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Reusable gloves offer route to reducing waste in cleaning operations
11th of May 2026 Article by Sam Worden
Sam Worden is chief operating officer of London-based NGB CLEAN, a cleaning and support services social enterprise focused on changing lives and delivering social value with a commitment towards sustainability. She explains how she has successfully implemented the use of reusable, eco-friendly gloves
The environmental impact of single-use consumables remains a persistent challenge for the cleaning and facilities management sector. Among these, disposable gloves contribute significantly to operational waste, with widespread use embedded in daily cleaning routines across commercial, healthcare and public environments.
Our a review of glove usage during the Covid-19 pandemic highlighted the scale of the issue. Increased reliance on personal protective equipment (PPE), combined with short usage cycles, led to substantial volumes of waste, prompting an assessment of more sustainable alternatives.
One outcome of this review was the introduction of reusable gloves into our routine cleaning operations. Products such as Polyco Pura gloves, previously more common in food processing environments, were identified as a potential option despite limited adoption within cleaning and FM settings.
Working in collaboration with The Maintenance Supply Company and health and safety specialist Lorraine Larmen, trials were conducted to assess suitability for day-to-day cleaning tasks. The results indicated a marked reduction in glove consumption. Annual usage decreased from approximately 2,400 disposable gloves per cleaner to around 24 pairs of reusable gloves per year.
Durability has been a key factor in achieving this reduction. Under typical operating conditions, gloves remain in use for between two and three months, depending on task intensity and maintenance practices. This extended lifespan has implications not only for waste reduction but also for procurement and stock management.
Operationally, the transition has required adjustments to established protocols. Reusable gloves must be cleaned, dried and stored in line with health and safety guidance. These processes have been integrated into routine workflows, with replacement cycles varying between one and three months depending on usage. The approach aligns with existing compliance requirements and has not required significant structural change to cleaning regimes.
Product design has also supported adoption. Colour-coded options - typically red, green, blue and yellow - mirror standard cleaning zone systems, enabling continued adherence to infection prevention and control measures. This contrasts with most disposable gloves, which are generally single-colour and do not inherently support zoning practices.
From a materials perspective, the case for reducing reliance on disposable gloves is well established. Common materials such as nitrile, latex and vinyl are not widely recyclable and contribute to long-term environmental burden. Reusable alternatives that meet chemical resistance and protective standards offer a means of reducing this impact without compromising operative safety.
Sector engagement suggests that awareness of reusable glove options remains inconsistent. While some organisations are actively exploring alternatives, others have limited familiarity with available products. This indicates a broader need for information sharing and evaluation of practical case studies to support informed decision-making.
The shift away from single-use gloves is also reflected in healthcare settings. Across the National Health Service, 'Gloves Off' or 'Glove Awareness' campaigns have been introduced to encourage more targeted glove use. These initiatives aim to ensure gloves are worn only when clinically necessary, supporting both infection control and sustainability objectives. Reducing consumption of non-sterile gloves forms part of wider efforts to meet net-zero carbon targets and limit single-use plastic waste.
For cleaning providers, the adoption of reusable gloves represents one of several practical measures available to address environmental impact. Suitability will depend on task-specific risk assessments, including exposure to chemicals and contamination risks. However where appropriate, the operational and environmental benefits are increasingly evident.
As sustainability targets continue to influence procurement and service delivery, interest in alternatives to single-use consumables is likely to grow. Reusable gloves provide a case study in how relatively small changes to everyday practices can deliver measurable reductions in waste, while maintaining safety and performance standards.
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