Sustainability in the PPE and Safety Equipment Industry: Insights from the ISEA Report

Personal protective equipment (PPE) is undergoing a transformative era where sustainability is gaining equal significance next to its primary safety function. The International Safety Equipment Association’s (ISEA) recent study illuminates this shift, revealing that an overwhelming 80% of safety managers now factor in sustainability when selecting PPE, reflecting a broader industry trend towards environmentally conscious practices (ISEA Report, 2023). At Watson Gloves, being environmentally conscious is not a new trend but a continued commitment. Our approach is twofold: to provide quality hand protection while reducing our environmental footprint and helping reduce yours. Together, we can help elevate the industry for a more sustainable future.

The ISEA report also highlights the growing emphasis on sustainable procurement strategies, noting that while only 10% of companies currently include sustainability as a purchase criterion, this is expected to increase significantly (ISEA Report, 2023). This aligns with Watson Gloves’ proactive approach in integrating sustainability into our product design and development processes. Being featured in the “Product Sustainability” section of the report, with more than 70 of our sustainable glove styles, is a humble reminder that our efforts are making an impact. Innovations like our Reclaim™ additive, which accelerates the decomposition of our gloves in landfills, and our WasteNot™ yarn, made from recycled plastic bottles, are steps forward in our commitment to sustainable practices that benefit not just the environment but everyone who shows up to the jobsite every day.

The ISEA study emphasizes two crucial areas: product longevity and eco-friendly packaging. Our approach at Watson Gloves is in sync with these priorities. Our Shock Trooper and Van Goat gloves, for instance, are designed to last longer, reducing environmental impact through durability.

Additionally, the ISEA report underscores the importance of suppliers demonstrating a quantifiable impact from their sustainable products. This necessity is recognized by 70% of safety professionals (ISEA Report, 2023). At Watson Gloves, we meet this challenge head-on through thorough product testing and clear communication. Featured as part of our S.W.A.T. program is our sustainability calculator, grounded in the EPA WARM model. This tool offers concrete environmental savings data in which our customers can use against their own ESG goals.

A prime example of this can be found with any of our gloves made with WasteNot™ yarn, one specific example is our Red Baron Gauntlet gloves. Our website and product spec sheets highlight a key statistic: 4 recycled bottles repurposed into one pair of gloves, clearly showing the tangible impact of a purchase.

According to the ISEA report, maintaining a balance between product sustainability and worker protection is crucial. The report notes that while product sustainability is gaining importance, it should never compromise worker safety (ISEA Report, 2023). Watson Gloves’ SWAT program is our way of ensuring this balance, reflecting the industry’s evolving priorities. Our SWAT (Sustainable Watson Assessment Team) program exemplifies our proactive stance — not only ensuring the safety and efficiency of PPE on-site but also emphasizing the importance of environmental accountability. This hands-on approach allows us to assist our partners in navigating the complexities of sustainability while still fulfilling the core mandate of protection. It’s a response to the ISEA’s revelation that “safety is still job #1,” ensuring that our commitment to sustainability complements rather than competes with our dedication to safeguarding workers.

The ISEA report also sheds light on the importance of organizational sustainability practices, stating that 76% of end-users consider the sustainability practices of a PPE/SE supplier company as vital (ISEA Report, 2023). Watson Gloves’ commitment extends beyond our products to encompass sustainable operations and responsible corporate practices. The ISEA report is a guiding light for the PPE industry’s journey towards sustainability, intertwining safety and environmental care.

At Watson Gloves, we are more than observers in this evolving landscape; we are proactive participants. Our legacy, built on a century of craftsmanship, now expands to include a deep commitment to the planet. Implementing the lessons from the ISEA report, we are reminded of our dual responsibility: to protect workers and to strive towards a more sustainable future. Every glove we craft is a symbol of our dedication to sustainable practices, marking our journey of continuous learning and growth. We are committed to moving forward on this path, ready to embrace the future’s innovations and opportunities.

Watson Gloves is a dedicated member of the ISEA, and we’re proud to be working together to elevate industry. Interested in learning more? Contact our team here: https://www.watsongloves.com/contact-us/