Cleanroom: Chemical Purity in Cleanroom Gloves

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Glove Intelligent Assistant
09.12.2025

SW Glove Handling Chemicals

SW gloves are commonly qualified as having no detectable levels of regulated impurities or toxic substances. This high level of chemical assurance applies across our product portfolio and is extended to our Cleanroom glove range, which must also meet strict requirements for particle control and contamination reduction. By combining cleanroom-specific standards with verified chemical purity, SW gloves go beyond basic classification requirements to support the safety of both operators and sensitive processes.

Cleanrooms are specialized environments used in pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, semiconductor manufacturing, and aerospace industries. These spaces must maintain extremely low levels of airborne particles, requiring rigorous contamination control. Standard gloves may shed particles or contain substances that can compromise these critical environments. Cleanroom gloves are therefore tested for both cleanliness and chemical integrity—a balance essential to maintaining product yield and protecting materials.

One of the most important areas of chemical assurance is the elimination of PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances). SW gloves are PFAS-free and tested against the most up-to-date European standards, EN 17681-1:2022 and EN 17681-2:2022, which evaluate glove materials for PFAS presence. PFAS are widely used in consumer and industrial applications because of their oil-, stain-, and water-resistant properties. However, their strong carbon-fluorine bonds make them persistent in both the environment and human bodies, raising concerns over long-term contamination. In a cleanroom, PFAS and other extractable chemicals can migrate onto wafers, instruments, or compounds, leading to defects and costly yield loss. Using PFAS-free gloves helps mitigate this risk.

In addition to PFAS, SW gloves have been verified free from MBT, BPA, PAHs, cadmium, phthalates, and formaldehyde. They are fully compliant with REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals), ensuring alignment with European Union regulations designed to protect human health and the environment. SW products also meet the requirements of California Proposition 65, with no labeling needed since our gloves do not contain listed harmful substances. For instance, EnerGel technology uses only non-carcinogenic, decolorized aloe extract rather than synthetic dyes.

Beyond regulatory compliance, SW actively works to reduce the use of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and minimize harsh chemicals in manufacturing. This approach not only reduces potential operator exposure but also lowers the risk of chemical contamination in controlled environments.

By combining strict cleanroom particle standards with rigorous chemical purity testing, SW gloves provide protection that safeguards both people and processes. For industries where contamination control is mission-critical, this dual assurance offers an added layer of reliability.

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