SW Sustainability Solutions, Inc. (SW) is a valued supplier to the University of Pittsburgh that is available within the PantherExpress System. SW specializes in the manufacturing and research and development of biodegradable glove product technologies to provide premium hand protection products leading to enhanced worker safety, comfort, and performance. SW’s distinctive approach to their products involves applying industry insight and a heavy investment in manufacturing innovation to find better ways to advance workplace safety, improve hand health, and increase job performance.
SW is a certified Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI), woman-owned, and minority led company recognized by the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC) and the National Minority Supplier Development Council Inc. (NMSDC). Their team consists of over 2000 employees located in the United States, Sri Lanka, and China. SW is currently working with the University of Pittsburgh to help us reach our sustainability and tier 2 diversity supplier initiatives.
Founder, President and pioneer in the field, Belle, is originally from California where the headquarters of SW is located. Chou was inspired to create innovative technologies that provide comfort and ensure personal protection to each consumer in their working environments. Belle made a promise to invest in quality manufacturing, focus on new product development, and to continue to create new features for SW products. Driven by these goals, SW was found in 1984 and not only has their HQ in California, but as a global brand, they have research and development in Sri Lanka along with a manufacturing and procurement team in China.
The glove manufacturing industry continues to struggle with promoting environmentally sustainable products due to the nature of the demand for disposable gloves. The protective quality of the synthetic rubber polymers (nitrile, neoprene) used in glove manufacturing unfortunately take decades to degrade after disposal. This leads to SW’s mission to lead the personal hand protection industry with sustainable solutions and innovation. SW stands by their belief that a responsible company begins with responsible management, and they remain committed to investing in sustainable best practices and technologies.
These best practices and commitment to their mission leads to SW helping companies meet their zero waste goals by providing truly sustainable options such as SW’s EcoTek® biodegradable technology single use nitrile gloves to degrade 92.6% in 2.5 years in commercial landfills without decreasing performance. SW’s EcoTek gloves have been recognized by GreenCircle Certified as being a truly sustainable option. They have also been recognized by the following organizations for their sustainability efforts: 2022 Ragan’s CSR & Diversity Awards as a finalist in the Green and Environmental Stewardship category, 2022 Best in Biz Silver Winner in Most Environmentally Friendly Product of the Year, and 2022 Environmental Protection Winner in Green Technology Sustainable/Health Products, 2018 OH&S Winner in Green Technology, Certified Green Business by the California Green Business Network, FSC COC Certified, and C2C Material Health Certified.
Notable SW hand health technologies include EnerGel®, the first aloe vera infused disposable nitrile gloves to immediately deliver healthier, more hydrated skin for customers who work long hours with little moisturizing relief. DriTek®, a moisture-wicking flock-lined system that manages sweat for healthier hands and easy donning and doffing. pH Natural®, maintains skin pH levels to reduce skin issues while also reducing microbial growth. BreachAlert®, dual color 2-ply construction that provides immediate visual chemical breach detection.
SW products are available for purchase through two University-wide Contracted Suppliers, Fisher Scientific and VWR, using their punchouts in the PantherExpress System. To find their products through either University-wide Contracted Supplier’s punchout, it is recommended to search for “SW Gloves”. Please note that you must first be a PantherExpress System user to access the punchout, visit this page for more information about requesting access.
For more information about SW, visit their website.
Resources from SW:
- SW Library on their website where datasheets, knowledge guides, and additional information about our products and technologies is available to view. How to find on their website: select "Library" at the top of their website.
- GIA blog on their website, which covers various topics and questions related to gloves – the different types, misconceptions, health and safety, common glove allergies, etc. How to find on their website: select "ASK GIA Blog" at the bottom of their website.