Neoprene (Polychloroprene) Surgical Glove Market - Forecasts from 2024 to 2029

The neoprene (polychloroprene) surgical glove market was estimated at US$351.030 million in 2022, growing at a CAGR of 5.44% to reach the market size of US$508.354 million by 2029.

Neoprene surgical gloves are a type of medical glove made from neoprene, a synthetic rubber. They are known for their chemical resistance, flexibility, and durability, making them suitable for various medical and surgical applications. Neoprene gloves are allergen-free, providing comfort and tactile sensitivity, effective barrier protection, and durability. The demand for neoprene gloves is directly tied to the number of medical procedures and surgeries performed, as well as the increasing prevalence of cancer and chemotherapy treatments. Regulatory compliance ensures the quality, safety, and efficacy of neoprene gloves in the healthcare market.

These gloves are capable of maintaining flexibility at high-temperature ranges and also exhibit elevated chemical stability. Their use in the healthcare industry is also considered safer, as they offer extra protection to healthcare professionals and patients by reducing the risk of allergic reactions caused by chemical accelerators and latex. Thus, the rising incidence of latex allergy among healthcare professionals is significantly driving the demand for neoprene surgical gloves.

The market growth is majorly attributed to the growing adoption of these gloves across the healthcare industry, as they are risk-free of allergic reactions and offer more resistance and strength in comparison to latex gloves. Neoprene is one of the types of synthetic materials which are produced by the polymerization of chloroprene. The strength and resistance offered by these gloves, which is comparatively high as compared with latex gloves are also one of the key drivers to augmenting the adoption of these gloves for surgical procedures.

Market Drivers:

Growing cancer prevalence is anticipated to increase the demand for neoprene (polychloroprene) surgical gloves.

Furthermore, these gloves also offer a longer chemical breakthrough, further making them suitable for their application in surgeries where bone cement and cytotoxic agents are used. Bone cement is widely used in orthopedic and trauma surgeries for implant fixation purposes. Cytotoxic agents are used for the treatment of cancer; these are used in cancer to destroy cancer cells.

Thus, the growing prevalence of cancer disease and an increasing number of cancer, trauma, and orthopedic surgeries, among others, are projected to significantly drive the demand for neoprene (polychloroprene) surgical gloves during the coming years and add up to the market growth.

According to the data provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in the United States,1,752,735 new cancer cases were reported in 2019, thereby significantly driving the demand for these gloves in the coming years. In addition, the growing investments by major market players in R&D and the increase in production capacity coupled with new product launches are some of the additional factors showing the market potential for growth for the manufacturers during the forecast period.

The rising incidence of latex allergies across the globe is fuelling the demand for neoprene surgical gloves.

The rising incidence of latex allergy among healthcare workers is the major driver of synthetic surgical gloves, thereby supplementing the growth of the neoprene surgical gloves market as well. 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.

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 collectively contributing to boosting the demand for these gloves, especially in developed economies.

Hospitals and clinics are expected to hold a noteworthy share in the global market because the majority of the surgeries are performed in hospitals as general super specialty or multi-specialty hospitals are equipped with the most advanced and latest instruments on account of higher funding capabilities. Ambulatory Surgical Centers are expected to grow substantially over the forecast period on account of the increasing ability of these centers to improve treatment quality along with the reduction of costs as more patients tend to visit them rather than go to hospitals owing to lower treatment costs.

The North American region holds a noteworthy market share.

North America is estimated to hold the major market share on account of the rising geriatric population in countries like the U.S. and Canada, along with the growing medical tourism industry in Mexico. The growing middle-class population in Mexico is leading to an increase in the prevalence of lifestyle-related chronic diseases in the country.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the country accounts for the most hospitalizations related to diabetes among the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development’s (OECD) 35 countries. These factors are contributing to the escalating number of surgical procedures being performed in the country, which, in turn, is boosting the demand for synthetic surgical gloves in Mexico. Furthermore, rising healthcare expenditure and increasing government support for healthcare services are also contributing to the market growth in the region.

Key Developments:

• January 2024-Kimberly-Clark Professional introduced the Kimtech Polaris™ Nitrile Exam Gloves, offering high-quality protection, durability, and comfort for lab workers. These gloves, featuring a unique dark magenta color and proprietary nitrile formulation, have an average tensile strength of 31 megapascals after aging, double the industry standard. They are certified by U.S. Ergonomics and are designed for professionals in various industries, including pharmaceutical manufacturing and biotechnology.
• May 2023-Ansell, the world's top provider of surgical gloves, received the highest recyclability certification from Institut Cyclos-HTP (CHI), confirming an AAA rating for its SMART Pack™ packaging for surgical gloves. The SMART Pack™ initiative, launched in 2016, combines bio-based content and recycled materials, making dispenser boxes 50% smaller than competitors.

Key Market Segmentation:

By End-User

• Hospitals and Clinics
• Ambulatory Surgical Centers
• Others

By Geography

• North America
• USA
• 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
• Indonesia
• Thailand
• Taiwan
• Others