Medical Gloves Market

Medical Gloves Market Outlook (2022 to 2032)

The Global Medical Gloves Market recorded a valuation of US$ 9.08 billion in 2021 and is expected to reach US$ 17.6 billion by the end of 2032, expanding at a CAGR of 6% over the next ten years. According to this new study by Persistence Market Research, North America is the leading regional market with a share of 45.8%.

Gloves reduce the risk of bacteria, germs, and pathogens, after which, they should be disposed of. To prevent cross-contamination, these are one type of protective equipment that are utilized when dealing with medical examinations and medical operations. One way to lower the risk of infections is by using gloves.

Numerous types of polymers such as polyvinyl, nitrile rubber, latex, and neoprene, are employed in the production of medical gloves. Both powered and non-powdered versions of these gloves are available. To lubricate powdered gloves, maize starch is powdered, which makes it easier to slip the hands into the gloves.

Sales of medical gloves accounted for 12.8% share of the global personal protective equipment market in 2021.

Sales Analysis of Medical Gloves (2017 to 2021) Vs. Market Outlook (2022 to 2032)

The Global Medical Gloves Market expanded at a CAGR of 9.3% from 2017 to 2021 owing to the advent of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Demand for nitrile gloves increasing day by day, due to the adverse effects of latex gloves. Nitrile gloves do not affect humans and are environment-friendly. Increase in the prevalence of chronic, contagious and infectious diseases is the major driver for this market. There is a high chance of spreading such diseases, among people and also as well as from patients to healthcare professionals and vice versa. To avoid that, the use of gloves is very important.

• According to a report by WHO published in 2021, there were 37.7 million people living with HIV by the end of the year 2020 and 0.27% of health workers are at risk of HIV transmission annually.

Surgeons in developing countries are at risk of HIV exposure. There is a risk that can be minimised by using a double layer of gloves. Due to this, the use of gloves will increase.

Additionally, the growing geriatric population globally is expected to drive the market demand over the forecast period. This is due to the improvement of care structures for the ageing population. The geriatric population group is at a higher high at risk of transferrable diseases due to their decreased immunity. The increasingly ageing population is prone to various types of injuries and as a result, surgical cases have increased significantly, which will further increase their demand.

• As per a study in the journal of Elsevier Public Health Emergency Collection published in 2020, 310 million surgeries are performed each year globally, out of which about 50 million are done in the US and 20 million in Europe.

Owing to the factors mentioned above, the global medical gloves market is expected to progress at a CAGR of 6% during the forecast period (2022 to 2032).

Why is Demand for Medical Gloves Continuously Increasing?

Increasing medical tourism is also a reason for the spike in the use of these gloves.

• For instance, the medical tourism industry in the UAE generated US$ 3.29 billion in 2018, growing at an annual rate of 5.5%. The country saw around 300,000 visitors, a 4% increase in health tourism arrivals in 2019 over the previous year, which shows a positive effect on this industry.

Strict worker safety regulations, as well as a strong focus on hygiene in a variety of end-use industries, are also driving demand for nitrile gloves worldwide.

Over the next few years, this is expected to provide profitable growth opportunities to medical glove manufacturers.

Demand from unconventional end-use industries is one of the major opportunities in this industry. The growing number of end users outside of hospitals and clinics such as diagnostic centres, veterinary clinics, home care facilities, and clean rooms will create a huge demand in the medical and Industrial Gloves Market. Growing demand in diagnostic laboratories, clinics, ambulatory surgery centers and diagnostic laboratories will further drive market expansion.

What is Restraining the Demand Growth for Medical Gloves?

Gloves meant for medical use play an important role in helping in protection against infection. But there are some adverse effects of using gloves on the body, which is restraining market growth to some extent. The use of powdered latex gloves by healthcare professionals has been linked to numerous reports of allergic reactions, and irritation. This is caused by the high protein concentration in latex. These proteins make it easier for healthcare workers using these gloves to experience type I (anaphylactic) allergic reactions. Inhaling cornstarch powder, which is a component of powdered latex gloves, can also cause allergic reactions.

• According to an article published in the World Allergy Organization Journal in August 2021, healthcare workers who inhale corn starch powder may experience life-threatening complications such as rhinitis, conjunctivitis anaphylactic shock, and acute asthma attacks. The adverse effects associated with employing powdered gloves include granulomas, inflammation, and respiratory allergic responses.

Additionally, product recalls and increased rules and regulations regarding these products affect the market for gloves.

• On December 19, 2016, FDA issued a rule prohibiting powdered gloves due to the unreasonable and significant risk of illness or injury to people exposed to powdered gloves.

The use of powdered gloves is risky for patients and healthcare professionals when internal body tissues are exposed to the powder. It can cause severe inflammation of the airways and hypersensitivity reactions. The FDA regulates these devices to maintain expected performance criteria, such as biocompatibility, tear resistance, and puncture resistance. To reduce the risk of possible allergic reactions, the FDA also requires glove manufacturers to properly label the gloves. As a result, lengthy legal documentation and stringent compliance requirements can limit industry expansion.

Country-wise Insights

What Makes the United States a Large Market for Medical Gloves?

The United States dominated the North American region with a market share of 90.5% in 2021 and is expected to continue to experience high growth throughout the forecast period.

The United States dominates the global market due to high hygiene awareness along with increased number of surgeries.

• According to data published by the Electrophysiology and Heart Rhythm Disturbance Team centre in 2018, in the United States, heart disease is the main cause of death. Near about 500,000 open-heart surgeries are performed each year in the country.

Due to this, the United States is poised to maintain its leadership position over the coming years due to its advanced healthcare system, focus on reducing the risk of healthcare-associated infections, and high demand for high-quality gloves in surgical practices.

How is the Malaysian Market for Medical Gloves Evolving?

The medical gloves market in Malaysia is expected to expand at a CAGR of 7.5% during the forecast period.

The abundance of rubber trees in Malaysia and government assistance have helped the country become a leading manufacturer of gloves.

• According to the United States International Trade Commission published in 2021, 60% of the world’s nitrile gloves are produced by Malaysia and accounted for 75% of the quantity of non-hard rubber gloves.

Additionally, increased demand for gloves due to a rise in the awareness about hygiene during COVID-19 has boosted production in the country.

Category-wise Insights

Why are Natural Rubber Gloves Highly Sought-after?

Disposable Examination Gloves generated revenue worth US$ 6.52 billion in 2021, with the segment projected to expand at a CAGR of 6.1% during the forecast period.

Out of the total disposable examination gloves, gloves made from natural rubber lead with a market share of 64.9%. Due to their natural origin and no adverse effects on the body, natural rubber gloves are highly sought-after across the world.

Will the Medical Sector Continue to Lead the Demand for Medical Gloves?

The medical sector accounted for a market revenue share of 84.9% in 2021. Medical gloves used for acute care held the leading market share of 63.2% in the market. An increase in the prevalence of infectious as well as chronic diseases and an increase in medical treatments have driven this segment substantially over the years.

Competitive Landscape

With several competitors in the production sphere, the market is highly fragmented. To meet consumer demand and expand their customer base, companies are resorting to mergers & acquisitions, partnerships & collaborations, and new product launches.

• In July 2021, Honeywell announced a commercial collaboration with leading healthcare company Premier Inc. to expand its production of nitrile gloves in the commercial market.
• In April 2021, Cardinal Health acquired a contract of US$ 57.8 million for the distribution of 80 thousand personal protective equipment (PPE) kits to support the Strategic National Stockpile (SNP).

Medical Gloves Industry Report Scope

Medical Gloves Industry Research Segmentation

By Product:

• Reusable Gloves
  • Fabric Supported Gloves
    • Natural Rubber (NR)
    • Nitrile Rubber (NBR)
    • Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)
    • Polyurethane (PU)
  • Industrial & Household Gloves
    • Natural Rubber (NR)
      • Powdered Gloves
      • Non-powdered Gloves
    • Nitrile Rubber (NBR)
    • Neoprene
    • Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)
• Disposable Examination Gloves
  • Natural Rubber (NR)
    • Powdered Gloves
    • Non-powdered Gloves
  • Nitride Rubber (NBR)
  • Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)
• Surgical Gloves
  • Natural Rubber (NR)
    • Powdered Gloves
    • Non-powdered Gloves
  • Synthetic
  • Chloroprene
  • Isoprene
• Disposable Industrial Gloves

By End User:

• Medical Sector
  • Acute Care
  • Laboratory Services
  • Research Services
• Non-Medical Sector
  • Food Processing
  • Commercial Manufacturing
  • Cleanroom Application
  • Household Application

By Region:

• North America
• Latin America
• Europe
• East Asia
• South Asia
• Oceania
• Middle East and Africa (MEA)

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