pandemic, has created an undeniable and increasing demand for sustainable solutions.


HOW CAN WE TRACK EMISSIONS AND WASTE ACROSS THE PPE PRODUCT LIFECYCLE?


Maria: Industries that rely upon PPE frequently ask the question: what is the most sustainable PPE available? But it’s important to look at the impact of PPE products holistically. Different products will impact the environment


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