Introduction

Disposable nitrile gloves are made from cross-linked synthetic latex film formed by the co-polymerization of butadiene with acrylonitrile. While nitrile gloves are indispensable in various industries, including healthcare, their environmental impact cannot be overlooked, as they are not naturally biodegradable.

Environmental Impact of Nitrile Gloves

The demand for nitrile gloves in the United States alone amounts to approximately 122 billion pieces annually, contributing around 400,000 tons of waste that must be disposed of either in landfills or through incineration.

Environmental impact of non-biodegradable nitrile gloves, including slow degradation in landfills and air pollution from incineration.

Incineration friendly Biodegradable Nitrile Gloves

To address the environmental concerns associated with nitrile gloves, a new biodegradable glove technology has been developed. This technology allows for nitrile gloves that break down more efficiently in landfills, significantly reducing their environmental footprint.

Strengths of the New Technology

The efficacy of this biodegradable technology has been validated by an independent laboratory according to ASTM D5526 standards, demonstrating that these gloves biodegrade more than 90% within 2.5 years under real-world landfill conditions.

Biodegradation comparison between standard nitrile gloves and biodegradable nitrile gloves over time.

Positive Outcomes of the Biodegradable Technology

• Biodegradability in Real-Time Landfill Conditions - Unlike accelerated test conditions that do not accurately represent real landfill environments, the new technology has been tested under conditions that simulate actual landfill conditions. This ensures that the gloves degrade effectively by microorganisms that thrive in moderate temperatures and varying moisture levels in landfills.

• Increased Landfill Capacity - With over 90% of the glove's original mass degrading within less than three years, the biodegradable gloves save significant landfill space—equivalent to 70 American football fields.

• Renewable Energy Production - During the biodegradation process, landfill gas is produced, which can be harnessed to generate electricity. The gas produced from the biodegradation of these gloves could power approximately 845,000 homes annually.

• Elimination of Incineration Risks - While incineration is an effective waste disposal method, it poses significant environmental risks due to the release of toxic gases like dioxins, furans, sulfur dioxide (SO2), and nitrogen oxides (NOx). These gases can cause severe health issues, including respiratory problems and cancer. The new biodegradable technology eliminates the need for incineration, thereby reducing these risks.