Sustainable PPE Selection: How Circular Practices Reduce Waste and Emissions

Reducing impacts

There are some key questions that HSE managers can ask to identify whether their preferred PPE manufacturer is applying circular principles. For example, transportation is a major contributor to carbon emissions, so check whether garments can be manufactured locally, or what method of transportation will be used.

Check whether renewable energy is used during garment manufacture. Many Dupont protective garments are made from a unique, lightweight, and durable material called Tyvek. Dupont Tyvek manufacturing locations use renewable energy credits and Guarantees of Origin to power 100% of their operations.

Packaging is another area of focus. Key considerations here are whether garments are wrapped singly or in bulk, and whether the packaging material is recyclable and/or contains recycled content. In 2015, DuPont introduced Tyvek 500 Xpert Eco Packs, which has removed 820kg of solid waste per 35,000 garments. We also have an ambition to replace paper-based instructions for use (IFUs) with electronic QR codes as soon as European legislation allows it.

Recycling is key to the circular economy. Although the law requires HSE managers to dispose appropriately of contaminated PPE, there are now viable options to recycle uncontaminated garments. Ask whether your PPE provider offers recycling initiatives. For example, Dupont has conducted successful trials for a recycling scheme that means customers can ship their non-contaminated Dupont Tyvek garments in large batches directly to a local recycler. By adhering to the Tyvek protective apparel recycling referral program, HSE managers can introduce circular practices and contribute to lowering carbon emissions.

Lifecycle optimization

Of course, the best way to support a circular economy is to create less waste in the first place. This makes lifecycle considerations central to selecting a PPE partner. Look for more durable garments, which will last longer and do not need replacing as often. Also check to see if coveralls are made of mixed materials, how easy these materials are to separate and recycle, and whether there is a market for the recovered material. For example, Dupont Tyvek fabric is highly resistant to abrasion and tears, which can extend garment shelf-life and significantly reduces the number of items that HSE managers must discard. It is spun from a single high-density polyethylene (HDPE), which is easily extracted for recycling and reuse in multiple applications.

Disposal is the last option in the circular economy. There is no other practical option for contaminated protective garments: but HSE managers can make a difference here as well. For example, choose PPE made from materials that do not produce hazardous substances after incineration. Also, try to select PPE made with lighter fabrics. This has no impact on safety but a big impact on the planet because heavier materials generate more waste. Tyvek material is typically 20% to 50% lighter than microporous film and spunbond-meltblown-spunbond (SMS) alternatives.

Final word

Safety and sustainability go hand in hand. Working more closely with manufacturers such as Dupont, HSE managers can support the transition to a circular economy and develop new ways to reduce their PPE carbon footprint across the products' lifecycle. Adopting more sustainable PPE sourcing also makes sound business sense, by reducing garment replacement frequency, waste, and disposal costs.