Global Disposable Gloves Market Size, Share, Growth Analysis, By Material, By Product, By Application, By Sterility - Industry Forecast 2023-2030

Global Disposable Gloves Market size was valued at USD 11.84 billion in 2021 and is poised to grow from USD 12.30 billion in 2022 to USD 16.71 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 3.9% in the forecast period (2023-2030).

The disposable glove market in the United States is driven by several factors, including the availability of advanced healthcare infrastructure, high disposable income levels of patients, and a significant geriatric population. The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has further increased the demand for disposable gloves, particularly in the healthcare sector. Occupational hazards, such as exposure to hazardous chemicals, drive the demand for disposable gloves in various industries, including healthcare, medicine, and mining, to protect workers from skin diseases, hand wounds, and bloodborne pathogens. The market is expected to be driven by safety regulations aimed at ensuring worker safety. Key players in the market are focusing on research and development activities to enhance the properties of disposable gloves, such as high heat resistance, comfort, flexibility, and lightweight qualities. These initiatives aim to expand the functionality of disposable gloves and broaden their applications by incorporating new features into existing designs.

However, the market faces challenges such as the high cost of raw materials and the complex manufacturing process required for producing disposable gloves, which requires significant investment. Additionally, certain gloves may have adverse effects, and there is intense competition among key players, which can hinder market growth. Nonetheless, efforts by major raw material suppliers to collaborate across the value chain in developing these gloves are expected to enhance market competitiveness.

Segments covered in this report:

The disposable gloves market is segmented on the basis of material, product, application, sterility, and region. By material, the market is segmented into nitrile gloves, natural rubber latex gloves, Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) gloves, and others. By product, market is segmented into powdered and powder-free. By application, market is segmented into medical & healthcare, surgical and non-medical. By sterility, market is segmented into Sterile and non-sterile. By region, the market is segmented into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa, and Latin America.

Driver

Th The implementation of improved industrial safety and hygiene regulations is driving the demand for protective gloves in various industries. In the construction sector, where a significant number of work-related accidents and fatalities occur, the lack of proper safety measures can lead to hazardous conditions for workers' hands. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, hand injuries in construction are often a result of workers not wearing gloves or using improperly fitted or defective gloves. Wearing appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), including gloves, is crucial in reducing the risks associated with such incidents. As the construction industry expands globally, with increased projects in countries like China, the United States, and India, there are growing opportunities for market expansion. The demand for protective gloves is also driven by the expansion of the construction industry into various sectors, including commercial and residential.

Furthermore, the enforcement of stringent laws and industrial safety standards during construction activities is expected to further increase the need for protective gloves. These regulations aim to ensure the safety and well-being of workers, leading to a greater emphasis on the use of PPE, including gloves, to mitigate risks and prevent hand injuries in the workplace.

Restraint

The disposable glove market is susceptible to supply chain disruptions due to the high concentration of raw material sources, particularly in Asian countries like Malaysia and China. The majority of raw materials, such as latex, required for glove production, are sourced from these regions. Any disruptions in the supply of raw materials can have a significant impact on all stakeholders across the value chain.

For instance, in November 2020, a major glove manufacturer, Top Glove, had to halt production at 28 of its sites, leading to increased lead times for orders and shipping delays. This disruption had a significant impact on customer numbers and had the potential to negatively affect global demand for disposable gloves. Such incidents highlight the vulnerability of the market to supply chain disruptions and emphasize the need for diversification of raw material sources to mitigate the risks associated with concentrated supply chains. Ensuring a more robust and resilient supply chain will be crucial in maintaining market stability and supporting future growth.

Market Trends

The market for disposable gloves is expected to expand due to the superior properties and functionality provided by nitrile gloves. Nitrile, a type of synthetic rubber, is increasingly popular as a glove material compared to vinyl due to its greater flexibility. Nitrile gloves have been in use for some time, but their accessibility has improved in recent years, leading to their growing adoption in various industries such as medicine, food, and hygiene. One of the key advantages of nitrile gloves is their high puncture resistance, making them more durable than other glove materials. They also provide a snug fit, which is beneficial in medical applications where protection against chemicals, microorganisms, and bodily fluids is crucial. Nitrile gloves find applications in industries like automotive, general manufacturing, construction, and roofing, where workers require gloves that are resistant to chemicals and water, and provide a strong and grippy nitrile coating. The increasing demand for nitrile gloves can be attributed to their superior performance and suitability for various tasks across different sectors, highlighting their importance in ensuring worker safety and hygiene standards.