Solvent‑free manufacturing is a win for people and the planet
— and it doesn’t mean sacrificing performance.
What is solvent‑free manufacturing?
Solvent‑free manufacturing means eliminating conventional chemical solvents from the glove coating process. Instead of using solvents to dissolve or carry polymers (like PU), advanced formulations and controlled processes ensure the coating can be applied and cured without those substances.
Why solvent‑free technology matters in safety gloves
Better for skin
Removing solvent steps reduces the risk of irritation for wearers with sensitive skin or existing conditions.
Better for air quality
Fewer VOCs emitted during production supports cleaner factories and a lower environmental footprint.
Better for consistency
Modern solvent‑free coatings deliver uniform film formation, helping maintain grip, dexterity, and durability.
How uvex achieves solvent‑free production
While we don’t share proprietary details, uvex’s approach combines advanced polymer chemistry, precision coating lines, and tight process control to remove solvent dependency from key stages. This is aligned with our long‑standing commitment to sustainable product design, worker health, and continuous innovation across the PPE lifecycle.
Key principles:
- Engineering out hazardous substances wherever possible
- Validating performance through lab testing and field trials
- Designing for both skin‑friendliness and long service life
Performance: do solvent‑free gloves really match up?
Yes. The newest generation of solvent‑free PU coatings and related technologies deliver the performance users expect:
- Grip: Consistent micro‑textures for reliable handling, including dry and lightly oily environments
- Dexterity: Thin, flexible coatings for precision tasks
- Durability: Strong abrasion resistance to support longer service life
- Comfort: Breathable constructions that help reduce perspiration during extended wear
Environmental and sustainability benefits
- Lower VOC emissions: By removing solvent steps, manufacturing can significantly reduce VOC output versus conventional processes.
- Cleaner production: Fewer hazardous substances support safer, more responsible manufacturing environments.
- Supports corporate sustainability goals: Helps procurement teams meet net‑zero and responsible sourcing objectives without compromising PPE quality.
Made in Germany
uvex is proud to develop and produce safety gloves in Germany. Being solvent-free is something uvex safety gloves are extremely proud of. From sustainability to durability – you can be sure that our Made in Germany products are produced and inspected to the highest standards.
FAQ's
It means the glove coating is produced without conventional chemical solvents. This helps reduce VOC emissions in production and supports better skin compatibility for the end user.
They’re designed to be more skin‑friendly, especially for wearers with sensitive skin or who wear gloves for long shifts. Always select gloves that match your task, environment, and any personal sensitivities.
Modern solvent‑free coatings deliver comparable grip, dexterity, durability, and comfort — in many cases performing at least as well as traditional solvent‑based equivalents.
Not exactly. Solvent‑free means the process removes conventional solvents; water‑based refers to water being used as the carrier. Some solvent‑free systems are water‑borne, others use alternative chemistries.
Achieving high, repeatable quality without solvents requires specialised chemistry, investment in equipment, and rigorous process control. Leading manufacturers have made this transition to combine performance with sustainability.
No PPE is “chemical‑free.” Solvent‑free refers specifically to removing conventional solvents from coating processes. Always review the product’s technical data and application suitability for your environment.