McWin partners with reusable plastic gloves firm

Private equity firm McWin’s Food Tech Fund I has formed a strategic partnership with reusable plastic gloves firm ElephantSkin.

The brand’s gloves are designed to be the first antimicrobial, washable and reusable gloves for the non-medical market, to reduce the use of single-use plastic gloves within the food ecosystem.

As part of the agreement, McWin will facilitate introductions of ElephantSkin’s products to restaurant operators throughout its affiliated network, in exchange for its Food Tech Fund I taking an equity stake in the brand.

McWin believes the gloves are are well-suited to support the sustainability efforts it has championed across portfolio companies and the investor has already facilitated introductions to major brands including Popeyes, Subway and Burger King.

ElephantSkin’s patented gloves are crafted from materials infused with antimicrobial and antiviral technology and are capable of withstanding over 30 washes. Each glove deployed is expected to replace thousands of disposable plastic gloves, which could reduce both the impact on the environment and the user cost.

Raphael Reifeltshammer, CEO of ElephantSkin, said: “After our successful proof of concept, we looked at several companies to form a strategic partnership within the hospitality sector and concluded that McWin were the best for us for two key reasons – they are the right partners for us to scale our business; and, secondly they are equally committed to reform the hospitality sector and reduce the environmental impact of plastic glove use.

“We look forward to working with McWin to deliver greater sustainability in the hospitality and food and beverage sector by addressing cost, plastic waste and CO2 footprint without compromising on hygiene.”

ElephantSkin’s existing hospitality customers include Domino’s Pizza and Marriott Hotel Group.

Martin Davalos, partner and head of food tech at McWin, added: “The partnership with ElephantSkin signifies the beginning of a transformative era in the plastic gloves market, setting a precedent for sustainability and innovation within the food industry.”

McWin has a majority stake in Italian restaurant group Big Mamma, and is reportedly in talks to buy the Gail’s bakery chain.

The investor already backs the parent company of Gail’s as well as German pizza and pasta chain L’Osteria and hospitality incubator White Rabbit Projects. It also acquired the Sticks’n’Sushi restaurant chain last year for an undisclosed sum.