Celebrating World Environment Day 2024
The Importance of Sustainable PPE
World Environment Day is an annual international event celebrated on June 5th to raise awareness and promote action for the protection of the environment. Since its inception in 1973, World Environment Day has become a global platform for environmental action, encouraging governments, businesses, celebrities, and everyone who calls Earth home, to focus on pressing environmental issues.
Each year, World Environment Day has a specific theme that focuses on a particular environmental issue. The theme for 2024 is “Our lands, our future,” and it focuses on land restoration, drought resilience, and desertification.
At Delta Health and Safety Equipment, we believe that sustainability is not just a buzzword but part of how we think about business. This is why we support environmentally sustainable PPE.
The Significance of Sustainable PPE
The PPE industry has a significant role to play in reducing its environmental footprint. For safety reasons, many companies use disposable products, but these disposables create waste and pollution. The use of eco-friendly materials, recyclable products, and reusable equipment can make a substantial difference. As we move towards a more sustainable future, we want our customers to become more aware of the impact their choices have on the environment
Delta Health and Safety’s Commitment to Sustainability
At Delta Health and Safety Equipment, we make efforts to promote sustainable PPE practices. We source products from suppliers who share the vision for environmental sustainability, such as SHOWA and uvex. These brands are innovators in developing eco-friendly products that balance safety and sustainability.
ESG and Sustainable PPE
Part of today’s competitive landscape requires companies to position themselves in terms of ESG: Environmental, Social, and Governance. Companies with strong ESG principles may be better positioned to manage risks, gain a competitive advantage, enhance their reputation, and drive innovation.
By choosing sustainable PPE from Delta Health and Safety, companies can contribute to their ESG efforts. ESG is good for companies because it can significantly impact a company’s financial performance, reputation, and long-term sustainability.
World Environment Day 2024
World Environment Day 2024 serves as a reminder of the urgent need to protect our planet. By choosing sustainable PPE options, we can contribute to a cleaner and healthier environment. At Delta Health and Safety Equipment, we are committed to supporting the innovators at the forefront of this movement, providing our customers with the best eco-friendly products available. Together, we can make a difference and create a more sustainable future for generations to come.
The Future of Sustainable PPE
The future of sustainable PPE is bright, with innovations in biodegradable materials, natural fibers, and reusable products. These advancements help reduce waste and also provide better protection for workers. As we move forward, let us all think how we can continue to support and promote these sustainable practices.
- Recyclable materials: Some PPE manufacturers are using recyclable materials such as recycled plastics, paper, and textiles to produce protective equipment.
- Biodegradable materials: Biodegradable materials, such as biodegradable plastics, are being developed and used as alternative materials in PPE production.
- Natural fibres: Natural fibres such as cotton, hemp, and bamboo are used as sustainable alternatives in PPE manufacturing.
- Reusable PPE: Reusable PPE, such as reusable masks and gloves, is becoming more common to reduce waste and promote sustainability.
- Renewable energy: Some PPE manufacturers are investing in renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind power, to reduce their carbon footprint and promote sustainability.
Delta Health and Safety Supports Sustainable Choices
Two of the amazing brands that we supply that have shown great initiatives towards sustainability are SHOWA and uvex.
SHOWA Eco Best Technology (EBT)
The key features of SHOWA ECO BEST Technology include biodegradable and compostable materials, reduced use of hazardous chemicals, and improved production processes that minimise waste and conserve energy. The goal of SHOWA ECO BEST Technology is to create gloves that are not only effective at protecting workers but also more environmentally friendly.
SHOWA’s nitrile gloves with Eco Best Technology (EBT) are engineered for accelerated biodegradation in biologically active landfills.
Independent certified laboratories performing long-term landfill biodegradation testing, according to ASTM D5526 12, reported that SHOWA’s nitrile gloves with EBT achieved 82.0% biodegradation in only 386 days. While nitrile gloves without EBT achieved only 1.9% biodegradation over the same period.
SHOWA is the only PPE brand that has been certified by Green Circle. The Green Circle program assesses the sustainability impact of a company’s entire operations, including its products, processes, and waste management practices. A comprehensive sustainability assessment process evaluates criteria such as life cycle analysis, carbon footprint calculation, and waste diversion. Achieving certification through this organization is a highly esteemed accomplishment.
How Does Eco Best Biodegradable Technology Work
- EBT is an organic material that is added to the nitrile during production
- Gloves are disposed
- Gloves are transferred and discarded into biologically active landfills
- Microorganisms eat, consume, metabolise and break down the EBT materials
- Organic soil and biogas are left in its place
Delta Health and Safety’s SHOWA Eco Best Technology Range
SHOWA 383
- General purpose glove
- Strong grip with microporous coating with embossed S-shaped palm finish
- Natural rubber latex free for safer skin
SHOWA 731
- Tactile precision
- High capacity precision against solvents and acids
- Ideal for wet, greasy and oily environments
SHOWA NSK 24
- High chemical and abrasion resistance with rough grip
- Watertight and flexible
- Knit lined
SHOWA 7500PF
- Food-safe blue colour
- It does not leave silicone residue or fingerprints
- Textured finish
uvex’s efforts in protecting the planet
uvex has been a leader in developing eco-friendly personal protective equipment. The below initiatives demonstrate uvex’s commitment to reducing its environmental impact and promoting sustainability in the PPE industry.
- Use of sustainable materials: Materials such as recycled polycarbonate are used in PPE products, reducing the impact on the environment.
- Energy-efficient production processes: uvex has invested in energy-efficient production processes and technologies to reduce its carbon footprint.
- Sustainable packaging: The company does its best to use environmentally friendly packaging materials and designs where possible, reducing waste and increasing sustainability.
What You Can Do Towards Environmentally Sustainable Management of Personal Protective Equipment
There are several steps you can take to help improve efforts in eco-friendly practices.
- Avoid the use of single-use PPE where possible. Instead, opt for reusable products with minimal impact on resources or the environment.
- Purchase eco-friendly PPE. Try to opt for products that are manufactured responsibly or biodegradable products.
- Make efforts to go green in all areas of your business. However, we understand that it’s not always possible to make green choices with PPE, as safety and protection are your top priorities. Therefore, implement sustainable practices in other areas of your business. I.e., Recycling.
- Get your company ISO 14001 accredited. Here’s how. https://www.iso.org/iso-14001-environmental-management.html
