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Two technicians in full cleanroom suits and protective gear inspecting a production line for sustainable personal protective equipment (PPE)."
Nadia Kamarulzaman
Nadia Kamarulzaman

How to Choose Sustainable PPE

1 Watch out for green/social washing

Question any claims that contain red flags

2 Look for proof

Ensure claims are substantiated and supported by proof

3 Check out how product carbon footprint information is used

Are efforts to make products more sustainable based on LCA results?

4 Look for durable products

Longer-lasting products reduce waste because they're replaced less often

5 Check that people in the supply chain are supported and protected

Ensure international labour rights standards are followed

Step 1: Watch out for green/social washing

Vector image shown indicates the dangers of greenwashing or social washing brands or products

Unfortunately many sustainability claims found in the PPE industry are misleading. Question any claims where you see the following red flags:

• Buzzwords like ‘eco-friendly’ and ‘diversity’ unsupported by concrete metrics
• Unrealistically low emissions or too-good-to-be-true carbon reductions
• Overreliance on carbon offsets can be a way of avoiding real carbon reductions
• Lack of transparency: reports presenting incomplete and/or unsubstantiated data
• No third-party audits, standards or certifications
• No long-term commitments or demonstrable progress

Step 2: Look for proof

Chart of LCA with slight detail the life cycle stages and the different types of LCAs

Reject any claims that don’t come with assessments or certifications:

1. Life Cycle Assessments (LCAs):
LCAs are the gold standard for evaluating product environmental impact because they assess the entire product life cycle from raw materials to disposal.

2. Internationally recognized certifications include:
• ISO 14064 – Greenhouse Gases
• ISO 14040:2006 and ISO 14044:2006 – Carbon Footprint of Products
• ISO 14001 and ISO 50001– Energy and Environmental Management Systems

Step 3: Check how product carbon footprint information is used

1

LCA provides carbon footprint info across the product's life cycle which identifies the most energy-intensive stages of the product life cycle.

Icon of the letters "CO₂" with a leaf and circular arrow, representing low carbon emissions and eco-friendly practices.

The most energy-intensive stages are known as product "hotspots".

2 Icon of a lightning bolt surrounded by circular waves, indicating energy efficiency and smart energy use.
3

Look for products where sustainability efforts have focused on the hotspots in a product's life cycle as this is the best way of reducing a product's environmental impact - fast!

Icon of two hands holding the Earth, symbolizing environmental protection and sustainability.

Step 4: Look for durable products

PPE with a higher carbon footprint can be more sustainable over its lifetime if reused

Cost effectiveness: can cost more upfront but saves money long-term
Sustainability: cuts waste and conserves resources

Download leaflet

Step 5: Check that people in the supply chain are supported and protected

Sustainability is more than just environmental impact – people matter too. Ensure product manufacturers and supply chains protect workers and follow international labour rights standards:

Zero recruitment fees

Fair wages and comfortable living conditions

Zero tolerance for forced, child or bonded labour, and all forms of modern slavery

Freedom of movement and association: workers keep hold of their IDs, can refuse overtime without penalty, and can raise grievances without fear of retaliation

Regular audits and reporting on labour rights standards and policies