Claims of sustainability now appear across PPE catalogues, spec sheets, and sales conversations. For resellers, this creates a practical challenge. Not every “eco” label reflects real environmental progress. Some products rely on selective data or vague language that does not stand up to scrutiny. Understanding how to verify these claims protects both your reputation and your customers.
Greenwashing in PPE often centres on disposable gloves. Nitrile products are frequently marketed as biodegradable or environmentally friendly, even when supporting evidence is weak. The difference between a credible claim and a misleading one usually lies inside the lab report.
Understanding What ASTM D5511 Really Measures
ASTM D5511 is a controlled laboratory test. It measures anaerobic biodegradation under high-solids landfill conditions. In simple terms, it tracks how much organic carbon in a material converts to biogas over time.
The test does not measure litter breakdown, composting speed, or degradation in open air. Any supplier suggesting otherwise is misrepresenting the scope of the standard. A valid claim must stay within the boundaries of landfill conditions.
Resellers should read ASTM D5511 reports carefully. The headline percentage alone is not enough. Context matters.
Checking the Test Duration and Results
A common greenwashing tactic is selective reporting. Some suppliers highlight early-stage data or partial results. ASTM D5511 testing typically runs up to 180 days or longer. Shorter test windows may exaggerate performance.
Look for the full test period. Confirm the final biodegradation percentage, not interim figures. Reports should clearly state how long the sample was tested and how the results progressed over time.
If a product claims rapid breakdown but the report shows modest change at the end of the test, that gap needs explanation.
Verifying the Control Material
ASTM D5511 requires a positive control, usually cellulose. This confirms the test environment supported biodegradation. If the control fails or underperforms, the results for the glove material are unreliable.
A credible report will show control performance alongside sample data. Absence of this information is a red flag. Without a functioning control, the test loses meaning.
This detail is often overlooked in marketing summaries but is central to verification.
Confirming the Tested Product Matches the Sold Product
Another risk lies in product substitution. Some lab reports test raw polymer pellets rather than finished gloves. Others test a thinner or modified version not sold at scale.
Resellers should confirm that the tested sample matches the commercial product. Thickness, formulation, and additives matter. A small change can affect biodegradation results.
The report should describe the sample clearly. If the description is vague, request clarification before passing claims to customers.
Understanding Additives Versus Base Material
Many biodegradable nitrile gloves rely on additives that accelerate microbial action in landfill conditions. This is acceptable if disclosed accurately. Problems arise when suppliers imply that the base nitrile itself is biodegradable.
ASTM D5511 results should specify whether biodegradation applies to the polymer matrix, the additive, or both. Transparent suppliers explain the mechanism in plain terms.
Avoid language that suggests complete mineralisation unless the data supports it. Partial biodegradation still has value, but exaggeration creates risk.
Looking for Independent, Accredited Laboratories
The credibility of a report depends on who issued it. ASTM D5511 testing should be conducted by an accredited laboratory with relevant experience. In-house testing or unnamed facilities reduce confidence.
Check the lab’s accreditation status and location. Reputable reports include lab credentials, signatures, and clear test references. Missing identifiers weaken the claim.
Independent testing provides separation between product development and verification. That separation matters in supply chain trust.
Spotting Vague or Inflated Marketing Language
Greenwashing often shows up outside the lab report. Terms like “eco-safe,” “planet-friendly,” or “breaks down naturally” lack a defined meaning. They sound reassuring but add no measurable value.
Compare marketing statements with the actual test outcomes. If claims extend beyond what ASTM D5511 covers, push back. Accurate communication protects resellers from downstream disputes.
Clear, limited claims are a sign of a disciplined supplier.
Aligning Claims With Regulatory Guidance
Regulators increasingly monitor environmental claims. In several regions, unsupported biodegradability statements attract scrutiny. Resellers sit between manufacturers and end users, making accuracy essential.
ASTM D5511 supports claims about anaerobic landfill biodegradation only. Claims about compostability or marine breakdown require different standards. Mixing these messages creates compliance exposure.
Suppliers who understand this distinction usually document it clearly.
Questions Resellers Should Ask Suppliers
Before onboarding a product, resellers should request the full ASTM D5511 report. Ask which product variant was tested. Ask how results are communicated to end users.
Suppliers prepared to answer these questions tend to operate transparently. Resistance or vague replies signal potential issues.
These checks take time, but they reduce long-term risk.
Building Trust Through Verified Information
Resellers play a gatekeeping role. By verifying lab reports and limiting claims to what data supports, they strengthen trust across the supply chain. Customers increasingly expect this level of diligence.
Greenwashing thrives where scrutiny is low. Verification disrupts it. ASTM D5511, when understood properly, is a useful tool rather than a marketing shortcut.
Responsible communication benefits everyone involved, from manufacturers to end users.
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