Sustain Biodegradable Nitrile Exam Gloves: A Solution for a Greener Future

Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, the world saw demand for personal protective equipment (PPE) skyrocket, leading to a significant increase in waste generated by single-use products. PRIMED estimates that within the North American acute care market alone, approximately 22 billion examination gloves are used annually. While some of these gloves are incinerated, a large portion of them end up in landfills. This contributes to the growing environmental concerns surrounding PPE waste. As we navigate life after the pandemic, it is more crucial than ever to find the balance between providing reliable protection to our front-line staff while looking to minimize the ecological footprint of our actions.

With an ongoing dedication to environmental stewardship, PRIMED addresses this issue with an innovative solution to further promote a sustainable future.

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Introducing Sustain^TM: A Greener Alternative

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Sustain^TM is a specially formulated nitrile examination glove, intended to biodegrade when in contact with microbes in the landfill, leaving behind biogas, water, and non-reactive compounds. In turn, this biogas has the ability to be captured and converted into renewable energy. The enhanced enzymatic biodegradation of the material reduces the environmental impact of the glove when compared to standard nitrile gloves.

Supported by independent laboratory research conducted in accordance with ASTM standards for anaerobic biodegradation, Sustain^TM decomposes 81% in 490 days. In comparison, standard nitrile examination gloves only decompose 0.5% within the same timeframe. By choosing Sustain^TM, healthcare facilities and PPE users can contribute to environmental sustainability without compromising on the quality or performance of the product.

PRIMED believes that innovation is key to our success, and we continuously push our boundaries to create and supply new products that enhance our customers' experiences.

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Maintaining Protection and Performance

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PRIMED is an established industry-leading provider of PPE in Canada, known for our high quality products, and the Sustain^TM is no exception. Like all other PRIMED examination gloves, Sustain^TM meets and exceeds the standards set for nitrile gloves, including ASTM D6319 and D6978. To ensure user comfort and safety, Sustain^TM has been tested to meet ISO biocompatibility and US FDA standards for food handling.  

Sustain^TM continues to use light weight nitrile technology, combining strength with tactile sensitivity. This permits healthcare professionals to perform intricate and precise movements. A flexible and comfortable fit also comes standard, allowing the glove to move with the wearer to facilitate natural dexterity. Additionally, enhanced fingertip texturing provides a reliable grip when handling small instruments and objects.

Users can feel confident that the protection, comfort, and performance of Sustain^TM is not compromised by its biodegradability. Enjoy all the same benefits you have come to expect from a PRIMED nitrile examination glove while supporting environmental sustainability.

Sustainability into the Future

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As we come out of the pandemic, it is essential to prioritize the development and adoption of sustainable solutions in the healthcare industry. Biodegradable nitrile exam gloves, such as PRIMED's Sustain^TM, are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to sustainable PPE options. Researchers and manufacturers are continually working towards developing innovative materials and processes that minimize the environmental impact of PPE waste.

In addition to biodegradability, researchers are exploring other avenues such as recycling, repurposing, and utilizing renewable materials in the production of PPE. These efforts are vital in creating a circular economy where waste is minimized, resources are conserved, and the environmental impact is significantly reduced. Sustainability is a collective responsibility and continued efforts are required to reduce PPE waste. By embracing sustainable practices and products, we can work towards a healthier planet and building a greener future for generations to come.

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