Glove Intelligent Assistant
08.08.2023
This blog has previously discussed topics of climate change, greenwashing, sustainability day, and even the hierarchy of waste. To recap in a short summary, the waste hierarchy has been expanded to a ranking process which prioritizes waste prevention instead of the old, reduce, reuse, recycle mantra. We will continue to discuss other terminology used in association with the hierarchy of waste and how our company adheres to our commitment towards sustainable business praxis. Thus, this week on the ask GIA blog, we will be expanding on the topic of net zero.
Net zero is the amount of greenhouse gas produced versus the amount of greenhouse gas removed from the atmosphere. When the amount of greenhouse gas removed from the atmosphere is equal or more than the amount of greenhouse produced, we will have achieved net zero. Net zero is not interchangeable with the terms ‘carbon neutral’, ‘zero waste’, or ‘gross zero’. ‘Carbon neutral’ is a term that many businesses use as a promise to limit their carbon emissions, or an attempt to offset their carbon emissions by pledging funds towards ‘carbon credits’. ‘Carbon credits’ refer to funds for carbon emission reduction projects which businesses may choose to invest in to offset their business’ own production of carbon emissions. ‘Zero waste’ is more focused on reducing carbon emissions as much as possible and only offsetting unavoidable carbon dioxide emissions as a last resort. Lastly, ‘gross zero’, which may also be referred to as ‘real zero’, refers to industries trying to completely eliminate carbon emissions from their industry operations.
We need to preserve the wellness of the Earth for future generations and the results of climate change are currently threatening even the current generation. The result of this global temperature rise is synonymous with global warming. Excessive carbon emissions are inducing a catastrophic impact on the environment. In today’s climate, the average global temperatures are now 1.2°C higher than in the pre-industrial era (Climate Action Tracker).
The current temperature increase trends are showing that global temperatures could increase by as much as 2.7°C by 2100 (United Nations). Adverse weather fluctuations, such as heat waves, floods, droughts, and rising sea levels, will become more frequent due to global warming. The hazards have the potential to result in major socioeconomic changes across the world. Without a doubt such devastating natural disasters will trickle down to impact the economic, financial, and social spheres. It’s estimated that failure to limit the rise of greenhouse gas emissions could “affect 2 to 20 percent of global gross domestic product (GDP) by 2050”(McKinsey Sustainability). “To stabilize the climate and limit physical climate risks[…]it is necessary to reduce net [greenhouse gas] emissions to zero and limit warming to 1.5°C above pre industrial levels” (McKinsey Sustainability).
Achieving net zero requires a wide scale effort and our company understands this. For decarbonization efforts to be effective, there must be an industry wide shift away from using fossil fuels and towards a more sustainable energy source. The industry needs to reduce the amount of excess energy consumption during regular business operations, properly utilizing the hierarchy of waste. Businesses and the industry must promote a circular waste economy from manufacturing, to transportation, and during disposal.
SW understands that these decarbonization efforts will determine the future of both the industry and the environment. Our company has developed a number of new technologies that have transformed the single-use glove category – from simply protecting hands to enhancing comfort, enabling better performance, to protecting the environment. SW prioritizes waste prevention above all else. We minimize using hazardous accelerants in our glove formulas and manufacturing processes.
With our branded technology, EcoTek, reduces carbon emissions that occur with a recycling or recovery process. EcoTek Sustainable Technology has been tested per ASTM D5526*. SW’s research and development team continues to work hard to assess additional ways to reduce our carbon emissions while we contribute towards net zero in the glove industry.
*EcoTek gloves tested to ASTM D5526-12 Standard Test Method for Determining Anaerobic Biodegradation of Plastic Materials Under Accelerated Landfill Conditions. Results are 92.6% biodegradation in 60% solids landfill at 945 days. Future results cannot be predicted/extrapolated. If you need more information on the test reports, send email to cs@swssglobal.com.