Arco PPE Brand Review: Is It Worth It?

Jul 16, 2025

Accidents on the job can happen fast, and the right protection can save lives. That’s why many companies are rethinking their safety gear. One option gaining popularity is the Arco PPE Brand. But does it deliver the quality and durability professionals need every day?

UK Arco PPE Brand’s Market Position and Brand Strength in PPE

From my perspective, the Arco PPE brand has a remarkable history. The PPE company was founded in 1884 and remains family-run to this day, five generations later. I believe this makes it a major name in the UK and European safety and PPE market. Its main office has been in Hull since 1907. Today, Arco provides jobs for over 1,600 people in the UK and China. I find their product range amazing. They offer more than 170,000 PPE items. This covers simple things like gloves (such as the Marigold indicator system) and extends to special equipment for working at great heights.

Industry Recognition and Community Commitment

I noticed that the Arco PPE brand has received many awards. For example, they won the JP Morgan Business Award and the Big Tick award from BITC for their work in social responsibility. I admire their commitment to ethical trading. They show this by being a member of the Ethical Trading Initiative. Their strong pledge to safety is supported by:
* BSIF membership
* UKAS-accredited lab testing
* Following the EU PPE Regulation (2016/425)

Practical Impact and Service Capability

Based on my research, the Arco PPE brand has managed some very important projects. They supplied PPE to the UK government during the Ebola crisis. They also supported the conservation work on Big Ben. Their service capability is also quite strong. They keep £26 million worth of products in stock. I suggest them because they fulfill 97% of orders for next-day delivery across their 40 UK sites. This sets a high standard for product availability and service in the safety field.

Arco PPE Brand’s Quality, Materials, and Testing

From my experience, the Arco PPE brand stands out because it focuses on high-quality materials for its PPE. They have a strict in-house testing process. This backs up their promise: “Arco made. Arco tested.” I like that their products are made with strong, comfortable, and highly protective materials.

Arco PPE Brand’s Materials and Features

I think their product features are impressive.

PPE Products Key Features
Hi-vis garments
  • Use tough, durable fabrics
  • Increase worker visibility
  • Long-lasting in harsh environments
Chemical protective clothing
  • Well-designed for safety
  • Protects from chemicals, germs, and contaminants
Flame-resistant and arc flash clothing
  • Uses top-tier materials
  • Provides more than basic safety
  • Comfortable to wear
Working at height equipment
  • Lightweight and padded designs
  • Ensures safety without limiting movement
Protective gloves
  • Allow good finger movement
  • Compatible with touchscreens
  • Easy to use and safe
Responsible choice of workwear
  • Made with GRS-certified recycled materials
  • Material traceability for ethical practices
  • Carbon-neutral and recyclable lines are available

I also recommend looking at their safety footwear. They use fibreglass composite toe caps. Based on my research, these are a big deal. In compression tests, these caps hold their shape under pressure. Standard plastic toe caps can fail, which might lead to severe injuries like broken bones or even amputation. The fibreglass caps reduce this risk.

Arco PPE Brand’s Testing and Certification

I believe their testing process is top-notch. Every Arco product is tested in-house at UKAS and SATRA-accredited labs. These tests cover:
– Impact resistance
– Compression
– Flame resistance
– How well it blocks chemicals

For instance, they test their footwear to make sure it meets the protection levels they advertise. I’ve seen that this detailed testing means their products go beyond basic UK and EU safety rules.

I suggest you ask for the “declaration of conformity” for any product. It provides the original certification data, which gives me confidence in the gear.

Going Beyond Safety and Sustainability Rules

In my view, Arco Arco PPE brand isn’t just trying to meet the rules; they aim to do better. Many of their products have certifications from GRS and Bluesign. Some product lines are even made in the UK with recycled materials. I find their prices are still competitive. PPE can cost as little as €4.78 for gloves and go up to €144.27 for their technical footwear.

Numbers That Impressed Me

  • They offer more than 3,000 different PPE products.
  • I’ve found their hi-vis gear, gloves, flame-resistant clothes, and footwear are all made for long-lasting use and comfort.
  • Their commitment to sustainability is clear to me. They use ethical sourcing and a lot of recycled materials.

Based on my experience, Arco PPE brand‘s focus on testing is a major plus. They use high-quality, new materials and are open about their certifications. To me, this shows they care about workplace safety more than just meeting the minimum legal rules.

Arco PPE Pricing Compared to Competitors: Value for Money and Market Position

From my analysis, Arco PPE brand’s pricing is in the mid-to-high range for the PPE market. Its main competitors are names like safetybootsuk.co.uk, ebrookes.co.uk, snickersdirect.co.uk, workwearexpress.com, and protecdirect.co.uk. Some of these sites are very popular. For example, workwearexpress.com gets about 249,700 visits each month. This shows me how tough the competition is.

Is Arco PPE Brand More Expensive? Understanding Their Pricing

  • I find that Arco’s top-level PPE, such as arc flash clothing, costs more than cheaper brands.
  • But these better products give you real advantages that cheaper items don’t have. For instance, some of Arco’s arc flash PPE is designed to last up to 70% longer than low-cost versions.
  • I believe these features make the higher price worth it:
    • Better protection (built-in flame and arc resistance that won’t wash away)
    • Guarantees on the seams for the life of the product
    • Tough material that resists rips, tears, and damage

Arco Arc Flash PPE

Cost vs. Performance: Is the Investment Worth It?

  • You might pay more for Arco PPE initially. But I suggest looking at the cost per wear. Over the product’s life, it can match or even be cheaper than budget options.
  • Since the gear has a 70% longer lifespan, you buy it less frequently. This lowers your total spending on PPE over the years.
  • The gear is tougher and well-made. This means fewer replacements, less interruption to work, and safety you can count on.

Key Figures

  • Top-tier Arco Arc Flash PPE gives you a 70% longer service life compared to cheaper options.
  • The cost for each time you wear it evens out. Based on my experience, what seems costly upfront often proves to be a wiser investment.

How Arco Matches Up: Summary Points

  • Arco is mid-range to premium. It’s not the cheapest choice, but it’s not the most expensive either. I see they focus on quality.
  • The main reasons to buy are its long-lasting build and superior protection.
  • The total cost of ownership is often similar to budget brands. You just buy replacements less frequently.
  • Other companies sell both cheap and premium gear. I believe Arco’s goal is long-term safety and value, not just a low initial price.

To sum up, when you choose the Arco PPE brand, you are making a larger initial payment. This is balanced by PPE that lasts longer and keeps your team safer. From my experience, this makes it a great value over the long haul. I would recommend it for any company needing high performance, to meet safety standards, and to reduce how often they replace gear.

Arco PPE Product Range by Industry: Meeting Diverse Sector Needs

From my experience, the Arco PPE brand offers a huge selection of PPE. They have specific gear for key industries like construction, manufacturing, oil & gas, healthcare, and engineering. Every industry gets PPE made to handle its own unique risks. For instance, welders can get flame-retardant trousers. Construction workers can find durable hard hats. Logistics teams can pick safety footwear with either steel or newer non-metallic toe caps.

Full Spectrum of PPE Solutions

I find their catalog covers everything you could need. Here is a look at what they offer:
Face masks and respirators to protect you from dust, chemicals, or viruses.
Gloves and arm protectors to stop scrapes, chemicals, or cuts.
High-visibility and flame-retardant clothing, along with chemical-resistant suits for dangerous jobs.
Safety helmets and bump caps for protection from impacts and falling items.
Safety shoes and boots with steel or composite toes. They also have anti-slip soles and won’t get punctured.
Safety glasses and goggles for eye safety in places like workshops or chemical labs.

Arco PPE Brand

Industry-Specific Applications

  • Healthcare: For healthcare, I recommend their medical-grade masks and disposable gear. This helps stop infections and the spread of germs.
  • Construction & Manufacturing: Workers in construction and factories get great use from their tough safety boots, cut-resistant gloves, and certified hard hats.
  • Oil & Gas: In oil and gas, I’ve noticed they supply crucial gear. This includes flame-retardant clothing and top-level breathing protection for these dangerous settings.

Customisation, Bulk Orders, and Professional Support

I believe the Arco PPE brand makes it simple for companies to buy in bulk. They offer:
Custom-branded PPE. You can get your company’s logo on items from vests to helmets to match your brand or safety codes.
Clear bulk pricing: Entry-level gloves start at €4.78 per pair; protective boots from €103.25 per pair.
Specialist advice and hazard assessment. I suggest using this service to help you choose the right PPE for your business.
– Training materials and support. This helps your staff understand how to use PPE the right way for all their tasks.

Compliance, Quality Assurance, and Industry Leadership

I like that product compliance is their main focus. They tackle the problem of poor-quality PPE, even some with CE marks. They do this by concentrating on category three PPE, which is monitored by an outside party. I think this is vital for high-risk work like construction and oil & gas.

Their commitment also shows in their safety campaigns and expert advice. They help businesses do more than just meet basic requirements. In my opinion, they help companies truly manage risks and follow all the rules.

Based on my experience, Arco is a partner you can count on. They have a wide range of products for specific industries. They are serious about quality and offer great advice. I recommend them to any company that needs to ensure safety and meet regulations.

My Take on Arco Arco PPE Brand’s Sustainable and Ethical PPE

I believe the Arco PPE brand is a leader in making PPE that is sustainable and sourced with strong ethics. I find it impressive that the company earned a Gold rating from EcoVadis. This award puts them in the top 5% of over 120,000 companies reviewed across the world for sustainability. With an EcoVadis ranking in the 98th percentile, Arco is just one point away from the top “Platinum” standard. In my opinion, this award shows Arco’s great work for the environment and their real success in being sustainable.

Key Green Projects and Earth-Friendly PPE

I can see Arco PPE brand has several notable green projects:
– They introduced a new line of high-visibility clothing that is good for the environment, made from recycled materials.
– They put money into renewable energy. They installed a large solar panel system on the roof of their National Distribution Centre.

I recommend looking into these sustainable PPE options. They let buyers lower their environmental impact. You can do this without giving up safety or quality.

Arco PPE

Clear and Responsible Sourcing

I think it is very important that the Arco PPE brand focuses on supply chain clarity. The full EcoVadis review looked at Arco’s whole supply chain. It checked labor conditions and supplier habits. Arco’s public statements show that they constantly check and improve how suppliers act and treat workers. Their goal is clear tracking from the source right to the customer.

Meeting NHS and Industry Rules

For areas like healthcare, I notice Arco promises NHS compliance. This ensures all products meet strict buying and sourcing rules for suppliers. We don’t see detailed NHS audit numbers. However, their dedication to meeting these rules shows me Arco cares about regulations and social duties.

Worldwide Praise and Constant Improvement

This global award from EcoVadis shows me that the Arco PPE brand keeps pushing for higher standards. Their position in the top 5% worldwide, and being so close to “Platinum” status, confirms a key point. Arco is keeping up with sustainability trends. It is also setting new benchmarks in the PPE industry. I believe customers can trust their choice in Arco. Choosing them means you support stronger environmental leadership and ethical sourcing in the PPE market.

Arco PPE Brand’s Customer Service, Training, and After-Sales Support

From my perspective, the Arco PPE brand offers important services like training, expert advice, and after-sales help for PPE customers. These services are key if you need solid safety support for your business. Based on what I’ve seen in customer reviews, getting access to training can be difficult. It also seems they don’t invest much in staff training. I think this affects the advice and support you receive over time.

In-Store and Online Customer Experience

I find that Arco PPE brand lets you shop both in-store and online:
– In my experience, the in-store service feels safe and welcoming, and the staff is usually helpful. I know they handle questions by email and phone. But I’ve also heard of problems with staff behavior and how they handle disagreements at the counter.
– For online support, you can use email and phone. They try to answer quickly. During busy times, you might face delays. I suspect this is because they are short-staffed.

Warranty and Returns

I believe Arco follows standard warranty and returns policies. Yet, customer feedback points out issues with getting refunds and solving problems. This seems to be a bigger issue at their physical stores. In practice, your experience with a warranty or return can change. It often comes down to the local staff and how quickly the management helps.

My final thought is that Arco PPE brand’s customer service and after-sales support feel friendly. But I find the quality is not always the same. Your experience can be different from one store to another and depends on the employee you talk to.

Is Arco PPE Brand Compliant with UK Safety Laws?

I’ve found that Arco PPE is designed to meet all UK safety regulations. The company ensures its own-brand products have the proper CE or UKCA Type Approval Certification. From my perspective, their 5-stage assurance process is very thorough. Each product is tested often in its special UKAS-accredited lab. This continuous checking helps make sure the gear is high-quality and safe.

After the UK left the EU, I noticed Arco took the lead in explaining the new UKCA marking requirements. They help customers understand the new rules, which makes staying compliant much easier. I think it’s great that Arco pushes for better safety checks and honest paperwork in the PPE industry. They point out problems with certifications in the market, and their tough standards make their products safer and more reliable.

Arco PPE Brand

Where to Buy Arco PPE – Online, In-Store, and International Options

From my experience, you can buy Arco PPE from their official website or visit one of their many stores across the UK. As the largest PPE supplier in the UK, they serve a wide variety of industries. I find it easy to get their products either online or from an Arco store.

If you are not in the UK, I suggest you contact Arco about their international shipping policies. Although they focus on the UK, their reputation shows they can handle large orders when needed. For companies outside the UK that need certified PPE, the Arco PPE brand’s support team can tell you if they can deliver to your area.

Is Arco PPE Brand Worth It?

Arco is a top choice for businesses prioritizing safety, durability, and sustainability. Its extensive product range, rigorous testing, and ethical practices make it a leader in the PPE market. While the upfront cost is higher, the longevity and superior protection of its products result in cost savings over time. For companies needing reliable, compliant PPE for high-risk industries, Arco is a worthwhile investment. However, budget-conscious buyers prioritizing low initial costs may find cheaper alternatives, though these often compromise on quality and lifespan.

In conclusion, Arco’s combination of quality, compliance, and sustainability makes it a trusted PPE provider for workplace safety. Its commitment to exceeding regulatory standards and supporting ethical practices ensures long-term value, making it a recommended choice for businesses seeking high-performance PPE.