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PPE Aiming for sustainability in this area can be


challenging, but as more providers of PPE are taking the issue very seriously in the development of products, innovation in this area is growing and paving the way for a more sustainable approach to PPE use. Making some attainable changes and working with the right providers can help organisations of all sizes reduce the environmental impact of their PPE use.


Quality should not be side-lined in single-use PPe It is easy to fall into the practice of prioritising cost over quality when it comes to single use items, and harder to justify cost or recognise the merits of a quality product when it will only be used once. However, this can still be a false economy in many industrial settings. For instance, in a setting where protective gloves are required, an operative could be at risk of damaging a cheaper, less well made pair while putting them on, or opt to wear two pairs for extra protection if the product does not feel substantial enough. And while it can be tempting to choose cheap, buying a better quality product instead could facilitate, in some industries, using the item multiple times rather than once – which could make a significant environmental difference in high volume usage of PPE. While this would not be a viable approach


in industries such as food and beverage, which maybe require items such as clothing, gloves, hair covers and masks to be truly single use for sanitisation of the processes, better quality products should still be prioritised. While using them more than once will not be appropriate, the cost of using an inferior quality product that could suffer degradation while in use could be far higher, if a piece of degraded PPE equipment were to make its way into the food process. From a cost point of view, a large food manufacturer that may spend in the region of £500k on gloves in a year may find a 15 per cent price saving attractive. However, if as a result of lower quality, 35 per cent more product is used, then instead of the perceived savings of £75k per annum, it would actually cost £75k more than the original £500k. When it comes to washability of


certain PPE items, buying quality should mean the item stands the test of time, or wash number limit – which in the case of the luminescence of a safety vest could impact safety and compliance. With end-of-


product-life solutions for PPE being limited


because of complexities, by far the best solution is to keep a product in use for longer, provided the safety of the individual is not compromised.


the role of innovation driving sustainability in PPe Many providers of PPE are now looking at new technologies, and recycled materials and methods, to develop sustainable solutions for the long-term and provide a range of viable options for industrial organisations. Sioen’s ‘Protection through Innovation’ approach underpins the firm’s commitment to providing sustainable options and producing them in the most carbon efficient way. This year, it is launching its range of long-


life garments, and which have been ecologically designed with efficient use of resources; by using less raw materials such as lightweight fabrics, or recyclable and renewable materials including PET bottles and even wood, fewer carbon emissions are generated. Furthermore, plastic products that might otherwise be going to landfill or end up in our seas are re-used. In the case of using natural fibres like wood, there is the peace of mind of complete biodegradability. Some of its clothing is also developed with longevity in mind through repairability, by being constructed to be more easily deconstructed to maximise recycling of certain components. Another supplier RS works with – UVEX – also takes a sustainable approach with a ‘Protecting Planet’ ethos. This signifies its commitment through negating use of harmful chemicals, using


recycled or environmentally-friendly materials such as bamboo viscose, reducing waste and energy use and creating durable products available in environmentally-friendly packaging. It is providers such as these - and many others trailblazing in sustainable PPE – that industrial players can turn to when looking to meet environmental objectives.


Working With the right PPe solutions Partners yields multiPle benefits There is no doubt that when choosing a PPE partner, opting for one that can provide a level of expertise and knowledge, and breadth of product range, is the best approach. Expertise on products, around the latest innovations and on evolving regulations is a must – as is an understanding of the various different requirements of industrial organisations based on their individual sectors. And, choosing a solutions partner that commits to working with market leading suppliers that are at the cutting-edge when it comes to PPE products - and those which have strong ESG products and initiatives - is also advisable. RS Group’s 2030 ESG action plan ‘For a


Better World’ is underway, and two of the four key global goals are the Group’s commitment to advancing sustainability, which includes developing sustainable operations and product service solutions, and doing business responsibly – which is a pledge to ensure the highest ethical standards throughout its global value chain. The Group’s suppliers will be evaluated against its high ethical and environmental standards to ensure it raises standards across the supply chain and supports suppliers in developing a sustainable distribution model. RS Group’s new partnership with ethical trade membership organisation Sedex helps it to improve supply chain visibility. Any industrial organisation looking to be more sustainable in their own business should also prioritise working with partners that share common goals. There are infinite benefits to working with


a provider that can understand an organisation’s PPE objectives and help create an approach that meets them. As well as the obvious ESG benefits and access to advice and expertise, the efficiencies that can be created when procuring industrial


supplies from one provider lead to cost savings due to


streamlined processes. With ESG gaining board-level focus, it is a very real issue that requires a committed approach. While the cost of choosing the right solutions to meet ESG objectives may be an initial barrier for some


organisations, the cost of not doing it may soon be far higher.


rs www.rsgroup.com


IndustrIal ComplIanCe | JulY/auGust 2022 15


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