Medical Gloves Market Size & Forecast

The Medical Gloves Market is expected to reach $24.21 Billion by 2031, at a CAGR of 7% from 2024 to 2031. The growth of this market can be attributed to factors such as the high burden of chronic diseases leading to an increase in the number of surgeries, an increasing prevalence of infectious diseases, a rise in the number of medical facilities, and increasing healthcare expenditure. Furthermore, stringent regulatory requirements and rising environmental concerns about the disposal of medical gloves are restraining the market growth.

Technological advancements in material science and manufacturing technologies and growing medical tourism in emerging economies are expected to offer growth opportunities for the players operating in this market. Moreover, the risk of surgical site infections due to glove powder and allergic reactions due to some gloves' materials are challenges to the market’s growth. Also, the growing adoption of biogel gloves and partnerships and collaborations between companies are a growing trend in the medical gloves market.

Medical Gloves Market Growth Drivers

Increasing Number of Surgeries

Surgeons and other healthcare providers utilize medical gloves during surgical procedures to prevent the spread of infection and keep the surgical area clean. Medical gloves are crucial in surgical settings to protect the safety of surgeons and patients. These gloves provide a barrier of protection by minimizing immediate contact between the surgeons’ hands and the patient's surgical site. They assist in reducing the spread of infectious agents and the chances of infections. The increasing number of emergency cases, such as emergency labor and accident cases, and an increase in chronic disease cases are leading to an increase in the number of surgeries.

According to a WHO study, cesarean section was the most common type of surgery performed globally in 2021, accounting for 21% of all births. This number is expected to rise further over the next ten years, with cesarean sections estimated to account for nearly a third (29%) of all deliveries in 2030. By 2030, the highest rates of c-section surgery are projected to be in Eastern Asia (63%), Latin America & the Caribbean (54%), Western Asia (50%), Northern Africa (48%), Southern Europe (47%), and Australia & New Zealand (45%).

According to data published by the Annuals of Thoracic Surgery Short Reports in December 2023, each year, over 1 million cardiac surgical procedures are conducted globally. Thus, the increasing number of surgeries is boosting the demand for medical gloves.

Rise in the Number of Medical Facilities

Medical facilities, including hospitals, diagnostic centers, nursing centers, dental clinics, and ambulatory surgical centers, are major users of medical gloves. The demand for medical gloves rises in direct proportion to the number of these facilities. Medical gloves are essential for the protection of patients and medical facility staff since they minimize the transmission of cross-contamination and infections. They are utilized for a variety of medical operations, such as examinations, surgery, and patient care. The increased number of medical facilities immediately correlates with a rising need for medical gloves to meet infection control criteria. For instance:

• According to the American Hospital Association (AHA), in 2023, the total number of hospitals in the U.S. was 6,120, and 400 healthcare systems.
• In 2021, there were 6,570 hospitals and 977,790 primary-level clinics in China. (Source: National Institute of Health)
• According to the Institut Montaigne (Paris), in India, there were a total of 43,486 private hospitals and 25,778 public hospitals in 2020.
• According to the International Trade Administration, in 2022, Brazil had 7,191 hospitals, of which 62% were private.

Medical Gloves Market Trends

Biogel Gloves

The biogel coating on gloves provides a soft and smooth surface, which improves customer comfort. It decreases discomfort and irritation, making them more pleasant to wear over time. The biogel also adheres to the hand with its curves, improving dexterity. In addition, certain individuals might experience allergic reactions to latex and certain glove materials. Medical biogel gloves are frequently latex-free and created from synthetic materials, which reduces the risk of allergic reactions. As a result, they are a popular choice among patients and doctors who are allergic to latex.

Furthermore, medical biogel gloves offer benefits such as low sweating, reduced hand fatigue, reduced exposure to potential allergens, and good tactile sensitivity to the wearer.

Partnerships and Collaborations between the Companies

Various public-private organizations are focusing on partnerships and collaborations due to the increasing demand for medical gloves to protect patients from the transmission of microorganisms that might trigger infection and disease during medical operations and examinations. For instance,

• In November 2022, Vizient, Inc. (U.S.) partnered with SafeSource Direct, LLC (U.S.) to produce high-quality nitrile gloves.
• In June 2022, American Nitrile, LLC (U.S.) partnered with OIC, L.P. (U.S.) to expand its manufacturing facility in Ohio (U.S.). Under this partnership, the OIC contributed USD 105 million to the completion of 12 manufacturing facilities with a total capacity of 3.6 billion nitrile gloves per year.
• In July 2021, Honeywell International Inc. (U.S.) collaborated with Premier Inc. (U.S.) to expand U.S. production of nitrile exam gloves.

Thus, increasing partnerships and collaborations between the companies creates an opportunity for the medical gloves market.

Medical Gloves Market Opportunities

Technological Advancements in Material Science and Manufacturing Technologies

Material scientists are continually creating new compounds and coatings with improved qualities for medical gloves. For instance, the discovery of synthetic materials such as neoprene and nitrile has allowed for the substitution of latex gloves, thereby reducing latex allergy issues. These cutting-edge substances have barrier protection, better puncture resistance, and tactile sensitivity, making them ideal for a variety of medical applications.

In addition, advancements in manufacturing can decrease costs and boost production effectiveness while enhancing overall medical glove quality. Automation plays a significant part in simplifying the manufacturing process and maintaining uniform glove quality. Thus, technological advances resulted in the creation of gloves with particular treatments and coverings that prevent the spread of viruses and bacteria. These gloves improve healthcare staff and patient security and serve to limit the danger of cross-contamination.

Medical Gloves Market Analysis: Key Findings

By Product: In 2024, the Examination Gloves Segment to Dominate the Medical Gloves Market

Based on product, the medical gloves market is segmented into examination gloves, surgical gloves, chemotherapy gloves, and other medical gloves. In 2024, the examination gloves segment is expected to account for the largest share of the medical gloves market. The large market share can be attributed to the high number of patient visits to hospitals and clinics coupled with the recurrent use of medical gloves in patient examination and the high incidence of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs). For instance, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), in 2022, out of every 100 acute-care hospital patients, 7 in high-income nations and 15 in low- and middle-income countries developed at least one health-care-associated infection (HAI), and 1 in every 10 affected patients died from HAI. To reduce the risks of developing HAIs, the usage of examination gloves is the highest, supporting the segment’s largest share.

By Material: In 2024, the Synthetic Material Segment to Dominate the Medical Gloves Market

Based on material, the medical gloves market is segmented into natural material and synthetic material. In 2024, the synthetic material segment is expected to account for the larger share of 62.7% of the medical gloves market. The synthetic material segment is further segmented into nitrile, vinyl, neoprene, polyethylene, and other synthetic materials. The large market share can be attributed to the cost-effectiveness of synthetic gloves and properties like excellent protection against germs and viruses, which makes them a popular choice among medical professionals. Their barrier qualities limit the transfer of infections and disease, increasing safety.

However, the natural material segment is projected to register the highest CAGR of 8.1% during the forecast period of 2024-2031. This is due to the advantages of natural gloves, such as their high degree of dexterity and touch sensitivity. They also offer a higher level of protection and strength against tears and punctures than vinyl gloves.

By Sterility: In 2024, the Sterile Gloves Segment to Dominate the Medical Gloves Market

Based on sterility, the medical gloves market is segmented into sterile gloves and non–sterile gloves. In 2024, the sterile gloves segment is expected to account for the larger share of the medical gloves market. The large market share of this segment can be attributed to the increasing number of surgeries, the rise in patient visits to clinics, and various initiatives aimed at reducing the spread of HAIs. Sterile gloves minimize the risk of contamination, infection, and the spread of pathogens during medical procedures and applications, supporting the segment’s large share.

By Usage: In 2024, the Disposable Gloves Segment to Dominate the Medical Gloves Market

Based on usage, the medical gloves market is segmented into disposable gloves and reusable gloves. In 2024, the disposable gloves segment is expected to account for the larger share of the medical gloves market. The large market share of this segment can be attributed to the rising concern for precautions for health and safety linked with medical care for patients and emergency response occurrences, in addition to concerns regarding on-the-job transmission of microorganisms and bloodborne diseases.

By End User: The Hospitals & Clinics Segment to Dominate the Medical Gloves Market

Based on end user, the medical gloves market is segmented into hospitals & clinics, ambulatory surgical centers, diagnostic centers, nursing centers, dental clinics, and other end users. In 2024, the hospitals & clinics segment is expected to account for the largest share of 39.0% of the medical gloves market. In hospitals, medical gloves are routinely used for patient examinations and surgeries. The large market share of this segment can be attributed to the increased patient visits for surgical procedures in hospitals & clinics due to the high burden of chronic and non-chronic diseases. Hospitals and clinics are the first choice for patients for any medical intervention. Thus, the adoption of medical gloves is the highest in hospitals and clinics.

This segment is also projected to register the highest CAGR of 7.3% during the forecast period of 2024-2031.

Geographical Analysis

By Geography: In 2024, North America to Dominate the Medical Gloves Market

In 2024, North America is expected to account for the largest share of 37.3% of the medical gloves market, followed by Europe and Asia-Pacific. North America’s significant market share can be attributed to several key factors, including the presence of major medical gloves companies such as McKesson Corporation (U.S.), Cardinal Health (U.S.), and Medline Industries, Inc. (U.S.), and the high number of surgeries, high burden of chronic diseases, and strategies aimed to control the spread of HAIs.

Moreover, the market in Asia-Pacific is slated to register the highest growth rate of 7.4% during the forecast period. This region’s growth is attributed to the growing number of healthcare facilities with infrastructure and growing awareness regarding infection control and prevention in healthcare settings of countries such as China and India.

Medical Gloves Market: Key Companies

The report offers a competitive analysis based on an extensive assessment of the leading players’ product portfolios, geographic presence, and key growth strategies adopted in the last 3–4 years. Some of the key players operating in the medical gloves market are McKesson Corporation (U.S.), Cardinal Health (U.S.), Medline Industries, Inc. (U.S.), Top Glove Corporation Bhd (Malaysia), Ansell Ltd (Australia), Mölnlycke Health Care AB (Sweden), Dynarex Corporation (U.S.), Honeywell International Inc. (U.S.), Hartalega NGC Sdn Bhd (Malaysia), AMMEX Corporation (U.S.), MRK Healthcare Pvt. Ltd (India), INTCO MEDICAL TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD. (China), Rubberex Corporation (M) Berhad (Malaysia), A.R. Medicom, Inc. (Canada), and SHIELD Scientific B.V. (Netherlands).

Medical Gloves Industry Overview: Latest Developments from Key Industry Players

• In March 2024, HARPS Europe GmbH (Austria) launched the skySense examination & personal protective glove portfolio to meet the demand for different color options and improve the diversity of lightweight glove solutions.
• In May 2023, Cranberry International Sdn Bhd (Malaysia) launched the bio nitrile, biodegradable nitrile powder-free examination gloves to fulfill the growing need for environmentally friendly products.
• In September 2023, Medline Industries, Inc. (U.S.) launched the Glide-On Powder-Free Vinyl exam glove to prevent rips and tears during regular hand-washing and sanitizing procedures.
• In May 2022, Globus Group (U.K.) launched nitrile gloves, a single-use glove range for the industry and healthcare sectors that protects hands from prevalent hazards.

Medical Gloves Market Research Summary

Key questions answered in the medical gloves market report: