Sustainability and its position in PPE Manufacturing

Sustainability in PPE manufacturing has become a critical focus, particularly after the COVID-19 pandemic. A common narrative amongst the industry is that it is often difficult to make PPE sustainable, with single-use products and a lack of recyclable options exacerbating the global waste challenge. 

PPE can be sustainable

From the textiles and packaging through to the production line and factories, technological advancements have made sustainable practices possible. As such, an all-encompassing strategy is the most effective route to creating an eco-conscious PPE manufacturing process. 

A rising trend amongst business, but also within a consumer’s priorities, is knowing where the product has come from, right down to its material origins and manufacturing location. By working with local suppliers, rather than those from all four corners of the world, not only is the carbon footprint reduced, but producers can be confident that safety and ethical requirements are being met.

Technical improvements within the factory, optimisations in the production area, and powering sites with renewable electricity can make the entire process more sustainable. Whilst the end product and assembly line need to be more eco-conscious, so too does the packaging, thus, investing in recyclable resources must be at the forefront of producer’s minds.

Advancements can go further outside the factory walls as well with an overarching approach to sustainability, the impacts are more impressive. Implementing photovoltaic systems for example can directly convert solar rays into energy, investing in e-vehicle fleets and creating eco-friendly production sites all play a crucial part in decarbonising PPE manufacturing. 

Eternal life cycle of a worker’s boot

Sustainability is not always about the way products are manufactured. It also relates to the longevity of products and how easily they can be recycled. 

Footwear, as with other manufacturing items, can be recycled, creating a circular process. An effective way in which circularity can be implemented is through a repair service. HAIX is one such manufacturer that has implemented this initiative to great success and in 2023, over 12,500 shoes were repaired and returned to their rightful owners.

Once the footwear has been maximised and used to its full potential, materials go through a complex recycling process which helps reduce the volume of waste and allows the use of waste to be used as an energy source, contributing to the conservation of natural resources.

Additionally, waste avoidance can be further encouraged through company-wide initiatives. For example, HAIX runs ‘Second Adventure’ promotions, where employees can buy heavily discounted shoes that are no longer issued and would have been disposed of in the past. By implementing this initiative, HAIX has seen just under 1,500 pairs of shoes bought by employees, giving them a second lease of life. The funds created from sales have been 100% reinvested into eco-focused schemes, including a school and shoemaking training centre in Senegal for disadvantaged children. It has also been allocated to the purchase of e-bikes for employees in Germany.

Putting sustainability first; the how and why

In industries such as PPE production, sustainability needs to be approached holistically. From the design, through manufacturing and finally to the consumer, a predominant view must be taken; the factors are interchangeable and impacting on each other.

There is no denying the complexity and ever-changing landscape of sustainability and decisions made should not be taken lightly or decided without supporting evidence. The addition of a Sustainability Officer in businesses is crucial to oversee what is worth investing in and whether the impact will be positive for all aspects of the business, the results are particularly prevalent when sustainability roles are held at board level.

Simon Ash, UK sales manager at HAIX, believes the industry is moving in the right direction: "It has been wonderful to see sustainability be taken seriously and prioritised in the manufacturing industry. For too long, PPE businesses have shied away from the challenge which makes it all the more exciting to now be witnessing the issues being addressed in such effective ways. 

"We have been leading the way towards a sustainable way of producing, manufacturing and engaging with our customers and employees. To work towards these goals, we have created three core pillars; Made in Europe, We Are Family, and Repair and Care. Such categories have not only focused our efforts but encouraged the entire business to get involved and do what they can to help. We hope these practises can be mirrored throughout the PPE field and in time, the entire industry can be a positive case study for a working, sustainable business model."

For more information: 

www.haix.co.uk

Tel: +49 (0) 8751 / 8625 889