Disposable Gloves Market Research Report and Outlook by 2028

The disposable gloves market was valued at approximately US$ 8,278.81 million in 2021 and is anticipated to grow to US$ 21,400.12 million by 2028, reflecting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 14.5% from 2021 to 2028. In terms of volume, the market size was around 15,046 million units in 2021, with projections indicating it will reach 29,603 million units by 2028, corresponding to a CAGR of 15.0% during the same period. This growth is primarily driven by the increasing incidence of healthcare-associated infections, the rising preference for nitrile gloves in industrial applications, and the growing number of surgical procedures. However, the market faces challenges due to a shortage of disposable gloves.

Disposable gloves are designed for single use and are discarded after one application. They play a crucial role in preventing the transmission of germs and infections between individuals. The healthcare sector predominantly utilizes these gloves to minimize the risk of infectious microorganisms spreading between patients and healthcare providers. The materials used to manufacture disposable gloves include latex, nitrile rubber, polyisoprene, polyvinyl chloride, and neoprene. Surgical gloves are available in two varieties: powdered and powder-free. The powders used, such as cornstarch, lycopodium, and talc, help reduce sweating and provide lubrication, making the gloves easier to wear. Powder-free gloves are preferred in sensitive surgical environments and by individuals with powder allergies. Surgical gloves come in various sizes, ensuring that medical professionals can perform procedures without interruptions. These gloves adhere to stringent standards and are highly sterile.

Nitrile gloves, in particular, are well-suited for a variety of industrial applications, offering excellent hand protection for workers. They are extensively used in manufacturing and production settings across industries such as chemicals, electronics, paint and coatings, printing and dyeing, and other sectors that require enhanced protection for both workers and products. This includes industries like biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and specialized packaging. Nitrile gloves are lightweight and provide a good tactile feel, making them ideal for delicate tasks such as light assembly, material handling, and small electronics assembly, as well as other precision work that necessitates hand protection. They are also suitable for light maintenance, cleanup, intricate parts handling, and laboratory analysis.

Modern industrial nitrile gloves are designed to fit comfortably on the hands. The soft material of these gloves reacts to body temperature, conforming to the hand's shape for a snug fit, which reduces hand fatigue. Additionally, the low coefficient of friction of nitrile makes them easy to put on. Disposable nitrile gloves offer a high level of softness, sensitivity, and flexibility, featuring textured fingers for superior grip. They are engineered to provide excellent barrier protection while remaining comfortable for prolonged wear. Furthermore, they exhibit remarkable resistance to a wide range of chemicals, solvents, greases, oils, and bases, which is a significant factor driving the demand for disposable gloves across various industries globally during the forecast period.

Another significant contributor to the rising number of surgical procedures is the aging population. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the percentage of individuals aged over 60 is projected to nearly double from 12% to 22% between 2015 and 2050. This demographic shift is expected to lead to a substantial increase in the demand for surgical services. Surgeons must adapt to accommodate this growing workload while maintaining high standards of care. Various specialists, including geriatricians, orthopedic surgeons, and anesthetists, have implemented changes to enhance facilities and services for surgical treatments. Consequently, there has been a notable rise in surgical procedures among older adults. A report from the British Journal of Surgery indicated that the number of elderly patients undergoing surgeries increased from 544,998 in 1999 to 1,012,517 in 2015. Projections suggest that by 2030, over 1.48 million individuals aged 75 and older will undergo surgical procedures annually.

The global disposable gloves market is categorized by material into natural rubber, nitrile, neoprene, polyethylene, and others. In terms of revenue, the nitrile segment dominated the market in 2021, and it is expected to exhibit the highest CAGR during the forecast period. By type, the market is divided into powdered and powder-free gloves. The powder-free segment held a larger market share in 2021 and is projected to grow at the highest CAGR in the coming years.

Key regulatory bodies and organizations such as the Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS), the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the National Institute of Health (NIH), the National Health Agency (ANVISA), the European Medical Association, and the Japanese Ministry of Health, Labor, and Welfare have been referenced in the preparation of this report.