Rubber Gloves Market

Market Overview

The global rubber gloves market size was valued at USD 38,745 million in 2021, which is envisioned to project to USD 97,450 million growing at a CAGR of 12.22% during the forecast period.

A rubber glove is a glove composed of natural rubber, synthetic rubber, and rubber coating applied to a textile glove. Its primary function is to shield the user from dangerous materials while performing a task. Additionally, it is utilized in the industrial and medical sectors like industrial and medical gloves, respectively. It guards hands against dangers like iron nails, hot equipment, and corrosive substances. In the medical field, caregivers and medical personnel use it to block contact with various pathogens.

The rubber gloves industry is among the least-organized sectors, with many local businesses not adhering to standards. To small-scale industries, these local businesses sell nonstandard gloves. These small businesses purchase gloves without regard for their safety standards because they are inexpensive. The rise in worker safety & security awareness, the government's increased emphasis on occupational safety, and the rapid industrialization of many regions all contribute to the expansion of the rubber gloves market. Global market expansion is facilitated by increased demand, favorable government policies, and technological advances in this field.

Market Dynamics

Market Driving Factors

Growing Usage in Healthcare and Medical Applications to Bolster Market Growth

The healthcare sector plays a pivotal role in the rubber gloves market because gloves protect patients and healthcare professionals from infection. Most physicians and health care professionals prefer latex or nitrile rubber gloves since latex is made from natural rubber, and nitrile is a synthetic rubber that protects hands from bacteria, pathogens, and other environmental contaminants and is used for chemical processing and sanitizing solutions. As per the U.S. national library of medicine, the demand for rubber gloves will increase in the next decade due to an increase in patients, technology, and information, with the patient as the ultimate consumer. In addition, the surge in the proportion of public hospitals, research institutions, and health centers in developed and emerging nations, such as academic health centers in the United States and primary health centers and community health centers in India, led to an increase in the demand for rubber gloves. In addition, the increase in hospital hygiene care has led to a rise in the usage of rubber gloves by hospital sweepers and nurses, which tends to stimulate the advancement of the rubber gloves market.

Market Restraining Factors

Low Tactile Sensitivity of Nitrile Gloves May Impede Growth

Vinyl and nitrile rubber gloves do not contain latex. However, vinyl gloves are less sturdy and have low tactile sensitivity. Moreover, vinyl is not an ideal material for dealing with the majority of organic solvents and water-based solutions. In addition, vinyl gloves are composed of PVC and plasticizers, rendering them stiff, thick, rigid, and poorly fitting. In addition to causing recurring strain injuries and metabolic disorders like insulin resistance and heart disease, these factors can also cause cancer. However, the low durability and susceptibility to infection of vinyl gloves and the low tactile sensitivity of both vinyl and nitrile gloves limit the rubber gloves market expansion.

Key Market Opportunities

Growing Hygiene Practices to Spur Market Opportunities

After the worldwide pandemic outbreak, there has been an increase in awareness regarding hygiene and body care products like rubber gloves, masks, PPE, and others, elevating rubber glove sales. Top Gloves Corporation, a leading manufacturer of rubber gloves, proclaimed a 56.2% revenue increase in 2020. And claimed to increase the revenue in the coming years. Thus, opening up new opportunities for manufacturers in the rubber gloves market. In addition, an increase in awareness of hygiene practices has caused a spike in the use of rubber gloves in industry sectors involved in food & beverages, bakeries, restaurants, and packaged food to remove direct contact from safe products and prevent infections caused by improper food handling and spoilage. In addition, governments from different nations partnered with rubber manufacturers to maintain adequate supplies in healthcare facilities and prevent the spread of viruses.

Regional Analysis

The global market for rubber gloves region-wise segmentation includes North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and LAMEA.

North America and Europe will Dominate the Regional Market

North America will command the market with the largest share during the forecast period growing at a CAGR of 13.05%. The rise in population, hygiene awareness, and geriatric population in the region cause an increase in surgical procedures. This increases the region's demand for rubber gloves. The upsurge of the rubber gloves market in the North American region is expected to be driven during the forecast period by increased demand for hospital and medical services, hygiene products, mechanical products, and laboratories.

In addition, according to the 2018 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, workers must wear gloves and PPE on work sites in the mechanical and steel industries. Approximately 23.0% of injuries happen, given the absence of rubber gloves. Furthermore, North America is the largest continent for healthcare and pharmaceutical research & development, so the extensive demand for rubber gloves from research & development is the primary factor driving the growth of the North American market. In addition, the establishment of stringent regulations by the authorities regarding masks raises people's awareness about hygiene protection through rubber gloves; this, in turn, propels market growth during the forecast period.

Europe will hold the second-largest share of USD 38,131 million and grow at a CAGR of 13.41%. As one of the world's largest automakers, Germany has a large market for rubber gloves used in the mechanical and other industrial sectors. Europe is one of the leading exporters of food and beverages, which encourages the usage of rubber gloves in the region. The rubber gloves market in Europe is growing due to increased demand from healthcare applications like pathology labs, drug labs, healthcare facilities, the research department, and cleanrooms. In addition, Europe is the world's largest automobile manufacturer, with large manufacturing countries like Germany, France, the United Kingdom, and others, which has increased the use of industrial rubber gloves. The well-established automobiles and food processing industries bolstered Europe's market. In addition, rubber gloves are required for use in the mechanical, chemical, and steel industries in many European countries, such as the United Kingdom, Germany, and France, which has led to the rise of rubber gloves in Europe.

Segmental Analysis

The global market for rubber gloves is classified based on type, end-user industry, material, and region.

On the Basis of Type

Based on type, the segments include powdered and powder-free rubber gloves.

The segment of power-free rubber gloves is most likely to hold the largest share during the forecast period growing at a CAGR of 14.01%. Powder-free rubber gloves undergo a process referred to as chlorination and do not contain cornstarch powder. With resistance to food, chemicals, oil, and water, these gloves are more adaptable and suitable for demanding applications. Powder-free gloves reduce the risk of contamination and are kinder to the skin than powdered gloves. The fact that powder-free gloves are utilized in oil & gas and chemical industrial applications contributes to an increased demand for powder-free gloves.

The powdered rubber gloves will hold the second-largest share. Powdered rubber gloves incorporate cornstarch powder as a donning agent. Powder functions as a lubricant and makes it easier to put on gloves. This powder adsorbs the latex debris and acts as a carrier that predisposes an allergic reaction. During the forecast period, the powdered rubber gloves market share is anticipated to be driven by an increase in demand from hospital & medical services, hygiene products, mechanical goods, and laboratories.

On the Basis of Product

Based on the product, the segments are disposable and reusable.

The segment of disposable rubber gloves will hold the largest share during the forecast period growing at a CAGR of 13.91%. Disposable gloves are single-use gloves that provide general hand protection. Disposable gloves are the most commonly used gloves in the rubber gloves segment, and the rise in demand for disposable gloves in the food & catering, spa & saloon, photochemistry, automotive, and healthcare sectors, among others, is expected to propel the expansion of the global market over the forecast period. Natural, biodegradable, ultra-elastic, comfortable, tactilely sensitive, and safe for extended use are characteristics of disposable gloves.

The reusable rubber gloves segment will hold the second-largest share. Reusable gloves are worn multiple times and offer the greatest strength and durability. The rise in demand for reusable gloves in domestic daily activities such as cleaning, hair dying, dishwashing chemical, mechanical, and food services to protect hands is projected to fuel the rubber gloves market growth over the forecast period.

On the Basis of End-User

The end-user industry segments include Healthcare, Automotive, Food & Beverage, Machinery, and others.

The healthcare sector is projected to hold the largest share during the forecast period and grow at a CAGR of 14.61%. The healthcare industry is the largest consumer of rubber gloves, which protect patients and medical personnel from infection. Gloves made of rubber keep hands clean and reduce the risk of disease. Two varieties of rubber gloves are utilized in the healthcare sector. They are exam and surgical. The rise in the requirement for rubber gloves from hospitals, laboratories, dentists, and other healthcare applications is anticipated to propel the rubber gloves market growth over the forecast period. Moreover, rubber gloves are the only alternative for hand protection in surgical procedures; surgeons favor nitrile rubber gloves due to their extreme durability and biochemical resistance.

The food & beverage segment will hold the second-largest share. Rubber gloves used in the food and beverage industry are constructed from lightweight rubber or plastic and are designed with a loose fit for convenient wearing and removal. The primary components of these gloves are latex and nitrile, and they are resistant to biochemicals, oil, heat, and water. For food development and manufacturing, rubber gloves are utilized such that compounds released pose no threat to human health. During the forecast period, the demand for food & beverage products like wine, cold drinks, baked goods, and meat is anticipated to drive the rubber gloves market share.

On the Basis of Material

The segments are latex, nitrile, vinyl, and others based on material.

The nitrile rubber gloves segment will likely hold the largest share during the forecast period and grow at a CAGR of 14.51%. Nitrile rubber is a synthetic copolymer formed from butadiene and acrylonitrile, also known as BUNA-N. Nitrile rubber has exceptional oil, chemical, and puncture resistance, as well as superior tensile and elongation properties; however, it is widely employed in the manufacture of protective gloves. The demand for oil & gas, aeronautical, technicians, and service mechanics increased the demand for nitrile gloves, boosting the global market. In addition, the increase in fashion-related activities such as tattooing, hairdressing, and face massages has caused a spike in demand for nitrile gloves. It is the primary factor driving the expansion of the rubber gloves market.

The latex rubber gloves segment will hold the second-largest share. Latex is a white, pliable substance found beneath the bark of mature rubber trees. It consists of approximately 40.0% rubber particles, 55.0% water, and small amounts of protein, sterol glycosides, resins, ash, and sugar. The high demand for latex rubber gloves in several industries, such as the medical, dental, child care & senior care, food & beverages, sanitation, automotive, oil & gas, and manufacturing sectors, is one of the major factors driving the growth of the rubber gloves market.

Recent Developments

• In 2022, Kimberly Clark Company introduced the new Poiseâ Ultra-Thin Pads with wings.
• In 2022, Supermax Corporation Bhd will build an advanced manufacturing facility in Brazoria County, Texas, United States.