Disposable Gloves Procurement Intelligence Report, 2023 - 2030 (Revenue Forecast, Supplier Ranking & Matrix, Emerging Technologies, Pricing Models, Cost Structure, Engagement & Operating Model, Competitive Landscape)

Disposable Gloves Category Overview

The disposable gloves category is expected to grow at a CAGR of 3.9% from 2023 to 2030. The North American region accounts for the largest category share, while the Asia-Pacific region is anticipated to be the fastest-growing region in the forecast period. Factors such as increasing public-private partnerships in the healthcare sector, enhancing healthcare infrastructure, and expansion of the healthcare industry are driving the growth. Increasing healthcare expenditure, rising awareness of health-related infections in the aging elderly population, and ongoing laboratory experiments and research initiatives are some factors expected to bolster market trends.

Natural rubber, offering superior performance and extended protection in various segments of its applications such as food processing, pharmaceutical, and automotive sectors dominates the market with a 37% share of the total revenue in the category. However, severe health and allergic reactions due to latex gloves are resulting in the ban of such products in various countries. In 2023, the U.S. levied a ban on the import of natural rubber from Malaysia resulting in a decline of the Manufacturing Production Index by 8.14% year on year to reach 83.5 points, the lowest in seven months. As research and innovation continue along with health and safety concerns, there is a growing demand for this product to be used in more health-cautious ways. Nitrile, Vinyl, and Polyethylene disposable gloves are some of the potential approaches toward the safer use of disposable gloves in the industry. Owing to latex free, sustainable, and cost-effective nature of the material, these gloves are widely adopted in varied industries.

The category is moderately fragmented, with top players striving for market leadership. Along the value chain, major firms have merged to further solidify their market positions. In order to get an advantage over rivals, the global market has seen acquisitions and mergers as well as strategic alliances like technology licensing. In 2022, Japan’s SHOWA Glove Co. got approval for 510(k) from the Food and Drug Administration of the US for single-use nitrile gloves. Players are strengthening their market position through a cost-effective pricing approach at preferential pricing for varied sectors by dealing with large manufacturers across the globe. In 2022, MultiCorp International, Inc. has an agreement with significant glove manufacturers to provide medical-grade gloves to the healthcare sector. To reduce the cost of their disposable nitrile gloves, healthcare organizations in the U.S. and other nations will be able to acquire and obtain gloves at favorable pricing through a contract.

Natural rubber - Latex, nitrile, vinyl, neoprene, and polyethylene, are the primary raw materials used in the production of the category. In 2022, Prices for rubber latex, one of the key raw materials, have dropped by 40 to 50% as a result of a decline in glove demand brought on by the relaxing of COVID-19 cases in various areas of the world. Nitrile rubber, one of the raw materials in making nitrile gloves, has seen a surge in price due to the increase in natural gas prices by 40% owing to the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war, which in turn has affected the increase in the price of nitrile gloves by around 1 to 1.5%. Raw materials constitute around 45% of the cost of the category. On average, the cost of the various gloves is as follows: latex (USD 26 to USD 70), polyethylene (USD 9 to USD 20), and nitrile (USD 20 per bundle), increase in raw materials prices significantly affects the price of the category.

Sourcing of the category involves procurement of raw materials and import of the final product from various countries. China, Malaysia, and South Korea are the top exporters of this category. Best sourcing practices such as reaching reputable suppliers, meeting regulatory compliance, obtaining certifications and competitive pricing of the category is pushing players to attain market position. The US, India, and the majority of countries source from Malaysia and Thailand because of the best rubber production due to the suitable climate required for growth. Category participants are merging with multiple organizations to expand sourcing and distribution channels. Organizations like, MultiCorp International, Inc are outsourcing production to expand distribution channels.

Disposable Gloves Procurement Intelligence Report Scope