Addressing sustainability in PPE manufacturing, usage, and disposal is critical to reducing environmental harm while ensuring worker safety. Battery recycling, an integral aspect of electronic PPE, adds another dimension to this sustainability effort, says Bison Life.
Introduction
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is essential for safeguarding individuals in various industries. Constantly growing demand for personal protective equipment ( PPE) results in a significant environmental concern regarding its non-biodegradable plastic components, such as polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). Most PPE equipment also comprises other plastics that can take up to 400 years to decompose. There is no doubt that PPE products are aggravating the plastic waste crisis. Standard PPE product packaging often comprises plastics, which gradually break down into microplastics. These fine particles have ended up in groundwater, waterways and the ocean upon disposal. These synthetic materials affect the water quality and sea life. In turn, humans may consume seafood and directly ingest microplastics that lead to additional health problems. Today, carbon dioxide is at its highest level for two million years and compound extreme weather events are on the rise. It has therefore never been more important to take an environmentally conscious approach to business and the way we live.
Addressing sustainability in PPE manufacturing, usage, and disposal is critical to reducing environmental harm while ensuring worker safety. Battery recycling, an integral aspect of electronic PPE, adds another dimension to this sustainability effort.
While PPE products sustainability is increasingly importance, but first most priority is to provide safety without compromising protection properties that product design for human safety and qualify regulatory standards requirement.
The significance of 3R (Recycle, Renew, Reuse): A Sustainable Approach to PPE Business
PPE packaging is the biggest contributor of waste generation & management. To choose recycle plastic, paper, etc. over virgin plastic as much as possible to support our sustainability commitment. Amplify e-tools application as user manual, brochure, leaflets etc. to reduce printing waste generation and reduction of carbon footprint. Our team is trying out biodegradable and plant-based packaging material application to meet sustainability credentials without compromising shelf life or storage life reduction.
Plant-based and bio-based materials can boost products’ sustainability qualifications without compromising protection. Examples from Bison Life® portfolios are biodegradable earplugs, natural fibre base with speciality bio finish workwear, and gloves liner made from recycled PET bottles. Adopting a reuse and recycle approach to PPE usage support to greener, more efficient and sustainable way to reach the goal. The production and transportation of PPE contribute to greenhouse gas emissions, aggravating climate change. Adopting a reusable and recyclable approach to PPE helps reduce the carbon footprint associated with manufacturing and distribution. Reusing and recycling PPE also offer economic benefits. By extending the life cycle of PPE through proper maintenance and cleaning, individuals and organizations can significantly reduce their expenditure on new equipment. Recycling PPE materials also provide opportunities for the cost-effective production of new items, fostering a circular economy.
End-of-Life Management for Battery Operated PPE:
- Establishing take-back programs for used PPE ensures responsible recycling or disposal.
- Innovations in chemical recycling can recover valuable materials from used PPE for reprocessing.
Electronic PPE, such as powered air-purifying respirators (PAPRs), relies heavily on rechargeable batteries. Improper disposal of batteries can lead to significant environmental hazards, including soil and water contamination and greenhouse gas emissions from landfill waste.
1. Battery Life Optimization:
Using energy-efficient components extends battery life, reducing the frequency of replacements.
Encouraging the use of rechargeable batteries over disposable ones minimizes waste
2. Recycling Infrastructure:
Establishing collection points for used batteries at workplaces simplifies the recycling process.
Partnering with certified battery recyclers ensures safe extraction of valuable metals like lithium, cobalt, and nickel.
3. Innovative Battery Technologies:
Investing in solid-state batteries, which are safer and easier to recycle than traditional lithium-ion batteries.
Developing biodegradable batteries for future PPE applications.
4. Regulatory Compliance and Awareness:
Adhering to national and international regulations and genuinely follow extended producer responsibility EPR requirement and compliance, ensures responsible battery use and disposal.
Conducting awareness programs on proper battery disposal
5. Industry Collaboration:
Collaboration among manufacturers, regulatory bodies, and end-users is essential for advancing sustainability. By setting industry-wide standards and sharing best practices, stakeholders can collectively reduce the environmental impact of PPE products and their components. Project Gigaton- A strategic partnership with Walmart Sustainability, highlights are 1 MW Solar panels installed through 2.5 Acres, saved 130 M PET bottle from going into landfills annually, 30,000 Metric tons of CO2 is reduced through Water treatment plant installation, etc.
Conclusion
Sustainability in PPE and battery recycling is not just an ethical responsibility but a strategic necessity. Through innovation, collaboration, and awareness, industries can transition toward more sustainable practices, ensuring environmental protection without compromising safety. By prioritizing these efforts, we can create a future where safety and sustainability go hand in hand.
For more information,
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