The U.S. disposable gloves market witnessed a surge in growth in the late 1980s and early 1990s, as new health regulations required all health workers to wear gloves when treating or examining patients. A growing population of aging "Baby Boomers" will continue to stimulate market growth, as they will need regular access to healthcare services. Currently, this market is in a state of flux and is characterized by product shifts and growth in individual segments.

This Frost & Sullivan research examines and provides detailed forecasts for three broad segments of the market: surgical, examination, and non-medical gloves. It identifies market challenges and suggests strategies to address them. This analysis studies major market participants and discusses the factors impacting prices of disposable gloves.

Manufacturers Exploring Alternatives to Traditionally-used Powder Natural Rubber Latex Gloves

The U.S. disposable gloves market is largely dominated by powder natural rubber latex (NRL) gloves, as they are reasonably priced and offer excellent protection, durability, and comfort. However, the presence of allergy-causing proteins in powder NRL has driven end-users to seek alternatives such as powder-free NRL and synthetic gloves. "Latex allergy affects between 8 and 12 percent of all healthcare workers in the United States, presenting a challenge to all NRL glove manufacturers as they strive to lower the level of proteins in gloves," says the analyst.

Powder-free NRL gloves are gaining end-user acceptance as they have low chemical residuals and offer protection from powder-related allergies. Companies that focus on the production of polymer-coated latex gloves can expect to achieve success. "Manufacturers are challenged to develop new technologies to meet customers' demand for high quality gloves at a low price," states the analyst.

Individual Segments Poised for Expansion

Significant growth areas of this market include powder-free NRL examination and surgical gloves, nitrile and vinyl examination gloves, and synthetic surgical gloves. According to the analyst, "Powder-free NRL is the most attractive market in surgical gloves in terms of market size and growth." Nevertheless, synthetic neoprene surgical gloves are in demand as their properties are similar to those of NRL. Moderately priced nitrile examination gloves, known for their tear-resistance properties, also offer competition to NRL gloves.

The non-medical disposable gloves market has scope for further expansion, particularly in industrial cleanrooms, which control product contamination, and the food industry, which requires safety in food handling. Should bio-terrorism break out in the United States, manufacturers will have a significant opportunity to produce a large quantity of gloves within a short time frame. Manufacturers that price competitively and follow stringent quality control procedures will be able to retain market share.

This study identifies key growth areas in the U.S. disposable gloves market, and helps your company develop an effective business plan by offering strategic insights and detailed forecasts.

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