Safety Gloves Manufacturing - Sustainability Timeline
uvex safety gloves Lüneburg, Germany
Based in Lüneburg, Germany, the uvex centre of expertise is a state-of-the-art automated and environmentally certified manufacturing facility with stringent quality control measures to ensure first-class quality of our safety gloves. By manufacturing in Germany, uvex pursues efficient, resource-preserving production processes and ensures that the path from manufacturer to end-user is as short as possible.
The specialist manufacturer of protective gloves, which are used for example in the automotive, chemical, mechanical engineering and electrical industries, represents the largest protective glove production in Europe with more than 250 employees. uvex safety gloves stands for outstanding quality "made in Germany", sustainable products as well as high innovation.
Our sustainability commitment over the years
2003 2006 2007 2008 2009 2020 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2021 2022 2023 2024
| 2003 |
| Since 2003 all products from our German based manufacturing site Lüneburg are certified according to Oeko-Tex® Standard 100. Solvents and plasticisers are not used in the production process. |
| 2006 |
| Certified quality management system according to ISO 9001. |
| 2007 |
| Launch of the C500 cut resistant series with patented Bamboo TwinFlex technology (renewable raw material). Occupational safety management system (LV21). |
| 2009 |
| Our continuous focus is on natural based raw materials (cotton, bamboo). |
| 2010 |
| Obligation for all suppliers to fulfil the requirements of the uvex social standard. |
| 2011 |
| Launch of the phynomic series according to Oeko-Tex® Standard 100, uvex list of harmful substances and the first manufacturer in the glove industry to achieve the DERMA standard. Introduction of paper packaging instead of plastic polybags. Introduction of NBR coatings without accelerators (suitable for allergy sufferers). |
| 2012 |
| Expansion of seamless glove liner production – the only supplier outside of Asia. Certified conformity system for chemical safety gloves - module D. |
| 2013 |
| New separation system for coating residues to reduce waste. |
| 2014 |
| Use of CO2 neutral power. Certified logistics partner in 2014 (Green logistics). |
| 2015 |
| Certified energy management system according to ISO 50001. |
| 2016 |
| CO2 neutral manufacture at our production site in Lüneburg. Use of CO2 neutral gas and power. |
| 2017 |
| Implementation of a waste management system. Use of Euro pallets (exchange system) as a standard. |
| 2018 |
| Certified environmental management system according to ISO 14001. |
| 2019 |
| Expansion of our storage area by 42% -> Optimisation of warehouse logistics. Extension of the uvex social standard by the UN guidelines of economy and human rights. Since October 2019 the logistics provider GLS delivers all packages 100% climate-neutral. |
| 2021 |
| Start-up of the in-house block-type thermal power station (BTTP) in Lüneburg. Further reduction of our energy consumption by making use of the high energy efficiency >90%. The BTTP power station fulfils today’s new emission standard which will be in place from January 1st 2024 onwards. It is one of only a few in Germany that fulfils this standard. |
| 2022 |
| Product Launch: uvex Bamboo TwinFlex® D XG planet Features: Renewable bamboo material, dermatologically approved (proDERM), cut protection level D, CO₂-neutral production. Sustainable content: 45% (bamboo viscose + recycled polyamide) |
| 2023 |
| Joined Ellen MacArthur Foundation Community (July 2023) - Supports uvex’s commitment to sustainability and circular economy, especially plastics. Product Launch: uvex phynomic XG planet. Carbon footprint reduced by 29% per pair, >50% recycled polyamide (polyamide recyclate) Modified coating systems collect and reuse dripping paste from glove dipping processes. Impact: 15% reduction in new paste production, >50 tonnes waste saved annually, 300 m³ water saved per year. |
| 2024 |
| Investments in new process technologies and continuous improvement (CIP) reduced paste waste by 50%. Commissioned in-house combined heat and power (CHP) plant with >90% efficiency. Complies with Germany’s latest emission standards (effective 2024). Successfully recertified to ISO 50001:2018 (Energy Management). |
| 2025 |
| New products introduced with sustainable content: uvex Bamboo TwinFlex® F uXT1 uvex Bamboo TwinFlex® sleeve uvex Bamboo TwinFlex® D SG |
