Bastion materials & disposal
Our Bastion range offers some personal protection solutions that are recyclable -when disposed of correctly.
Proper disposal is key to reducing waste and contributing to a circular economy. That’s where you come in. We—and the environment—need your help.
Recyclable products: for council-managed kerbside recycling, New Zealand now has standardised guidelines to reduce confusion. From our range, you can put in most paper and cardboard products, if clean. Plastic bottles AND plastic trays 1, 2, and 5 (no lids) - this does not include compostable and biodegradable products. Items not accepted can be recycled through drop off locations and take-back scheme. Visit the Ministry of Environment Recycle right at kerbside for more on accepted materials.
Residential areas: Commercial properties in residential areas can request rubbish and recycling services through their local council.
Non-residential areas: Businesses outside residential areas should partner with reliable private waste service providers or locate suitable recycling drop-off points.
The Sustainable Business Council provides business leadership as a catalyst for change toward sustainable development.
Gloves and materials contaminated with blood, bodily fluids should be disposed for handling in a hazardous clinical waste bin.
Materials
Acrylic
Thermoplastic, often used as a yarn for cloth or as a rigid sheet in various colours. Well known as a clear hard plastic. Acrylic is lightweight and shatter-resistant, making it ideal for reusable face shields and sneeze guards.
Acrylic is not biodegradable. It can be recycled in some specialised facilities but is generally disposed of in general waste.
https://www.plastics.org.nz/doing-business-in-nz/members-directory/service-suppliers
https://www.reclaim.co.nz/recyclables-plastic
https://pkel015.connect.amazon.auckland.ac.nz/SolidMechanicsBooks/Part_II/08_Plasticity/08_Plasticity_Complete.pdf
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Poly(methyl_methacrylate)
Cellulose
Cellulose is a natural polymer derived from plant fibres. It is biodegradable and used in PPE such as paper masks, wipes, and liners.
Cellulose-based materials are absorbent and breathable, ideal for single-use masks and hygiene products.
Cellulose is biodegradable, but formulation variables may impact compostability.
https://www.sciencelearn.org.nz/resources/1473-biodegradability-compostability-and-bioplastics
https://environment.govt.nz/assets/publications/Waste/a-guide-for-selecting-compostable-products-in-aotearoa-nz.pdf
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cellulose
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9277587/
Cotton
Cotton is a natural fibre known for its softness and breathability. It is used in gloves, and garments.
Cotton is ideal for washable PPE where comfort and breathability are important. It is often blended with synthetics for durability.
Pure cotton is biodegradable and compostable. In NZ, it can be added to compost if free from synthetic blends or contaminants.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cotton
https://cottontoday.cottoninc.com/cotton-to-compost-transform-waste-management-textile-industry
HDPE
Recycle code 2
A rigid plastic that is widely curbside recyclable.
High-density polyethylene, a strong plastic.
High strength-to-weight; tough and impact-resistant; excellent chemical and moisture resistance; food-safe.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/High-density_polyethylene
https://environment.govt.nz/what-you-can-do/campaigns/recycle/kerbside-recycling-plastic-trays-and-containers/
https://www.wm.nz/for-business/recycling/pvc-and-hdpe-recycling/
https://www.recycling.kiwi.nz/
HPPE
High-Performance Polyethylene (HPPE) is a specially engineered form of polyethylene designed to deliver superior strength, durability, and thermal resistance compared to standard polyethylene. While conventional polyethylene is valued for its chemical resistance and ease of processing, HPPE takes these properties further—making it ideal for demanding applications such as cut-resistant gloves, ballistic protection, and industrial safety gear.
HPPE fibres are known for their high tensile strength-to-weight ratio, outperforming many traditional materials like steel on a per-weight basis. This makes them especially useful in environments where both protection and flexibility are critical. In industrial settings, HPPE is often blended with spandex or nitrile coatings to enhance comfort, grip, and resistance to abrasion and puncture
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HPPE
https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/engineering/polyethylene-fabric
https://acoknowledge.org/modules/module-5-high-performance-fibres/unit-5-high-performance-polyethylene-fibres-hppe/
https://www.plasticpipe.org/PPI-Home/Municipal_Industrial/Publications/Download-HDPE-Handbook-Chapters.aspx
Latex
Latex is a natural polymer derived from the sap of the Hevea brasiliensis tree. It is prized for its biodegradability, elasticity, and tactile sensitivity, making it a popular material for disposable gloves and other flexible protective products. Unlike synthetic alternatives, latex is a renewable resource and breaks down more readily in the environment when disposed of correctly.
From a material science perspective, latex exhibits:
- High tensile strength and elongation, allowing it to stretch significantly without tearing.
- Excellent barrier properties against biological contaminants.
- Natural biodegradability, especially when not compounded with synthetic additives.
In New Zealand, latex gloves are widely used in healthcare, food service, and industrial settings. However, due to the risk of latex allergies, many facilities now opt for powder-free variants and ensure proper labelling and training for safe use.
Disposal Considerations
Latex is considered a biodegradable material, but disposal practices still matter. According to the University of Canterbury’s chemical waste guidelines, latex should be disposed of in general waste unless contaminated with hazardous substances, in which case it must follow chemical or biohazard protocols. Composting is not typically recommended unless the product is certified compostable.
https://www.sciencelearn.org.nz/resources/1473-biodegradability-compostability-and-bioplastics
https://www.canterbury.ac.nz/content/dam/uoc-main-site/documents/pdfs/d-other/CAPE-Chemical-Waste-Management-Guidelines.pdf
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Latex
https://shop.terracycle.com/en-NZ/products/disposable-gloves-zero-waste-box
LDPE
LDPE is a soft, flexible plastic used in materials that need a lightweight but durable barrier. It is chemically resistant and lightweight.
LDPE is recyclable under code #4, but only through soft plastic recycling schemes. It is not biodegradable and should not be composted.
https://www.xometry.com/resources/materials/low-density-polyethylene-ldpe/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Low-density_polyethylene
https://www.recycling.kiwi.nz/
Leather
Not curbside recyclable in NZ. Leather is biodegradable but decomposes slowly. It should be disposed of in general waste.
Leather is a durable, natural material made from animal hide. used in footwear and gloves.
Extremely durable and abrasion-resistant; naturally water-resistant and breathable.
https://www.tastan.co.nz/journal-posts/everything-you-need-to-know-about-leather
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leather
Neoprene
Neoprene is a synthetic rubber made from chloroprene. It is flexible, water-resistant, and chemically stable, often used in reusable gloves and protective clothing.Not curbside recycled in NZ.
Neoprene gloves are valued for their resistance to acids, oils, and heat. They are commonly used in laboratories, cleaning, and chemical handling.
Neoprene is not biodegradable and should be disposed of in general waste. It is not suitable for composting or recycling in standard NZ systems.
Nitrile
Nitrile is a synthetic rubber derived from acrylonitrile and butadiene. It is known for its excellent resistance to oils, chemicals, and punctures, making it a preferred material for disposable gloves in medical, food, and industrial settings.
Nitrile gloves offer superior durability and chemical resistance compared to latex or vinyl. They are often used in high-risk environments such as healthcare, laboratories, and food processing.
Nitrile is not biodegradable. In New Zealand, nitrile gloves should be disposed of in general waste unless contaminated with hazardous substances, in which case they must follow clinical or chemical waste protocols.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nitrile_rubber
https://dermnetnz.org/topics/contact-dermatitis-to-nitrile
https://shop.terracycle.com/en-NZ/products/disposable-gloves-zero-waste-box
Nylon
Nylon is a synthetic polymer known for its strength and elasticity. It is used in glove liners, masks, and protective clothing.
It is lightweight, abrasion-resistant, and often used in combination with coatings like nitrile or latex for enhanced grip.
Nylon is not biodegradable and should be disposed of in general waste.
PE
Polyester
Polypropylene
Polyurethane
Powder coat
PU foam
PVC
PVC is a widely used plastic known for its rigidity and chemical resistance. In PPE, it is used in gloves, aprons, and protective sleeves.
PVC gloves are cost-effective and suitable for low-risk tasks like food handling and cleaning. They are less durable than nitrile or latex.
PVC is not biodegradable and should not be incinerated due to toxic emissions. It must be disposed of in general waste unless a specialised recycling stream is available.
Vinyl Institute – Uses of PVC
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polyvinyl_chloride
Silicone
Steel
Terylene
Viscose
For certifications, accreditations, and testing reports please view individual product specification sheets, or contact our team.