The COVID-19 pandemic brought an unprecedented surge in the demand for rubber gloves, but it also left behind a pressing environmental challenge. Malaysia, a major producer of nitrile rubber gloves, faced the staggering reality of an estimated 100 tonnes of glove waste being generated monthly. These discarded gloves, often destined for landfills or incinerators, pose a significant threat to both the environment and human health.
Enter Geomax Rubber Innovative Products, a visionary company tackling this challenge head-on. Earlier this year, they were named winner of the Innovator of the Year category at the 3rd Edition of the Top In Tech Innovation Awards for pioneering a ground-breaking process to upcycle rejected nitrile rubber gloves into eco-friendly footwear. This was done through their brand Solewell.
The Solewell solution
Geomax Rubber collects clean, rejected gloves directly from factories, turning what was once a costly waste problem into a valuable resource. “These factories pay to dispose of their rejected gloves in landfills,” explained founder and director Steven Ng Yong Beng. “By collecting the gloves from them, they save money, and we gain access to raw materials. You could say that it’s a win-win.”
Using patented green technology, Geomax Rubber transforms the gloves into eco-rubber compounds, which are then moulded into soles for sandals and safety shoes. “Our brand, Solewell, combines engineering functionality with environmental responsibility,” noted Ng, who has more than 20 years of experience in the rubber industry. The rubber retains its original strength, flexibility, and durability, while an added anti-slip design ensures superior safety and performance.
The team takes pride in Solewell’s rigorous testing standards. “Our anti-slip soles have been tested on a 30 percent slope coated with oil and water,” the forward-thinking founder shared. “We’ve created the world’s first eco-sandal made from rejected nitrile gloves, and it’s both sustainable and safe.”
Challenges and triumphs
Creating this eco-friendly product was no small feat. The journey, which took two years, began even before the pandemic. According to the team, scepticism was a major hurdle. “When we started with the idea of recycling rejected gloves into rubber products, nobody believed in us. People said it couldn’t be done,” they revealed.
Others had attempted similar projects but failed to produce a viable product. “A lot of companies tried to recycle rejected nitrile gloves, but they couldn’t make it work. They spent a lot of money and eventually gave up,” they added. “For us, the challenge was to use a high content of rejected gloves in our products. Initially, we aimed for 60 percent rejected gloves and 40 percent rubber. Today, we’ve achieved 99 percent recycled material.”
Despite the lack of initial funding, machinery, and expertise, the team remained undeterred. “We overcame every challenge by staying focused on our goal. And even now, we’re continuously improving the product,” Ng said.
Market response
The market response has exceeded expectations. “The feedback has been incredible,” the team shared enthusiastically. “Customers love the fact that it’s a green product, but they’re even more impressed by its quality. Some have even told us the anti-slip technology has saved lives.”
The demand for Solewell’s eco-footwear continues to grow, with customers returning for more products and supporting the company’s mission to expand. “People want to see us grow further. That’s been really encouraging for us,” they said.
Looking ahead
Looking to the future, Geomax Rubber plans to scale its operations and expand globally. “There’s so much waste available every month, but we’re currently only using less than 5% of it,” they revealed. The company aims to create more eco-footwear under the Solewell brand and explore partnerships for OEM products.
“We want to reach not just the local market but the global market as well,” they shared. The potential for growth is vast, and Geomax Rubber is determined to lead the way in sustainable innovation.
A greener tomorrow
By turning waste into opportunity, Geomax Rubber has not only addressed an environmental issue but also created a business model that exemplifies sustainability and innovation. “This is more than just a product; it’s a statement about how we can tackle environmental challenges creatively and responsibly,” Ng emphasised.
Their journey serves as a powerful reminder of the transformative power of green technology, proving that even the smallest steps toward sustainability can lead to a brighter, greener future.
The views expressed here are those of the author/contributor and do not necessarily represent the views of Malaysiakini.
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