Synthetic Rubber Gloves Market - Forecasts from 2024 to 2029

The synthetic rubber gloves market was valued at US$9.597 billion in 2022.

Synthetic rubber gloves are latex-free gloves but offer similar properties to latex gloves. Gloves are considered an important part of the industry as they offer protection from a wide variety of hazards such as chemicals, and substances that may affect the skins of the workers working across the numerous industry verticals.

The major factors driving the demand for synthetic rubber gloves include employers' rising focus on workers' safety and the growing adoption of these gloves across the household sector for various applications such as cleaning and washing, among others. In addition, the growing adoption of these gloves due to the rising number of cases of latex allergy is also one of the prime factors positively impacting market growth during the next five years.

Also, according to the Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy (ASCIA), latex allergy has become an important health concern for workers, especially in healthcare environments in recent years. Synthetic gloves are made of latex-free materials like neoprene, and nitrile that are also fairly stable in pricing and are non-allergic. This, in turn, is encouraging companies across the various industry verticals to shift from rubber gloves to synthetic gloves.

MARKET DRIVERS:

The growing incidence of latex allergy is expected to drive the market growth.

The rising incidence of latex allergy among healthcare workers is the major driver of the synthetic rubber glove market. People across the globe are increasingly developing allergic reactions to certain proteins present in natural rubber latex that are used to make both medical and industrial gloves. The growing healthcare sector is projected to be the largest source of job creation in the coming years. The increasing global population is leading to a mushrooming demand for healthcare services worldwide.

According to the United Nations Department of Social and Economic Affairs, the world population is projected to grow from 7.3 billion in 2015 to 8.5 billion in 2030. Furthermore, the growing geriatric population in countries like the U.S., Japan, and China is also driving the demand for home healthcare solutions and services. Healthcare workers are, thus, at the highest risk of latex exposure. According to the American Latex Allergy Association, 8-17% of healthcare workers in the U.S. are sensitized to natural rubber latex. Thus, all these factors are boosting the demand for synthetic rubber gloves, especially in developed economies. Moreover, a lack of standardized methods to measure allergy-causing latex proteins and FDA-approved materials for skin testing for latex allergy further supports the demand for synthetic gloves. These gloves are not only non-allergenic but much stronger and provide puncture resistance, unlike latex gloves.

Demand in the healthcare sector is anticipated to drive the growth of the market.

Synthetic rubber gloves are essential in healthcare settings for preventing infection spread and providing a barrier between healthcare professionals and patients. They are routinely used in medical procedures, including examinations, surgeries, and patient care. The demand for gloves increases during outbreaks and pandemics, as healthcare systems focus on infection control. The expansion of home healthcare services also contributes to the demand for gloves. Monitoring healthcare practices, regulatory changes, and global health events will provide insights into the evolving dynamics of the synthetic rubber gloves market.

The healthcare sector heavily relies on synthetic rubber gloves, particularly latex-free ones, for infection prevention and control measures. The demand for high-quality disposable gloves has surged due to the need for strict safety standards in healthcare settings. Healthcare professionals are required to adhere to these guidelines, making gloves a crucial part of their protective gear. The increasing awareness of hygiene and the need for infection prevention and control measures contribute to the consistent demand for synthetic rubber gloves in the healthcare sector.

The synthetic rubber gloves market has been segmented based on material, end-user industry, and geography. Based on material, the market has been classified into nitrile, neoprene, PVC, Butyl, and others. By the end-user industry, the market has been segmented into healthcare, food and beverage, chemicals, electronics, automotive, and others.  The synthetic rubber gloves market has been classified geographically into North America, South America, Europe, the Middle East and Africa, and Asia Pacific.

By Geography

North America's healthcare infrastructure is highly reliant on synthetic rubber gloves due to strict safety standards, pandemic preparedness, technological advancements, latex allergy awareness, occupational safety practices, and increased healthcare spending. The region's preference for latex-free alternatives and the expansion and modernization of healthcare facilities contribute to sustained demand for medical supplies, including synthetic rubber gloves. North America, particularly the United States, is a leading player in cancer treatment due to its advanced healthcare infrastructure, medical facilities, research institutions, and professionals. The region is a hub for medical research and innovation, with key players like pharmaceutical companies and biotechnology firms contributing to market share. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration plays a crucial role in the approval and commercialization of cancer treatments. The growth of e-commerce platforms also facilitates easy procurement of healthcare and safety products, contributing to the accessibility and distribution of synthetic rubber gloves. Government initiatives and regulations related to healthcare and safety standards can influence the demand for synthetic rubber gloves. Public health awareness, particularly in hygiene and infection prevention, also drives the demand for synthetic rubber gloves in various public-facing industries.

Key Developments

• March 2022- Malaysian glove manufacturer Supermax Corporation Berhad has unveiled its Advance Manufacturing Facility in Brazoria County, Texas, marking its 18th manufacturing plant globally and first in the US. The 215-acre facility will use artificial intelligence and robotic engineering, and will consist of eight buildings.
• January 2021- Ansell Limited, a specialist in protection solutions, has acquired the Primus brand and associated properties, including Primus Gloves and Sanrea Healthcare Products Life Science company. Primus is an Indian manufacturer and marketer of gloves in the Life Science and Specialty Medical sectors, and is one of the few global producers of long-cuff gloves with strong brand recognition. Ansell and Primus have entered into a long-term supply partnership.

Market Segmentation

By Material

• Nitrile
• Neoprene
• PVC
• Butyl
• Others

By End-User Industry

• Healthcare
• Food and Beverage
• Chemical
• Electronics
• Automotive
• Others

By Geography

• North America
• United States
• Canada
• Mexico
• South America
• Brazil
• Argentina
• Others
• Europe
• Germany
• France
• United Kingdom
• Spain
• Others
• Middle East and Africa
• Saudi Arabia
• Israel
• Others
• Asia Pacific
• China
• Japan
• South Korea
• India
• Taiwan
• Thailand
• Indonesia
• Others