Not All Labels Are Created Equal: Why Glove Claims Need Proof

Not All Labels Are Created Equal: Why Glove Claims Need Proof

In an industry where safety is non-negotiable, flashy labels like “Rip Resistant” or “Extreme Grip” are everywhere. But how many of these claims are actually backed by scientific data?

If you’ve ever chosen a glove based on buzzwords alone, you’re not alone — but you might not be getting what you think. That’s because many manufacturers lean on marketing language without supporting it with real, measurable proof.

At SW Sustainability Solutions, we believe every claim should be backed by testing, not just talk.

Marketing Words ≠ Proven Performance

• “Eco-Friendly” – Sounds great. But is it biodegradable? Tested in landfill conditions? Clean to incinerate?
• “Low Sweat” – Compared to what? How is it measured?
• “Rip Resistant” – Under what conditions? How much stronger than a standard glove?
• “Extreme Grip” – Dry, wet, or oily environments? Was it tested per ASTM grip standards?
• “Skin Safe” – Was it clinically tested for irritation or dermatitis?

These claims might be true — but without testing, you’re taking them on faith.

At SW, Every Label Means Something

EcoTek®
Unlike generic “eco-friendly” claims, EcoTek® is backed by third-party testing that verifies its performance in landfill¹ and incineration² environments. It’s designed with sustainability in mind — helping reduce environmental impact while maintaining high glove performance standards.

EnerGel®
Clinically shown to hydrate skin almost 2x better than Aloe Vera — verified by CPT Testing.³

TracTek®
Grip performance tested using ASTM F2961 — proven superior traction in dry, wet, and oily environments.⁴

pH Natural®
Maintains pH 5.5 (your skin’s natural level) to reduce irritation, supported by published dermatology studies.⁵

Low Dermatitis Potential (LDP)
Skin Sensitization Tested using the Modified Draize-95 method — ensures the glove formula is hypoallergenic and safe.⁶

AxiFybr® Cut-Resistant Yarn
Tested using ASTM and ISO standards — proven 48% stronger, 21% more cut-resistant, and 2x more abrasion resistant than traditional yarns.⁷

DriTek®
Absorbs 10x more moisture than standard liners over a 2-hour wear period — tested with gravimetric sweat absorption methods.⁸

Why It Matters to You

When it comes to protection, comfort, and compliance, choosing the right glove isn’t about buzzwords it’s about evidence.
SW Sustainability Solutions invests in clinical testing, lab validation, and material science — so that when you see a feature on the box, you can trust it works as promised. And while we’ve highlighted a few of our most recognized technologies here — like EcoTek®, TracTek®, EnerGel®, and AxiFybr® — every performance claim across our portfolio is backed by rigorous testing and data.

Choose Gloves That Prove Their Value

Next time you’re sourcing PPE, ask for the proof behind the product. At SW, we’re proud to back every label with lab-tested data and peer-reviewed science — because your safety, your sustainability goals, and your teams deserve nothing less.

About SW Sustainability Solutions

At SW, we are committed to leading the glove industry in environmental, social, and governance (ESG) practices. Our innovative EcoTek® technology exemplifies our dedication to sustainable solutions, while our expertise in sweat management ensures comfort and performance. We also offer specialized chemical compatibility support, assisting customers in selecting gloves tailored to their unique needs. Our mission is to provide products that prioritize safety, health, and environmental responsibility for our customers and the planet.

References

¹ EcoTek® – Tested to ASTM D5526-12 Standard Test Method for Determining Anaerobic Biodegradation of Plastic Materials Under Accelerated Landfill Conditions. Achieved 92.6% biodegradation in 60% solids landfill at 945 days. Results cannot be predicted or extrapolated for other environments.
² EcoTek® Incineration – Based on third-party testing, EcoTek gloves incinerate cleaner compared to regular nitrile gloves.
³ EnerGel® – Clinical evaluation by CPT Testing Company (5/21/2019) showed skin hydration with EnerGel was nearly 2x higher than Aloe Vera.
⁴ pH Natural® – Maintains skin pH. Reference: Raisa Mirza et al., “Effect of Glove pH on Skin pH and Irritation,” Contact Dermatitis, 2006: 55:20-25.
⁵ Low Dermatitis Potential (LDP) – Validated by Skin Sensitization Test (Modified Draize-95 Test), CPT Testing Company (1/26/2021).
⁶ TracTek® Grip – Grip performance tested per ASTM F2961 using a torque meter. Modified for wet/oily use cases. Outperformed competitors in frictional force and liquid expulsion due to pyramid grip pattern and flow channels.
⁷ AxiFybr® Yarn – Material tested using ASTM D2256 (tenacity), g/cm_ (density), ASTM D3886 & ISO 12947 (abrasion resistance). Modified HPPE yarn with crystalline reinforcement outperformed Kevlar®, glass fiber, and conventional HPPE in strength, comfort, and durability—even after repeated washes.
⁸ DriTek® Liner – Sweat absorption measured using gravimetric method. At 120 minutes, DriTek absorbed 2.7 mg/cm_ vs. 0.1 mg/cm_ for standard exam gloves, enhancing comfort through superior moisture wicking.