Incineration-Friendly EcoTek_® Nitrile Gloves for a Cleaner Planet

Sustainable Gloves Proven to Reduce Air Pollution & Emissions When Incinerated

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Traditional single-use nitrile exam gloves prevent cross-contamination and serve a significant role in personal protection but unfortunately they wreak havoc on the planet forcing facilities to decide how to handle their disposal.

Disposing certain kinds of waste typically involves medical waste incinerators which play a crucial role in the safe disposal of hazardous materials found in many clinics, hospitals, laboratories and other medical facilities.

Medical incinerators are designed to burn certain types of solid, liquid or gaseous material waste such as infectious or ‘red bag’ waste but when it comes to disposing dirty nitrile gloves, the process can have a significant impact on the environment.

Advantages of Incineration

Incinerating single-use medical nitrile gloves that are contaminated with bodily fluids or other potentially infectious materials in many healthcare settings not only helps prevent the spread of infections but also has environmental benefits as it reduces the volume of glove waste that ends up in landfill, ultimately decreasing the environmental impact. However, there are major drawbacks of using incineration as a method of waste disposal.

Disadvantages of Incineration

Burning waste can emit toxic gases and additional greenhouse gases. Incinerating nitrile gloves with high carbon content releases toxic gases like CO2, N2O, NOx, NH3, and VOCs, contributing to environmental and health risks. Nitrogen oxides affect visibility and respiratory health, while VOC inhalation can lead to severe organ damage and an increased cancer risk.

Introducing EcoTek_® Nitrile Exam Gloves

With the right approach, it is possible to minimize the ecological footprint of these essential protective items. One method that is gaining traction in the industry is incinerating gloves made from sustainable material like Ecotek® nitrile.

With a focus on reducing waste and carbon emissions, Ecotek® gloves are a responsible choice for various industries. Designed to be durable, comfortable, and safe for both users and the environment, EcoTek® nitrile gloves from SW® Sustainability Solutions are crafted from a unique blend of Skin Health Alliance® (SHA) Approved materials that prioritize sustainability without compromising performance, comfort or fit.

What Makes EcoTek® Exam Nitrile Gloves Different?

NEW June 2024 | Bronze Ecovadis Sustainability Rating

Available in a portfolio of latex-free gloves, EcoTek® is a patented, environmentally sustainable single-use glove formula that accelerates biodegradation in landfill without any performance or protection loss under ASTM D5526-12 Standard Test Method for Determining Anaerobic Biodegradation of Plastic Materials Under Accelerated Landfill Conditions.  Results are 92.6% biodegradation in 60% solids landfill at 945 days. (Future results cannot be predicted/extrapolated.*)

What Are the Benefits of Incinerating EcoTek® Nitrile Exam Gloves?

Extensive third-party testing on SW® nitrile exam gloves with EcoTek® patented technology conducted trials comparing the number of toxic gases that are emitted during incineration. When incinerating SW® EcoTek® gloves versus regular nitrile gloves without EcoTek® revealed that the EcoTek® brand produced:

• 7% less CO2 (Carbon Dioxide) emissions
• 55% less NO2 (Nitrogen dioxide) emissions
• 81% less SO2 (Sulfur Dioxide) emissions
• 56% less TVOC (Total Volatile Organic Carbon) emissions
• 48% less CO (Carbon Monoxide) emissions during incineration compared to regular nitrile gloves

Incinerating EcoTek® nitrile gloves is a sustainable disposal method, as the combustion process converts the gloves into harmless byproducts. The ash residue can be safely disposed of, while the gases produced can be filtered to minimize emissions.  By choosing to incinerate EcoTek® nitrile gloves, businesses can significantly reduce their carbon footprint and contribute to a more sustainable future. The energy recovered from incineration can be used to power facilities, further reducing reliance on fossil fuels. Additionally, incineration helps to prevent the accumulation of glove waste in landfills, promoting a cleaner and healthier environment.

While incineration is not a perfect disposal method, in the circumstances where it is necessary, SW EcoTek® nitrile exam gloves aim to do the least harm to the environment. EcoTek® is re-innovating sustainability in industry with clinically proven technology but don’t take our word for. Convert to a healthier hand protection program for our planet and your staff. Just click the link and

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*If you need more information on the test reports, send email to [email protected].