Reducing Carbon Footprint Through Bulk Orders

At SW, we are committed to minimizing our carbon footprint by adopting practices that help reduce emissions across various scopes as defined by the GHG Protocol. A previous ASK GIA blog post explored the different categories of emissions outlined by the protocol, including Scope 1, Scope 2, and Scope 3.

• Scope 1 emissions pertain to any direct emissions from company-owned and controlled resources, including mobile combustion (e.g., company-owned transportation), fugitive emissions (e.g., leaks from refrigeration and air conditioning systems), and process emissions (e.g., greenhouse gases from industrial processes).
• Scope 2 emissions include indirect emissions resulting from the consumption of purchased electricity, steam, heat, or cooling by the business.
• Scope 3 emissions capture a wider array of indirect emissions associated with business activities that are not directly controlled by the company. This includes emissions from purchased goods and services, transportation and distribution, waste generated in operations, employee commuting, and more. These emissions categories are significant because they encompass all other indirect emissions that are often challenging to report yet essential to a company’s environmental impact.

While Scope 3 represents an area for future focus, SW has already embraced bulk ordering as a key sustainability measure, directly aligning with our commitment to reducing emissions associated with changeovers and transportation.

By consolidating orders and delivering in bulk, we minimize the need for frequent production changeovers, which often require additional energy and resources compared to continuous manufacturing. Reducing these changeovers allows us to maintain consistent production runs, which not only reduces energy consumption but also improves manufacturing efficiency.

Additionally, bulk orders enable us to streamline logistics, facilitating direct deliveries from our facilities to the customer. This approach decreases the frequency of shipments, reducing inland transportation emissions and supporting a more sustainable delivery model.

Bulk ordering has the added benefit of minimizing waste. With fewer shipments, the need for individual packaging is reduced, cutting down on plastic and other packaging materials that contribute to landfill waste. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), packaging materials, including plastic, account for roughly 30% of total waste in the U.S. each year. By prioritizing bulk orders, both SW and our customers can lower their reliance on single-use plastics and other disposable materials, collectively reducing environmental impact.

At SW, we are constantly seeking ways to reduce emissions and enhance sustainability across our operations. By focusing on strategies such as bulk ordering to reduce emissions and waste, we are making meaningful progress towards a more sustainable future in the glove industry.

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.