Landfill continues to be a growing problem, both in Australia and across the world.
While a lot of waste is generated by Australian households (14 million tonnes), much more is generated by Australia’s commercial and industrial sector. In 2020-2021, that number was 32.8 million tonnes, according to the National Waste Report.
What industry can do
There are currently two distinct strategies that companies can take to reduce landfill impact:
- Reduction: Companies that make physical products or equipment can increase the durability and lifetime of their products, thereby reducing the amount of waste that gets tossed into landfills
- Recycling: More products can be made using recyclable materials, or they can be broken down and recycled for post-use.
What Mechanix Wear is doing
Australia’s recycling rate has increased by 57 per cent over the last 15 years, and Mechanix Wear wants to help that rate improve. This will be done in two main ways:
Firstly, Mechanix Wear is currently designing and releasing more gloves that use recycled materials. Our SpeedKnit Eco range is one such line. Partially made using materials from recycled bottles, the SpeedKnit Eco S6DE58 general-purpose gloves offer both high abrasion resistance and high dexterity while being safe for the environment.
Secondly, Mechanix Wear has partnered with Upparel, Australia’s most trusted textile recycling company, to recycle used Mechanix Wear gloves. Gloves will be picked up on-site and provided to Upparel for breaking down and processing into various useable products.
Want to learn more about Mechanix Wear’s extensive line of hand protection and eco-friendly initiatives? Then visit us at the Queensland Mining Industry Health and Safety Conference at Booth 42 this weekend August 18–21.