The ReGLOVE is a 100% recycled plastic shoulder-length examination glove, developed by Jennifer Stone, a practicing large-animal veterinarian, to specifically target the high volume of single-use, virgin plastic gloves common in veterinary work and on-farm tasks like calving assistance and DIY artificial insemination (AI).
“I really believed that as an industry, we must find ways to do better” says Stone, explaining her motivation to design and develop the product.
Launched in 2025, the ReGLOVE is now available nationwide through distributors SVS Veterinary Supplies and Fortis. Farm store availability is coming soon, says Stone.
Made from recycled plastic, it maintains performance standards tested in demanding vet field conditions: durability for extended use, sensitivity for palpating structures, and reliability comparable to traditional gloves.
“Testing in the field was essential including by the toughest critic – me," she says.
Veterinarians have long sought sustainable alternatives to virgin plastic disposables, which generate the majority of waste during procedures. Past options – like biodegradable or compostable gloves, or on-site washing programs – often underperformed in strength, safety, or practicality.
Stone works with large animals including dairy cattle and noted the disconnect.
“Vets routinely guide farmers on sustainable practices, from resource efficiency to environmental management,” she explains.
“Yet our daily use of virgin plastic single-use gloves – for calvings, exams, AI, and more – contributed to landfill waste without good alternatives.”
This issue spans veterinary and animal breeding industries. Shoulder-length gloves are standard for tasks like assisting difficult calvings or performing AI on dairy herds, where precision and protection are critical.
Stone spent years considering solutions before founding Stonelands Veterinary Supplies Ltd in 2024 with a single mission: to prove that the veterinary industry can do better, she says.
Early development earned recognition: Stone was a finalist in the Innovation Franklin Shark Tank Competition, with judges praising it as an “innovative, smart, sustainable solution to a long-standing challenge.”
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After rigorous testing, the ReGLOVE rolled out as New Zealand’s first 100% recycled shoulder-length exam glove.
It uses post-consumer recycled plastic, reducing demand for fossil fuels and new virgin materials. Performance matches industry needs: tough enough for NZ farming conditions, tactile for detecting calf positions or AI placement, and safe for procedural use.
Feedback from vet clinics, pharmaceutical suppliers, and breeding companies has been tremendous, with the New Zealand Veterinary Association supporting and highlighting it on their website and in their publications, notes Stone.
For dairy farmers, the ReGLOVE offers another solution amid growing sustainability focus, she says.
During peak calving, gloves see significant use for interventions, or in DIY AI programs to boost herd genetics. Vets using these gloves align their practices with advice given to farmers on reducing environmental impacts—echoing calls from groups like DairyNZ and Fonterra for industry-wide stewardship.
Industry voices have noted its potential, suggesting support from major players as farms face environmental requirements and consumer demands for low-emission dairy, says Stone.
This development underscores ongoing efforts in NZ agriculture to balance performance with sustainability and Stone views it as a great step in the right direction for the industry.
“Vets have a role in demonstrating feasible positive changes.”
www.thereglove.co.nz.
