Background of the Different Types of Nitrile Gloves on the Market

What is Nitrile?

Nitrile is a rubber, synthetic polymer that is derived from acrylonitrile (ACN) and butadiene. It is most widely used in gloves throughout the medical community, as an alternative to latex. Nitrile gloves are known to be more solvent resistant, and have the ability to withstand ISO propyl alcohol. They offer resistance to oils, petroleum fuels, and acids, while also offering some of the same protections from cuts, punctures, and chemicals as latex gloves. Nitrile gloves have proven to be up to 3 times more puncture resistant than latex gloves. There is a great level of protection, but without the same allergens that are associated with latex. 

When was Nitrile first introduced to the Market?

The market for nitrile gloves has grown tremendously since the time they had been first introduced. The actual rubber, Nitrile Butadiene Rubber (NBR), was first patented in 1934 by two German chemists. However, the actual nitrile exam glove wasn’t invented until the 1980s and eventually patented by two men, Neil Tillitson and Luc DeBecker, in 1991. According to the actual patent, “An elastomeric material and gloves made therewith are substantially impermeable to water vapor and liquid water, have a relatively high tensile strength, and have a relatively low resilience. The gloves conform to the shape of a hand when stretched to fit about the hand and then relax so that the pressure exerted on the hand is substantially reduced. The gloves are particularly useful in medical applications and most particularly useful as surgical gloves.” While the reception of the nitrile glove was initially slow, multiple industries quickly became acclimated to the use of these gloves. By the end of 2021, the global market size was estimated at 8.78 billion USD. Nitrile gloves are recommended when working with 76% of common chemicals. The market size is expected to expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.7% between 2022 and 2030.

What industries use Nitrile gloves?

• Medical and Healthcare
  • Medical Professionals
  • Dental Professionals
  • Surgical Exams
  • PPE
• Automotive
• Construction
• Metals and Machinery
• Food and Beverage
  • Food Manufacturing
  • Food Preparation
  • Serving of Food
• Oil and Gas
• Janitorial and Maintenance
• Pharmaceuticals
• Health and Beauty
  • Beauty Salons
  • Tattoo Shops
  • Spas

What are the benefits of using Nitrile gloves?

• 3 times the puncture resistance of latex
• Strong protection and resistance against chemicals
• Soft, flexible, and comfortable
• Latex-free
• Longer shelf life

How is Isikel contributing to the Nitrile gloves market?

Our new 3-line nitrile glove factory in Katy, TX is able to manufacture 470 million top-quality, nitrile gloves per year. Our gloves are particular because they offer the following features:

• Single use, disposable nitrile gloves
• Non-Sterile
• Natural, Latex-Free
• Chlorine-Free
• Powder-Free
• Ambidextrous
• Bisque Finish
• Aqua in color

Nitrile Glove Standards

Our gloves also meet or exceed standards set by:

• ASTM 6319 Physical Properties Testing – May 2022
• ASTM 6978 Chemo Drug Permeation Testing – Aug 2022
• ASTM 1671 Resistance to Viral Permeation – Aug 2022
• ISO 10993-10 Irritation & Skin Sensitization – Mar 2022
• ISO 10990-11 Acute Systemic Toxicity – Mar 2022
• ISO 10993-23 Primary Skin Irritation – Mar 2022

Isikel is prepared and ready to supply you with various sizes of gloves. Reach out to one of our reps here to start your order or learn how we can help get you gloves and other supplies you need.