How SW Enables Responsible Glove Simplification Through Research and Development and Decision Tools

Ask GIA™ Blog

Glove Intelligent Assistant
01.21.2026

SW-Hero-Blog-Header-Safe-Hands-Guide-and-Chemical-Safe-Hands-Guide

While the benefits of glove standardization are clear, achieving it safely requires more than good intentions. Not all gloves are suitable for multi-task use, and simplifying without proper evaluation can introduce risk.
At SW Sustainability Solutions, simplification is driven by rigorous R&D, standardized testing, and practical decision-making tools that help customers select the right glove for the right application.

R&D-Driven Validation, Not Guesswork

Standardization does not mean “one glove fits all.” Our R&D team evaluates glove performance across chemical, mechanical, and task-specific requirements to determine where gloves can safely replace multiple SKUs—and where specialization is still required.
This expert-backed approach ensures:

  • Protection levels are validated, not assumed
  • Gloves are matched to real-world applications
  • Safety and compliance remain intact during consolidation

Safe Hands Guide: Simplifying Performance Comparison

To make this expertise accessible, SW offers the Safe Hands Guide, available under the Guides & Tools tab on our website.
The Safe Hands Guide allows users to:

  • Search gloves by industry
  • Compare chemical and mechanical protection
  • View performance on a 0–4 scale for chemical and mechanical hazards
  • Identify gloves that can safely cover multiple applications

This standardized comparison tool supports clearer, more defensible procurement decisions during SKU reduction.

Chemical Safe Hands Guide: Focused Chemical Protection Decisions

For chemical-specific applications, SW also provides the Chemical Safe Hands Guide.
This tool helps customers:

  • Identify the specific chemical requiring protection
  • Compare up to four gloves at once
  • Review chemical permeation data aligned with global standards
  • Download tables for internal documentation and evaluation

By distinguishing between disposable gloves and dedicated chemical protection gloves, the Chemical Safe Hands Guide ensures chemical safety decisions remain accurate and appropriate.

The SW Approach to Simplification

By combining R&D validation with practical digital tools, SW enables organizations to:

  • Simplify glove programs responsibly
  • Reduce SKUs without increasing risk
  • Support procurement, EHS, and sustainability goals simultaneously

Simplification isn’t about removing options—it’s about making better, clearer choices.

Final Thought

Glove standardization works best when it’s supported by expertise, data, and transparency. Through R&D-driven evaluation and tools like the Safe Hands Guide and Chemical Safe Hands Guide, SW Sustainability Solutions helps organizations simplify glove programs with confidence—protecting workers while reducing waste and complexity.

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