Glove Intelligent Assistant
12.19.2025
Gloves are a necessity in everyday life, it is easy to imagine how much waste this amasses. Our R&D team estimates that per every million pairs of gloves used, it would accumulate 6.5 tons of waste just by landfill disposal. Our company is focused on employing a circular waste economy. We are working to reduce the unnecessary use of raw materials and to recapture our waste byproduct as a means to manufacture new raw materials or products. Not only is reducing waste important, we must also consider reusability. Not having to invest energy into producing new products or procuring new raw materials is the key to sustainability. There is less excess products being produced or wasted.
The best return is to invest in high quality products and choose companies that offer transparency in where they source their materials for manufacturing. Higher quality products ensure longevity since they are able to last longer and withstand multiple uses. SW was awarded with the 2023 Environmental Protection New Product of the Year, 2022 Best In Biz Silver Winner in Most Environmentally Friendly Product of the Year, and 2022 Environmental Protection Winner in Green Technology and Sustainable Safety/Health Products. Our various achievements over the years is a testament of our commitment to sustainability and the quality of our products.
In order to assess how many times a glove may be reusable, customers should focus on tensile strength and elongation values. Reputable and honest manufacturers will always list these quantitative details in the product’s description. Disposable gloves are tested under the ASTM D412 standard, which states the minimum values for tensile strength and elongation values. Tensile strength is measured in the amount of force in pounds per square inch (psi or MPa) required to pull apart a product until material failure. Elongation is applying tensile force, stretching the material and determining the length difference from the original. If elongation is too low, the glove will tear easily if it gets caught on something. If elongation is too high, it may not be able to provide as much protection against permeation of chemicals. Too low in tensile strength results in a weaker glove and too high in tensile strength means the glove is easier to snap or break off when stretched as well. A glove that has good, or high elongation, will stretch instead of tearing when snagged, and a glove that is not torn can be reused after being disinfected. There must be a careful balance too, as having too high tensile strength can make a glove uncomfortable to don and doff.
SW prioritizes transparency and quality, even making it easy for our consumers to reuse our disposable gloves should the need arise. Thus, both saving money and cutting down on carbon emissions in this time of need.
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