FEATURE


they are biodegradable. And if they're not biodegradable or recycled, you can still see whether they've been responsibly sourced.


Maria: For materials like natural rubber latex, we now have certification systems in place to ensure sustainable sourcing and prevent deforestation. Look out for certifications such as ISO14001 to ensure suppliers are committed to environmental best practice.


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in different ways, with some producing more emissions during manufacturing, and others having a higher impact in terms of raw materials. Lifecycle assessments (LCAs) help us measure and compare these (see diagram p8).


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DO SUSTAINABLE (AND SAFE) PPE OPTIONS EXIST?


Nalise: No product can claim to be 100% sustainable, but the landscape is changing. From gloves made using recycled materials to organic cotton face masks and reusable PPE like returnable boots, there are plenty of ways businesses can start reducing their impact.


Sustainable PPE solutions are increasingly becoming available at a corporate level, but they’re even available for small businesses.


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HOW DO YOU GO ABOUT DESIGNING MORE SUSTAINABLE SOLUTIONS?


Maria: When we think about protective equipment, there are a number of ways we can design more sustainable solutions. Using recycled content, reducing raw material usage or developing lightweight products, while ensuring the same level of functionality – these are all viable options.


WHAT ARE THE CHALLENGES INVOLVED IN DESIGNING SUSTAINABLE PPE?


Nalise: When we're thinking about the whole product lifecycle, this production process, whether it's boots or helmet or gloves, can be really resource intensive, because it often uses a lot of water, a lot of energy and a lot of chemicals.


So, it’s important to think about each of those stages – from the point of actually extracting the raw material to manufacturing, transporting it to where it needs to go, and then disposal. So, there are a lot of different steps, each carrying its own set of impacts that we need to think about.


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WHAT SHOULD PROCUREMENT MANAGERS CONSIDER WHEN CHOOSING PPE SUPPLIERS?


Nalise: You can ask some really easy questions to the supplier, or you can do the research yourself. First, look at the materials and see whether they are recycled. That's the easiest one. If they're not recycled, then see whether


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HOW CAN WE EXTEND THE PRODUCT LIFECYCLE OF PPE PRODUCTS?


Maria: During the usage phase, education is key. Training users on how to handle PPE efficiently can extend product lifespan and reduce waste. Designing for reusability and durability ensures that PPE maintains high performance over a longer period, ultimately minimising its environmental footprint.


WHAT OTHER CONSIDERATIONS GO TOWARDS MAKING PPE MORE SUSTAINABLE?


Maria: Reducing the impact of packaging and transportation are essential when limiting the waste and emissions involved in PPE use. Ansell is working towards zero waste to landfill, and we’ve pledged to ensure that 100% of packaging material is recyclable, reusable or compostable by 2026.


Equally, partnering with local suppliers can help reduce transportation emissions, and of course, switching away from fossil fuels in favour of methods such as biofuels or electric vehicles can help reduce the carbon footprint associated with product distribution.


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ANYTHING ELSE YOU LIKE PROCUREMENT MANAGERS TO KNOW?


Nalise: Sustainable PPE production is a fine balance, and while some products may sound better than others, it’s important to weigh up their impact on the environment as a whole.


For example, biodegradable gloves may sound more appealing than PPE made from recycled materials, but they may demand more intensive manufacturing processes or have a greater impact on communities where raw materials are farmed. This holistic view should be communicated transparently and weighed up on a case-by-case level.


So, there you have it. PPE can be made much more sustainable if you know what to look out for. Thanks so much to Maria and Nalise for taking the time to speak to us and share their knowledge and expertise.


Read more and watch the exclusive video with the industry experts, at the link below.


https://bit.ly/4e2YE21


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