Tuesday, May 14, 2024

AmorSui Makes a Recyclable Lab Coat for the Planet

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AmorSui, a pioneer in personal protective equipment, has introduced a revolutionary lab coat to the market, setting new standards in sustainability and protection.

Unlike traditional lab coats that often contribute to landfill waste, AmorSui’s new lab coat is fully recyclable, marking a significant shift in the approach to personal protective equipment (PPE) in various industries. The innovative lab coat is not just eco-friendly, but also highly functional; it boasts exceptional resistance to chemicals, bodily fluids, and other hazards, making it an ideal choice for diverse sectors.

The company says its enduring durability sets the coat apart. The coat retains its fluid-repellency and anti-odor properties for more than 50 uses, a testament to its high-quality design and construction. After its extended use, the lab coat can be returned to AmorSui through its take-back program, ensuring it is recycled in an environmentally responsible manner.

“I made a choice to care for the planet we live on,” AmorSui founder Beau Wangtrakuldee told Quartz in a recent interview. Wangtrakuldee came up with the idea after a lab accident while a doctoral student studying chemistry at Northern Illinois University.

man wearing lab coat
Courtesy AmorSui

Wangtrakuldee says she wants AmorSui to be a “one-stop shop” for recyclable and reusable medical supplies. But it’s not just sustainability that’s a priority for AmorSui. The company also prioritizes comfort, particularly for women, as Wangtrakuldee says PPE has historically been designed for tall Caucasian males, “even though 80 to 90 percent of the jobs in health care are held by women.” The coat’s fabric is not only soft and flexible but also comes in a white shade specifically chosen to reduce the anxiety often associated with “white coat syndrome.” Its premium fit and breathability were designed to enhance the wearer’s comfort, making it suitable for long hours of use.

In 2022, former Oscar de la Renta executives were inspired by the covid pandemic to launch Welles, a sustainable medical scrubs label. Like Wangtrakuldee, the founders, Rachel Rothenberg-Saenz and Alexandra Baylis, were shocked by the lack of sustainable options within the $80 billion PPE industry.

According to AmorSui, the U.S. healthcare system is such a large producer of waste that if it were its own country, it would rank 11th worldwide in GHG pollution. There are more than 57 million pounds of single-use plastic from the pandemic, including PPE, now in the world’s oceans, and nearly 75 percent of that comes from hospitals. 

AmorSui says the new lab coat is poised to have far-reaching implications across several industries. In the safety equipment sector, it introduces a sustainable and durable alternative to conventional lab coats. The fusion of functionality with eco-conscious design also opens new avenues in the fashion industry. Furthermore, AmorSui’s take-back program aligns with responsible waste management practices, encouraging the recycling of PPE and contributing to a more sustainable approach in this field.

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