Personal protective equipment (PPE) became a household phrase in March 2020 as COVID-19 spread worldwide. However, most medical PPE is intended for one-time use and made from non-recyclable plastics or plastic-lined materials which can take up to 400 years to break down. By 2021, an estimated 57 million pounds of plastic waste from the pandemic ended up in the oceans, with hospitals contributing nearly three-quarters of this waste, and significantly more was sent to landfill. 

It was amidst this challenge that Dr. Beau Wangtrakuldee founded AmorSui, a company dedicated to creating sustainable PPE for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) professionals. After suffering a lab accident due to inadequate protective gear, Wangtrakuldee aimed to design safer, more eco-friendly alternatives. Their new product line features a 100 per cent recyclable lab coat, reusable isolation gowns and a fire-resistant clothing line, including the first-ever fire-resistant hijab. 

AmorSui’s isolation gowns, made from recyclable polyester, can withstand 100 washes, replacing 10,000 disposable gowns and reducing waste by around 1,700 kilograms. The lab coats, crafted from a blend of poly, rayon, and spandex, feature adjustable fits, secure cuffs, and fluid-resistant properties.  

Applying a circular economy approach, the company is working on a subscription service with professional laundering and a take-back program.  

“At the end of their life, our products can be shredded or turned into a pulp to produce car interiors, airplane seats, artificial joints, and tarp fabrics, among other various use cases,” said Will McGinn, COO of AmorSui, in a press release. 

"We believe that circularity is the future.”  

Many women in STEM, especially in the UK's National Health Sector, reported ill-fitting PPE that put their safety at risk. Addressing the gender gap and safety risks in PPE design, AmorSui’s designs are inclusive, featuring adjustable waists and products tailored for diverse body types to ensure better protection and comfort. 

While the initial investment can be expensive, this type of durable, size-inclusive, and sustainable PPE aims to influence organisations to adopt better standards in product sustainability.  

Article image above is for illustration purposes only and does not represent the actual product.

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