Short answer: Polypropylene (PP) is a lightweight, tough, chemical-resistant plastic that is widely recycled and free of PVC and phthalates. Those traits make it a practical material for disposable shoe covers. Blue Shoe Guys covers are made of 100% polypropylene.
Why polypropylene for shoe covers?
- Lightweight: it uses less plastic by weight than many alternatives.
- Tough and flexible: it stretches over shoes and work boots without easily tearing.
- Chemical resistance: diluted acids and bases don't react readily with it, which is useful around cleaning products and job site spills.
- Water resistance: non-woven polypropylene repels water. See how we test it in our guide to water-resistant shoe covers.
- Non-toxic and latex-free: Blue Shoe Guys covers contain no PVC, phthalates, or latex.
Is polypropylene sustainable?
According to industry sources such as Milliken Chemical, polypropylene is among the lower-impact plastics by weight. Commonly cited points include:
- It produces less solid waste by weight than PET, PS, or PVC.
- It can be recycled into products such as battery cases, paint cans, storage containers, flower pots, pallets, and crates.
- Many large US municipalities collect polypropylene, although programs differ and acceptance of thin non-woven items varies.
Even so, it is still a single-use product when made into disposable covers. For a balanced view, read are disposable shoe covers bad for the environment? and learn how to recycle disposable shoe covers.
Frequently asked questions
What are disposable shoe covers made of?
Most are made from polypropylene or polyethylene. Ours are 100% polypropylene.
Is polypropylene safe for skin contact?
Polypropylene is widely used in food containers and medical products. Our covers are non-toxic, latex-free, PVC-free, and phthalate-free.
Shop our polypropylene disposable shoe covers.
Sources
- "Why Polypropylene? Sustainable Plastics." Milliken Chemical, 2017, millikenchemical.com/why-polypropylene/
- Creative Mechanisms. "Everything You Need To Know About Polypropylene (PP) Plastic." 2016, creativemechanisms.com/blog/all-about-polypropylene-pp-plastic