Globus Group partners with Aquapak to introduce sustainable packaging solutions

The leading international PPE manufacturer has reaffirmed its commitment to reaching net zero carbon emissions by 2027 with the new collaboration

Innovative PPE manufacturer Globus Group has signed an exclusive agreement with specialist environmental polymer company Aquapak Polymers to introduce ground-breaking biodegradable packaging across its product portfolio.

Over the last three decades Globus has consistently used pioneering techniques to become one of the sector’s fastest growing businesses. This new partnership with Aquapak is a first of its kind agreement to help create a sustainable solution to plastic packaging as part of its ongoing commitment to eradicate single-use, non-biodegradable plastics from the company’s supply chain.

With around 8 million metric tonnes of plastic going into oceans every year, the new Aquapak product incorporates technology replaces traditional plastics such as polyethylene (PE) with a highly functional polymer that allows for multiple end-of-life options and a robust circular economy approach.

Following more than 10 years extensive R&D by Aquapak, the first biodegradable packaging made from Hydropol^TM – which can be used in the same way as any normal plastic bag – was launched commercially in 2019.

As a water-soluble material, Hydropol^TM dissolves at high temperatures and breaks down harmlessly into non-toxic biomass in soil and sea. Unlike traditional single-use plastics, it passes safely through the water stream and leaves no toxic microplastics in the environment.

The new Aquapak product packaging will be rolled out across all product categories in the Globus portfolio.

This exclusive agreement further underlines Globus Group’s commitment to operating as a Greening Company and a proactive contributor to the goals of the Paris Agreement.

Head of Quality and Sustainability at Globus Group Pete Lee said: “As an important part of our overall business strategy, we are committed to bringing greener solutions into our product range, our manufacturing processes and our distribution network. This biodegradable packaging solution will provide our customers with a sustainable alternative when choosing products to protect their workforce.

“We believe that safety and protection must remain at the core of our products. However, through investment in innovation and technology throughout the supply chain, we also continue to innovate, with the aim of reducing the environmental impact and enhancing sustainability without sacrificing quality.

“This partnership with Aquapak will help us take a significant step towards achieving our ambitious sustainability strategy of reaching net zero carbon emissions by 2027.”

Aquapak Polymers CEO Mark Lapping said: “We’re delighted to have partnered with Globus Group to develop their new packaging made from Hydropol^TM; enabling zero waste whilst retaining all the functionality expected by their customers and supply chain.

This is the latest in a number of sustainable initiatives for the pioneering PPE company including recent collaborations with Heriot Watt University and Imperial College London to design and develop bespoke PPE recycling processes.