Sustainability in personal protective equipment – ways to responsible occupational safety
Sustainability is no longer just an ideal, but a corporate reality – including in the field of personal protective equipment (PPE). Companies are increasingly responsible for examining their environmental and social impact and developing sustainable solutions. With disposable products in particular, the question arises: how can we protect people while conserving resources?
With its CoverClean® Green (CCG) coverall, ASATEX demonstrates how an innovative material concept based on corn starch combines environmental awareness with high-quality occupational safety – a forward-looking approach to sustainable PPE.
Conventional PPE – an environmental problem with a protective function
PPE protects lives – but causes environmental damage
PPE is indispensable in medicine, industry and building cleaning. Disposable products such as overalls, gloves and protective gowns in particular ensure hygiene and safety. But there is a catch with the materials used: many of these products are made from petroleum-based plastics such as polypropylene or polyethylene, which are difficult to recycle and often only suitable for thermal recycling.
The consequences are serious: non-degradable waste, high CO² emissions and microplastic pollution in soil and water. The current system focuses on functionality – the ecological dimension has often been neglected.
Sustainable PPE as a model for the future
Safety for people and the environment
Sustainable PPE takes a comprehensive approach: it not only offers protection, but is also produced, used and disposed of in an environmentally friendly manner. Bio-based materials such as polylactide (PLA) – derived from corn starch – are becoming particularly important.
The aim is to replace fossil raw materials with renewable alternatives, reduce emissions and integrate the products into a functioning circular economy. Ideally, these materials are recyclable or even industrially compostable.
A good example is the CCG coverall from ASATEX, which consistently uses corn-based PLA.
Why corn starch? – The bio-based raw material behind the CCG overall
Polylactide (PLA) – the sustainable alternative to plastic
ASATEX uses polylactide (PLA) to manufacture CCG coveralls – a bioplastic produced by fermenting plant starch. The basis is corn starch, which is processed into lactic acid and then into PLA in a multi-stage process. The result is a versatile material that can be thermoplastically moulded and is biodegradable in many cases.
Compared to conventional plastics, PLA has decisive advantages:
- Renewable raw materials instead of fossil resources
- Significantly lower CO₂ emissions during production
- Industrial compostability, no microplastics
- Recyclability depending on disposal system
- Reduced environmental impact throughout the entire product life cycle
The result is a material that successfully combines protection and environmental awareness.
Advantages of PLA over conventional plastics
Compared to traditional plastics, PLA made from corn starch offers a whole range of ecological advantages:
- Renewable raw material: PLA is based on plant starch instead of petroleum
- Lower CO² emissions: Production causes significantly fewer greenhouse gases
- Compostability: PLA can be biodegraded under industrial conditions.
- Recyclability: Depending on the infrastructure, PLA is recyclable.
- Less environmental impact: PLA does not break down into microplastics and has a significantly lower impact on soil and water.
The CCG coverall from ASATEX – sustainability meets functionality
With the CoverClean® Green (CCG) coverall, ASATEX is launching a product that combines functional protection with environmental responsibility. Developed for light-duty use, the coverall meets all relevant requirements for safety, comfort and sustainability.
An additional advantage: the CCG overall is delivered in sustainable, biodegradable packaging – another contribution to an all-round environmentally conscious product design.
The most important features of the CCG overall
- Consists mainly of PLA, obtained from GMO-free corn starch
- Significantly lower carbon footprint than conventional PPE
- Recyclable or industrially compostable, depending on the disposal system
- Comfortable to wear thanks to modern material combinations
- Developed according to the principles of the circular economy
This makes the CCG coverall a genuine alternative for companies that take environmental responsibility seriously – without compromising on protection.
Additional: Sustainable gloves made from recycled plastic
In addition to coveralls, ASATEX also offers innovative protective gloves made from recycled plastic:
- HIT-RC – robust, comfortable assembly glove with high recycled content
- HIT-RCC – cut-resistant gloves made from recycled yarn, ideal for demanding work
These gloves prove that recycled materials and occupational safety can complement each other perfectly – in line with a sustainable product portfolio.
Responsibility begins with product selection
Sustainability as a decision-making criterion
If you want to operate sustainably, you also need to rethink your procurement practices. More and more companies are recognising that environmentally friendly PPE is not only possible, but also makes sense – for complying with legal requirements, implementing CSR and ESG goals, or strengthening their own brand image.
Sustainable PPE contributes to:
- Reduce the company's ecological footprint
- Actively implement CSR and ESG goals
- Strengthen the trust of customers, employees and partners
- Better prepare for future environmental regulations
- Make a real contribution to waste prevention and conserve resources
Conclusion – sustainability is not an add-on, but part of the solution
The PPE industry is facing change. Products such as the CCG coverall from ASATEX show that environmental friendliness and functional protection are not mutually exclusive, but can complement each other perfectly.
The decision to use bio-based materials such as corn starch is more than just a technological advance – it is a step towards a sustainable economy that focuses on resource conservation, circular thinking and responsibility.
When choosing PPE, don't just pay attention to protection classes – also consider the material, origin, production method and disposal. After all, sustainable occupational safety begins with the decision of what to wear.
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Further information on ASATEX's commitment to sustainability can be found here:
Make a statement today – for the protection of your employees and our environment.