Hitting the Net Zero target

Net Zero isn’t a target for tomorrow – it’s happening today. Across the UK and beyond, industries are racing towards the 2050 Net Zero goal, and manufacturers are being asked to rethink not just what they produce, but how they produce it. In the PPE sector, where protection, performance, and reliability are non-negotiable, sustainability can no longer be relegated to the sidelines.

At Wonder Grip, gloves protect more than hands; they help protect the planet. Safety and performance go hand in hand with environmental responsibility, which is embedded in the corporate culture and reflected in everything manufactured at their own factories.

As regulatory pressure increases and environmental awareness grows among buyers and end users alike, one thing is clear: high-quality gloves don’t have to cost the planet. Wonder Grip proves that durable, high-performing PPE can also be environmentally responsible. Something tradespeople can be proud to wear.

PPE and its environmental impact

Personal protective equipment is essential to modern industry, but its carbon footprint is often overlooked. Traditional gloves frequently rely on synthetic materials, energy-intensive manufacturing processes, and chemical treatments that contribute to carbon emissions, excessive water usage, and landfill waste.

While these products play a vital role in protecting workers, they also carry a hidden cost: significant environmental impact. In a world facing climate change, dwindling resources, and tightening environmental legislation, PPE manufacturers can no longer separate product quality from sustainability.

For Wonder Grip, sustainability isn’t ‘just a tick box’, it’s a fundamental requirement to achieving successful compliance. Every glove leaving the production lines must protect hands and respect the planet.

Jonathan Prest, managing director of Wonder Grip UK & Ireland, explains: “Sustainability isn’t a buzzword. It’s a responsibility, and we take it seriously.”

Buyers are starting to demand more than basic compliance. They want gloves that combine performance, comfort, durability, and sustainability, and environmental responsibility. Every procurement decision now considers the broader impact, working towards a circular economy.

Integrated manufacturing

Wonder Grip uses a fully integrated manufacturing model through its own factories, retaining control across the entire process – from raw material sourcing, knitting, coating, finishing, and quality assurance.

This end-to-end approach enables sustainability to be embedded at every stage of the manufacturing process, rather than being applied retrospectively, as other brands do.

Key sustainability initiatives include:

• Energy efficiency: Optimised production lines reduce electricity consumption without compromising output or quality.
• Waste reduction: Processes are monitored and controlled, maximising recycling of waste within our manufacturing processes.
• Carbon reduction: Emissions are managed throughout the product lifecycle, not just at the final stage.
• Material conformity: Only responsibly sourced and recyclable materials are approved for use. 

The result is gloves designed to last. Tradesmen replace them less often, reducing waste and delivering consistent high-level protection.

“Every glove we produce is designed and engineered to last, reducing waste and maximising performance,” evidenced by continual corporate certification:

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Innovation in action

In 2025, Wonder Grip announced the launch the Net Zero glove range. This isn’t just a marketing term; it’s a commitment underpinned by measurable action. So, what does that actually mean in practice?

Carbon accounting at every step: From raw materials to packaging and through the logistical journey to the end use, every unit of carbon is measured, managed, and minimised wherever possible.

Reduction first, offset second: Emissions are minimised at source. Where it isn’t yet possible, Wonder Grip invests in certified programmes supporting renewable energy and climate-positive initiatives.

Material innovation: The use of recycled components, responsibly sourced latex, and long-life designs ensures reduced environmental impact without compromising grip, dexterity, or durability.

For the first time, tradespeople can wear gloves that deliver unparalleled performance without compromise, that support their company’s Net Zero goals. 

“Net Zero is no longer a promise for the future,” says Jonathan Prest, “With Wonder Grip, Net Zero is now.”

Certification, transparency, and responsible claims

As sustainability becomes a procurement priority, green claims in PPE are on the rise; however, not all claims are credible. One in five buyers will challenge the validity of green claims, highlighting ongoing concerns over greenwashing in the sector.

Jonathan explains, “Greenwashing remains a challenge in the PPE sector, making it harder for buyers to separate marketing from measurable impact.

“Sustainability credentials should be transparent, evidence-based, and truly meaningful; that’s the only way to build genuine trust and progress.”

Certifications are the starting point, not the finish line. At Wonder Grip, the commitment to quality, corporate social responsibility (CSR), ESG, sustainability, and Net Zero is deeply embedded in the culture. Achieving industry-recognised certifications and accreditations demonstrates the company’s accountability and provides verifiable assurance for customers.

“Wonder Grip holds a range of recognised certifications, including ISO 9001 for quality management, ISO 14001 for environmental management, and ISO 45001 for occupational health and safety. These independently verified standards underpin the company’s commitment to high-performance, sustainable PPE and give buyers confidence that every glove is responsibly produced.”

Transparency extends to the supply chain, ensuring every partner operates sustainably and upholds socially responsible practices. Aligning with global standards in environmental and social governance enables Wonder Grip® to consistently deliver products that are high-performing and ethically made.

Protecting more than hands

Sustainability doesn’t stop at the glove. Wonder Grip extends its approach across the entire supply chain and beyond.

• Responsible packaging: Minimal, recyclable FSC header cards, designed to support sustainability.
• Supply chain partnerships: Collaboration with like-minded suppliers who share our commitment to sustainability and ethical standards.
• Durability and care education: Teaching users how to care for gloves extends lifespan, reducing waste and costs.

Every touchpoint is an opportunity to reduce impact and reinforce the message that sustainability is a mindset, not a marketing line.

People at the centre

True sustainability starts with people. At Wonder Grip, environmental responsibility is embedded into daily operations through training and engagement.

Sustainability is a team effort, in which employees are encouraged to:

• Adopt energy-conscious production habits.
• Identify opportunities to reduce waste.
• Consider environmental impact in decision-making, from R&D to logistics.

By educating and empowering employees to take ownership, Wonder Grip® ensures sustainability becomes part of the culture, not a separate initiative. Every glove leaving the factory reflects a culture of care for both hands and the planet.

What buyers want

The recent PPE Insight survey highlighted the evolving priorities. When asked what factors matter most when sourcing PPE, respondents ranked:

• Performance (21%)
• Female fit (18%)
• Functionality (14%)
• Comfort (13%)

Jonathan comments, “It’s no surprise that performance leads the way; it’s central to both safety and productivity. It’s also encouraging to see female fit ranking highly, reflecting the growing demand for inclusive, ergonomically designed PPE.”

Quality is also critical. Buyers want reliability and durability, not just the lowest price.

“Well-designed, durable PPE reduces waste, extends product life and supports sustainability, while giving users confidence job after job,” adds Jonathan.

Innovation across PPE

Gloves are consistently highlighted as a key area of innovation. In the same survey, 23% of respondents cited gloves as the main focus for PPE development, second only to respiratory protection (27%).

“Glove innovation continues to evolve in response to the changing needs of today’s workforce,” says Jonathan.

“From advanced coatings and ergonomic designs to strides in sustainable materials, the sector is responding to both performance and environmental demands.”

These trends underline the critical role hand protection plays, which is more than just safety; it’s about blending performance, comfort, and sustainability in a single product.

Looking Ahead: The Road to 2050

The UK’s Net Zero target is 2050 but Wonder Grip is acting now. 

Victoria Dupont, Global CSR & sustainability strategy lead at Wonder Grip Europe, highlights: “Wonder Grip is proud to be the world’s first glove manufacturer to develop a full Net Zero glove range – tackling carbon emissions across Scope 1, 2, and 3. 

For the end user, a Net Zero glove means you’re part of a real transition — moving away from carbon-heavy manufacturing. 

Reducing your carbon footprint doesn’t always mean overhauling operations. 

Sometimes, it’s as simple as switching the glove you specify or have always used.

The Wonder Grip Net Zero glove range is part of a larger carbon reduction roadmap – including updating materials, cutting energy use, and applying third-party verified offsets. 

So, when you choose these gloves, you’re not just buying PPE – you’re actively contributing to emissions progress.  It’s a simple, actionable step with measurable impact.

The organisations making that switch are already seeing the results in their Scope 3 emissions reports.

It’s not just sustainable on paper – it’s part of a working strategy to shrink the footprint of every shift, every site, every pair of gloves you wear.”

The ambition extends beyond our own operations. By setting new benchmarks, Wonder Grip aims to inspire the wider PPE industry, establishing a standard of how safety, quality, and sustainability can coexist.

Jonathan emphasises: “Doing the right thing for people and the planet doesn’t come at the expense of performance. Well-made, durable PPE delivers both.”

Net zero matters today

Tradespeople rely on their gloves to protect their greatest asset every day. Those hands touch tools, machinery, and materials that ultimately impact the environment. True protection extends beyond the workplace; it includes the air we breathe, the water we drink, and the world future generations will inherit.

Net Zero isn’t a distant ideal; it’s a responsibility we accept today. Every glove produced is a step toward a safer, cleaner, and more sustainable world.

Gloves That Do More Than Protect Hands

Wonder Grip demonstrates that PPE can be high-performance and environmentally responsible. The Net Zero glove range demonstrates that protecting workers and protecting the planet aren’t separate goals; they are the same.

Through integrated manufacturing, verified certification, transparent sustainability practices, and a commitment to continuous innovation, Wonder Grip® is redefining responsible PPE. 

Net Zero isn’t a distant goal. It’s here – and it’s happening now, in every pair of Net Zero Wonder Grip gloves. 

As the PPE industry evolves, Wonder Grip shows that manufacturers and buyers can lead the way toward a truly sustainable future, one glove at a time.

Jennifer Xhufi is marketing manager at Wonder Grip. For more information, visit www.wondergrip.com