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Ansell Limited is an Australian company which makes gloves and other personal protection equipment, primarily from latex and rubber. The products are designed for healthcare professionals, industrial workers, and end consumers.

Key Information

History

[edit]

Early years

[edit]

Ansell's history began in 1893 with the Dunlop Pneumatic Tyre Company of Australasia being listed on the Australian Stock Exchange.[1] Eric Norman Ansell, later to found Ansell, worked at the company as a mechanic then, in 1905, he left to set up his own business manufacturing condoms.[2]

Between 1905 and 1929, Eric Ansell dedicated himself to broadening his rubber manufacturing experience, producing new types of products such as balloons and household gloves.[2][3] Finally in 1929, his company was registered as E.N. Ansell & Sons Pty Ltd. In 1934, the company's name was changed to The Ansell Rubber Company Pty Ltd.[2] More than thirty years later, in 1965, Ansell introduced its first disposable surgical gloves under the Gammex brand. Innovative for their time, the gloves were sterilized using gamma radiation and then packaged so they were ready-to-wear.[3]

In 1906, Dunlop was renamed to Dunlop Rubber Company of Australasia. In 1929, it merged with the Perdriau Rubber Company, a manufacturer of general rubber products based in Sydney, forming Dunlop Perdriau. The new company focused primarily on the production of automobile tyres and later expanded into other rubber products. In 1967, the company changed its name to Dunlop Australia,[1] and in 1969 it acquired Ansell.[2]

Late 20th century

[edit]

In 1980, Dunlop Australia merged with diversified industrial company BTR Nylex to form Dunlop Olympic. This merger aimed to expand the company's product range and market presence beyond rubber products to various industrial and consumer goods. In 1986, Dunlop Olympic changed its name to Pacific Dunlop Limited.[4]

Recent years

[edit]

During the late 1980s and 1990s, Pacific Dunlop continued to expand and diversify its operations. In 1996, Pacific Dunlop announced a strategic initiative to focus on core businesses, and a divestment program to sell off non-core assets.[5] In 2001, Pacific Dunlop divested its healthcare safety division, which included Ansell. This divestment allowed Ansell to establish itself as a stand-alone company with global expertise in manufacturing and marketing gloves and protective equipment.[1] Since this point, Ansell has grown organically and through acquisition.

Acquisitions between 2000 and 2024 have been focussed on several industries:

  • Protective gloves:
    • Marigold Industrial (UK), known for industrial gloves.
    • Hawkeye Glove Manufacturing, in the protective gloves market.
    • VibraGuard, a manufacturer of gloves for vibration protection.
    • Comasec, a European-based company specializing in protective gloves.[6]
    • BarrierSafe Solutions International, a leading North American provider of disposable gloves.[7]
    • Hands International, a Sri Lankan glove manufacturer.[8]
    • Hercules Equipments Ltd., industrial safety gloves.[9]
    • Nitritex, a UK-based supplier of cleanroom gloves.
    • Primus Gloves, in the Indian market.
  • Protective clothing:
    • Trelleborg Protective Products, known for chemical protective clothing.[10]
    • Microgard, a UK-based manufacturer of chemical protective clothing.
    • Kimberly-Clark's Personal Protection Equipment business.[11] 
  • Medical protection:
    • Sandel Medical Industries, medical safety products.[12]

In 2017, Ansell sold its sexual wellness business to Chinese companies Humanwell Healthcare and CITIC Capital in a move to divest non-core business and increase focus on safety and personal protection equipment (PPE) products and services.[13][14]

Sustainability

[edit]

In July 2022, Ansell announced their ambition to be net zero in Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 2040.[15] They plan to achieve this by reducing dependency on fossil fuels and shifting to renewable energy sources; innovating around products and business models, while also improving circularity; and collaborating through value chain partnerships and policy advocacy. Since then, Ansell has been recognized by Morningstar Sustainalytics as an ESG industry top-rated company in 2023 and 2024, and their Kovai manufacturing facility in India achieved a platinum rating from the Indian Green Building Council (IGBC) for their Packing and Sterilization Facility in 2023.[16]

Responsible Glove Alliance (RGA)

[edit]

The Responsible Glove Alliance (RGA) was launched in March 2022, of which Ansell was one of the seven founding members.[17] The RGA's initial focus is the Malaysian rubber glove manufacturing industry, as Malaysia is the world's largest producer of rubber gloves and the industry relies heavily on migrant labour.

Sustainability awards and ratings

[edit]
  • Being listed as an ESG Top-Rated Company by Morningstar Sustainalytics[18]
  • Winning two 2024 SEAL Business Sustainability Awards[19]
  • Being featured in the Asia-Pacific Climate Leaders 2024 list by The Financial Times and Statista[20]

Sectors

[edit]

Today, Ansell serves a multitude of sectors with its range of personal protective equipment. The sectors include: 

  • Agriculture 
  • Automotive 
  • Chemical 
  • Diving 
  • Energy 
  • Food Processing 
  • Laboratory 
  • Life Sciences 
  • Machinery & Equipment 
  • Mining 
  • Warehousing & Logistics 

References

[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Ansell

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia

Ansell Limited (ASX: ANN) is an Australian multinational corporation headquartered in Melbourne, specializing in the manufacture and distribution of personal protective equipment, including gloves and apparel for industrial, healthcare, and professional sectors.
Originating from the Dunlop Pneumatic Tyre Company established in 1893, Ansell evolved through innovations in rubber processing to become a global leader in hand protection, employing over 14,000 people across more than 55 countries and serving 25 industries.
The company achieved significant growth during the COVID-19 pandemic due to surging demand for disposable gloves, though it has encountered supply chain disruptions and operational expansions, such as facility closures in Mexico as part of transformation initiatives.
Ansell has faced notable controversies, including U.S. import bans and lawsuits alleging forced labor and exploitation at Malaysian suppliers like Brightway Group, prompting the company to halt orders and implement labor rights audits, while recent reports highlight ongoing accusations of worker mistreatment in its supply chain.

Overview

Company Profile


Ansell Limited is an Australian multinational corporation and integrated manufacturer specializing in personal protective equipment (PPE), with a core emphasis on hand and body protection solutions such as gloves and barriers designed to mitigate hazards including chemicals, biological agents, and mechanical risks. The company develops products using advanced materials like natural rubber latex, synthetic nitrile, and polychloroprene neoprene to enhance barrier performance and user safety across healthcare and industrial applications. Ansell's integrated approach encompasses design, production, and distribution, positioning it as a leader in safety innovation without reliance on external sourcing for key components. Tracing its origins to the establishment of the Dunlop Pneumatic Tyre Company's Australian operations in 1893 for rubber , Ansell transitioned into a dedicated PPE specialist through specialization in protective barriers. Following corporate restructurings and divestitures by its parent Pacific Dunlop, the entity was rebranded as Ansell Limited in April 2002 to reflect its streamlined focus on protection solutions. Headquartered in Richmond, , Victoria, , Ansell maintains global operations spanning more than 100 countries, serving customers in over 25 industries with annual sales exceeding 10 billion units of gloves. This extensive reach supports daily protection for millions of workers, underpinned by manufacturing facilities and a of approximately 15,000 employees worldwide.

Market Position and Achievements

Ansell maintains leading global positions as No. 1 or No. 2 in key protective segments, including healthcare and industrial applications, with production exceeding 10 billion gloves annually and distribution to customers in over 100 countries. The company delivers integrated solutions across diverse sectors such as healthcare, , automotive, , life sciences, and public , addressing hazards like abrasion, chemicals, cuts, impacts, and electrical risks. The triggered a substantial surge in demand for Ansell's PPE products, particularly disposable gloves, which reinforced its status as a premier supplier in the sector amid heightened global needs for infection control. Post-pandemic, the company has sustained its competitive edge through targeted innovations, including the launch of the MICROFLEX Mega Texture gloves in February 2024, designed for enhanced dry grip—up to 50% stronger—in automotive and general industrial tasks requiring tear resistance and visibility. With origins tracing to , Ansell has achieved over 130 years of continuous operation as an integrated manufacturer of solutions, holding significant in industrial safety gloves (approximately 10.5%) and maintaining leadership in both healthcare and industrial PPE domains through a workforce exceeding 15,000 employees worldwide.

History

Founding and Early Development

The origins of Ansell trace to 1893, when established the Australian branch of the Dunlop Pneumatic Tyre Company in to produce pneumatic s from imported semi-assembled components. This facility marked the inception of organized rubber processing in , initially centered on tire and assembly to meet growing demand for . In 1905, Eric Norman Ansell, a mechanic formerly employed at the Dunlop factory from 1903 to 1905, purchased discarded latex dipping machinery intended for production and founded the Ansell Rubber Company in Richmond, a suburb of . The enterprise initially manufactured rubber balloons and s, capitalizing on the solvent-based dipping process adapted from tire production techniques to produce thin, flexible rubber goods. Operations focused on latex compounding and molding in Melbourne's industrial precinct, establishing a foundation in specialized rubber fabrication distinct from Dunlop's tire emphasis. By 1925, Ansell expanded into household rubber gloves, utilizing refined latex formulations to create durable protective items for domestic use. The demands of prompted initial forays into basic industrial rubber products, while shortages and military needs accelerated glove output for medical and wartime applications, with production reaching an automated capacity of 300 dozen pairs daily by 1945. Postwar innovations in 1946 further mechanized dipping and curing processes under Ansell's family leadership, enabling scaled national distribution as a key domestic supplier of essential rubber protective gear. This period solidified empirical advancements in latex handling, transitioning from niche consumer items to foundational safety equipment amid Australia's industrial maturation.

Mid-20th Century Expansion

In the post-World War II era, Ansell Rubber Company capitalized on wartime experience in products to drive production growth through . By 1945, it had developed an automated glove manufacturing process that produced 300 dozen pairs every eight hours, markedly improving efficiency in rubber processing and enabling scaled output for and industrial gloves. This in dipping and curing techniques addressed post-war demand for durable, hygienic rubber goods, stemming from causal factors like availability stabilization and rising consumer needs in . The 1960s saw Ansell pivot toward healthcare with advancements in latex dipping technology, yielding thinner, more resilient disposable surgical gloves introduced in 1964, which boosted profitability by meeting sterility and tactile sensitivity requirements in medical settings. In 1965, the company launched GAMMEX gamma-sterilized disposable surgeon’s gloves, utilizing for enhanced without compromising integrity, thus expanding its footprint in sterile protection amid growing surgical volumes. These developments prioritized empirical improvements in glove thickness and barrier properties over prior manual methods, facilitating diversification from industrial to healthcare applications. International expansion intensified in the late , with Ansell earning an export award in 1967 for penetrating North American and European markets via latex-based products like gloves and condoms. Factory establishments followed, including its first offshore facility in in 1969, followed by production ramp-up in during the to leverage lower costs and proximity to latex sources in . That year, Dunlop Australia Ltd. acquired Ansell, integrating its specialized rubber operations into a broader conglomerate—later restructured as Pacific Dunlop—which amplified distribution channels and resource access for sustained mid-century growth.

Late 20th Century Restructuring

In 1986, Dunlop Olympic Limited rebranded as Pacific Dunlop Limited, marking a period of aggressive diversification that encompassed acquisitions such as Olympic Consolidated Industries for A$92.5 million, Bonds Industries, a 60% stake in GNB Batteries, Nucleus Ltd., Telectronics Holdings Ltd., and Petersville Sleigh Ltd. for A$374 million in 1991, expanding into apparel, batteries, , and alongside its legacy tire and rubber operations including Ansell. This conglomerate strategy, driven by aspirations for regional dominance, initially boosted scale but exposed the firm to overextension amid economic volatility. By the mid-1990s, Pacific Dunlop grappled with mounting financial pressures, including debt accumulation from acquisition debt and underperforming diversified units, culminating in a A$2.1 billion debt burden by 1999 and faltering profits attributable to the conglomerate's diluted focus and market saturation in non-core sectors. In response, the company initiated rationalization efforts, achieving a profit increase to A$260.4 million in 1993 from A$185.6 million the prior year through initial cost controls and divestments, though sustained challenges necessitated broader asset sales. Key disposals included the food division in 1995, RMax, Plastic Group, Dunlop Flow Technology, Olex Cables for A$300 million, and GNB Technologies to for US$333 million between 1995 and 2000, pruning non-essential operations to alleviate debt and redirect resources. Parallel to these corporate-wide measures, the Ansell division—centered on rubber-based (PPE) like gloves—underwent operational shifts emphasizing cost efficiency, including expanded manufacturing in proximate to natural rubber sources, with facilities in operational since 1975 and further growth in the . By 1991, Ansell had solidified as the world's largest producer of protective gloves, benefiting from early trends that reduced logistics costs compared to Australian production. This refocus on core competencies in industrial and healthcare PPE, insulated from the parent's broader consumer goods exposures, facilitated profit stabilization within the division and laid groundwork for subsequent specialization by shedding extraneous diversification.

21st Century Growth and Challenges

In April 2002, Pacific Dunlop Limited was renamed Ansell Limited, streamlining operations around its core (PPE) segments after divesting non-essential assets like and tires. This refocus facilitated organic expansion and targeted acquisitions in gloves and protective apparel, aligning with rising global PPE demand fueled by stricter safety regulations, industrialization, and heightened health awareness. The COVID-19 pandemic triggered a surge in demand for Ansell's medical gloves from 2020 to 2022, exacerbating global shortages and driving exceptional sales growth despite supply chain disruptions. Examination and single-use glove segments recorded 47.5% organic growth in the first half of fiscal 2021, contributing to a overall sales compound annual growth rate of 9.2% from fiscal 2019 to 2022. Post-pandemic normalization from 2023 to 2025 involved adapting to moderated demand through pricing strategies and operational enhancements for resilience. Ansell achieved 7.7% organic constant currency sales growth in fiscal 2025, marking the first year unencumbered by effects, while advancing efficiency via optimizations. In July 2024, the company acquired Kimberly-Clark's PPE assets for US$640 million, gaining Kimtech and KleenGuard brands with transition milestones into 2025 to bolster lab and offerings. In October 2025, Ansell introduced AXIS experience centers as immersive facilities for showcasing safety innovations and customer collaboration, with the initial site operational and expansion planned for in 2026.

Products and Solutions

Healthcare Protection

Ansell's healthcare protection portfolio centers on single-use examination and surgical gloves designed for infection control, tactile sensitivity, and barrier integrity in clinical environments. Examination gloves, available in powder-free and formulations, provide robust defense against microorganisms, with variants offering allergy-friendly alternatives to while maintaining durability against punctures and tears. For instance, the Micro-Touch gloves feature lightweight construction tested for resistance to drugs, ensuring safe handling in settings. Surgical gloves from Ansell, including sterile , , and options like the GAMMEX series, incorporate textured surfaces for enhanced grip in wet and dry conditions, alongside thinner profiles for improved dexterity during procedures. These products meet stringent standards for microbial barrier protection, such as ASTM F1671 for viral penetration resistance in and equivalent ISO 16604 testing internationally. Compliance with EN 455 series norms, updated in 2023 for single-use medical gloves, verifies requirements for freedom from holes, physical properties, and biological safety. Additional certifications, including ASTM D6319 for exam gloves and NFPA 1999 for specialized variants, underscore efficacy in high-risk scenarios like emergency response. Innovations in Ansell's lineup emphasize formulation advancements, such as neoprene-based surgical gloves with micro-texture for superior tactile feedback and reduced slippage, addressing feedback on precision needs. Powder-free designs mitigate powder-related risks, while extended lengths in select exam gloves enhance coverage against exposure. These gloves support single-use protocols in hospitals and labs, prioritizing empirical barrier performance over broader multi-hazard applications.

Industrial and Safety Gear

Ansell's industrial and safety gear includes gloves engineered for mechanical hazards, chemical exposure, and impact risks in sectors such as , automotive assembly, and oil and gas operations. These products emphasize abrasion resistance, cut protection, and secure grip to mitigate injuries, with designs balancing dexterity for prolonged use. Compliance with ANSI/ISEA 105 standards governs cut resistance levels (A1-A9), ensuring verifiable performance against slashing and punctures, while EN 388 ratings address abrasion, cut, tear, and puncture metrics. Cut-resistant gloves incorporate advanced materials like high-performance polyethylene (HPPE), DuPont yarns, Aramids, and cores, blended into lightweight liners for applications involving sharp edges in and fabrication. Models such as HyFlex 11-542 combine these with foam coatings for heat and cut defense up to ANSI A4 levels. Chemical-resistant options, including AlphaTec 58-735, feature nitrile-polyisoprene barriers tested for permeation against acids, solvents, and hydrocarbons per EN 374 Type A, with integrated high-visibility liners to signal breaches. In automotive and oil/gas environments, gloves like HyFlex 11-900 and 11-925 provide oil repellency via specialized coatings, maintaining grip on slick surfaces during maintenance and handling, with fine-gauge liners for precision tasks. Impact-resistant variants reinforce knuckles and backs with padded rubber, targeting heavy machinery and construction-adjacent industrial roles without sacrificing mobility. In February 2024, Ansell launched Mega Texture technology in Microflex disposable gloves (e.g., 93-256), featuring textured surfaces for improved wet and dry grip in light-to-moderate industrial handling, such as auto shops, alongside increased tear resistance from 5.1 mil thickness.

Specialized Applications

Ansell provides personal protective equipment tailored for niche sectors such as food processing, where gloves like the MICROFLEX Black Dragon series offer full texture for secure handling and compliance with FDA food contact regulations, reducing contamination risks in processing environments. In cleanroom applications, products such as TouchNTuff 93-300 nitrile gloves are engineered for ISO 5 (Class 100) compatibility, delivering superior chemical splash resistance and low particulate generation to maintain sterility in pharmaceutical and semiconductor manufacturing. For electronics handling, Ansell's ESD-certified gloves, including HyFlex 11-819 and EDGE 48-140 series, incorporate static dissipative materials meeting EN 16350 and EN 1149 standards, preventing that could damage sensitive components during assembly or testing. MICROFLEX 94-242 disposable gloves further extend this protection with inherent static dissipation properties, minimizing spontaneous ignition hazards in volatile settings. These solutions demonstrate empirical efficacy through compliance testing, with low-lint designs ensuring product integrity in particle-sensitive operations. Custom adaptations extend to automotive assembly, where Ansell supplies gloves addressing precise hazards like chemical exposure and mechanical without compromising dexterity, supporting over 25 industries including this sector as part of its broader portfolio. Emerging prototypes integrate technologies for real-time hazard detection, as explored in collaborations utilizing sensor tags and data connectivity to enhance worker safety in dynamic environments. Such innovations prioritize causal , validated through simulated evaluations rather than unverified claims.

Business Operations

Global Manufacturing and Supply Chain

Ansell operates around 15 manufacturing facilities globally, with a primary focus on Asia to capitalize on cost efficiencies and proximity to raw material sources. Key production sites include multiple plants in Malaysia (such as Melaka, Kedah, and Nitritex), Sri Lanka, and Vietnam, supplemented by facilities in Europe (Portugal and Lithuania) and a $80 million greenfield glove manufacturing plant in Tamil Nadu, India, which commenced full shipments in 2022. The company's relies heavily on Asian sourcing for natural latex and , with in enabling control over key inputs amid regional dominance in rubber production. Third-party manufacturers are utilized to supplement internal capacity, allowing scalable production of gloves and protective gear while distributing logistical demands across a network of over 20 warehouses worldwide. Efficiency improvements have driven investments in across facilities, reducing headcount by approximately 1,330 positions—or nearly 10% of the global workforce—in 2024 as part of an accelerated program. This shift addresses labor-intensive processes in glove dipping and assembly, enabling higher output per worker despite ongoing to low-cost Asian hubs. Raw material procurement faces persistent volatility, with and prices surging up to 30% since the early 2020s due to supply disruptions and demand spikes. Geopolitical tensions and regional dependencies in exacerbate logistics risks, including potential disruptions from trade policies or export restrictions on rubber, prompting Ansell to diversify sourcing while maintaining Asian-centric operations for cost competitiveness.

Financial Performance

For the ended June 30, 2025 (FY25), Ansell reported sales of $2,003.3 million, reflecting 7.7% organic constant currency growth amid post-COVID demand normalization in healthcare and steady industrial volumes. EBIT reached $282.1 million, up 10.4% organically, with margins expanding to 14.1% from improved utilization, pricing adjustments to offset tariffs, and US$47 million in savings from the Ansell Productivity Improvement Program (APIP), which incorporated investments. Net profit attributable to shareholders increased 33% to $101.6 million, driven by these margin drivers despite lingering headwinds. Adjusted rose to US126.1¢. Profitability benefited from pricing power, as mid-year increases and reduced air freight costs countered US tariff impacts, with further actions planned for FY26 to maintain offsets. APIP and synergies from the KBU acquisition (upgraded to by FY27) enhanced efficiency, enabling margin gains beyond industry normalization post-pandemic destocking. Ansell declared a total of US50.20¢ per share for FY25 (40% payout ratio), including a final unfranked of US28.00¢, up 30.7% from FY24's US38.40¢, payable in September 2025. As of October 24, 2025, Ansell's market capitalization stood at approximately A$4.84 billion (US$3.15 billion), with revenue per share around US$13.73 based on 145.9 million ordinary shares outstanding. Relative to peers in personal protective equipment, Ansell's 7.7% organic sales growth and 200 basis point margin expansion demonstrated resilience, trading at a price-to-earnings ratio of 31x versus the industry average of 48x.
Key FY25 MetricsValue (US$M unless noted)YoY Change
Sales2,003.3+23.7% reported; +7.7% organic
EBIT282.1+44.3% reported; +10.4% organic
EBIT Margin14.1%+200 bps
Net Profit101.6+33%
Adjusted EPS126.1¢+20%

Strategic Developments

In 2024, Ansell acquired Kimberly-Clark's (PPE) business for US$640 million, incorporating the Kimtech and KleenGuard brands focused on , , and industrial applications, along with programs like RightCycle for PPE . The deal, completed on July 2, 2024, expanded Ansell's portfolio in high-performance disposable garments and gloves, enabling order acceptance in and by early 2025 and a launch of Kimtech products in at Interphex Tokyo on July 9, 2025. This acquisition addressed competitive gaps in specialized solutions, leveraging Ansell's manufacturing scale to integrate and distribute these brands amid post-pandemic demand stabilization. To enhance and customer collaboration, Ansell unveiled AXIS immersive centers on October 22, 2025, featuring onsite labs for hands-on , hazard simulations, and of safety solutions. These facilities enable real-time experimentation with protective gear under realistic conditions, fostering partnerships to identify unmet needs in industrial and healthcare environments, distinct from traditional R&D by emphasizing iterative, user-driven development for faster market adaptation. Following the 2023 glove oversupply glut, which reduced distributor orders and prompted production cuts, Ansell shifted emphasis to higher-margin segments such as chemical-resistant hand and body protection, achieving 5-7% constant-currency sales growth in mechanical and chemical products by fiscal year 2025. This pivot capitalized on sustained demand for premium, specialized PPE over commoditized gloves, improving segment margins through branded, performance-oriented offerings resilient to inventory overhangs. In response to U.S. tariffs on imports announced in early , Ansell implemented price adjustments starting late fiscal , targeting recovery of tariff-related costs estimated at US$80 million annually while preserving competitiveness in mandated PPE markets. These measures, combined with supply chain optimizations, mitigated margin erosion from policy-driven cost pressures, enabling focus on value-added innovations rather than volume-driven low-margin recovery.

Sustainability Efforts

Key Initiatives and Commitments

Ansell has established emissions reduction targets aligned with the , committing to net-zero across Scopes 1, 2, and 3 by fiscal year 2045. This includes absolute reductions of 90% in Scope 1 and 2 emissions by FY2040 from a FY2020 baseline and 90% in Scope 3 emissions by FY2045 from a FY2022 baseline. In its FY25 , the company highlighted milestones such as ongoing implementation of solar panels and wastewater management systems to support these goals, alongside investigations into activities for Scope 3 targeting. The company pursues waste minimization through commitments to zero waste to landfill in manufacturing operations and ensuring 100% of packaging materials are recyclable, reusable, or compostable by specified timelines. In October 2025, Ansell expanded its RightCycle program to enable industrial and scientific customers to recycle used personal protective equipment, including gloves, diverting waste from landfills via specialized processing. Product design initiatives incorporate sustainable materials, with 80% of new and updated products engineered for reduced environmental impact, including increased use of recycled and bio-based content over fossil-based alternatives. On the social front, Ansell applies its Supplier Management Framework to enforce labor standards across its , including audits for compliance with expectations on working conditions and modern slavery prevention. In August 2025, following a review, the framework's coverage was extended to a broader range of suppliers, particularly ceramic former providers, to enhance oversight of and ethical practices. This builds on the Labour Standard Management Framework, which monitors supplier adherence through criteria such as fair wages, safe environments, and prohibition of forced labor. traceability efforts support these audits by verifying material origins and vendor performance, though specific audit volumes or pass rates remain self-reported without independent verification detailed in public disclosures.

Responsible Glove Alliance

The Responsible Glove Alliance (RGA) is a collaborative initiative launched on March 1, 2022, by seven founding members, including Ansell Limited, to address forced labor risks in the global , with an initial focus on , the world's largest producer of such gloves. The alliance unites glove purchasers and producers to promote ethical manufacturing practices through shared resources and collective oversight, emphasizing prevention, identification, and remediation of labor vulnerabilities such as exploitation. Membership comprises major industry players, including Ansell, , Hartalega Holdings, Kossan Rubber Industries, , WRP Asia Pacific, and others that have joined subsequently, enabling broad supplier engagement to mitigate risks across production sites. A committee, drawn from member representatives like Ansell's Catherine Stribley, governs operations and coordinates activities to foster transparency and in glove sourcing. The RGA employs standardized audit protocols adapted from the Responsible Business Alliance (RBA), including the Validated Assessment Program (VAP) for comprehensive compliance verification and the Specialty Validated Assessment Program (SVAP) tailored to detect forced labor indicators at supplier facilities. These tools facilitate onsite evaluations of worker conditions, practices, and transparency, with results shared among members to identify systemic issues and enforce remediation plans. By prioritizing voluntary industry-led standards, the RGA aims to establish best practices for fair labor and ethical sourcing, such as improved protections and visibility, thereby reducing reliance on regulatory mandates and preempting potential trade restrictions on non-compliant gloves. Outcomes include collaborative training programs and data-sharing mechanisms that have enhanced supplier audits and remediation rates, contributing to lower forced labor incidence in participating Malaysian facilities as of 2023.

Awards and External Ratings

In 2025, Ansell was recognized by as an ESG Industry Top Rated company in the Healthcare Equipment & Services sector and as a Regional Top Rated company in the region, achieving an overall ESG risk score of 13.2, which positioned it in the 7th among all assessed companies and 22nd out of 586 in its industry. Ansell received a Gold rating from EcoVadis in 2024 for its performance, placing it in the top 5% of over 100,000 assessed companies globally and top 2% within its sector based on environmental, social, and ethical criteria evaluated across 21 indicators. awarded Ansell the 2024 Global Company of the Year in the hospital supplies industry, citing its innovation in protective solutions, , and customer value enhancement through advanced technologies. In 2025, further named Ansell the Global Sustainable Hospital Supplies Company of the Year, recognizing its leadership in reducing environmental impact via recyclable materials and supply chain transparency while maintaining product efficacy. For product-specific innovation, Ansell's AlphaTec 53-002 chemical-resistant earned Occupational Health & Safety magazine's Product of the Year award in the hand protection category, evaluated for durability, user comfort, and hazard mitigation in industrial settings. Additionally, in , Ansell's SMART PACK™ surgical packaging received the SEAL Environmental Initiative Award for its recyclable design, which minimizes plastic waste without compromising sterility.

Controversies and Criticisms

Supply Chain Labor Allegations

In February 2022, U.S. Customs and Border Protection imposed a Withhold Release Order on imports of disposable gloves from YTY Group, a Malaysian supplier to Ansell, citing reasonable suspicion of forced labor involving deception, intimidation, and of migrant workers. Similarly, U.S. authorities detained shipments from Brightway Holdings, another Ansell supplier, over allegations of forced labor practices in its factories. On August 9, 2022, thirteen former migrant workers from Brightway Holdings filed a lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia against Ansell and Kimberly-Clark, alleging violations of the Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act through knowingly profiting from forced labor. The plaintiffs, primarily from Bangladesh, claimed recruiters imposed illegal fees leading to debt bondage, with passports confiscated upon arrival in Malaysia; workers reportedly faced excessive shifts exceeding 18 hours daily without overtime pay, physical abuse for low productivity, and threats of deportation if they complained. One plaintiff described ongoing psychological trauma from conditions likened to slavery, including inadequate food and housing. In September 2025, an investigation reported exploitation allegations at MediCeram, a Malaysian supplier contracted by Ansell for production, involving migrant workers subjected to excessive fees, deductions, and substandard living conditions. Worker testimonies highlighted patterns of incurred from agent fees equivalent to months of , restricted movement due to withheld documents, and pressure to work overtime without compensation, echoing broader issues in Malaysia's latex sector where low-cost migrant labor from is prevalent amid weak enforcement of labor laws. These claims prompted a parallel complaint to the National Contact Point, asserting Ansell's failure to prevent such abuses despite oversight responsibilities.

Responses and Resolutions

Ansell maintained that it had no knowledge of the specific labor violations alleged at supplier Brightway Holdings prior to the August 2022 under the Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act, emphasizing that multiple third-party audits conducted at the facility between 2017 and 2021 had not detected any forced labor indicators. The company condemned abuses and terminated its commercial relationship with Brightway immediately following the public disclosure of the allegations. In the aftermath of the Brightway incident and related U.S. import bans on other Malaysian suppliers like YTY in late , Ansell initiated a comprehensive global review in early 2022 to strengthen risk identification and mitigation protocols, including enhanced on practices prevalent in the Malaysian sector. This effort contributed to the development of an expanded Supplier Management Framework (SMF), which by 2025 covered a broader array of indirect suppliers and mandated remediation for identified issues, such as recruitment fee reimbursements totaling over $30 million to affected workers across Ansell's finished goods since the framework's rollout. For subsequent allegations emerging in 2025 at ceramic former supplier MediCeram in —involving unpaid wages, passport retention, and threats of —Ansell conducted an independent audit upon notification earlier that year, confirming instances of non-compliance with its Supplier . The supplier was required to establish a remediation plan, including an internal for grievance resolution and worker reimbursements, with Ansell committing to ongoing monitoring and potential suspension or termination if corrective actions proved insufficient. Ansell's policies explicitly prohibit forced labor throughout tiers of its and prioritize termination for non-cooperative suppliers, as outlined in its annual modern slavery statements. These measures reflect adaptations to the structural challenges of glove production, where to —driven by proximity to natural latex sources and cost efficiencies in a price-sensitive global market—heightens vulnerability to labor risks without direct operational control, underscoring the limitations of audit-based oversight in detecting covert recruitment abuses. No judicial resolutions, such as dismissals or settlements, have been publicly reported for the 2022 Brightway litigation as of late 2025.

References

  1. https://www.ansell.com/us/en/about-us
  2. https://www.globaldata.com/company-profile/ansell-limited/
  3. https://www.ansell.com/us/en/press-releases/ansell-celebrates-125-years-of-protection-and-innovation
  4. https://www.ansell.com/-/media/projects/ansell/website/pdf/investors-relations/factsheet/ansell-factsheet.ashx
  5. https://www.allangray.com.au/why-did-ansell-catch-our-attention/
  6. https://www.ansell.com/co/es/investor-center/asx-announcements/ansell-limited-advances-transformation-program
  7. https://www.reuters.com/business/ansell-halts-orders-malaysian-glove-maker-brightway-after-us-ban-2021-12-29/
  8. https://www.business-humanrights.org/en/latest-news/ansell-accused-of-knowingly-profiting-from-forced-labour-at-malaysian-glove-supplier/
  9. https://www.ansell.com/us/en/press-releases/ansell-advances-labour-rights-across-its-supply-chain
  10. https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-09-11/ansell-gloves-factory-workers-alleged-exploitation-malaysia/105730848
  11. https://www.fundinguniverse.com/company-histories/ansell-ltd-history/
  12. https://www.ansell.com/us/en/investor-center/annual-report
  13. https://www.ansell.com/us/en/industrial
  14. https://www.ansell.com/us/en/investor-center/asx-announcements/ansell-limited-announces-2020-full-year-results
  15. https://www.ansell.com/us/en/press-releases/ansell-launches-new-mega-texture-microflex-glove
  16. https://martini.ai/pages/research/Ansell-9bbfa051dfb645179354a62cfd2bfc24
  17. https://www.gminsights.com/industry-analysis/industrial-safety-gloves-market
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  19. https://www.company-histories.com/Ansell-Ltd-Company-History.html
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  22. https://www.afr.com/companies/how-pacdun-bit-off-more-than-it-can-chew-19950403-kavpa
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  25. https://www.listcorp.com/asx/ann/ansell-limited/news/ansell-limited-investor-presentation-3104619.html
  26. https://www.openbriefing.com/AsxDownload.aspx?pdfUrl=Report%252FComNews%252F20131126%252F01469658.pdf
  27. https://www.ansell.com/us/en/investor-center/asx-announcements/fy21-half-year-asx-release
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  30. https://www.ansell.com/us/en/press-releases/ansell-completes-acquisition-of-kcppe-business
  31. https://www.ansell.com/us/en/investor-center/asx-announcements/ansell-announces-the-acquisition-of-kimberly-clarks-ppe-business
  32. https://www.ansell.com/in/en/press-releases/ansell-unveils-axis
  33. https://www.ansell.com/us/en/glove-finder/healthcare-gloves
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  35. https://www.ansell.com/us/en/products/micro-touch-nitrile
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  38. https://www.ansell.com/us/en/blogs/critical-insight/regulatory-standards-for-gloves-that-protect-against-viruses
  39. https://www.ansell.com/int/en/blogs/intouch/standardization-and-norms-update-for-en-455-3-2023
  40. https://www.ansell.com/us/en/products/microflex-supreno-ec-sec-375
  41. https://arpovohealth.com/ansell/
  42. https://www.amazon.com/Ansell-Non-Latex-Unisex-Non-latex/dp/B0DK48YL6X
  43. https://www.ansell.com/us/en/sectors/healthcare/hospitals-surgical-centers/exam-gloves
  44. https://www.ansell.com/us/en/glove-finder/examination-gloves
  45. https://www.ansell.com/us/en/hazards/cut-resistance
  46. https://www.ansell.com/us/en/glove-finder/industrial-safety-gloves
  47. https://www.ansell.com/us/en/faq/what-are-cut-resistant-gloves-made-of
  48. https://www.ansell.com/us/en/products/hyflex-11-542
  49. https://www.ansell.com/us/en/products/alphatec-58-735
  50. https://www.ansell.com/us/en/products/hyflex-11-900
  51. https://www.ansell.com/us/en/products/hyflex-11-925
  52. https://www.ansell.com/us/en/glove-finder/impact-resistant-gloves
  53. https://www.amazon.com/stores/Ansell/FOODPREP/page/FC359FDF-26E1-448F-A8F9-E28C94C0667F
  54. https://www.ansell.com/us/en/products/touchntuff-93-300
  55. https://www.ansell.com/us/en/life-sciences/controlled-critical-environments
  56. https://www.ansell.com/us/en/products/hyflex-11-819-esd
  57. https://www.ansell.com/gb/en/products/edge-48-140-esd/pds/o8JWFFiFdggxGsNXUXgTYw
  58. https://www.fishersci.fi/shop/products/microflex-disposable-static-dissipative-black-gloves-5/17895836
  59. https://www.ansell.com/us/en/sectors/microelectronics
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  61. https://www.ansell.com/us/en/press-releases/ansell-unveils-axis
  62. https://www.ansell.com/us/en/sustainability/earth
  63. https://www.ansell.com/us/en/press-releases/ansells-new-%2480m-greenfield-manufacturing-plant-in-india-sends-out-first-full-glove-shipment
  64. https://manufacturingchemist.com/ansell-124591
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  67. https://www.afr.com/companies/manufacturing/ansell-sacks-almost-10-per-cent-of-its-staff-20240820-p5k3ov
  68. https://www.intelligentinvestor.com.au/recommendations/ansell-the-bear-case-is-overrated/150679
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  112. https://www.internationalrightsadvocates.org/cases/kimberly-clark-ansell
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