Make the Switch to Biodegradable Disposable Gloves
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Make the Switch to Biodegradable Disposable Gloves
Disposable nitrile gloves are worn for minutes and then thrown away, often by the thousands each week in a single facility. Once in landfill, conventional nitrile can take decades to break down.
- SHOWA® EBT
- SW® EcoTek®
- Food Contact Safe
Biodegradable nitrile gloves from SHOWA® and SW® Sustainable Solutions look, feel and protect like the gloves your team already uses, but contain technology designed to accelerate biodegradation once they reach landfill. ECO MDS helps you choose the right glove for every task and make the switch with confidence.
Why Make the Switch?
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Same Protection, Smarter Disposal
Biodegradable gloves deliver the barrier protection, fit and dexterity of standard nitrile while you wear them. The difference only starts after disposal.
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Support Your Sustainability Goals
Reducing single-use waste is a visible, measurable step toward corporate sustainability and green building goals, in one of your highest-volume purchases.
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Easy 1-for-1 Switch
Most teams can swap glove-for-glove with no change to procedures, training or disposal, and you can trial free samples before you commit.
Your 4-Step Checklist
A simple path to getting started, with our team ready to help at every step.
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Audit your current gloves
List every glove you buy today: material, thickness, cuff length, color and monthly volume by department. This shows where the biggest impact is.
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Match the right biodegradable glove
Choose by task: food-contact gloves for processing, accelerator-free gloves for sensitive skin, 6-mil extended cuffs for heavier work and cleanroom gloves for controlled environments.
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Trial free samples on the floor
Let the people who wear gloves all day test them first. ECO MDS can send samples so you can confirm fit and comfort before switching.
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Roll out and automate reorders
Switch station by station, then set up automatic delivery so you never run out and never have to reorder by hand.
Recommended Products
Featured brands: SHOWA® and SW® Sustainable Solutions
SHOWA® 6112PF Biodegradable EBT Nitrile, 4-mil
Black, powder-free, food contact compliant.
View product →
Standards & Terms to Know
- ASTM D5511A lab test method that measures how materials biodegrade under conditions that simulate a landfill. SHOWA® reports 82% biodegradation in 386 days for its EBT nitrile in this test.
- FDA 21 CFR 177.2600The U.S. regulation covering rubber articles intended for repeated food contact. SHOWA® 6112PF gloves are made from components that comply.
- Accelerator-freeGloves made without the chemical accelerators linked to Type IV allergic skin reactions, a good fit for workers with sensitive skin.
- Biodegradable vs. compostableBiodegradable gloves are designed to break down in landfill. They are not meant for compost bins, so dispose of them with regular waste.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will biodegradable gloves break down while in storage or use?
No. The technology is designed to activate in the microbe-rich conditions of a landfill, so the gloves perform like standard nitrile in storage and during use.
Do I need special disposal for biodegradable gloves?
No. Dispose of them with your regular landfill-bound waste, following any rules for contaminated gloves in your industry.
Are biodegradable gloves as protective as regular nitrile?
Yes. They are designed to match standard nitrile for barrier protection, fit and dexterity.
Which industries can use biodegradable gloves?
Food processing, foodservice, labs, healthcare, janitorial, automotive, agriculture, cannabis, tattoo studios and more, wherever disposable nitrile is used today.
Can I try them before switching?
Yes. Request free samples from ECO MDS so your team can test fit and comfort first.
Helpful Resources
- Carbon Neutral Hand Protection for Industrial Teams
- Plastic-Free Foodservice & Catering Supplies
- Moisture Control for Shipping, Storage & Freshness
Ready to Find Your Solution?
Tell us about your facility and goals. Our U.S.-based team will recommend products, send free samples and quote volume pricing.
Request a Sample Call 800-274-4637 Volume Pricing