page
Categories

Search Results for

Grid List
Filter By

All Results

  • Blog
  • Uncovering The Truth Behind Biodegradable Nitrile Gloves

Article

Uncovering The Truth Behind Biodegradable Nitrile Gloves



Many disposable glove manufacturers claim to sell biodegradable nitrile gloves, but those claims are often false. The first step to understanding why is to clarify the difference between degradation, biodegradation and composting.


Understanding the difference between degradation, biodegradation and composting:

Degradation is the breakdown of a material over time.

Biodegradation is degradation resulting in a significant change in the chemical structure of a material caused by biological activity.

Composting is biodegradation within a defined timeframe and specific disposal systems. It is measured by the metabolism of polymer carbon by microorganisms using international specification standards (ASTM D6400, ASTM D6868 and EN 13432).


Key Takeaway
Degradation is not the same as biodegradation. Materials that break down over time do not necessarily biodegrade. Furthermore, biodegradation is a natural process, whereas composting is a human-driven process.

The facts about nitrile glove biodegradablity claims

Nitrile is a fossil-based polymer and is therefore not biodegradable.Many manufacturers claim that additives to their gloves cause accelerated biodegradation - but there is no scientific evidence to support that an additive can change the molecular structure of nitrile. In reality, accelerated degradation occurs, which can result in the creation of microplastics that are harmful to humans and the environment. Nitrile degrades, it does NOT biodegrade. While the sources and data used to support nitrile disposable glove biodegradability claims may look legitimate, they are often misleading.



Disposable nitrile gloves and the environment

Life Cycle Assessments (LCAs) of disposable nitrile gloves reveal that most of their carbon footprint comes from manufacturing, NOT the waste generated after use.









Article Published in Dental Solutions Nov-Dec 2023



Latest Blog Articles

GC Smart Guide: Everything you need all in one place

GC Smart Guide:  Everything you need all in one place
It's a free online resource for dental practitioners and team members developed to streamline and simplify your access to all GC products. Find product information, instructions for use, technique guides, videos, sales specialist contact information and product ordering all in one place.

When You Pick It, You're More Likely To Stick With It

When You Pick It, You're More Likely To Stick With It
Interdental brushes are the most effective tools for cleaning between teeth, especially for patients with spaces or periodontal disease. Share your knowledge with your patients and allow them to try different interdental brush options available. Patients are more likely to use the brush daily if they can choose the brushes themselves.

Capsule Waste Evaluation for Restorative Materials

Capsule Waste Evaluation for Restorative Materials
A recent study that examined the environmental impacts of dental restoratives found that over 95% of the GWP in terms of kg CO2 produced for glass ionomer cements (GIC) was largely accounted for in the process for creating the packaging for the restoratives