A unique project to recycle 1.5 tonnes of nitrile gloves into 7500 pairs of “eco flip-flops” has achieved its first donation of footwear in Malaysia. Ansell has partnered with Geomax, a Malaysian company that specializes in upcycling nitrile waste into high-performance rubber products, to create eco flip-flops from 1.5 tonnes of unused chemical and single-use gloves that didn’t pass Ansell’s stringent quality control at the manufacturing stage. The first 600 pairs of eco flip-flops arrived at Ansell’s Cyberjaya office in June and have already been donated to disadvantaged members of the community; future donations are planned for China, India, Sri Lanka and Thailand.

Geraldo Oliveira, Ansell’s Vice President R&D, said: “Our innovative R&D team is always exploring new ways to extend the Lifecyle of our products and reduce the environmental impact. Eco flip-flops proves the concept that gloves can have a second life and same time impact positively communities. This unique project aligns perfectly with both goals.”

Fauzi Wahab, Ansell’s Vice President HR, Global Operations, said: “Ansell has recycled gloves that would otherwise have gone to landfill into eco flip-flops for a good cause. This project aligns with Ansell’s CSR values and it’s very satisfying to see the finished flip-flops and think they used to be unwanted nitrile gloves!”