Differences Between Compostable Gloves and Biodegradable Gloves

Global warming, and environmental sustainability for our world has brought attention about how we can solve our current problems and waste creation. Plastic waste ending up in landfills and oceans is one of the concerns, many people are searching for alternatives to traditional petroleum-based products, such as plastic, latex, vinyl, and nitrile disposable gloves.

While some choose the zero waste route, others look for eco-friendly options, such as gloves made from biodegradable or compostable materials, and this is the reason why we created Eco Gloves. Unlike traditional disposable gloves manufacturers, our company was created with sustainability from the beginning. 

Although biodegradable and bio-based compostable materials are not new alternatives, there is still a lot of confusion surrounding "greener" products.

Biodegradable disposable gloves and compostable disposable gloves are becoming increasingly popular as consumers seek more sustainable alternatives to traditional disposable gloves. Both types of gloves offer a solution for the growing problem of plastic, latex, vinyl, and nitrile waste and the negative impact it has on the environment.

Comparing Compostable Gloves versus Biodegradable Gloves

Here are some things to keep in mind when choosing eco-friendly gloves and disposing of them properly:

1. Biodegradable gloves does not equal compostable gloves. And it makes a difference.

Biodegradable refers to a material that breaks down with the help of microorganisms. Biodegradable gloves may not have a set timeline for breakdown and may leave toxic residue.

Biodegradable disposable gloves are made from materials that will break down into natural elements over time, such as cornstarch, when they are discarded and exposed to the environment. This helps to reduce the amount of waste that ends up in landfills and minimizes the environmental impact of disposable gloves.

Do compostable disposable gloves break down in landfills? 

Compostable disposable gloves, are made from materials that can be composted and transformed into organic matter, like soil. This type of glove provides an environmentally-friendly alternative to traditional disposable gloves and can be composted in industrial composting facilities.

Compostable refers to a material that can break down into carbon dioxide, water, and biomass at the same rate as cellulose, and will eventually turn into soil. Compostable gloves must disintegrate and become indistinguishable in compost, without leaving any toxic material behind.

Compostable gloves will not biodegrade in a landfill. Putting compostable eco-friendly gloves in a landfill is counterintuitive, as they need air, moisture, and sunlight to break down properly. Landfills tend to entomb waste and deprive it of these necessary elements.

What happens if you throw away compostable gloves in the thrash can and not in a compostable bin?

It's your responsibility to ensure that compostable gloves end up in a composting environment.

Biodegradable and compostable gloves do not mix with recyclable gloves. Not only should compostable gloves not be thrown in the garbage, they should also not be put in the compost bin. This can create extra work for the recycling plant and contaminate recycled materials. Clear labeling is crucial to make sure that the gloves are composted properly.

Not all biodegradable and bioplastic gloves are free of pthalates or bisphenol A (BPA) Just because a product is labeled "bio" does not mean it's safe. It's important to check for harmful chemicals such as lead, cadmium, BPA, and phthalates. These micro plastics can end up in oceans, and in our water ways.

Some compostable gloves will break down in a home composting environment Compostable gloves can break down faster in industrial composting facilities, but some will also break down in a home composting environment. The rate of breakdown depends on factors such as the thickness of the gloves.

Are all biodegradable disposable gloves and compostable gloves good for the environment?

It depends. Specifically, we are going to break down (pun intended), the background behind our anti-plastic composable disposable gloves.

Do compostable disposable gloves need to go in a composting bin?

Yes. Proper management of these materials is essential to avoid environmental damage. Compostable plastic must be recovered in either home or commercial composting facilities, and biodegradable plastic does not have defined conditions for breaking down in the natural world if it is littered. If these materials do not break down as intended, they can contribute to the growing plastic pollution problem.

Whether or not you can put biodegradable and compostable plastic in your home compost bin depends on the local recycling guidelines and the type of plastic. Certified "home compostable" materials can be composted at home, while others need to be processed in industrial facilities. It's important to check your local recycling program's website to see what they accept.

Biodegradable plastic is defined by its ability to break down completely into substances found in nature, and in a reasonable time frame. This sounds good in theory, but in practice, doesn’t often work.

While compostable plastic also biodegrades, it is specifically designed and tested to be processed in either home or industrial composting facilities. Compositing facilities enable specific conditions like temperature and moisture to turn the plastic into usable soil conditioner.

What's the difference between biodegradable landfill environments and composting facilities?

Biodegradable products are designed to break down into natural substances over time through the action of microorganisms. However, the conditions in landfills are often not ideal for the proper biodegradation of these materials. Landfills are designed to be airtight, which can prevent oxygen from reaching the microorganisms that are necessary for biodegradation. The lack of sunlight in landfills can also limit the effectiveness of UV light in breaking down the material. Furthermore, the high level of methane produced in landfills can create anaerobic conditions, which can inhibit the breakdown of biodegradable materials.

Compostable products, on the other hand, are designed to break down under specific conditions in a composting environment. Composting environments are specifically designed to provide the ideal conditions for the biodegradation of compostable products, including the right combination of temperature, moisture, and aeration. This creates an environment where the compostable materials are broken down by microbes into compost or organic matter that can be used to enrich soil.

In short, while biodegradable products can break down in landfills, they are not designed to do so under the optimal conditions. Compostable products, on the other hand, are designed to break down under specific conditions in a composting environment, which provides the ideal conditions for biodegradation.

Should you use Compostable Disposable Gloves or Biodegradable Disposable Gloves instead of Traditional Disposable Gloves?

Yes, but the important part to remember is that compostable disposable gloves should be properly disposed with the waste management systems that are able to process them. These materials should not be considered as the sole solution to the issue of plastic waste.

How many disposable gloves are used per year?

The global disposable gloves market was estimated to be worth around USD 14.5 billion, and was projected to grow significantly in the coming years, driven by increasing demand from various end-use industries such as healthcare, food and beverage, and others. Additionally, the COVID-19 pandemic has further fueled the demand for disposable gloves, as personal protective equipment (PPE) is being used extensively to prevent the spread of the virus.

In conclusion, biodegradable and compostable disposable gloves provide a more sustainable solution to traditional disposable gloves and are a step in the right direction towards reducing plastic waste and protecting the environment.

For more questions about eco-friendly gloves, feel free to reach out to us on our website. Our gloves are compostable and free of harmful chemicals like lead, cadmium, BPA, and phthalates. They are made from a proprietary blend of biopolymers and eco-friendly materials, designed to protect your hands while reducing waste on the planet.