Glove Intelligent Assistant
01.23.2025
As the ASK GIA blog has discussed in previous posts, many businesses recognize that consumers are increasingly focused on purchasing green products and supporting green businesses. Customers are often willing to pay a premium for sustainable products, driven by the pressing challenges of climate change and global warming. This creates a growing demand for transparency and accountability in sustainability efforts. Unfortunately, these trends also give rise to greenwashing—a marketing tactic where brands mislead consumers into believing their products or practices are more environmentally friendly than they truly are. For instance, products are sometimes labeled as “recyclable” without providing clear evidence of how or where recycling is feasible.
It is crucial for consumers to be educated on how to identify greenwashing and distinguish genuine green products or practices. One key indicator of authenticity is transparency. Truly green marketing and products prioritize sustainable manufacturing processes, which include:
Another critical aspect is verifying the life cycle of a product. Not all materials labeled as “recyclable” are effectively recycled in practice, and consumers should be vigilant about the realities of recycling claims.
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) provides detailed guidelines through its Green Guides, initially released in 1992 and revised in 1996, 1998, and 2012. These guides aim to prevent consumer deception by clarifying how environmental marketing claims can be truthfully and accurately presented. According to the FTC:
Products labeled as “compostable” must be certified to meet rigorous international standards, such as the following:
These certifications ensure that materials disintegrate within 12 weeks and decompose by at least 90% within 180 days in an industrial composting facility. This distinction helps prevent confusion between compostable and biodegradable products. While all compostable products are biodegradable, not all biodegradable products meet the criteria for composting. Ensuring proper waste disposal through these certifications is essential to minimizing environmental waste.
At SW Sustainability Solutions, we are dedicated to proving—not just promising—that our products and practices are environmentally sustainable. Our product literature and company sustainability reports are readily available on our website to provide transparency and assurance to our customers. By adhering to recognized standards and guidelines, we aim to empower consumers to make informed decisions that support a sustainable future.
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
Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is for educational purposes only and should not be interpreted as legal, regulatory, or compliance advice. SW Sustainability Solutions assumes no responsibility for any misunderstanding or improper use of the information provided. For specific guidance, consult the FTC Green Guides or other relevant regulatory resources.