"Free from solvents" - what does that actually mean?

Solvents are frequently used in safety glove manufacturing, particularly during the coating process for the coating to adhere to the liner. However, you’ll sometimes see ‘solvent free’ as a bullet point on a manufacturer's glove datasheet - but what does that really mean? We believe that this feature deserves special recognition for its significant health benefits, and sustainable performance.

For uvex gloves that are 'free from solvents' this is important on three fronts:

Clean air and water

1. Solvent free = clean air and water

There is no environmental impact due to the production process both in terms of air quality and no waste product to be disposed of.

No health implications

2. Solvent free = no health implications

No health implications to the employees working within the uvex glove facility nor to the population that live in close proximity to the plant. Exposure to solvents can irritate the eyes, lungs, and skin, and can cause headaches, nausea, dizziness, or feelings of light-headedness. It can impair a person’s coordination, which could increase an individual’s chance of having an accident. Long-term exposure to solvents or toxicity can affect a person’s nervous system, cause reproductive damage, liver and kidney damage, respiratory impairment, cancer or dermatitis.

Skin kindness

3. Solvent free = skin kindness

The finished glove is unlikely to cause an allergic reaction for the wearer or aggravate an existing condition. The uvex pure standard, the proDerm Institute and OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100 certificates as well as the uvex list of 200 banned substances ensures no harmful chemicals appear in our products.

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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.


Modification to EN 388 standard

In addition to the coup-test in accordance with EN 388:2003 the new test method in accordance to ISO 13997 has been introduced.

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