Moldex 6622 Goin' Green Review — NRR 33 Corded Foam Earplug, 100 pairs
Moldex 6622 Goin' Green Corded NRR 33: The Best Eco-Friendly Corded Earplug for OSHA Hearing Conservation Programs?
If your facility runs a cord-mandate or FOD-prevention program and your ESG or green procurement policy requires PVC-free, dye-free hearing protection made in the USA, the Moldex 6622 Goin' Green Corded is likely the correct specification. It delivers the same NRR 33 attenuation as standard Moldex foam earplugs — the maximum NIOSH rating for disposable foam — while eliminating PVC from both the plug body and the connecting cord, and using packaging made from post-consumer recycled materials.
This review covers NIOSH approval, OSHA 29 CFR 1910.95 compliance math, the eco-material differentiation versus standard corded foam earplugs, the Goin' Green family variant comparison, and how the 6622 competes against other corded NRR 33 options in the Moldex lineup. For the uncorded 200-pair version, see the Moldex 6620 Goin' Green Uncorded.
Editorial Verdict — 4.3 / 5
NRR 33 corded disposable foam earplug. PVC-free foam body and PVC-free connecting cord with dye-free construction and post-consumer recycled packaging. Effective real-world protection: 13 dB(A) per OSHA 50% derating (max TWA 103 dB(A)). Best fit: green procurement, ESG-reporting facilities, cord-mandate programs needing eco credentials.
Why the Goin' Green Eco-Material Story Matters for Compliance Programs
Most disposable foam earplugs — including many Moldex models — are made from polyurethane (PU) foam, which itself is not PVC. However, the connecting cord on standard corded earplugs is often made from PVC. The Goin' Green line eliminates PVC from both the foam formulation additives and the cord material. The foam is also dye-free, which matters in cleanroom, food-processing, and pharmaceutical environments where dye migration is a contamination concern.
For LEED-certified buildings, ISO 14001 EMS programs, and facilities publishing GRI-standard sustainability reports, the ability to specify PVC-free hearing protection supports materials-reduction credits and green procurement documentation. The Moldex Goin' Green line — 6620 uncorded and 6622 corded — is Moldex's direct answer to these procurement requirements without any NRR penalty.
OSHA 29 CFR 1910.95 Compliance: NRR 33 With Cord
Under OSHA 29 CFR 1910.95, employers must provide hearing protection when worker time-weighted average (TWA) noise exposures reach or exceed the 90 dB(A) action level on the permissible exposure limit (PEL) table, or the 85 dB(A) action level triggering the hearing conservation program (HCP) requirements. The NRR must be sufficient to reduce effective exposure to below 90 dB(A) using OSHA's required 50% derating method:
Effective protection = (NRR − 7) ÷ 2
For NRR 33: (33 − 7) ÷ 2 = 13 dB(A) effective attenuation under OSHA derating.
| TWA Exposure | OSHA Status | 6622 Effective Exposure | Compliant? |
|---|---|---|---|
| 85 dB(A) | HCP trigger | 72 dB(A) | Yes |
| 95 dB(A) | Above PEL | 82 dB(A) | Yes |
| 103 dB(A) | High hazard | 90 dB(A) | At limit |
| 110 dB(A) | Dual protection zone | 97 dB(A) | Add earmuff |
NIOSH guidance recommends targeting ≤85 dB(A) effective exposure using the full NRR without derating as a best practice: 110 − 33 = 77 dB(A) under NIOSH method. For TWA exposures above 105 dB(A), NIOSH recommends dual hearing protection (earplug + earmuff). Pair the 6622 with a WC Safety earmuff for those environments.
The Goin' Green Family: 6620 vs. 6622
| Model | Cord | Qty/Box | NRR | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6620 | No | 200 | 33 | High-volume, no cord mandate |
| 6622 | Yes (PVC-free) | 100 | 33 | Cord-mandate, FOD prevention |
The cord on the 6622 is the same PVC-free material as the plug body — no PVC anywhere in the product. The cord prevents earplug loss into product streams, conveyors, or food processing lines, and allows workers to drape the plug around the neck when temporarily removed without setting it on a contaminated surface.
Eco Credentials Compared: Goin' Green vs. Other Moldex NRR 33 Corded Options
| Product | PVC-Free | Dye-Free | Recycled Pkg | NRR |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6622 Goin' Green | Yes | Yes | Yes | 33 |
| 6609 Camo Corded | No | No | No | 33 |
| 6970 Meteors Corded | No | No | No | 33 |
| 6615 SparkPlugs MD | No | No | No | 33 |
Insertion Technique and Fit for Maximum NRR 33 Attenuation
Per ANSI/ASA S3.19 laboratory testing methodology, NRR 33 is measured with proper insertion technique. Real-world attenuation drops significantly with improper fit. NIOSH field studies show workers achieve only 30–40% of labeled NRR on average. Proper roll-down technique for the 6622:
- Roll the foam plug into a tight cylinder (no wrinkles) with clean, dry fingers.
- Reach over the head with the opposite hand to pull the pinna upward and backward, opening the ear canal.
- Insert the rolled plug with a slight rotating motion until only a small portion remains visible.
- Hold for 20–30 seconds while the foam expands to fill the canal geometry.
- The cord should hang naturally without tension — cord tension can unseat the plug.
Annual fit testing under OSHA's 29 CFR 1910.95(k) training requirements should include demonstration of correct insertion. Consider using a personal attenuation rating (PAR) system such as the 3M E-A-Rfit to verify individual fit in your HCP.
Made in USA: Federal Procurement and TAA Compliance
All Moldex Goin' Green earplugs — including the 6622 and 6620 — are manufactured in Covina, California. This satisfies Buy American Act requirements for federal government procurement, TAA compliance for GSA schedule purchasing, and "Made in USA" sourcing preferences in state and municipal government contracts. NIOSH approval under 42 CFR Part 84 / 29 CFR 11.57 is maintained on current production.
15+ Frequently Asked Questions — Moldex 6622 Goin' Green Corded
Q: What is the NRR of the Moldex 6622 Goin' Green Corded?A: NRR 33 — the maximum NIOSH rating for disposable foam earplugs. Under OSHA's required 50% derating, effective attenuation is 13 dB(A), sufficient for TWA exposures up to 103 dB(A).
Q: What makes the Goin' Green corded different from standard corded earplugs?A: The 6622 uses PVC-free foam and a PVC-free connecting cord. The foam is also dye-free. Packaging is made from post-consumer recycled materials. No NRR penalty — still NRR 33.
Q: Is the Moldex 6622 NIOSH approved?A: Yes. NIOSH approved under 42 CFR Part 84 and 29 CFR 11.57. The NRR 33 rating is based on ANSI/ASA S3.19 real-ear attenuation at threshold (REAT) testing conducted with human subjects.
Q: Does the PVC-free cord perform the same as a standard PVC cord?A: Yes. The cord serves the same retention function — preventing earplug loss and allowing the plug to hang around the neck when temporarily removed. PVC-free material does not affect cord strength or elasticity at normal use temperatures.
Q: How many pairs come in a box of Moldex 6622?A: 100 pairs per box. The uncorded 6620 comes in 200 pairs per box.
Q: Is the Moldex 6622 suitable for food processing environments?A: Yes — dye-free construction reduces dye migration risk. However, verify your facility's foreign body contamination policy. Some food processing lines require metal-detectable or brightly colored earplugs for visual inspection. The 6622 foam color is natural/undyed.
Q: Can I use the 6622 in dual hearing protection programs?A: Yes. For TWA exposures above 105 dB(A), NIOSH recommends pairing earplugs with earmuffs. Use the 6622 as the plug component and add a compatible earmuff to achieve combined attenuation.
Q: What OSHA regulation requires hearing protection in my facility?A: OSHA 29 CFR 1910.95 (general industry) and 29 CFR 1926.52 (construction) set noise exposure limits and hearing conservation program requirements. Hearing protection must be provided when TWA reaches or exceeds 90 dB(A) PEL or 85 dB(A) HCP action level.
Q: Does the cord on the 6622 affect the NRR rating?A: No. The cord does not affect the earplug's NRR 33 rating. NRR is a property of the plug body's acoustic attenuation, not the cord material.
Q: What is the difference between the 6622 and the 6609 Camo Plugs Corded?A: Both are NRR 33 corded disposable foam earplugs. The 6609 Camo Plugs has a camouflage pattern design to increase voluntary wear rates among construction and outdoor workers. The 6622 is dye-free and PVC-free for green procurement programs.
Q: Where is the Moldex 6622 manufactured?A: Covina, California, USA. Moldex manufactures all Goin' Green earplugs domestically, satisfying Buy American Act requirements for federal and government procurement contracts.
Q: What is ANSI/ASA S3.19 and why does it matter for NRR?A: ANSI/ASA S3.19 is the American National Standard that defines the real-ear attenuation at threshold (REAT) test method used to generate the NRR. The EPA requires manufacturers to label hearing protectors with the NRR derived from this test. OSHA requires 50% derating of the labeled NRR when estimating workplace protection.
Q: How does the Goin' Green line support LEED certification?A: PVC-free products can contribute to LEED v4 Materials & Resources credits related to building product disclosure and optimization. Recycled-content packaging supports waste reduction documentation. Consult your LEED project administrator for credit eligibility specifics.
Q: Is the 6622 appropriate for construction sites?A: Yes. NRR 33 provides maximum foam earplug protection for construction noise sources including jackhammers (~130 dB peak), concrete saws (~100 dB TWA), and generators (~95 dB). The corded design also reduces loss risk on job sites. For camouflage aesthetics popular in construction, see the 6609 Camo Plugs Corded.
Q: Does Moldex make a bulk jar or dispenser version of the Goin' Green?A: The Goin' Green line is available in box format only (6620 uncorded 200 pairs, 6622 corded 100 pairs). For bulk jar dispensing, see the 6685 Camo Plugs Jar or the 6683 Softies Jar.
Q: How do I calculate hearing protector adequacy for my noise exposure?A: Use OSHA's noise reduction rating formula: Effective protection (dB) = (NRR − 7) ÷ 2. Subtract this from your measured TWA. If the result is at or below 90 dB(A), the protector is adequate under OSHA 29 CFR 1910.95. For the 6622: 90 dB(A) TWA − 13 dB = 77 dB(A) effective — well under the limit.
Where to Buy the Moldex 6622 Goin' Green Corded
Purchase the Moldex 6622 Goin' Green Corded at WC Safety — authorized Moldex distributor with volume pricing for safety managers. Compare the full WC Safety earplug collection including Moldex 6620 Goin' Green Uncorded, Moldex 6608 Camo Plugs, Moldex 6820 Mellows NRR 30, and Moldex 6920 Zebras.
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