Nitrile Gloves Market

Market Overview

The global nitrile gloves market size was valued at USD 8.5 billion in 2021. It is projected to reach USD 13.53 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 5.30% during the forecast period (2022-2030). Nitrile is resistant to various chemicals and substances, including water, grease, and oil. Nitrile gloves are widely used in the healthcare industry due to their high puncture resistance and dexterous strength. These gloves have a longer shelf life, less friction, and more puncture resistance than latex gloves. Increasing awareness of latex allergies is predicted to fuel demand for these products during the projection period. The market expansion is expected to be aided by nitrile gloves' increased resistance to chemicals and punctures compared to vinyl and latex gloves.

Market Dynamics

Global Nitrile Gloves Market Drivers

Growing Importance of Safety and Security at Workplaces

Due to the strict rules and high costs associated with workplace dangers, it is projected that growing industry awareness of the significance of worker safety and security at workplaces will propel market expansion. The importance of worker safety has dramatically increased as a result of the expansion of employment across many industries in Asia-Pacific and the Middle East. Businesses have formed safety policies to lessen workplace hazards and prioritize worker safety. This has helped to limit the adverse effects on overall operational costs in the form of arbitrated settlements or compensation.

The rising incidence of infectious diseases and viral outbreaks drives the need for nitrile gloves in the healthcare sector. The demand for nitrile gloves in the healthcare industry is expected to increase due to growing awareness of the safety and health precautions related to emergency response occurrences and patient treatment. Additionally, the hazards associated with occupational transmission of germs and blood-borne infections have prompted the use of gloves in medical and healthcare settings.

Global Nitrile Gloves Market Restraint

Volatile Raw Material Costs

Labor, raw material, procurement costs, and raw material availability significantly influence nitrile glove prices. Acrylonitrile-butadiene rubber, a copolymer created from butadiene and acrylonitrile monomers, is used to make nitrile gloves. It is anticipated that less butadiene will be available to produce NBR due to rising demand for the ingredient in other goods, such as automobile tires. The rising cost of nitrile gloves results from the widening imbalance between supply and demand. If facilities for butadiene production are shut down, nitrile prices are predicted to rise. The availability of natural rubber significantly influences the cost of nitrile. The price of latex rubber is influenced by the farms' capacity to produce it and the labor costs associated with its processing.

Global Nitrile Gloves Market Opportunities

Rising Healthcare Expenditures

People's reliance on higher public funding rather than out-of-pocket expenses is responsible for the increase in healthcare costs in the middle- and low-income economies. Global healthcare spending is expected to rise due to population growth, expanded public healthcare systems, and growing economic power. Additionally, it is anticipated that the aging population, increasing numbers of people with chronic and long-term diseases, rising labor costs and staff shortages, and expanding demand for broader ecosystem services would increase healthcare spending globally. Increased use of personal protective equipment, such as coveralls, gowns, lab coats and aprons, respirators, bouffant caps, shoe covers, masks, and gloves, is a result of the demand for healthcare services and products. It is anticipated that the need for sophisticated medical infrastructure and healthcare services will be driven by rising health concerns brought on by unhealthy lifestyles. These factors will also increase demand for medical products and devices.

Regional Analysis

The global nitrile gloves market is bifurcated into four regions, namely North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and LAMEA.

North America Dominates the Global Market

North America is the most significant global nitrile gloves market shareholder and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 7.8% during the forecast period. Rising rates of chronic ailments, particularly obesity, will probably push up healthcare costs even more, which will help the market expand. Numerous significant glove producers are present in the region, including Kimberly-Clark Corporation, Cardinal Health, and Medicom, which are expected to support the market's expansion over the projection period. A significant portion of the U.S. population is over 65, and the country has a sophisticated healthcare system and relatively more significant levels of patient disposable income. Additionally, healthcare spending in the nation is the highest in the world. The demand for medical-grade nitrile gloves in the healthcare sector is projected to increase due to the aforementioned considerations. For instance, the Canadian Surgical Technologies & Advanced Robotics (CSTAR) health research center implemented several innovations in the healthcare industry, resulting in the sector's growth during the past several years. It is projected that market expansion will accompany a rise in medical-grade nitrile gloves in the healthcare industry.

Europe is expected to grow at a CAGR of 7.3% during the forecast period. It is anticipated that nitrile gloves demand will grow in the region due to increased occupational injuries and growing demand for highly effective protective gloves in most core industries, including food and beverage, metal manufacturing, oil and gas, automotive, and chemical. Additionally, the French government has loosened the requirements for personal protective equipment (PPE) to entice more regional manufacturers to begin producing protective gloves, surgical masks, and coveralls. This is anticipated to spur market growth for medical-grade nitrile gloves over the years.

The National Information System for Prevention in Workplaces (SINP), comprising the Ministries of Health, Labor and Social Policy, Interior, INAIL, the regions and autonomous provinces of Trento and Bolzano, as well as the institutions and joint bodies in the manufacturing sector, has developed safety standards in Italy that are by European Union directives. In addition, favorable legislation emphasizing the necessity to safeguard workers in dangerous environments is anticipated to boost the market growth for nitrile gloves over the forecast period.

The Asia-Pacific healthcare sector is anticipated to increase steadily over the forecast period. Expanding healthcare facilities, such as hospitals and clinics, as well as an increase in the number of people choosing home care services and increased medical tourism in the area, are significant drivers of the rise. The demand for medical-grade nitrile gloves is estimated to increase throughout the forecast period due to the growing geriatric population and the growing need for healthcare services. Due to the epidemic, there is a higher internal demand for PPE, such as medical gloves. Furthermore, Japan is prone to disasters and has seen many effects, increasing demand for hospitals, outpatient surgical/day centers, and emergency medical services (EMS). Thus, Japan has created a Disaster Medical Assistance Team (DMAT) for domestic incidents and the Japan Disaster Relief (JDR) Team for an international response due to their experiences and lessons learned.

Brazil primarily relies on glove imports to meet domestic demand across various industries because local supply is weak and erratic. New healthcare legislation and regulations have positively impacted the use of safety gloves in the medical industry. Latex surgical and examination gloves are used far more frequently than other gloves. The demand for medical grade nitrile gloves has increased due to the presence of large pharmaceutical firms with their manufacturing facilities in Colombia and the strict policies and regulations to ensure a safe environment for healthcare professionals.

Segmental Analysis

The global nitrile gloves market is segmented by type, product, and end-user.

Based on Type, the global market is bifurcated into powdered and powder-free.

The powder-free segment is the highest contributor to the market and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 8.9% during the forecast period. Powder-free nitrile gloves undergo a chlorination procedure, which lessens their form-fittingness to prevent the need for powder for ease of application and removal. In order to remove most powdered residue, grime, and proteins, these gloves are treated with a chlorine solution, rinsed with water, and then dried again. As a result, powder-free gloves are more durable than powder-coated gloves. Some nitrile gloves are also double-chlorinated on the inside, which gives them an even smoother feel and makes it possible to put them on even with moist hands. The chlorination technique has the drawback that powder-free gloves may be more challenging to remove rapidly and have less grip.

Additionally, manufacturers add polymer coatings like acrylic, silicone, and hydrogels with lower surface friction than glove material to make the gloves easier to wear. Due to the additional chlorination process, powder-free gloves are more expensive than powdered gloves. Because they are becoming more popular across a wide range of industries, such as the medical, food processing, and chemical sectors, powder-free nitrile gloves are anticipated to dominate the market over the coming years.

The powdered nitrile gloves are made from two different powders: cornstarch and calcium carbonate. The commonly used cornstarch powder makes gloves easier to put on, improves grip, and decreases sweat and moisture inside the gloves. In general, allergies are not a problem with powdered nitrile gloves. The user's skin may become sensitive or allergic to these gloves if worn for an extended period. Additionally, as long as only a trace quantity of powder (no more than 2 mg of powder per glove) makes it into the finished product, the mandate does not apply to the powder used in manufacturing powder-free gloves. Over the anticipated time, the variables above are expected to restrain the market's expansion for powdered nitrile gloves. Although the FDA has not outright prohibited powdered gloves for industrial use, the demand for powdered nitrile gloves is anticipated to suffer over the forecast period due to the gradual discontinuation of these gloves.

Based on Product, the global market is bifurcated into disposable and durable.

The disposable segment owns the highest market share and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 8.4% during the forecast period. Disposable nitrile gloves have several benefits, including cost-effectiveness and safety assurance. Over the next few years, these variables will be anticipated to fuel product demand. Healthcare and food and beverage employees typically choose these gloves because they regularly need to use new gloves. These gloves are simple to take off and may be thrown away without washing or cleaning. When opposed to durable gloves, which offer higher sensitivity, disposable nitrile gloves are typically thinner. These gloves defend against irritants and mild chemicals, but they should not be used in hostile settings or with harsh chemicals in the metal and manufacturing or oil and gas industries. The chemical resistance of long-lasting nitrile gloves is higher than that of other disposable gloves.

Gloves made of nitrile that last are strong, resilient, produce little waste, and have other environmental benefits. They are designed to be used repeatedly in demanding situations. These gloves are thicker than disposable nitrile gloves, which makes them last longer and prevents them from tearing easily. This offers superior hand protection, especially in areas requiring heavy-duty work. Durable nitrile gloves are thicker than disposable gloves, provide greater durability, are less sensitive than disposable versions, and can be uncomfortable doing challenging jobs. Furthermore, compared to disposable gloves, which can be thrown away after use, they require more frequent cleaning after use, making them less convenient. Durable nitrile gloves are made to withstand repeated and extensive use, especially in environments that need heavy lifting, such as those in the oil and gas, chemical and petrochemical, automotive, and metal and equipment industries.

Based on End-User, the global market is bifurcated into medical and healthcare (surgical, examination), automotive, oil and gas, food and beverage, metal and machinery, chemical and petrochemical, pharmaceutical, cleanroom, and others.

The medical and healthcare segment is the highest contributor to the market and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 8.8% during the forecast period. In order to assist doctors and patients in reducing cross-contamination and pathogen transmission during medical examinations and procedures, nitrile gloves are widely utilized throughout the medical and healthcare industries. These gloves are a barrier to reducing the danger of spreading germs, blood-borne infections, and other environmental toxins while at work.

Additionally, the fact that these gloves are single-use reduces the possibility of contamination. Nitrile gloves are preferred where exposure to blood-borne diseases and other contaminants is a top concern because they provide strong puncture resistance, excellent barrier protection, and durability. Surgical and examination gloves are two common categories for nitrile gloves based on their intended use. Doctors, nurses, carers, and other healthcare professionals perform non-invasive physical examinations while wearing examination gloves.

The demand for disposable nitrile gloves in the sector is anticipated to increase over the projected period since the food industry is heavily dependent on quality control and hygiene. To stop the transmission of bacteria and germs, workers in the food and beverage industry wear disposable nitrile gloves. Nitrile disposable gloves are used in the food service industry to protect workers against foodborne infections. Additionally, disposable nitrile gloves shield users from the burning feeling of chopping hot items like jalapeno peppers. The excellent grip is provided by nitrile gloves, enabling the safe handling of food items. For cooking, processing, and washing foods such as meat, seafood, poultry, sweets, vegetables, and beverages, nitrile gloves are utilized.

Recent Developments

• September 2022- Chemwatch, a leader in chemicals management and the creation of safety data sheets (SDS), and Ansell, a manufacturer of chemical personal protective equipment (PPE), have announced a global partnership.
• October 2022- Top Glove obtained Double Recognition for sustainability efforts.