Disposable Medical Gloves Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Material (Latex, Nitrile, Vinyl, Neoprene), By Form (Powdered, Powder-Free), By Application (Examination, Surgical), By End-User (Hospitals, Clinics, Ambulatory Surgery Centers, Diagnostic Centers) and By Region(North America, Europe, APAC, Middle East and Africa, LATAM) Forecasts, 2024-2032

Market Overview

The disposable medical gloves market size was valued at USD 3,750 million in 2019 and is expected to grow with a CAGR of 8.5% during the forecast period.

A disposable glove is typically made of natural or synthetic rubber that protects the whole hand and is intended to shield the wearer from adverse environmental effects and/or to protect themselves and patients from infections. In the healthcare industry, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, the increasing importance of hand protection is anticipated to drive the disposable medical gloves market growth. Throughout surgical tests and procedures, these gloves protect against cross-contamination and the spread of pathogens. Also, they are meant for single-use use, further reducing the chance of infection.

Market Dynamics

A Surge in Hospital-Acquired Infections (HAIs) across the Globe

In healthcare facilities around the globe, HAI has become a growing concern. As per the WHO, 10 out of 100 hospital patients are reported to suffer from HAIs in developing countries and seven in developed countries, respectively. Health practitioners and professionals are at increased risk of infectious agents and patients being exposed are more likely to contract hospital-acquired infections (HAIs). Around 1.7 million diseases and more than 99,000 deaths are linked with such HAIs in American hospitals, as per a statistical study released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

HAIs were ranked among the top five leading causes of death. Surgical infections, urinary tract infections, pulmonary infections, and bloodstream infections include some of the most frequent hospital-acquired infection forms. According to the American Hospital Association, post-surgery bloodstream infections have increased by 8%, while urinary tract infections have increased by 3.6% due to the use of catheters during surgery. Therefore, to avoid cross-contamination and reduce the risk of spreading infection, the use of disposable medical gloves might play a significant role, pushing the market with higher requirements.

Rising Concerns about Safety and Hygiene

Over the past several years, the consumption rate of medical gloves has grown tremendously due to the growing concerns regarding personal hygiene and safety concerns. Rising knowledge among the healthcare service providers and the foodservice industry concerning hygiene is fueling the demand for disposable gloves. In December 2016, in the U.S., the powdered surgeon gloves, powdered patient assessment gloves, and absorbable powder gloves were banned by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as they increase the risk of injury among the healthcare practitioners during treatment.

Furthermore, recent updates have been released by the Centers for Disease Care and Prevention (CDC) and the European Center for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) to increase awareness and govern the proper use of these gloves in hospitals and clinics as well as in society. Besides, growing stringency on medical gloves from the regulatory and supervisory bodies seems to be another significant driving force for the sector. The World Health Organization (WHO) advises wearing surgical gloves during any patient-care procedures that may include proximity to anybody's fluid (including mucous membrane touch and non-intact skin) during contact scenarios. The goal of these stringent regulations is to reduce the risk of cross-contamination between medical professionals and patients, and vice versa. Besides, the U.S. FDA is providing regulatory flexibility, as described in the enforcement policy for gloves that are intended to be advantageous during a public health emergency, to aid expand the availability of medical gloves during the times of COVID-19.

Regional Analysis

Stringent Regulations in North America to Surge the Demand for Disposable Medical Gloves

North America’s disposable medical gloves market is largely driven by the presence of well-established healthcare infrastructure and regulatory frameworks that ensure the implementation of high standards of hygiene in the region.  For instance, according to the U.S., the gloves used for the handling of foodstuffs are approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) under Title 21 of Part 177 of the Code of Federal Regulations, which specifies that the materials used for the production of gloves must conform to FDA regulations for use in food or food packaging.

The recent developments in the structure of healthcare services, a surge in the number of chronic and acute illnesses, an increase in hospital admissions is adding to the regional disposable medical gloves market growth. Soon, the need for surgical gloves will elevate due to recent extremely transmittable outbreaks, such as coronavirus (COVID-19) and swine flu. The use of surgical gloves plays a critical role in preventing cross-contamination and decreasing the risk of spreading infection. In recent years, by increasing the production and availability of protective surgical gloves, manufacturers of medical gloves have come forward to help in the fight against the global pandemic. That has further led to the advancement of the region's Disposable Surgical Gloves Industry infrastructure.

The rise in the number of surgeries is propelling the market for disposable surgical gloves. As per the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), in 2018, above 24,099 buttock augmentation and 313,735 breast augmentation surgeries were performed in the U.S.The growth of disposable surgical gloves is directly impacted by the rise in the geriatric population as elderly people are particularly vulnerable to chronic diseases and perform multiple operations.

The Netherlands to Spearhead Europe's Market Growth

Europe holds the second-largest share of the global market, owing to the high use of medical disposable gloves in countries, such as Germany, Italy, France, and Spain. According to Hartlega Holdings Bhd, the Netherlands has the highest per capita glove consuming nation, with a per capita glove intake of 276 parts. In contrast, Denmark and Germany have 259 and 208 per capita gloves, respectively. It is also predicted that the Netherlands will contribute to this overall market growth in the region. Moreover, the growing demand for advanced gloves is likely to support the European market in France and Germany.

Segmental Analysis

Versatile Properties of Nitrile Gloves to Surge Its Demand among the End-Users

The segment of nitrile material is expected to record the fastest growth over the projected forecast period. Nitrile gloves are manufactured from synthetic rubber. These gloves are anticipated to offer lucrative opportunities to industry players, owing to their properties, such as low allergy, high flexibility, tear tolerance, and high resistance to oil, fuel, and other chemicals.

Nitrile-based products are commonly favored in conditions where exposure to blood-borne pathogens and other pollutants is a primary concern and provide strong puncture resistance, excellent barrier safety, and durability. Over the past few years, a ban on powdered latex gloves has forced glove manufacturers to expand their capability, in particular for nitrile gloves. Type-I allergies such as coughing, sneezing, and rashes on the face, and rashes on the skin under the gloves are caused by gloves made of natural rubber or latex.

Hospitals: Largest User of Disposable Medical Gloves

The hospital segment holds the largest disposable medical gloves market share. Disposable gloves are commonly used for numerous purposes in hospitals by physicians, physicians, nurses, and other healthcare staff. Moreover, a high incidence of Hospital-Acquired Infections (HAIs) such as surgical site infection, ventilator-associated pneumonia, and bloodstream infections occur in hospitals. The growing number of hospitals worldwide is also expected to influence market growth.

According to a 2019 survey conducted by the American Hospital Association, it is estimated that in the U.S., the number of hospitals grew by 700, of which 400 are community hospitals. The need for disposable surgical gloves is also being boosted by a rise in diagnostic and pathology laboratories associated with hospitals and a rising number of medical practitioners. Moreover, the disposable medical gloves market will also be powered by a strategic partnership between key players and several hospitals and by consolidating healthcare facilities.

Impact of covid-19

Before the pandemic, several developments took place on an international level. The U.S.-China trade war has affected all economies. The U.K.'s exit from the EU is expected to result in a considerable slowdown for the British economy before it gains ground. However, France, Italy, and Germany are expected to benefit from the scenario. And Germany's dominance in the automobile, electronics, and pharmaceuticals sectors will prove beneficial for the Resistive Load Banks market. The U.S.-China trade war and Brexit hint at the global economy moving towards protectionism. 

The pandemic has put several restraints on the global economy and brought international trade to a standstill. Manufacturers of resistive load banks are expected to have begun evaluating alternative raw materials suppliers. In addition, more prominent companies, which have a large balance sheet, are likely to adopt strategies such as vertical integration, which will gain control of the supply chain and aid in gaining a deeper understanding of domestic markets. These players are expected to absorb smaller players, with smaller businesses either shutting down temporarily or permanently. Key players are also likely to turn to increased automation, keeping in mind the uncertainty of the global economy and the workforce. This will also be done to improve just-in-time solutions (JIT) and is expected to aid in the provision of customizations.

Recent Developments

In November 2016, about 500 street vendors were trained by Nestle India, the Food and Drugs Administration, Goa, and the National Association of Street Food Vendors of India (NASVI). Effectiveness and use of disposable gloves in sanitation, hygiene, food handling, and proper waste management operations were included in the instruction of street vendors undertaken by NASVI. According to the results of the Malaysian Rubber Gloves Manufacturers Association (MRGMA), in January 2017, the market for health care gloves increased by 8–10% in 2017, in addition to the demand for nitrile gloves.