Medical Gloves Market - By Product (Latex, Nitrile, Vinyl, Neoprene), Form (Powder-free, Powdered), Application (Examination, Surgical, Dental, Food Processing, Cleanroom), Usage (Disposable, Reusable), Sterility, End Use & Global Forecast, 2024 – 2032

Medical Gloves Market Size

Medical Gloves Market size was valued at USD 4.3 billion in 2023 and is anticipated to witness growth at a CAGR of 12% from 2024 to 2032. This growth can be attributed to a rising number of surgical and diagnostic procedures, a heightened focus on infection prevention and control, an unwavering commitment to patient safety, and stringent regulatory mandates from authorities.
 

Heightened awareness of occupational hazards has spurred a wider adoption of gloves, extending beyond clinical settings to laboratories and research environments. Healthcare workers (HCWs) are now increasingly using gloves as part of comprehensive risk management strategies, emphasizing worker safety and curbing the transmission of infections between patients and staff.
 

Moreover, the surging number of surgical and diagnostic procedures is directly propelling the demand for medical and surgical gloves in healthcare settings. As procedures grow in frequency and complexity, the need for gloves intensifies to uphold sterile conditions, avert cross-contamination, and safeguard both healthcare workers (HCWs) and patients. Gloves play an indispensable role in surgical procedures, ensuring aseptic environments and acting as a vital barrier against pathogens and bodily fluids. This significantly diminishes the risk of surgical site infections (SSIs), bolstering the safety of surgical teams and patients. The heightened focus on infection prevention, especially in surgeries involving implants or prosthetic devices, accentuates the demand for premium-quality gloves. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the number of surgical procedures worldwide has increased by 15% over the past five years, further driving the demand for medical gloves.
 

Diagnostic procedures, including phlebotomy, wound care, and specimen collection, underscore the necessity of gloves to reduce exposure to bloodborne pathogens and contaminants. In laboratories and outpatient clinics, gloves are paramount for safely and accurately handling specimens and conducting tests.
 

Medical Gloves Market Trends

• Stringent regulatory frameworks and standards govern the manufacturing, distribution, and use of medical gloves to ensure their safety and efficacy.
   
• Organizations such as the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the European Union (EU) Directorate-General for Health and Food Safety enforce guidelines that mandate rigorous testing of gloves for quality, performance, and barrier protection properties. Compliance with these standards is critical for glove manufacturers to maintain market credibility and ensure product reliability.
   
• Healthcare facilities and procurement agencies prioritize sourcing gloves that comply with regulatory requirements, driving demand for certified products that offer consistent quality and performance. For instance, in March 2024, the government of India announced its plan to bring surgical and single-use medical gloves under the Quality Control Order (QCO) to ensure the quality standards of imported gloves.
   
• Strict implementation of regulations forces market players to develop products as per standards. This factor is also expected to boost the adoption of medical or surgical gloves during the forecast period. For instance, in February 2024, Medline Europe announced 100% compliance status for its gloves portfolio as per Worldwide Responsible Accredited Production (WRAP).
   
• Regulations also prioritize the occupational safety of healthcare workers (HCWs) by mandating the use of gloves in situations where there is a risk of exposure to bloodborne pathogens or hazardous chemicals.
   
• Regulatory oversight ensures consistency in glove manufacturing practices and promotes transparency in labeling and product information. Healthcare facilities can confidently select gloves that comply with regulatory requirements, knowing they have undergone thorough testing for reliability and performance.
   

Medical Gloves Market Analysis

The market is segmented by product into latex gloves, nitrile gloves, vinyl gloves, neoprene gloves, and other product types. In 2023, nitrile gloves dominated the market with a share of 48.3%.
 

• Nitrile gloves' growth is driven by their superior protection, durability, and puncture resistance. They are more durable and offer better puncture resistance compared to latex and vinyl gloves.
   
• Additionally, a surge in product launches and advancements is expected to bolster this segment. For example, in May 2023, Cranberry unveiled its eco-friendly Bio Nitrile biodegradable gloves, emphasizing sustainability.
   

Based on form, the medical gloves market is categorized into powder-free gloves and powdered gloves. The powder-free gloves dominated in 2023 with a market share of 96.1%.
 

• Powder-free gloves forgo cornstarch or other powders, minimizing the risk of allergens or contaminants. This is crucial for sensitive settings like surgical sites or sterile equipment.
   
• These gloves are favored for their lower allergy risk. Without powder, there's a reduced chance of latex-related sensitivities, ensuring safety for both patients and healthcare workers. Given these advantages, the powder-free segment is set to maintain its dominance.
   

Based on application, the medical gloves market is segmented into examination, surgical, dental, food processing, cleanroom, and other applications. The examination application segment held a dominant market share of 47.3% in 2023.
 

• The rise of examination gloves is linked to their protective benefits and the increase in diagnostic procedures. They shield against pathogens and contaminants during medical evaluations and patient care.
   
• Furthermore, industrial advancements by market players are poised to boost this segment. For instance, Medicom announced in April 2022 its new Canadian facility, focusing on nitrile examination gloves for government healthcare.
   

Based on usage, the medical gloves market is classified as disposable gloves and reusable gloves. Disposable gloves segment accounted for the highest market share and was valued at USD 3.4 billion in 2023.
 

• The primary driver for disposable gloves is infection control, acting as a barrier against cross-contamination, especially during pandemics like COVID-19.
   
• Additionally, their cost-effectiveness in high-turnover settings, eliminating cleaning processes, and proactive measures by market players are fueling growth. For instance, Medline Industries, in August 2023, launched a program to enhance examination glove usage and reduce wastage.
   

Based on sterility, the medical gloves market is segmented into as sterile gloves and non-sterile gloves. Non-sterile gloves segment accounted for the highest market share and was valued at USD 2.4 billion in 2023.
 

• Being more affordable, non-sterile gloves suit tasks needing barrier protection but not sterility, like routine patient care and laboratory work.
   
• Moreover, their versatility extends beyond medical use, finding applications in food service, cleaning, manufacturing, and janitorial tasks where contamination protection is vital.
   

Based on distribution channel, the medical gloves market is categorized as brick & mortar and E-commerce platforms. Brick & mortar segment accounted for the highest market share and was valued at USD 2.8 billion in 2023.
 

• Brick-and-mortar channels ensure immediate availability of medical gloves, crucial for urgent healthcare needs. Local suppliers can swiftly meet these demands, unlike online orders.
   
• Healthcare providers often value established relationships with local distributors, built on trust and reliability. For instance, Vizient's November 2022 partnership with SafeSource Direct, LLC ensured a steady supply of chemo-rated nitrile gloves and other medical essentials.
   

Based on end use, the medical gloves market is categorized into hospitals, clinics, ambulatory surgical centers, diagnostic centers, and other end-users. The hospitals segment is projected to reach USD 4.7 billion by 2032.
 

• This growth is driven by a focus on infection prevention, safety, hygiene standards, and regulatory compliance.
   
• By minimizing direct contact with bodily fluids and ensuring aseptic techniques, gloves uphold hygiene standards, fostering a clean environment essential for patient care.
   

In 2023, the North American medical gloves market was valued at USD 1.3 billion, with projections indicating a growth rate of 9.9% CAGR throughout the analysis period.
 

• The demand for medical gloves is surging in North America, especially in the U.S., driven by stringent healthcare regulations that prioritize infection control and safety standards. These regulations ensure that healthcare providers adhere to high standards of hygiene and safety.
   
• The expansive healthcare sector in the U.S., coupled with strict adherence to hygiene protocols, fuels a consistent demand for gloves across hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare facilities. This ensures both patient and staff safety while preventing cross-contamination.
   

Forecasts suggest the U.S. medical gloves market will grow at a CAGR of 9.7%, reaching an estimated USD 2.7 billion by the end of the forecast period.
 

• This growth can be attributed to advancements in medical glove technology and a surge in product launches. New and improved gloves are being introduced to meet the evolving needs of healthcare professionals.
   
• Moreover, industrial developments by key market players in the U.S. are expected to bolster this market growth. Companies are investing in research and development to produce high-quality gloves that comply with regulatory standards.
   

The UK medical gloves market is set for significant growth in the upcoming years.
 

• In the UK, the rising demand for medical gloves is closely tied to the expansion of healthcare services and an aging population that requires heightened medical attention. The focus on infection prevention and occupational safety underscores the necessity for gloves in hospitals, nursing homes, and community healthcare settings.
   
• Furthermore, regulatory mandates and stringent quality standards amplify the demand for dependable personal protective equipment. These regulations ensure that healthcare providers use high-quality gloves to protect both patients and staff.
   

China is witnessing a robust surge in its medical gloves market.
 

• The escalating demand for medical gloves in China is fueled by rapid urbanization, advancements in healthcare infrastructure, and a growing emphasis on hygiene standards. With an expanding healthcare sector and stringent infection control measures, the necessity for gloves in hospitals, clinics, and outpatient facilities becomes paramount.
   
• Moreover, increasing healthcare expenditures and initiatives to enhance healthcare accessibility further bolster the demand for medical gloves in the nation. The government and private sector are investing heavily in healthcare to improve access and quality of care.
   

Medical Gloves Market Share

The market industry is characterized by the presence of several established and emerging players that offer a variety of treatments across the globe. The market players compete based on factors such as treatment quality, innovation, regulatory compliance, customer service, and pricing strategies. The demand for medical gloves has increased due to heightened awareness of hygiene and safety. Technological advancements have also played a significant role in shaping the market. Additionally, stringent regulations and standards have pushed companies to innovate and improve their product offerings.
 

Medical Gloves Market Companies

Prominent players operating in the market industry include:

• Akzenta International S.A.
• Ansell Limited
• Berner International GmbH
• Cardinal Health, Inc.
• Erenler Medikal
• Hartalega Holdings Berhad
• Kossan Rubber Industries Bhd.
• Leboo Healthcare Products Limited
• Medline Industries, Inc.
• Robinson Healthcare
• Rubberex Corp M Berhad
• Semperit AG Holding
• SHIELD Scientific
• Sun Healthcare Sdn Bhd (Adventa Berhad)
• Supermax Corporation Berhad
• Top Glove Corporation Berhad
   

Medical Gloves Industry News:

• In January 2024, Kimberly-Clark announced the launch of its new Kimtech Polaris nitrile exam gloves for laboratory applications. The new gloves provide better durability, comfort, and protection.
   
• In July 2021, Honeywell and Premier Inc. entered into a strategic collaboration to increase the production of nitrile exam gloves in the U.S.
   

The medical gloves market research report includes an in-depth coverage of the industry with estimates & forecast in terms of revenue in USD Million and volume in units from 2021 - 2032 for the following segments:

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Market, By Product

• Latex gloves
• Nitrile gloves
• Vinyl gloves
• Neoprene gloves
• Other product types

Market, By Form

• Powder-free gloves
• Powdered gloves

Market, By Application

• Examination
• Surgical
• Dental
• Food processing
• Cleanroom
• Other applications

Market, By Usage

• Disposable gloves
• Reusable gloves

Market, By Sterility

• Sterile gloves
• Non-sterile gloves

Market, By Distribution Channel

• Brick and mortar
• E-commerce

Market, By End-use

• Hospitals
• Clinics
• Ambulatory surgical centers
• Diagnostic centers
• Other end-users

The above information is provided for the following regions and countries:

• North America
  • U.S.
  • Canada 
• Europe
  • Germany
  • France
  • UK
  • Italy
  • Spain
  • Rest of Europe
• Asia Pacific
  • China
  • Japan
  • India
  • Australia
  • South Korea
  • Malaysia
  • Rest of Asia Pacific
• Latin America
  • Brazil
  • Mexico
  • Argentina
  • Rest of Latin America
• Middle East and Africa
  • South Africa
  • Saudi Arabia
  • UAE
  • Rest of Middle East and Africa