BIODEGRADABLE PPE
What is Biodegradable?
When placed in landfills, biodegradable materials can be broken down by naturally occurring microorganisms such as bacteria and fungi and assimilated into the natural environment. Depending on the glove, biodegradable material can sometimes leave behind microplastic residue.
Latex Disposable Gloves
Our full line of VGuard® Latex gloves are biodegradable. Latex gloves are made using natural rubber obtained from the Hevea Brasiliensis tree. Because they are made from natural sources, our latex gloves biodegrade in landfills.
Did You Know?
To make the breakdown process more efficient, shredding or cutting disposable gloves before putting them in the trash bin will help make the breakdown process faster.
How are Gloves Tested for Biodegradability?
There are two testing methods in the market.
ASTM D5526
Determines the degree and rate of anaerobic biodegradation of materials in accelerated landfill conditions.
ASTM D5511
Determines the degree and rate of anaerobic biodegradation of materials in high-solids anaerobic-digestion conditions.
Introducing NatureGuard™ Sustainable Nitrile Gloves
Did you know it can take up to 100 years for regular nitrile gloves to degrade in a landfill? Our new VGuard® NatureGuard™ Nitrile Gloves are tested to ASTM D5511 and are proven to accelerate landfill breakdown without any performance loss.
ECO-FRIENDLY MATERIAL
Recyclable PPE
Our full line of VGuard® Polyethylene and EVA products are recyclable. This includes our Polyethylene and Hybrid EVA Gloves, Poly Aprons, Sleeves and Bouffants.
Recycled Cotton
Using natural materials like cotton lessens our reliance on chemical plastics. Products derived from natural materials degrade at 76% after 243 days and continue the degradation process over time. All of our VGuard® String Knit Gloves are manufactured using recycled yarns and fabrics.
ECO-FRIENDLY PACKAGING & RECYCLING
Sustainability is important to us at Vanguard Safety. We want to ensure we are responsible stewards for the next generation. We not only want to meet our customers’ needs today, but also uphold the promise of tomorrow. Our disposable glove inner boxes and cases packaging are made from recycled materials.
Our A14C1 Nitrile Exam Gloves are bulk packaged in 200 each per box which allows for 50% less packaging waste than normal box configurations. The A14C1 fits standard glove dispensers while also decreases the amount of storage space needed thus reducing your carbon footprint.
ECO-FRIENDLY SHIPPING
We pledge to build a more sustainable future, one truckload at a time. At Vanguard Safety, we partner with freight carriers who work tirelessly to ensure
they are meeting the highest environmental performance standards.
Here are just some of the ways they are reducing their carbon footprint:
- COMBINING SHIPMENTS
Reducing empty truck space slashes greenhouse gas emissions by 15-40%. - SHIPPING ON DIRECT ROUTES
Removing the need for terminals significantly reduces transit miles and carbon emissions. - ELIMINATING TRANSLOADING
Minimizing handling lowers damage rates, thus reducing waste caused by discarded and replacement products.
ECO-FRIENDLY MANUFACTURING & SUSTAINABILITY GOALS
We’ve committed to minimizing our environmental footprint throughout the manufacturing process. We are working to make as many of our manufacturing lines ISO 14001:2015 certified as possible.
What is ISO 14001 Certification?
ISO 14001 is an international standard that sets out the criteria needed for companies to manage their environmental responsibilities. Being ISO 14001 certified provides assurance that the company’s environmental impact is being measured and improved.
UN Sustainable Development Goals
Vanguard Safety recognizes the role we play in helping to achieve the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Some of the principles we work to attain are:
