Blackwoods Knows

Eco Best Technology: Biodegradable Nitrile Gloves

Written by SHOWA | Apr 29, '22
The numbers are astounding: Of the 150 billion gloves that are produced every year, 100 billion of them are thrown away. That is a lot of rubbish, which leads to an environmentally damaging impact that can last for generations.

However, the SHOWA Group, is determined to make a difference and play its part in building an increasingly sustainable present and future. In 2012, SHOWA launched an industry first: biodegradable nitrile gloves. Nowadays, SHOWA continues to build on its foundation by providing the most extensive range of biodegradable hand protection in the market.

Using its revolutionary Eco Best Technology (EBT), SHOWA has designed gloves that decompose in biologically active landfills, as opposed to the 100-year decomposition of regular nitrile gloves.

  • EBT is incorporated into the construction of the glove
  • Gloves are disposed
  • Gloves are transferred and discarded into biologically active landfills
  • Microorganisms break down the EBT gloves
  • Organic soil, water and bio-gas are produced during the decomposition process.

This leads to zero waste. Plus, the bio-gas can potentially be used as a  renewable energy source.

“EBT gloves create less of a footprint after-use”, says Brian Moseley, SHOWA RA/QA Technical Manager.

“The beauty once it enters into a landfill, it has a significantly shorter lifespan than traditional nitrile gloves, which is great for the environment. Importantly, it doesn’t lose its critical safety features, whatever industry they’re used in -  mining, for food preparation, chemical manufacturing - they get the same level of protection as standard nitrile gloves.

SHOWA was recognised as the first-ever glove company to achieve the Greencircle bio-degradation certificate – an endorsement of the company’s environmental capability.

“We chose biodegradation to further reduce our carbon footprint. It also provides our customers a good disposable plan for used gloves - peace of mind knowing the EBT process starts when it enters active landfills.”

SHOWA prides itself in devoting a considerable proportion of its profits to research biodegradable products and the development of fibres that have a reduced impact on the environment. At SHOWA, we always aim to deliver safe
and sturdy products that are not just better for us, but better for our world.

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