Ansell Healthcare Europe NV: Ansell Announces New AlphaTec(R) Glove Offering for Chemical Applications

ISELIN, N.J., June 25, 2013 /PRNewswire / --

New AlphaTec(R) Gloves Feature Patented AquaDri(R) Moisture Management Technology to Reduce Sweat and Improve Comfort

Ansell, a global leader in protection solutions, today announced the global launch of two chemical gloves designed to protect hands against exposure to oils, fuels, solvents, bases and esters in both medium and heavy duty applications. The new AlphaTec(R) nitrile gloves help to prevent hand injuries related to chemical hazards, while maximizing worker comfort through a breakthrough technology that absorbs moisture accumulated from prolonged glove use. The new AlphaTec 58-330 and 58-335 gloves are equipped with AquaDri(R), a moisture management technology that mimics a sponge, absorbing moisture at a rate up to ten times faster than traditional cotton or flocked gloves.[i]

"The AlphaTec 58-330 and 58-335 gloves are the culmination of extensive research into the needs of workers which revealed a primary source of discomfort - perspiration inside the glove," said Scott Corriveau, President and General Manager of the Ansell Industrial Global Business Unit. "We combined the chemical protection of our AlphaTec gloves, our patented AquaDri moisture management technology and our innovative technology color system to provide a solution that addresses perspiration and provides greater comfort and performance for workers on the job."

In recent research, when asked to provide product feedback and suggestions for improvement, 57 percent of workers responded that better moisture control was critical in a chemical glove. Likewise, when asked in past research about the impact perspiration has while wearing chemical gloves, 61 percent of respondents classified it as "a significant problem," on the comfort of their chemical handling gloves and over a quarter of wearers report that perspiration has a notable effect on their ability to work.[ii]

The cutting-edge AquaDri technology creates an open-celled foam structure that provides the benefits of a high-functioning sponge with unparalleled moisture absorption--yielding a superior glove that is more comfortable for the worker to wear in both wet and dry environments. The new AlphaTec gloves are also the first Ansell product offering designed with the company's innovative color technology indicator. AlphaTec gloves with AquaDri feature a royal blue color scheme on the inside of the glove to indicate the moisture management technology.

Along with the new technologies at the heart of Ansell's product portfolio, both the AlphaTec 58-330 and AlphaTec 58-335 gloves are constructed with the unique mechanical properties for which the AlphaTec brand is known. The gloves feature a high-performance nitrile compound that offers puncture, snag and abrasion protection as well as a reversed diamond pattern palm finish for improved dry/wet grip and a foldable cuff gutter to prevent harmful chemicals dripping onto the forearms.

The AlphaTec 58-330 and AlphaTec 58-335 chemical gloves are now available for sale in North America and will be distributed globally throughout 2013. More information and an animated video can be found at http://www.ansell.com/brand/alphatec.

About Ansell

Ansell is a world leader in providing superior health and safety protection solutions that enhance human well-being. With operations in North America, Latin America/Caribbean, EMEA and Asia, Ansell employs more than 11,000 people worldwide and holds leading positions in the personal protective equipment and medical gloves market, as well as in the sexual health and well-being category worldwide. Ansell operates in four main business segments: Medical Solutions, Industrial Solutions, Specialty Markets and Sexual Wellness. Information on Ansell and its products can be found at http://www.ansell.com

(R) and (TM) are trademarks owned by Ansell Limited or one of its affiliates. (C) 2013 Ansell Limited All Rights Reserved.

i. Internal testing by Ansell engineers

ii. Ansell Launch Book Research

SOURCE Ansell Healthcare Europe NV