Disposable Medical Gloves Market Size, Share & COVID-19 Impact Analysis, By Application (Surgical and Examination), By Material (Latex and Synthetic), By Category (Powdered and Powder-free), By End-User (Hospitals & Clinics, Diagnostic/Pathology Labs, Dental Clinics, and Others), and Regional Forecast, 2022-2029

The global disposable medical gloves market was valued at USD 14.17 billion in 2021 and is projected to grow from USD 15.06 billion in 2022 to USD 21.28 billion by 2029, exhibiting a CAGR of 5.1% during the forecast period. Based on our analysis, the global market exhibited a higher growth of 99.6% in 2020 as compared to 2019. The COVID-19 pandemic has been unprecedented and staggering, with disposable medical gloves experiencing higher-than-anticipated demand across all regions compared to pre-pandemic levels.

Medical gloves are used to prevent the transmission of infection between caregivers and patients. These gloves are used during medical examination and surgical procedures. Medical examination gloves can be further classified as sterile or non-sterile, while surgical gloves are generally sterile. These gloves are manufactured from different polymers such as latex, nitrile, polyisoprene, and vinyl. These gloves are a part of personal protective equipment (PPE), whose demand increased exponentially due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The growing preventive measure to minimize the spread of COVID-19 is expected to fuel the demand for disposable gloves during the forecast period. Moreover, factors such as the surging number of healthcare facilities, growing awareness regarding health, hygiene, & safety, and the increasing number of surgical procedures drive the market. Furthermore, the market players focusing on various strategies such as new product launches and acquisitions are expected to increase market growth in the coming years.

For instance, in January 2020, Mölnlycke launched the Biogel PI UltraTouch S surgical glove, a skin-friendly glove to reduce the problem of allergies.

COVID-19 IMPACT

Market to Witness a Strong Positive Impact Owing to Growing Preventive Measure Amid COVID-19 Pandemic

The impact of COVID-19 is expected to result in considerably high disposable medical gloves market growth during the analysis period. This is attributed to the significant acceleration in the adoption of medical gloves by healthcare workers in the treatment and diagnosis of COVID-19 and the increase in hospital admissions across the world. The market witnessed a humongous growth rate of 99.6% in 2020 compared to 12.3% in 2019.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), in 2021, the U.S. reported more than 70.0 million COVID-19 cases since the pandemic began, which has now started falling due to increasing preventive measures to reduce the transmission of the virus. The COVID-19 pandemic has changed the perspective of the risk of infection transmission, which has ultimately increased the demand for disposable gloves. Moreover, according to the Malaysian Rubber Glove Manufacturers Association (MARGMA), in terms of volume, the global demand for rubber gloves increased by around 16.7% compared to 2020 due to the sudden increase in the requirement of gloves during the COVID-19 pandemic.

With the increase in the demand for gloves, the disposable medical gloves market players have also increased their production capacities to fulfill the demand, resulting in high revenue compared to the historic years. For instance, Kossan Rubber Industries Bhd witnessed an increase of 64.1% yearly revenue. Its revenue increased from USD 535.0 million in 2019 to USD 878.0 million in 2020 due to the high demand for disposable medical gloves across the globe.

Worldwide vaccinations have reduced the mortality associated with COVID-19 and the number of hospital admissions. However, factors such as new & emerging variants of COVID-19 and the growing adoption of disposable gloves due to the COVID-19 related fear are expected to increase the demand for disposable gloves even after the pandemic gets over.

LATEST TRENDS

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High Demand for Examination Gloves in COVID-19 Tests and Mass Vaccinations to Drive Market Growth

The prevalence of COVID-19 is falling significantly due to increased testing and mass vaccination. Many developing countries are building robust healthcare infrastructure and offering advanced treatment to deal with COVID-19. These countries scaled up new COVID- 19 test centers and vaccination centers to reduce the cases of the novel virus.

For instance, in June 2020, the Indian Council of Medical Research reported 877 COVID-19 testing laboratories conducting various tests such as real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), TrueNat, and cartridge-based nucleic acid amplification test (CBNAAT) to detect COVID-19. Currently, the Indian Council of Medical Research reported 3,011 COVID-19 testing laboratories for the testing. Since medical examinations gloves are required for coronavirus testing, there is a sudden increase in demand for medical examination gloves.

In most countries, large-scale vaccination started in the mid of 2021 to fight against the pandemic. The launch of new vaccination centers by various countries increased the demand for PPE. Thus, the increasing need for examination gloves during this pandemic is expected to prove beneficial for disposable medical gloves market growth in the near future.

DRIVING FACTORS

Increasing Awareness Related to Hygiene and Safety from Healthcare-Associated Infections (HAI) to Drive Market Growth

The rising awareness of hygiene and safety from HAI is a substantial factor in driving the disposable medical gloves market for disposable medical gloves. According to WHO, every day around the world, thousands of people die from infections acquired while receiving health-related care. In such procedures, hands are the main source for the transmission of infection. Hence, hand hygiene is the most crucial measure to prevent infection and control HAI transmission. Thus, healthcare facilities constantly focus on the adoption of medical gloves.

HAI can occur in any healthcare setting such as hospitals, ambulatory surgical centers, dialysis facilities, clinics, and long-term care facilities (for example, nursing homes and rehabilitation facilities) and can cause morbidity and mortality. According to WHO, for every 100 hospitalized patients at any time, 10 hospitalized patients in developing and 7 hospitalized patients in developed countries will acquire at least one healthcare-associated infection. The prevalence of healthcare-associated infection in developed countries varies between 3.5% and 12% at any given time. Medical gloves are highly recommended for minimizing infections, which drives its demand globally.

Rising Number of Healthcare Facilities Across the Globe to Drive Market Growth

The rise in number of different kinds of diseases across the globe and rapid growth in the patient population have increased the demand for healthcare facilities. The surge in healthcare expenditure from various countries to build advanced and robust healthcare infrastructure has increased the proportion of public and private healthcare facilities. For instance, according to the OECD (Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development), in 2020, the number of hospitals in Mexico was 4,909 compared to 4,707 in 2019. Similarly, Colombia also witnessed an increase in the number of hospitals. According to Becker's ASC Review, in 2020, the number of ambulatory surgical centers in the U.S. was 5700 compared to 5,369 in 2019. This significant increase in healthcare facilities is expected to upsurge the patient admission rate, thereby facilitating the demand for disposable medical gloves.

RESTRAINING FACTORS

Allergies Associated with Several Types of Gloves to Hinder Market Growth

Despite the increasing adoption of gloves globally, some factors are responsible for restraining the market. Allergies can occur through direct contact with allergic latex proteins in latex glove products. The common symptoms of latex allergies include redness, swelling of the skin, and immediate itching. As preventive measures, many hospitals have implanted policies to restrict medical gloves made up of latex. According to the American Latex Allergy Association, in 2018, around 3 million people were allergic to latex in the U.S.

Moreover, there are numerous allergies caused by latex and the lubricating powder involved with the powdered gloves. Thus, powdered gloves are banned in several countries across the globe. For instance, Germany, the U.K., and the U.S. have banned powdered gloves. Furthermore, some countries such as Japan, Korea, Hong Kong, Saudi Arabia, the Philippines, Thailand, and Taiwan also announced the ban on powdered gloves in healthcare facilities. The other countries are also expected to reduce or stop the use of powdered gloves in the future. Hence, the allergies associated with the use of several medical gloves hamper the market growth.

SEGMENTATION

By Application Analysis

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Increase in the Use of Examination Gloves During Pandemic

Based on application, the disposable medical gloves market is segmented into surgical and examination.

Out of the two, the examination segment held the dominant share of the global market in 2021 due to the rising number of several diagnostic tests among healthcare providers due to the outbreak of COVID-19. Moreover, an increased prevalence of healthcare-associated infections (HAI) is expected to favor segmental growth.

The surgical segment is anticipated to expand at a moderate CAGR during the forecast period. The demand for surgical gloves was low in 2021 as only non-elective surgical procedures were allowed during pandemics. According to the recent news article published by STAT, in 2021, Tampa’s BayCare Health System in Florida has seen a tenfold increase in COVID-19 patient hospitals. Expecting this surge to get worse, its executives decided to pause elective surgeries. However, after 2022, the segmental revenue is expected to reach pre-pandemic levels as healthcare facilities plan to start all surgical procedures, including elective and non-elective surgeries.

By Material Analysis

Synthetic Segment Dominated the Market due to Rising Adoption of Nitrile Gloves

Based on material, the global market is segmented into latex and synthetic.

The synthetic segment is expected to expand at the highest CAGR during the forecast period, 2022-2029. Synthetic gloves are further segmented into nitrile, neoprene, polyisoprene, and others. The growth of the synthetic segment is attributed to the rising adoption of nitrile gloves over latex gloves. Synthetic gloves provide better chemical protection and offer strong protection against viruses. Moreover, the increasing number of diagnostic tests and growing preference for synthetic gloves to deal with high-risk situations such as handling blood samples and body fluids drive the segmental growth.

The latex segment is anticipated to expand at a comparatively lower CAGR during the forecast period. This factor is due to the rising number of skin allergies and reactions associated with latex gloves.

By Category Analysis

Rising Adoption of Powder-free Gloves to Fuel Segmental Growth

Based on category, the global market can be segmented into powdered and powder-free.

The powder-free held the highest disposable medical gloves market share in 2021 and is projected to expand at a substantial CAGR during the forecast timeframe. The increased preference for the powder-free category is due to its versatility and water resistance, making it a suitable option for pathology/diagnostics labs. Powder-free gloves have low protein content, which helps to reduce exposure to natural latex proteins (allergens). These gloves are treated with chlorine to eliminate the powdered residue and latex proteins. The chlorination process makes the surface texture more modified and helps to reduce the natural tackiness. Thus, the adoption of powder-free gloves is expected to increase in the coming years.

The powdered segment is expected to expand at the lowest CAGR during the forecast period. The low growth of powdered gloves is due to the harmful effects associated with their use. For instance, skin allergies, nasal allergies, asthma, and life-threatening anaphylactic shock are some of the major side effects of powdered gloves. Thus, most countries such as Germany, the U.S., and Saudi Arabia have banned these gloves while several other countries are also expected to impose restrictions on their use in the coming years. 

By End-User Analysis

Surging Patient Admissions in Hospitals & Clinics to Drive Segmental Growth      

On the basis of end-user, the market is segmented into hospitals & clinics, diagnostic/pathology labs, dental clinics, and others.

The hospital & clinics segment is expected to dominate the global market during the forecast period due to many patient admissions in hospitals & clinics. Examination procedures in hospitals have increased in recent years. Furthermore, improving healthcare infrastructure to provide better medical examinations and other care services in hospitals & clinics is anticipated to increase the supply of medical gloves in healthcare facilities.

The instant spike in demand for disposable medical gloves from diagnostic/pathology labs is attributed to the rising number of COVID-19 tests performed in 2020. Moreover, increasing screening and diagnosis of various diseases is expected to contribute to its long-term growth.

Dental clinics are anticipated to account for a substantial market share during the forecast period. The demand for medical gloves was low in 2021 as only critical dental care was delivered during the pandemic. Due to lockdown in several countries, many dental clinics were closed, and only emergency care was delivered via telephone consultation.

REGIONAL INSIGHTS

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On the basis of region, the global market can be segmented into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and Latin America, and the Middle East & Africa.

The market in North America was valued at USD 6.68 billion in 2021 and is anticipated to continue its dominance in the global market during the forecast period. Some of the contributing factors include the substantial investments by the U.S. government to increase the production of nitrile gloves. For instance, in May 2021, the Department of Defense (DOD) of the U.S., with the coordination of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), announced to assign a contract of USD 26.3 million to several gloves manufacturers to expand the domestic production capacity of nitrile gloves. Furthermore, strong demand for disposable gloves due to the increased number of surgeries in hospitals and ASCs in the region will propel the market growth in North America during the forecast period. Increased demand for these products from pathologists and the growing high demand for high-quality powder-free gloves are the other factors likely to drive the market growth in the region.

Europe is anticipated to hold a significant market share during the forecast timeframe. The share is due to the growing awareness regarding HAI, increasing spending on healthcare infrastructure, surging inclination toward health and safety, and rising number of patient footfalls in the healthcare facilities across Europe.

The market in Asia Pacific is estimated to grow at the highest CAGR during the forecast period, 2022-2029. Some of the critical factors contributing to the regional growth include the presence of major companies, such as Top Glove Corporation Bhd, Hartalega, and others, coupled with the increasing production capacity by these key players. For instance, in March 2020, ANSELL LTD., a prominent company in the global market, announced to acquire a 50% stake in Careplus Group Berhad, a Malaysian mid-sized player. This acquisition expands ANSELL LTD.'s presence in the Asia Pacific region. Furthermore, Chinese manufacturers introduce new products to meet the rising demand for medical gloves, thereby spurring the overall disposable medical gloves industry growth.

Latin America held a substantial market share in 2021 and is projected to expand at a moderate CAGR during the forecast period. The region is experiencing an increase in healthcare expenditure to enhance the overall healthcare system. For instance, according to OECD, in 2020, health expenditure of Chile will be 9.4% of its total gross domestic product (GDP) to its healthcare sector. Thus, the overall growth of the healthcare industry is expected to increase the demand for disposable medical gloves in Latin America.

The market growth in Middle East & Africa is attributed to the increase in the prevalence of chronic diseases in the region, surge in hospital admissions, increasing burden of healthcare-associated infection, and rising technology advancement in the medical gloves.

KEY INDUSTRY PLAYERS

Strong Performance of Malaysian Gloves Suppliers to Boost Market Growth

In terms of the global disposable medical gloves market's competitive landscape, the scenario reflects the dominance of Malaysian companies such as Top Glove Corporation Bhd, Hartalega, and others. Top Glove Corporation Bhd is a prominent player operating in the market. It constantly focuses on the introduction of new gloves in the market. For instance, in February 2020, Top Glove Corporation Bhd launched biogreen biodegradable nitrile gloves (powder-free).

Other market players include ANSELL LTD, Kossan Rubber Industries Bhd, Semperit AG Holding, and Sri Trang Agro-Industry Plc. These companies are anticipated to increase their market share during the forecast period by launching new products and increasing their production capacities to meet the need for medical gloves.

LIST OF KEY COMPANIES PROFILED:

• Top Glove Corporation Bhd (Malaysia)


• Cardinal Health (U.S.)


• Kimberly-Clark Corporation (U.S.)


• Sri Trang Agro-Industry Plc. (Thailand)


• Mölnlycke Health Care AB (Sweden)


• ANSELL LTD. (Australia)


• Hartalega (Malaysia)


• Semperit AG Holding (Austria)


• Kossan Rubber Industries Bhd (Malaysia)


• Supermax Corporation Berhad (Malaysia)

KEY INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENTS:

• March 2019 – ANSELL LTD. announced the launch of MICROFLEX MidKnight XTRA, a nitrile exam glove for enhanced fentanyl protection.


• December 2020 – ANSELL LTD. announced the acquisition of Primus Gloves Private Limited and SANREA Healthcare Products Pvt Limited. These companies are the key manufacturers of disposable medical gloves in India.

REPORT COVERAGE

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The disposable medical gloves market report delivers a detailed market analysis. It focuses on key aspects such as an overview of rubber gloves production per-capita consumption of rubber gloves by key countries. Additionally, it includes an overview of all the segments key industry developments such as mergers, partnerships, & acquisitions, covers regional analysis of different segments, new product launches, and the impact of COVID-19 on the market. Besides these, the report offers the import-export scenario of gloves an overview of raw material prices. The report encompasses qualitative and quantitative insights that have contributed to the growth of the market in recent years.

Report Scope & Segmentation