Cleanroom gowns: The shift from disposables to reusables, explained

More and more pharmaceutical companies are swapping disposable cleanroom gowns for reusable ones—driven by stricter regulations, sustainability mandates, and cost savings.

The math is simple: One reusable gown replaces more than 60 disposable ones. That means less waste, fewer contamination risks, and better long-term value.

In this article, Swapnil Pawar, Service Owner of Cleanroom at Lindström, explains how reusable cleanroom gowns meet—and exceed—the same hygiene standards as disposables, while delivering comfort, reliability, and sustainability.

Key takeaways:

One reusable gown replaces 60+ disposables, cutting waste, costs, and contamination risks. Our reusable cleanroom garment service meets the strictest standards (IEST-RP-CC003 and cGMP). Reusables last up to 100 sterilisation cycles while maintaining barrier protection and comfort.

The rental model makes inventory management stress-free—we handle delivery, cleaning, decontamination, inspection, and tracking. Switching to reusables garments puts your pharma company ahead of emerging sustainability expectations and compliance trends.

Why disposable cleanroom gowns fall short

Disposable gowns might seem convenient, but they come with serious drawbacks, from contamination risks to hidden costs.

Contamination from the start

Disposable garments can introduce a significant particulate contamination risk if they’re not manufactured and processed in a certified clean environment.

“Sterile disposable garments can have high particle loads from manufacturing and packaging processes,” explains Swapnil. In the pharma industry, where every particle counts, that’s a real risk. These particles can carry microorganisms, endotoxins, or foreign matter—compromising product quality and patient safety.

Discomfort impacts performance

Disposable gowns are typically made from low-permeability polymer material. While this is essential for creating a barrier against contaminants, they also trap heat and moisture, making long shifts uncomfortable.

And discomfort has a real business impact.

Ergonomics research has revealed that discomfort, poorly‑fitting garments, or constrained movement elevate the risk of human error. In industries like pharmaceuticals or electronics where tolerance for error is extremely low, this can mean a full production batch fails.

Swapnil Pawar

When operators aren’t comfortable, they also adjust their garments more often, which increases contamination risk. Plus, trapped moisture also creates an ideal environment for bacterial and fungal growth—adding yet another hygiene concern.

Durability issues

Disposable gowns are prone to tears and rips. Swapnil explains, “The performance of disposable gowns is intrinsically linked to their polymer composition, which offers limited durability. In cleanrooms, a single tear can compromise the barrier properties.”

And because disposables can’t be reprocessed or repaired, any damage means the gown must be discarded immediately.

Negative environmental impact

Disposable gowns are designed for a single use, then discarded, creating a constant stream of waste. In high-volume pharmaceutical facilities, that adds up fast. Since most disposable gowns are made from virgin plastics, sending them to landfills or incinerators creates a big environmental burden.

“Companies, of course, need to be profitable, but we also have a responsibility to the environment,” says Swapnil. “At Lindström, we aim to help our customers reduce their emissions year after year.”

Hidden costs

Disposables might seem like the budget-friendly choice at first. But in reality, the costs pile up.

Despite the convenience of disposables, they’re not cost-effective or sustainable in the long run. You’re constantly repurchasing and staying on top of inventory.

Swapnil Pawar

How Lindström’s reusable cleanroom gowns deliver more

Our reusable cleanroom service offers a compliant, traceable, and cost-effective alternative that helps you meet regulatory standards while supporting your ESG goals.

Hygiene that meets every standard

A common concern is whether reusable gowns can match the same hygiene requirements as disposables. The answer is clear, as we follow the industry’s strictest standards:

IEST-RP-CC003: The foundation for cleanroom garment systems
Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) guidelines: Quality standards for pharmaceutical production
EN 14065: Microbiological quality assurance for textiles

“We’ve served companies supplying products to the US and European markets for many years,” says Swapnil. Before any facility launch, we validate all laundry programs and use barrier washers and dryers equipped with HEPA filters—the fundamental equipment for garment decontamination. This controlled process prevents any risk of cross-contamination.

“We understand the nuances of contamination control and compliance. At the end of the day, we have to meet our own sustainability targets, too,” adds Swapnil.

Rigorously tested for long-term performance

Our reusable gowns are designed to withstand up to 100 sterilisation cycles. Throughout that lifespan, we test them at regular checkpoints (after 10, 25, 50, 75, and 100 washes) to ensure they maintain:

Barrier protection
Durability
Worker comfort
Low particle contamination

“You can only use disposables once before discarding,” says Swapnil. “But with reusables, we’ve validated the lifecycle—the garment can be used for up to 100 laundry cycles, depending on the garment type and classification.”

We inspect every gown on arrival, after cleaning, and before delivery. Minor pinholes are patched as needed, and each garment is tracked throughout its lifecycle to ensure consistent performance.

Clear sustainability benefits

“Manufacturing 60 disposable gowns consumes far more water, fossil fuel, and energy than manufacturing a single robust reusable garment,” says Swapnil. “For large companies, disposing of polymer-based waste is a heavy burden for meeting ESG goals.”

The sustainability benefits add up fast—from reducing waste and conserving water to enabling end-of-life recycling. We partner with recycling companies in Finland, China, and India who upcycle our garments by extracting plastic from polyester thread to create new products.

Lower costs and easier inventory management

Our rental model makes costs predictable and inventory management hassle-free.

“You just pay rent for reusable garments—you don’t need to buy a new one each time,” says Swapnil. “We deliver weekly, so you don’t need store garments on-site. We take care of all the logistics.”

And the impact reaches across your entire organisation—from the workers wearing the gowns to operations, finance, quality, and procurement. Everyone benefits from simplified processes, predictable costs, and one less thing to manage.

What’s next for reusable cleanroom garments

While regulators today prioritise product quality and patient safety, sustainability is quickly becoming non-negotiable in cleanroom operations. For years, cleanroom garments were made exclusively from virgin polyester fabric, but the market is now shifting towards recycled materials that meet the same strict standards.

Switching to reusables now puts your company ahead of this curve. “Reusable cleanroom garments aren’t just a physical product for pharmaceutical companies. They’re a strategic enabler,” says Swapnil. “By working with us, you get a partner who understands everything related to regulatory, sustainability, and compliance.”

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