- At the third Major in Tech Innovation Awards, named the year’s pioneer.
- Plans to expand eco-footwear under Solewell &, examine OEM alliances
Rubber glove require increased without precedent as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic, but it also raised a serious economic issue. Malaysia, a major manufacturer of latex foam gloves, faced the astounding fact of an estimated 100 tonnes of sleeve waste being generated regular. These discarded boots, usually destined for landfills or incinerators, pose a major risk to both the environment and human health.
Enter Geomax Rubber Innovative Products, a revolutionary company tackling this issue head-on. They were named success of the Innovator of the Year class at the 3rd Edition of the Best In Tech Innovation Awards earlier this year for developing a pioneering method to recycle old rubber latex gloves into eco-friendly shoes. This was done through their product Solewell.
The Solewell alternative
What was once a pricey waste issue turned into a useful tool thanks to the direct collection of fresh, rejected gloves from companies by Geomax Rubber. ” These factories pay to dispose of their abandoned gloves in landfills,” said founder and director Steven Ng Yong Beng ( pic ). ” By collecting the boots from them, they save money, and we gain access to raw materials. You may suggest that it’s a win-win”.
Using branded green tech, Geomax Rubber transforms the boots into eco-rubber materials, which are then moulded into heels for boots and safety shoes. ” Our company, Solewell, combines architectural features with economic responsibility”, noted Ng, who has more than 20 years of experience in the plastic business. The plastic retains its original power, freedom, and strength, while an added anti-slip style ensures better 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
No small feat was involved in producing this eco-friendly product. The journey, which took two years, began even before the pandemic. According to the team, scepticism was a major hurdle. Nobody believed in us when we first thought about recycling old gloves into rubber products. People said it couldn’t be done”, they revealed.
Others attempted similar projects, but the finished product was unsuccessful. ” A lot of companies tried to recycle rejected nitrile gloves, but they couldn’t make it work. They put in a lot of money before coming to an end,” they continued. The challenge was to use a high percentage of gloves that had been rejected 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 obstacle by preserving our focus on our objective.” 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 even claim that 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 business wants to expand its line of eco-footwear and look into partnerships for OEM products.
They shared that” we want to reach both the local and global markets.” The growth potential is enormous, and Geomax Rubber is determined to be the innovator of sustainable technology.
A greener tomorrow
Geomax Rubber has not only addressed an environmental issue but also developed a business model that exemplifies sustainability and innovation by turning waste into opportunity. ” 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 illustration of the transformative power of green technology, demonstrating that even the smallest steps toward sustainability can produce a more prosperous, green future.