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Are sustainable nitrile gloves just an illusion?

November 22, 2023   Philip Krüger
The medical disposable industry, particularly the production of disposable gloves from materials such as nitrile, latex, and vinyl, faces ecological challenges due to the low biodegradability and recyclability of these plastics. On average, a healthcare worker in medical facilities attends to approximately 13 patients per day. [1] According to the Labour Agency, nearly 1.7 million people in nursing were socially insured in 2022. This results in a daily consumption of about 22 million gloves. [2]

This report highlights the issue of inadequate disposal of disposable gloves and demonstrates how this contributes to global pollution of oceans and soils. Additionally, facts about global plastic pollution are presented to answer the initial question.


The Problem:
Medical disposable products, specifically disposable gloves, are mostly made of plastics such as nitrile, latex, and vinyl, which decompose slowly and can thus cause environmental issues. Stringent regulations and laws further complicate the disposal of contaminated disposable products.

The glove itself is not classified as 'hazardous waste' according to the European Waste Catalog (EWC) [3] and can therefore be disposed of as residual waste. It only becomes 'hazardous waste' through contamination with substances like blood or wound secretions, requiring special disposal. Improper disposal was observed more frequently during the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to increased environmental impact from these products. [4]

According to an OECD report [5], only about 9% of plastics are recycled, while approximately 50% end up in landfills, 19% are incinerated, and 22% end up in nature uncontrollably. In 2019, 7.8 million tonnes of plastic were disposed of in terrestrial or aquatic environments, and an estimated 139 million tonnes of plastic waste currently reside in seas, oceans, and rivers.


The Solution:
It is worth noting that there is currently no complete solution to the problem. However, there are promising approaches such as the Nature Glove by AMPri. [6] Innovations are crucial for addressing global challenges, and promoting research and development is essential. Environmentally conscious advancements, such as biodegradable plastics, are small but significant steps in the right direction. 

We, as experts, are aware of the disposal regulations for medical disposable gloves. However, since Germany does not provide precise figures on the waste generated by disposable products, the exact impact on the plastic waste quantity remains unclear for now. Nevertheless, we consider it our duty to participate in the development and research of biodegradable gloves. We acknowledge the global significance and aim to make a small contribution to improving the ecological balance through the use of these gloves.

The Conclusion:

The medical disposable industry faces the challenge of developing more environmentally friendly alternatives and raising awareness about proper disposal. The development of biodegradable gloves is a promising approach that, along with other innovations and a culture of research and development, can contribute to a more sustainable future. AMPri remains committed to continuous research and making a positive impact on the ecological balance of our planet. [7]

In conclusion, it is important to note: Sustainable disposable gloves are by no means an illusion, but they are also not the sole solution to a global problem. We must continue to collaboratively create resources [8] to advance research and development. Only then can we sustainably thrive in our industry in the long run.

Umwelt

Author: Philip Krüger
As Marketing Team Lead at AMPri, Philip Krüger combines creative communication design with solid technical expertise. He develops marketing and e-commerce strategies that work across all channels, are digitally measurable, and sustainably strengthen AMPri's success.