Disposable medical examination gloves are used in various healthcare settings for a range of applications, including infection prevention and control. These gloves play an essential role in protecting healthcare workers and patients from infectious diseases, contact with blood, bodily fluids, and other hazardous materials. The global disposable medical examination gloves market is growing rapidly due to the increased prevalence of viral transmission and the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
According to a report by Allied Market Research, the global disposable medical examination gloves market was valued at $4.04 billion in 2017 and is expected to reach $8.04 billion by 2025, growing at a CAGR of 9.5% from 2018 to 2025. The increasing demand for disposable gloves in the healthcare industry, coupled with the need for personal protective equipment (PPE) to prevent the spread of infectious diseases, is driving the market growth.
The market is divided into two main segments, namely natural rubber latex (NRL) and nitrile gloves. The nitrile gloves segment is expected to witness significant growth during the forecast period due to their advantages over NRL gloves. Nitrile examination gloves are preferred by healthcare professionals due to their durability, puncture resistance, and superior barrier protection properties.
Nitrile examination gloves are made from synthetic rubber, which is hypoallergenic and does not contain latex proteins, making them suitable for people with latex allergies. They are widely used in the healthcare industry for medical examinations, diagnostic procedures, and surgical procedures. They are also used in other industries such as food processing, laboratory testing, and industrial applications.
The COVID-19 pandemic has further accelerated the demand for disposable medical examination gloves, especially nitrile gloves, as they offer better protection against virus transmission. The World Health Organization (WHO) has recommended the use of PPE, including gloves, to protect healthcare workers from COVID-19 transmission. The increased demand for gloves has led to a shortage in the global supply chain, creating opportunities for new players to enter the market.
The market is highly competitive, with major players such as Ansell Healthcare, Hartalega Holdings Berhad, Cardinal Health, Inc., Supermax Corporation Berhad, and Top Glove Corporation Bhd accounting for a significant market share. These companies are investing in R&D to develop new and advanced gloves that offer better protection and improved comfort for users.
In conclusion, the disposable medical examination gloves market is growing rapidly due to the increased demand for PPE and the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The nitrile gloves segment is expected to witness significant growth due to their superior properties over NRL gloves. The market is highly competitive, with major players investing in R&D to develop new and advanced gloves. The market is expected to continue to grow in the coming years due to the increasing demand for gloves in the healthcare, food processing, and industrial sectors.