Gloves Market Analysis North America, APAC, Europe, South America, Middle East and Africa - US, China, Japan, India, Germany - Size and Forecast 2024-2028

Gloves Market Forecast 2024-2028

The gloves market size is forecast to increase by USD 11.32 billion at a CAGR of 5.78% between 2023 and 2028. Our report examines historical data from 2018-2022, besides analyzing the current market scenario.

Further, in North America, gloves find extensive use in residential and industrial cleaning, spurred by growing safety and hygiene awareness. Additionally, they are essential in sports like baseball and skiing, as well as during harsh winters for warmth. The region's robust demand for gloves is further fueled by expanding industries such as food services, biotechnology, and pharmaceuticals, supported by low-cost raw materials like latex and rubber. North America leads the market, with the US and Canada driving revenue growth, particularly in food service gloves, due to stringent safety regulations enforced by authorities like the US FDA and Health Canada. AMMEX Corp.: The company offers gloves such as Gloveworks Industrial RDT Orange Nitrile disposable gloves, Gloveworks Industrial RDT Green Nitrile disposable gloves, Gloveworks Industrial Ivory Latex disposable gloves and Gloveworks Industrial Ivory Latex disposable gloves.

Overview of the Market

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Market Dynamics

The market offers a diverse range of options to cater to various needs, including natural rubber (latex), nitrile, vinyl, and polyethylene (PE) gloves. These gloves are available in both powder-free and powdered forms, suitable for different preferences and applications. They serve critical roles in healthcare settings, with surgical gloves and examination gloves being essential for medical professionals in hospitals and clinics, and ambulatory surgical centers. Advancements in automation and robotics have also enhanced the manufacturing process, ensuring the production of high-quality latex gloves and nitrile gloves to meet stringent quality standards.

Key Market Driver

An increase in rubber production is the key factor driving the market. Natural rubber latex is a prevalent material in glove manufacturing, particularly in medical and healthcare settings. The rise in rubber production ensures an ample supply of raw materials for latex gloves, meeting the rising demand in these sectors. Anticipated to increase by 4% annually as per the Association of Natural Rubber Producing Countries (ANRPC), rubber consumption is closely monitored by this inter-governmental organization.

Further, consistent, high-quality rubber supply ensures gloves meet stringent quality standards and regulatory requirements, bolstering reliability, performance, and safety. Versatile rubber enables the production of diverse gloves for various applications, including medical, industrial, and household use, driving growth in the market during the forecast period. 

Significant Market Trends

The introduction of touchscreen gloves is the primary trend shaping the market. As the use of touchscreen devices has become ubiquitous in daily life, there is a growing demand for gloves that allow users to operate touch screens without having to remove their gloves. Consumers seek convenience and functionality, driving the demand for touch-screen-compatible gloves. Due to extreme weather conditions, gloves are a must to keep warm. However, this prevents the usage of smart devices. Touch screen gloves help in usage, along with remaining connected to the various smart devices.

Additionally, touchscreen gloves employ conductive material to transfer electric current from the body to the device. Touch-screen-compatible gloves are increasingly used in professional settings where workers need to use touchscreen devices while on the job. This includes industries such as logistics, transportation, construction, healthcare, and public safety, where touchscreen devices are integral to daily operations. Thus, the growing usage of touchscreen gloves will propel the growth of the market during the forecast period.

Major Market Challenges

Health hazards is the major challenge that affects the market expansion. Natural rubber latex, a common material in glove production, can cause latex allergies in some individuals. The prevalence of latex allergies has prompted the development and increased use of alternative materials like nitrile and vinyl, which are less likely to cause allergic reactions. The accelerators in the glove manufacturing process are chemicals that are used to increase the binding speed between sulfur and the glove material.

Moreover, the gloves are dipped in chemical solutions of calcium carbonate and calcium nitrate, which cause irritation to the skin in the form of rashes, allergies, and itching. These chemicals are dangerous for the workers involved in glove production. Prolonged exposure leads to headaches, loss of appetite, nausea, and usual symptoms of weakness. Therefore, the chemicals employed in the glove manufacturing process cause hazardous effects on health, hampering market growth during the forecast period.

Market Segment

The market offers a variety of options for different needs, including surgical gloves, latex gloves, and vinyl gloves. These hand-covering items of clothing are made from various materials such as cloth, knitted or felted wool, leather, rubber, and neoprene. Additionally, specialized gloves like Kevlar gloves serve specific purposes, including use in pressure suits. With options ranging from traditional to advanced materials, the market caters to diverse preferences and applications.

By Distribution Channel

 The offline segment is estimated to witness significant growth during the forecast years. The offline distribution channel relies on traditional methods like physical stores, wholesalers, and distributors, excluding online platforms. Physical stores, including local retailers and medical institutions, are key components, allowing customers to interact with products before buying.

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The offline segment was the largest segment and was valued at USD 24.17 billion in 2018. Further, distributors and wholesalers facilitate efficient supply chain management by connecting manufacturers with retailers. In-store promotions engage customers and drive purchases. Despite declining revenue due to online shopping preferences, strategic marketing efforts will sustain offline sales and foster growth in the market during the forecast period. 

In the online distribution channel, changes in customer shopping preferences are driving glove sales through the online channel, expected to grow rapidly. Consumers increasingly rely on online research via websites and social media for purchase decisions. With growing internet penetration and smartphone users, manufacturers expand distribution networks through partnerships with e-retailers. Convenient logistics and access to popular e-retailers facilitate streamlined business activities. Retailers like Walmart are expanding online operations alongside physical stores. Despite a small market share, the online segment's continuous growth will fuel the market during the forecast period. 

Regional Analysis

APAC is estimated to contribute 32% to the growth of the global market during the forecast duration.

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Technavio’s analysts have elaborately explained the regional trends and drivers that shape the market during the forecast years. In North America, the use of gloves is on the rise across various sectors, including residential and industrial cleaning, sports like baseball and skiing, and winter wear during colder months. Industries such as food services, biotechnology, and pharmaceuticals are experiencing rapid growth, boosting glove demand. Favorable prices of raw materials like latex and rubber, driven by decreased crude oil costs, contribute to affordable glove availability.

Further, stringent food safety regulations in the US and Canada, enforced by authorities like the FDA and Health Canada, ensure product quality and safety. The implementation of regulations like the US FDA Food Safety Modernization Act and continuous updates to food safety guidelines demonstrate a commitment to food safety in North America. Similarly, Canada maintains strict food safety measures through Health Canada and various surveillance systems to monitor foodborne illnesses nationwide.

Who are the Major Market Companies?

Companies are implementing various strategies, such as strategic alliances, partnerships, mergers and acquisitions, geographical expansion, and product/service launches, to enhance their presence in the market.

• Key Offering- Ansell Ltd.: The company offers gloves such as Encore Latex Micro surgical gloves, Encore Latex Surgical Green underglove, Gammex Non Latex Sensitive Surgical gloves and Gammex Pi Hybrid Surgical gloves.
• Key Offering- Cardinal Health Inc.: The company offers gloves such as Protexis PI Surgical gloves, Protexis PI with Neu Thera Surgical gloves, ESTEEM Stretch Nitrile Exam gloves and FLEXAL Comfort Nitrile gloves.

The  market  growth and forecasting report also includes detailed analyses of the competitive landscape of the market and information about 20 market companies, including:

Cole Parmer Instrument Co. LLC, Dynarex Corp., Kanam Latex Industries Pvt. Ltd, McKesson Corp., MRK healthcare Pvt. Ltd., Owens and Minor Inc., Primus Gloves Pvt. Ltd., Semperit AG Holding, Superior Glove Works Ltd., Supermax Corp. Berhad, Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc., Top Glove Corp. Bhd, UG Healthcare Corp. Ltd., WellCare International Inc., and Medline Industries LP

Market forecasting of qualitative and quantitative analysis of companies has been conducted to help clients understand the wider business environment as well as the strengths and weaknesses of key market players. Data is qualitatively analyzed to categorize companies as pure play, category-focused, industry-focused, and diversified; it is quantitatively analyzed to categorize companies as dominant, leading, strong, tentative, and weak.

Segment Overview

The market research and growth report forecasts market growth analysis by revenue at global, regional & country levels and provides an analysis of the latest trends and growth opportunities from 2018 to 2028. 

• Distribution Channel Outlook
  • Offline
  • Online

• Product Outlook
  • Disposable gloves
  • Reusable gloves

• Region Outlook
  • North America
    • The U.S.
    • Canada
  • Europe
    • The U.K.
    • Germany
    • France
    • Rest of Europe
  • APAC
    • China
    • India
  • South America
    • Chile
    • Brazil
    • Argentina
  • Middle East & Africa
    • Saudi Arabia
    • South Africa
    • Rest of the Middle East & Africa

Market Analyst Overview:

In the market, healthcare providers seek hand-covering items of clothing like nitrile rubber and silk gloves for disinfection and sterilization in combating chronic diseases including cardiovascular and respiratory diseases. With sterile surgical gloves and PPE such as masks playing a crucial role, there's a growing demand for nitrile gloves and latex gloves. From metal mesh gloves to fabric gloves and chemical-resistant gloves, the market offers a diverse range including neoprene and butyl gloves for various non-surgical care procedures, catering to patient footfall across healthcare settings.

Moreover, in the evolving market, healthcare facilities like hospitals and clinics, and diagnostic centers emphasize hand hygiene and infection control measures through the use of powder-free gloves and powdered gloves. The increasing focus on sustainability drives demand for biodegradable gloves and eco-friendly gloves, leveraging plant-based polymers to reduce plastic waste. From surgical procedures to patient care, gloves ensure sterile conditions and patient safety, catering to various needs in minimally invasive surgeries and outpatient procedures while addressing concerns related to cardiovascular diseases and chronic respiratory diseases.

Furthermore, powder particles from natural rubber latex gloves have led to a shift towards powder-free nitrile gloves, particularly in outpatient surgeries and same-day surgical care, eliminating the need for overnight hospitalization and improving hand-covering items of clothing, akin to spacesuits like the Apollo/Skylab A7L, ensuring thumb and finger protection. Further, hand-covering items of clothing, including PPE such as canvas gloves, coated fabric gloves, natural (latex) rubber gloves, and neoprene gloves, offer varied levels of protection for different industrial and medical applications.

Market Scope
Report Coverage	Details
Page number	165
Base year	2023
Historic period	2018-2022
Forecast period	2024-2028
Growth momentum & CAGR	Accelerate at a CAGR of 5.78%
Market Growth 2024-2028	USD 11.32 billion
Market structure	Fragmented
YoY growth 2023-2024(%)	4.78
Regional analysis	North America, APAC, Europe, South America, and Middle East and Africa
Performing market contribution	APAC at 32%
Key countries	US, China, Japan, India, and Germany
Competitive landscape	Leading Companies, Market Positioning of Companies, Competitive Strategies, and Industry Risks
Key companies profiled	AMMEX Corp., Ansell Ltd., Cardinal Health Inc., Cole Parmer Instrument Co. LLC, Dynarex Corp., Kanam Latex Industries Pvt. Ltd, McKesson Corp., MRK healthcare Pvt. Ltd., Owens and Minor Inc., Primus Gloves Pvt. Ltd., Semperit AG Holding, Superior Glove Works Ltd., Supermax Corp. Berhad, Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc., Top Glove Corp. Bhd, UG Healthcare Corp. Ltd., WellCare International Inc., and Medline Industries LP
Market dynamics	Parent market analysis, Market growth inducers and obstacles, Fast-growing and slow-growing segment analysis, COVID-19 impact and recovery analysis and future consumer dynamics, and market condition analysis for the forecast period.
Customization purview	If our report has not included the data that you are looking for, you can reach out to our analysts and get segments customized.

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What are the Key Data Covered in this Market Research Report?

• CAGR of the market during the forecast period
• Detailed information on factors that will drive the growth of the market between 2024 and 2028
• Precise estimation of the size of the market  size and its contribution to the market in focus on the parent market
• Accurate predictions about upcoming trends and changes in consumer behavior
• Growth of the market across North America, APAC, Europe, South America, and Middle East and Africa
• A thorough analysis of the market’s competitive landscape and detailed information about companies
• Comprehensive analysis of factors that will challenge the growth of market companies

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