The latex medical gloves market is anticipated to witness a CAGR of nearly 5.1% during the forecast period.
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on the latex medical gloves market owing to the lockdown measures imposed by the government across the globe which led to the disruption of supply chain activities. Also, the suspension of elective surgeries during the pandemic has impacted the demand for latex medical gloves. For instance, according to an article published in the British Journal of Surgery, in October 2021, an estimated 28 million surgeries were canceled or delayed during the peak 12 weeks of COVID-19 disruption. In addition, as per the same source, 25% of elective cesarean sections, 37% of cancer surgeries, and 81% of benign condition operations were postponed, globally, during the pandemic. Also, according to the data published by FDA, in January 2021, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) made FDA temporary exemption from the 510(k) premarket notification process permanent for seven class I medical devices, including latex patient examination gloves. the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) made FDA's temporary exemption from the 510(k) premarket notification process permanent for seven class I medical devices, including latex patient examination gloves. Thus, the studied market has witnessed significant growth after the pandemic restrictions and is expected to grow over the forecast period.
Factors such as the increased importance of health and safety measures and the growing prevalence of infections during surgeries are expected to boost the market growth over the forecast period.
Healthcare-associated infections are one of the major causes of morbidity. Also, the WHO and the United States FDA recommended that medical gloves be worn strictly during all examinations, surgical procedures, regular check-ups, tests, and other healthcare procedures.
Additionally, the rising prevalence of hospital-acquired infections or surgical site infections is the key factor driving the market growth. For instance, according to the data published by the National and State HAI Progress 2021 Report, it has been observed that the HAI increased between 2020 and 2021, including 11% in surgical site infection (SSI-HYST) and 7% in central line-associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI). Also, the increasing geriatric and pediatricpopulation as well as the people in ICUs are at high riskof getting a healthcare-associatedinfection. For instance, as per an article published in Annals of Intensive Care, in March 2022, it has been observed that intensive care unit (ICU) admissions among the elderly population are expected to increase with the increasing global populationand the patients aged 65 years or above constitute more ICU admissions, followed by people aged 80 years and 85 years old. Thus, the high number of hospital admission rates raises the need for latex gloves to avoid the transmission of viruses or bacteria from one person to another, thereby contributing to market growth.
Therefore, owing to the aforementioned factors, the studied market is anticipated to grow over the forecast period. However, the high cost of raw materials for manufacturing latex gloves is likely to impede the growth of the latex medical gloves market over the forecast period.
The surgical gloves segment is anticipated to witness significant growth in the latex medical gloves market over the forecast period owing to factors such as the increasing number of surgical procedures and growing company activities.
The demand for surgical gloves has increased due to the growing number of surgeries in hospitals and clinics. For instance, as per the data published by OECD, in June 2022, about 93,857 cataract surgeries were recorded in Portugal in 2021, followed by 49,308 in Denmark and 32,844 in Ireland. Additionally, from an article published in the Journal of Orthopaedic Science in September 2021, it is anticipated that males between the ages of 40 and 64 will undergo around 4052 knee arthroplasties by 2030 in Japan. Also, as per the same source, by 2030, men between the ages of 65 and 74 and men over 75 would undergo 6942 and 14,986 knee arthroplasty procedures in Japan. Also, as per the data published by the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery 2021 report, about 12 million aesthetic surgical procedures were performed in 2021 globally, compared to 10 million in 2020. Thus, the expected increase in the number of surgeries among the population increases the demand for surgical gloves to decrease the risk of periprosthetic infections, propelling segment growth.
Furthermore, the increasing focus of the companies to establish production facility to increase the production of latex gloves are also expected to fuel the market growth. For instance, in October 2022, MI Americas launched a latex glove production plant in Alabama. The new plant helps the company to increase its gloves production. The company currently produces over 9 million latex gloves a month with one machine.
Therefore, owing to the factors above, such as the high number of surgical procedures performed in hospitals, clinics, and surgical centers, and the growing company activities, the studied segment is expected to grow over the forecast period.
North America is expected to witness significant growth due to rising hospital-acquired infections, high patient admission rates, and a rise in the number of surgeries.
The increasing prevalence of healthcare-associated infections is the key factor driving the market growth. For instance, according to an article published in Urogenital Infections and Inflammation in August 2021, urinary tract infections (UTIs) are a major cause of nosocomial infections worldwide. They are thought to be responsible for 30% of hospital-acquired infections in acute care settings in the United States.
In addition, the rising number of multi-specialty surgical centers in the region raises the demand for latex medical gloves, bolstering the market growth. For instance, In December 2021, HCA Healthcare opened a new multispecialty ambulatory surgery center with 18 physician partners in Nashville. The hospital offers services in orthopaedic surgery, sports medicine, spine, total joint replacement, general surgery, gynecologic surgery, podiatric surgery, and gastroenterology.
Furthermore, the advantages offered by latex gloves include providing excellent protection against a variety of hazards such as chemical and biological hazards as well as abrasive or tearing hazards, showing more strength and defence against tears and punctures, providing wearers with a tighter fit and more stretch, making them more comfortable for prolonged usage and enhancing dexterity, over vinyl gloves. Thus, such advantages make it a preferred choice over other gloves, contributing to market growth.
Therefore, the studied market is expected to grow over the forecast period due to the above factors, such as the high number of surgical procedures, the launch of new surgical centers, and the advantages of latex gloves over others.
The market for latex medical gloves is highly consolidated in nature. Some of the companies are involved in new product development initiatives, mergers and acquisitions, and geographical expansion. Some of the key companies in the market are Ansell Ltd, Cardinal Health, McKesson Medical-Surgical Inc., Shield Scientific and Valutek Inc among others.
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