Disposable Gloves Market By Type (Natural Rubber Gloves, Nitrile Gloves, Vinyl Gloves, Neoprene, Polyethylene, Others) , By Application (Medical, Non-medical) By Form (Powdered, Non-powdered) : Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2024-2033

Disposable Gloves Market By Type (Natural Rubber Gloves, Nitrile Gloves, Vinyl Gloves, Neoprene, Polyethylene, Others) , By Application (Medical, Non-medical) By Form (Powdered, Non-powdered) : Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2024-2033

The disposable gloves market was valued at $19.2 billion in 2023, and is projected to reach $30.4 billion by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 4.7% from 2024 to 2033.

Disposable gloves are single-use gloves designed to protect hands from contaminants, chemicals, and infectious materials, while ensuring hygiene in various settings. They are commonly made from materials like latex, nitrile, and vinyl, each offering unique qualities suited to different applications. Disposable gloves serve as a barrier to prevent the spread of cross-contamination and chemicals, making them essential in medical, laboratory, food handling, and industrial environments.

The growth of the global disposable gloves market is majorly driven by rise in awareness about hygiene and infection prevention among both professionals and the general public. In addition, expansion of the healthcare sector, especially in emerging economies, fuels the demand for disposable gloves. This is attributed to the fact that disposable gloves play a critical role in infection control and surgical procedures across hospitals, clinics, and labs. According to an article published in 2013 in the International Journal of Occupational Medicine and Environmental Health, the use of disposable gloves reduces the risk of cross-contamination of the hands with bacterial flora by approximately 70-80%. Moreover, alarming increase in prevalence of chronic illnesses and infectious disease outbreaks significantly contributes toward the market growth. According to a study published by the National Center for Biotechnology Information, bacteria and viruses represent 70% of the 215 diseases cause 88% of outbreaks. As per a National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey, 2019, there were around 10.2 million visits to physician offices for infectious and parasitic diseases. This is indicating the rising need for disposable gloves, which is expected to foster the market growth. Furthermore, the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the need for personal protective equipment, including disposable gloves. This has led to an ongoing demand for gloves in not just healthcare but also public and workplace settings, making them a crucial tool in pandemic preparedness. However, rise in environmental concerns associated with disposable gloves, particularly those made from materials like latex and nitrile, contributes significantly to non-biodegradable waste, which hampers the market growth. In addition, traditional latex gloves can cause allergic reactions in some users, which restricts their use, thereby restraining the market growth. On the contrary, innovations in glove materials, such as powder-free options and hypoallergenic alternatives like nitrile and vinyl, enhance comfort and durability, making them appealing for wider usage and reducing allergic reactions associated with traditional latex. Such developments are expected to offer remunerative opportunities for the expansion of the global market during the forecast period.

The global disposable gloves market is segmented into type, application, form, and region. On the basis of the type, the market is segregated into natural rubber gloves, nitrile gloves, vinyl gloves, neoprene, polyethylene, and others. As per application, it is bifurcated into medical and non-medical applications. By form, it is bifurcated into powdered and non-powdered form. Region wise, it is analyzed across North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and LAMEA.

Key Findings

On the basis of type, the nitrile gloves segment dominated the market in terms of revenue, in 2023.

By application, the medical segment was the major revenue generator in 2023.

Depending on form, the non-powdered segment exhibited the highest growth, in terms of revenue, in 2023.

Region wise, North America emerged as the most lucrative market for disposable gloves in 2023; however, Asia-Pacific is anticipated to grow at the highest CAGR during the forecast period.

Competition Analysis

Competitive analysis and profiles of the major players in the global disposable gloves market include Adventa Healthcare, ANSELL LTD., Cardinal Health., Dynarex Corporation, Hartalega Holdings Berhad, Kossan Rubber Industries Bhd, Rubberex Corporation (M) Berhad, Semperit AG Holding, Sri Trang Agro Industry PCL (Sri Trang Gloves (Thailand) Public Company), and Top Glove Corporation Bhd. These major players have adopted various key development strategies such as business expansion, new product launches, and partnerships to sustain the intense competition and gain a strong foothold in the global market.

Key Market Segments

By Type

Natural Rubber Gloves
S size
M size
L size
Nitrile Gloves
S size
M size
L size
Vinyl Gloves
S size
M size
L size
Neoprene
S size
M size
L size
Polyethylene
S size
M size
L size
Others
S size
M size
L size

By Application

Medical
Examination
Surgical
Non-medical
Food Service
Clean Room
Industrial

By Form

Powdered
Non-powdered

By Region

North America
U.S.
Canada
Mexico
Europe
Germany
France
UK
Italy
Spain
Rest of Europe
Asia-Pacific
Japan
China
Australia
India
South Korea
Rest of Asia-Pacific
LAMEA
Brazil
Saudi Arabia
South Africa
Rest of LAMEA

Key Market Players

Adventa Healthcare
ANSELL LTD.
Cardinal Health.
Dynarex Corporation
Hartalega Holdings Berhad
Kossan Rubber Industries Bhd
Rubberex Corporation (M) Berhad
Semperit AG Holding
Sri Trang Agro Industry PCL (Sri Trang Gloves (Thailand) Public Company)
Top Glove Corporation Bhd