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It can be difficult and confusing, and at times impossible, to negotiate our paths through the language that is used in relation to being environmentally friendly.
Just think about it: biodegradable, compostable, bioplastics, sustainable, carbon footprint, direct emissions - the list is long and exhausting for us to sift through. And then we come to this question: What is the difference between ‘bio-based’ and ‘recyclable’? It’s a question that uvex is doing its best to shed light on for us all.
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Bio-based’ refers to materials or products that partly come from organic matter, such as corn and sugar cane, as opposed to fossil-fuel based products that derive from coal and oil. Importantly, bio-based plastic products are not recyclable. Recyclable materials are ones that need not be placed in landfill; they can be processed and turned into new products.
To help customers understand the new “uvex protecting planet concept”, uvex has introduced a label system that represents what sustainability measures have gone into producing the product from development and production all the way to packaging and sale.
“The uvex group believes that plant/bio-based materials represent the future. Many products in the uvex glove range
also feature the PRODERM institute seal (dermatologically tested) and approved to Oeko-Tex standard 100 meaning
the material of the glove is manufactured free of harmful substances,” says Michael Riggall, Director Business
Development and Product Manager, Hand Protection, uvex safety Australia and New Zealand.
The labels will be placed on products, such as the uvex phynomic C5, which features 45% bio-based High-Performance Polyethylene (HPPE). A running stock change will take place as current inventory is sold through, replacing with new inventory that will feature the “protecting planet label” located on the inside of the glove.
“uvex has set itself ambitious goals in terms of the environment, the economy and society”, which form the groups’ sustainability pillars. “In its manufacturing facilities, uvex is working hard to increase energy efficiency and doing everything it can to become carbon-neutral in the near future.”