Today’s consumers are increasingly conscious of their environmental impact, demanding products that meet high-performance standards while aligning with responsible production practices.
This shift is driving companies across industries to integrate recycled materials into their product lines. However, quality remains non-negotiable – modern consumers expect recycled products to perform as well as, if not better than, those made with traditional materials.
Gone are the days when recycled goods were seen as inferior. In the PPE sector, gloves, helmets, and safety equipment are evaluated not only for their performance but also for their environmental impact.
Companies meeting these demands must balance durability, protection, and innovative design – without compromise.
In Australia and internationally, PPE standards are guided by EN 388 certification, which measures gloves on four key performance metrics:
- Abrasion resistance (1–4): how well the glove withstands surface wear
- Cut resistance (1–5): protection from cuts by sharp objects
- Tear resistance (1–4): strength against tearing forces
- Puncture resistance (1–4): resistance to punctures by pointed objects
Some gloves also feature a Tomodynamometer (TDM) cut score (A–F) for higher-force cut resistance.
Mechanix Wear’s Speedknit cut-resistant gloves embody these evolving standards, delivering top-tier abrasion, cut, tear, and puncture resistance.
Designed with features such as compression cuffs for a secure fit and touchscreen compatibility, these gloves enhance both comfort and usability, encouraging workers to keep them on throughout tasks.
In addition to being washable – extending their lifespan – these gloves offer an end-of-life solution, preventing them from entering landfill.
Used gloves can be collected and revitalised into new products in Australia through a customisable recycling program, RevUp.
With detailed impact statements, companies can measure and showcase their contributions to waste reduction efforts, aligning safety practices with environmentally conscious initiatives.
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