According to an industry article published on May 21, 2025, personal protective equipment (PPE) manufacturers are facing the challenge of both achieving sustainability goals and adapting to ever-changing regulatory requirements. Guido Van Duren, Ansell’s Global Regulatory Compliance Director, notes that environmental concerns are rapidly shaping customer expectations, pushing manufacturers to further strengthen their sustainability strategies.
The report highlights raw material selection, tackling production waste and recycling processes, especially for product groups such as disposable gloves, masks and protective coveralls. Companies operating in the PPE market are turning to biobased materials and production techniques that require fewer resources in order to reduce the carbon footprint in the supply chain. However, different regulatory frameworks in Europe and North America require manufacturers to prioritize sustainability in their product development processes while completing mandatory certification procedures such as CE marking or FDA approval.
Industry experts emphasize that “life cycle analysis” (LCA) is critical to minimize the environmental impact of PPE products while maintaining their functionality. Through these analyses, the greenhouse gas emissions and chemical wastes generated during the production and disposal of a pair of protective gloves, for example, can be clearly identified. Material selection and production methods can then be revised in light of the data. The article points out that sustainability performance will provide a competitive advantage at many points, from supplier contracts to final product pricing.
It is also predicted that innovative applications such as remote monitoring of PPE inventory and real-time tracking of lifecycle with digital solutions to be developed in the future will become widespread in the sector. In this way, it is aimed to ensure the performance of products in terms of occupational health and safety while reducing carbon emissions from production and logistics. In general, PPE manufacturers’ ability to meet regulatory and environmental sustainability demands at the same time will require innovative business models and technological investments in the coming period.
For More Information: Navigating regulatory requirements while reducing the impact of PPE
