Innovation Meets Sustainability: Smaller Packaging, Same Trusted Gloves
Smaller, Smarter Packaging. Same Trusted Gloves
Our innovative approach redefines packaging by combining a compact design with an automated packing process. This significantly reduces the risk of contamination and minimizes environmental impact, while ensuring your trusted gloves are now delivered in a smarter, more sustainable way. As such, Ansell are proud to introduce the SMART Pack™ versions of two of our renowned products: TouchNTuff™ DermaShield™ 73-701 Sterile Neoprene Gloves and AccuTech™ 91-225 Sterile Latex Gloves.
Why SMART Pack?
Smart for the Cleanroom
In the highly controlled environment of the cleanroom, protecting the product is paramount. SMART Pack packaging has been carefully configured with cleanroom requirements, transfer, and handling in mind to ensure product protection while supporting environmental sustainability where possible. This innovative packaging solution offers you a range of benefits, including:
- Automated Packaging
Our automated packing process minimizes human contact, significantly reducing contamination risks. This includes placing the gloves on the inner wrap, inner wrap folding, insertion of the inner wrap into the pouch and sealing of the pouch, ensuring a meticulous and contaminant-free packing process
- Enhanced Product Integrity
The compact handling area of the pouch lessens contamination risk, as supported by research1. The Easy Peel opening method of the smaller pouch has been tested by the Helmke Drum method, demonstrating zero particulate release (as for the larger EasyTear pouch)
- Sustainable Printing
SMART Pack packaging is designed to reduce contamination risk and paper usage by replacing traditional printed barcode labels with traceability information ink-jet printed along the top of the pouch
- Enhanced Capacity
The reduced size of the packaging components allows for smaller shipping cases with the same quantity of gloves per case. Smaller cases result in extra capacity per shipping container, meaning we can ship more gloves per container for greater efficiency and supply assurance
Smart for the Environment
SMART Pack packaging has several environmental benefits, including:
- Reduced Carbon Footprint
SMART Pack packaging has been designed to significantly lighten the weight of our shipping cases. Smaller, lighter cases considerably reduce CO2 emissions from 63 tonnes CO2 eq. to 41 tonnes CO2 eq., which equates to 73,340 fewer miles driven by delivery vans annually2 (almost three times around the globe)
- Reduced Plastic Use
With our compact pouches, we've managed to cut down on the amount of plastic used. Annually, saving 102,187 grams of plastic, the equivalent of 8,175 plastic water bottles3. This significant reduction contributes to our commitment to reduce plastic consumption and ensures our products remain effective while reducing their impact on the environment. Curious about our use of plastic in packaging? Read our article on the vital role plastic packaging plays in the context of cleanroom consumables
- Waste Reduction
Ansell is dedicated to reducing waste at every stage of our product lifecycle. Our waste reduction commitment is evident in our SMART Pack packaging where all components are recyclable. With the new packing configuration, we are cutting back on the number of plastic bags per shipping case, saving nearly 1 million plastic bags annually. Our shipping cases are made from 100% recycled cardboard and are fully recyclable. Moreover, both the pouch and its inner and outer bags are manufactured using HDPE or LDPE, ensuring that they can be efficiently recycled
- Efficient Shipping
The streamlined design of the SMART Pack pouch has enhanced our container capacity allowing 18% more glove pairs per shipment4. This increase not only optimizes logistics and distribution but also contributes to a reduction in the number of shipments required. This efficiency gain directly translates into lower carbon emissions and a more sustainable supply chain, demonstrating our ongoing commitment to environmental stewardship and efficient resource utilization
References
- Trier et al. The Role of Packaging Size on Contamination Rates during Simulated Presentation to a Sterile Field. PLoS ONE (2014); vol 9 (issue 7):1-5
- UK Government GHG Conversion Factors for Company Reporting, v1, 2021, average emission conversion factors for delivery van up to 3.5 ton (diesel)
- Average 500ml plastic water bottle is 12.5grams
- Based on FY22 sales volumes (styles 91-225 & 73-701 only)
- Always check your local recyclable status of HDPE and LDPE as these plastic materials may not be considered suitable for recycling in your country
