Sustainability and PPE
emissions and suggests switching away from fossil fuels where possible: “Transportation methods such as biofuels or electric vehicles can help reduce the carbon footprint associated with product distribution”
A warning to procurement managers – not all sustainable PPE is created equal 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.
Maria advises looking at a company’s broader sustainability initiatives, such as: certifications and commitments like zero waste to landfill and renewable energy investments, transparency, communication and substantiation of their efforts, and sustainable operations including solar panel investments, waste reduction programmes, water purification processes (reverse osmosis), and ethical sourcing practices.
Switch to more sustainable PPE solutions Ultimately, balancing worker safety with environmental responsibility is crucial. And with solutions readily available – from recycled gloves to reusable protective gear – businesses have an opportunity to make meaningful changes today.
About the experts About the author
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 the company’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 efforts in creating positive change.
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www.clinicalservicesjournal.com I December 2025
Shareeta Senthithasan is a Marketing & Communications Manager and Sustainability Ambassador at Ansell. She leads regional initiatives across EMEA and APAC, driving sustainability thought leadership within the PPE industry. Collaborating with industry experts, she focuses on the environmental impact of protective equipment and promotes scalable, sustainable solutions that align worker safety with environmental responsibility.
By prioritising sustainability in procurement, usage and disposal, protecting both people and the planet is entirely possible.
CSJ
References 1. Fangang Zeng et al., Advances and perspectives on the life-cycle impact assessment of personal protective equipment in the post- COVID-19 pandemic, 2024.
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/ article/abs/pii/S0959652624002300?via%3Dihub
2. National Health Service, Reducing the environmental impact of equipment, medicines and resources.
https://www.england.nhs.uk/ahp/greener- ahp-hub/specific-areas-for-consideration/ reducing-the-environmental-impact-of- equipment-medicines-and-resources/
3. Dr. Peter Bartels, Five priorities for private businesses to focus on in 2025, 2025.
https://www.pwc.com/gx/en/services/ entrepreneurial-private-business/priorities-
for-private-business-leaders.html
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