Page 39 - OHS, June 2024

Sustainable PPE could provide a quick emissions reduction win.
mentally focused ads have at least one deceptive claim. But avoid- ing deceptive “green-washing” is relatively straightforward. Prod- uct suppliers need to provide certifications from accredited bodies or test reports from third-party lab testing to back their claims, just as they do for safety-related claims. Any company can claim they are using recycled materials. So it is very important to look for certifications like the GRS (Global Recycled Standard) or RCS (Re- cycled Claim Standards) on sustainable products to validate that the products and raw materials have been sourced from compli- ant providers. The point is that product testing and reliable data sources are the keys to avoiding greenwashing. End users have the power to demand test results and certifications to validate product claims and ensure sustainable materials content.
■ Celebrate actions with stakeholders and employees. With sustainability initiatives, progress may be more important
than perfection. Be sure to celebrate actions all along your envi- ronmental sustainability journey, and make sure to include your employees. According to a study by the National Environmental Education Foundation, almost 90 percent of employees say their company’ssustainabilityeffffortsenhancetheirjobsatisfaction and overall feelings about the company. Think about how wear- ing sustainable hand protection made from recycled water bottles might impact compliance and employee engagement. Several end- user partners are posting their own company water bottle to glove metrics to drive employee engagement and overall buy-in for any changes in PPE.
The increasing need for sustainable products has accurately been labeled “one of the key challenges facing industry in the 21st century.” Industry will continue to focus on the huge potential for environmental sustainability gains linked to purchased goods like PPE. To support this shift, safety equipment suppliers must recognize their critical role in not only developing sustainable products but providing reliable data to quantify the benefits of these solutions for end users. End users have the power to drive action by demanding independent, third-party test results and material certifications to validate environmental sustainability claims.
Rodney Taylor is the Director of Sales, United States, for Watson Gloves.
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JUNE 2024 | Occupational Health & Safety 37