The global disposable gloves market was valued at USD 9.57 billion in 2023 and is expected to grow at a compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.4% from 2024 to 2030. This growth is driven by multiple factors, including the enforcement of favorable occupational safety regulations, the increasing emphasis on safety and security in workplaces, and rising healthcare expenditures. In particular, the healthcare sector in major developing economies is poised for substantial growth due to factors such as increased investments in both private and public healthcare sectors, the growing population, the influx of migrants, and the rising geriatric population. As healthcare expenditures continue to rise globally, this is expected to significantly boost the demand for disposable gloves, which are a crucial tool for maintaining hygiene and safety in healthcare settings.
In the United States, the disposable gloves market is propelled by several key factors, including the presence of a highly developed healthcare infrastructure, higher disposable income among patients, and a large elderly population. Furthermore, the COVID-19 pandemic drastically increased the demand for disposable gloves, particularly within healthcare settings, as they were essential in preventing the spread of the virus. The pandemic underscored the importance of personal protective equipment (PPE), and disposable gloves became a vital part of healthcare protocols to minimize further transmission.
Gather more insights about the market drivers, restrains and growth of the Disposable Gloves Market
In industries such as healthcare, medical, and mining, workers are frequently exposed to hazardous chemicals, leading to a range of health risks, such as skin diseases, rashes, cuts, amputations, and exposure to bloodborne pathogens. As a result, safety regulations that mandate the use of protective gloves are expected to drive market growth. Increasing awareness of the role of raw materials in improving the properties of disposable gloves such as heat resistance, comfort, elasticity, and lightweight design is fueling research and development efforts by major market players. These companies are focusing on improving the functionality of disposable gloves and expanding their application through innovative design features.
Product Segmentation Insights:
The powder-free gloves segment dominated the market in 2023 and held a significant market share. The growth of this segment is influenced by stringent government regulations globally that restrict the use of powdered gloves. Powder-free gloves are treated with chlorination, which makes them easier to don and remove without the need for powder. The increasing preference for powder-free gloves across various industries including chemical, medical, and food processing will continue to drive market growth in the coming years.
While powdered gloves offer certain benefits, such as a tighter fit and better protection against hazardous chemicals and contaminants, they come with drawbacks. For instance, powdered latex gloves often use cornstarch powder, which can cause allergic reactions or skin sensitivities, although this issue is not as common with vinyl or nitrile gloves. In response to concerns about allergies and health risks, regulatory bodies like the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have taken action. On January 19, 2017, the FDA banned the manufacturing, sale, and distribution of powdered patient examination gloves, powdered surgeon gloves, and absorbable powders used to lubricate surgeon's gloves. This ban is expected to hamper the growth of the powdered gloves segment over the forecast period, while simultaneously boosting demand for powder-free alternatives.
In summary, the global disposable gloves market is set to experience steady growth due to heightened safety regulations, rising healthcare investments, and the increasing demand for protective equipment in various industries. The shift toward powder-free gloves, in particular, will play a significant role in shaping the future landscape of the market. Major players in the industry are expected to continue focusing on research and development to create more innovative and high-performance disposable gloves, further driving market expansion.
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