Unigloves BioTouch Biodegradable Nitrile Gloves Pack of 100

Unigloves BioTouch Biodegradable Nitrile Gloves

Unigloves hold sustainability at the heart of their business. They care about the community along with the environment and hold that at the forefront of thought for any new product innovation. Unigloves latest green initiatives have been brought to light with the launch of their biodegradable disposable gloves, BioTouch.

What is Biodegradable Technology?

BioTouch contains a biodegradable technology that kickstarts a biodegradation process only when discarded in an active landfill environment. BioTouch is more environmentally friendly, with a much faster natural breakdown compared to regular nitrile, which can take over 100 years. 

Available in small, medium or large.

BioTouch vs Zero Gloves

The main difference between the two is that the Zero gloves are zinc, sulphur, and accelerator-free, which massively reduces the risk of allergic reactions.

Whilst the Biotouch offers resistance against a range of chemicals, they are not accelerator-free, but you do get a truly biodegradable glove.

Features & Specifications

• Colour: Violet blue
• Length: 240 mm
• Weight: 3.5 g
• Thickness: 0.07 mm
• Finish: Powder free
• Fit: Ambidextrous
• >81% biodegradation within 490 days*
• Contains innovative biodegradable technology
• Tested to EN374 Type B
• Tested to ASTM D5511 and ASTM D5526
• AQL 1.5 and EN455 parts 1-4
• Tested to EN1186
• Nitrile formulation conforms to the hand during use
• Beaded cuff
• Manufactured with textured fingertips
• Touchscreen compatible

Sterile: No

Suitable for a number of sectors, including:

• Food
• Automotive
• Aerospace
• Chemical manufacture and use
• Dentistry
• Dental hygiene
• Electronics
• Engineering
• Food processing
• Healthcare
• Laboratory work
• Manufacturing and assembly
• Pharmaceutical work
• Printing
• Tattoo

How does Biodegradable Technology work?

This technology works through the introduction of a polymerised ‘food source’ during the manufacturing process; bacteria attracted to this secrete an enzyme that breaks down and depolymerises polymer chains, allowing microorganisms to break down any remaining polymers within the glove naturally. The introduction of this technology is incorporated into existing manufacturing techniques, therefore not impacting the quality of the glove.

Will the glove begin to biodegrade in the packaging?

No. BioTouch will not biodegrade before disposal. This distinctive technology allows the biodegradation process to begin only when surrounded by microorganisms present in an active landfill environment. Studies have shown that these gloves fully maintain their quality and integrity for at least 3 years. 

Could a customer put BioTouch in a compost bin - is it suitable? Are compostable and degradable similar processes?

You could put BioTouch in a compost bin, but not much would happen! The term biodegradable refers to a substance that will be broken down into natural components with the help of fungi, bacteria or other natural methods. A notable difference between a biodegradable product and one compostable is that compostable products leave behind an organic material called humus. In contrast, biodegradable products break down into natural elements. However, for a product to be labelled as such, it must be able to be converted into organic material. Synthetic products can take hundreds of years to break down, whereas >81% of BioTouch biodegrades within 490 days. 

_{* Above results are based on a real-time study. The actual biodegradation rates will vary depending on the landfill conditions and the biological activity of microorganisms surrounding the gloves.}