U.S. Disposable Gloves Market (By Material: Natural Rubber, Nitrile, Vinyl, Neoprene, Polyethylene; By Lubricant: Powdered, Powder-free; By End-use) - Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends, Revenue, Regional Outlook and Forecast 2024-2033

U.S. Disposable Gloves Market Size and Growth

The U.S. disposable gloves market was estimated at USD 3.18 billion in 2023 and it is expected to surpass around USD 7.34 billion by 2033, poised to grow at a CAGR of 8.72% from 2024 to 2033.

Key Pointers

• By Lubricant, the powdered free lubricant segment held the largest revenue share of 81% in 2023.
• By End-use, the healthcare segment registered the maximum market share in 2023.
• By Material, the natural rubber segment captured the maximum market share in 2023.

U.S. Disposable Gloves Market Overview

The U.S. disposable gloves market is experiencing significant growth driven by increasing concerns regarding hygiene and safety across various industries such as healthcare, food service, and manufacturing. The demand surge is particularly pronounced in the healthcare sector due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, where the emphasis on infection prevention measures has propelled the adoption of disposable gloves. Additionally, stringent regulations regarding workplace safety and hygiene standards further contribute to market expansion. As a result, manufacturers are innovating to meet evolving consumer needs, thereby fostering a competitive landscape within the U.S. disposable gloves market.

U.S. Disposable Gloves Market Growth Factors

The growth of the U.S. disposable gloves market is influenced by the heightened awareness of hygiene and safety standards across various sectors such as healthcare, food service, and manufacturing drives the demand for disposable gloves. Secondly, the COVID-19 pandemic has significantly accelerated this demand, particularly in the healthcare sector, where stringent infection prevention measures have become paramount. Additionally, government regulations mandating workplace safety and hygiene standards further fuel market growth. Moreover, continuous innovations by manufacturers to enhance product quality and meet evolving consumer needs contribute to the expansion of the U.S. disposable gloves market.

U.S. Disposable Gloves Market Trends:

• Increased Demand in Healthcare: The healthcare sector continues to drive significant demand for disposable gloves, particularly due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and the emphasis on infection prevention measures.
• Growing Adoption in Food Service: Disposable gloves are increasingly being adopted in the food service industry to maintain hygiene standards and prevent cross-contamination, driving demand for various types of gloves suitable for food handling.
• Expansion in Manufacturing Sector: The manufacturing sector is witnessing a rise in demand for disposable gloves to ensure worker safety and comply with stringent hygiene regulations, particularly in industries such as pharmaceuticals, electronics, and automotive manufacturing.
• Towards Eco-friendly Materials: There is a growing trend towards the use of eco-friendly and sustainable materials in disposable gloves, driven by environmental concerns and consumer preferences for more environmentally friendly products.
• Customization and Personalization: Increasingly, consumers are seeking customized and personalized disposable gloves tailored to specific applications and preferences, driving manufacturers to offer a wider range of options in terms of materials, sizes, and features.
• E-commerce Growth: The rise of e-commerce platforms has facilitated easier access to disposable gloves for both businesses and consumers, leading to increased market penetration and distribution efficiency

U.S. Disposable Gloves Market Restraints:

• Price Volatility: Fluctuations in raw material prices, particularly for synthetic materials such as nitrile and latex, can result in price volatility for disposable gloves, affecting profit margins for manufacturers and affordability for consumers.
• Regulatory Compliance: The disposable gloves market is subject to stringent regulatory standards and compliance requirements, particularly in sectors such as healthcare and food service. Meeting these standards can involve significant costs and administrative burdens for manufacturers, potentially hindering market growth.
• Health Concerns: Despite their widespread use for hygiene and safety purposes, disposable gloves are not without health concerns. Prolonged or improper use of gloves can increase the risk of dermatitis, allergic reactions, and microbial contamination, leading to potential health issues for users.
• Competition from Reusable Alternatives: Reusable gloves, such as those made from natural rubber or silicone, pose a competitive challenge to the disposable gloves market. These alternatives offer cost savings over time and may appeal to environmentally conscious consumers, thereby limiting the growth potential of disposable gloves.

Lubricant Insights

In 2023, the powdered free lubricant segment emerged as the dominant force in the market, capturing an impressive 81% of the market share. This growth is primarily fueled by the escalating demand for powder-free gloves across diverse industries such as food processing, chemicals, and healthcare. Additionally, stringent regulations imposed on powdered gloves by numerous countries globally during the forecast period are expected to further bolster the market for powder-free gloves. Chlorination treatment of gloves, eliminating the need for powder, results in a less snug fit, facilitating easy donning and doffing. The projected surge in demand for powder-free gloves across sectors like food processing, medical, and chemicals is poised to drive market growth.

The Powdered segment maintained a substantial market share in 2023, owing to its ability to conform closely and provide protection against hazardous chemicals or physical contaminants. However, the use of cornstarch powder in latex gloves may exacerbate allergies or sensitivities, which is not a concern with vinyl or nitrile gloves.

End-use Insights

In 2023, the healthcare segment emerged as the market leader in terms of revenue share. This growth is attributed to heightened awareness regarding cleanliness and infection prevention, especially during global health crises like the COVID-19 pandemic. Stringent regulations and standards for hygiene and safety in healthcare facilities further bolster market expansion. Moreover, the aging population and increasing prevalence of chronic diseases necessitate more frequent use of disposable gloves in medical procedures, driving market growth.

The food segment also commanded a significant revenue share in 2023, fueled by the nation's growing reliance on convenience and ready-to-eat foods. Additionally, the segment is witnessing accelerated growth due to the rise of takeout and delivery services, further expanding its reach.

The manufacturing segment experienced notable growth in 2023, attributed to increased adoption of automation and technological advancements, necessitating glove usage when handling delicate components and equipment. Furthermore, the disposable gloves market is driven by heightened focus on hygienic practices and cleanliness in production facilities.

Material Insights

In 2023, the natural rubber segment held the largest market share. This growth is driven by the escalating demand for disposable natural rubber gloves across various settings, including medical, surgical, and laboratory applications. Latex rubber gloves, renowned for their elasticity and chemical resistance, are increasingly favored in the disposable gloves market, particularly in industries dealing with chemicals, oil and gas, food processing, medical, and healthcare.

The nitrile gloves segment also captured a significant market share in 2023, primarily due to increased usage across chemical, painting, dental, laboratory, and oil industries. Offering advantages such as longer shelf life, reduced friction, and puncture resistance compared to latex gloves, nitrile gloves are projected to witness sustained demand throughout the forecast period, driven by the increasing emphasis on infection control and the prevalence of pandemic diseases like COVID-19 and swine flu (H1N1).

The Vinyl segment experienced substantial growth in 2023, driven by rising demand for FDA-certified and antimicrobial gloves. Composed of plasticizers and polyvinyl chloride, vinyl disposable gloves offer a latex-free alternative at a more affordable price point. Particularly prominent in food processing, medical, and healthcare industries due to their low cost and chemical resistance, vinyl gloves are favored for their comfort and touch sensitivity compared to neoprene gloves.

U.S. Disposable Gloves Market Key Companies

• Adenna LLC
• MCR Safety
• Atlantic Safety Products, Inc.
• Ammex Corporation
• Kimberly-Clark Corporation
• Sempermed USA, Inc.
• Halyard Health, Inc.
• Medline Industries
• Renco Corporation
• 3M

Recent Developments

• In January 2024, Medline, a leading manufacturer and supplier of medical supplies and solutions, announced its successful acquisition of United Medco. This strategic move aims to expand Medline's supplemental benefits packages and enhance its distribution capabilities, marking a significant milestone in the development of its Health Plans business.
• Also in January 2024, Kimberly-Clark Professional unveiled the new Kimtech Polaris Nitrile Exam Gloves designed for laboratory use. These gloves offer users the highest level of protection, durability, and comfort within the Kimtech portfolio. Compared to competitors, Kimtech Polaris Nitrile Exam Gloves boast one of the lowest acceptable quality levels (AQL) for pinholes, standing at 0.65.
• In April 2023, AMMEX Corp. launched a new line of disposable gloves designed to provide consumers with protection in diverse situations. Developed over 35 years of research and development, these gloves are poised to ensure safety whether in the garage, office, or even during space travel. This innovation is set to revolutionize the perception and usage of disposable gloves.

U.S. Disposable Gloves Market Segmentation:

By Material

• Natural
• Nitrile
• Vinyl
• Neoprene
• Polyethylene
• Others

By Lubricant

• Powdered
• Powder Free

By End-use

• Construction
• Manufacturing
• Oil & Gas
• Chemicals
• Food
• Pharmaceuticals
• Healthcare
• Transportation
• Mining
• Others