The global disposable gloves market size was approximately USD 12.50 Billion in 2024. The market is further projected to grow at a CAGR of 4.10% between 2025 and 2034, reaching a value of around USD 18.68 Billion by 2034.
Key Trends in the Market
Disposable gloves act as a protective barrier in different sectors like food, healthcare, and cleaning, among others. Materials such as natural rubber, nitrile, vinyl, neoprene, and polyethylene are used in manufacturing disposable gloves and offer specific advantages. For example, nitrile gloves provide puncture resistance, low allergy rates, and extended shelf life, making them suitable for multiple uses, including in food services, cleanrooms, and industrial settings.
- One of the key disposable gloves market trends includes the growing popularity of nitrile gloves, made from synthetic rubber, due to their durability, comfortability, excellent puncture resistance, and affordability, especially in medical, food, and cleaning applications. Nitrile gloves are also preferred in medical settings to prevent natural rubber allergies. They further find applications in various industries, including automotive, general industry, carpentry, and roofing.
- The implementation of improved industrial safety regulations, particularly in the construction sector where hand injuries are prevalent, is driving the disposable gloves market growth. As inadequate safety measures contribute to accidents, often caused by the absence or improper use of gloves, proper personal protective equipment (PPE), including gloves, is becoming crucial. The market is further poised for expansion in the coming years owing to increasing construction and infrastructure development in countries like China, the United States, and India.
- The disposable gloves market demand is being aided by growing hygiene and safety concerns, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic, accelerating the adoption of gloves across various sectors like catering, manufacturing, and retail, among others. Besides, growing environmental concerns are prompting key players to invest in research and development (R&D) activities to develop eco-friendly materials for use in manufacturing biodegradable disposable gloves, further fuelling the market growth.
Market Analysis
The EMR’s report titled “Disposable Gloves Market Report and Forecast 2025-2034 offers a detailed analysis of the market based on the following segments:
Market Breakup by Material Type
- Natural Rubber
- Nitrile
- Vinyl
- Neoprene
- Polyethylene
- Others
Market Breakup by Product
Market Breakup by End-Use
- Healthcare
- Automotive
- Oil and Gas
- Food and Beverage
- Metal and Machinery
- Chemical
- Clean Rooms
- Others
Market Breakup by Region
- North America
- Europe
- Asia Pacific
- Latin America
- Middle East and Africa
Market Share by Material Type
As per the disposable gloves market analysis, natural rubber latex gloves are valued for their widespread use. Renowned for elasticity, they conform comfortably to the hand. Their resilience, coupled with the strength of natural rubber latex, renders them resistant to tears and punctures. Widely employed in applications requiring waterproof and chemical-resistant materials, these gloves safeguard against biological hazards, bodily fluids, and various chemicals, making them ideal for laboratory, dental, surgical, and healthcare applications.
Market Share by Region
The Asia Pacific represents a substantial portion of the disposable gloves market share due to the flourishing healthcare sector. The region's evolving demographics and ageing population attract increased investment, especially in healthcare. Thailand and Malaysia's thriving medical tourism further boost the demand for disposable gloves.
Meanwhile, East Asia is also anticipated to experience significant growth in the forecast period, propelled by rising demand for disposable gloves in the food and beverages sector and the critical role of gloves in maintaining food hygiene during processing. North America is also expected to witness growth in the forecast period, driven by industrial demand, particularly in the U.S., where manufacturing activities are increasing.
Competitive Landscape
The comprehensive EMR report provides an in-depth assessment of the market based on the Porter’s five forces model along with giving a SWOT analysis. The report gives a detailed analysis of the following key players in the global disposable gloves market, covering their competitive landscape and the latest developments like mergers, acquisitions, investments, and expansion plans.
Kimberly-Clark Corporation
Kimberly-Clark Corporation, with 45,000 global employees, is dedicated to "Better Care for a Better World." Renowned brands like Huggies® and Kleenex® enjoy high popularity in over 175 countries. With over 150 years of innovation, Kimberly-Clark continuously adapts to evolving needs. From pioneering new categories to initiating crucial research activities, the company remains committed to improving lives through innovative products and practices.
Ansell Ltd.
Ansell Ltd., a global leader in health and safety protection, is dedicated to advancing well-being through cutting-edge solutions. Operating in the industrial and healthcare segments, Ansell, with 13,000 employees worldwide, continually invests in research and innovation. Trusted in over 100 countries, Ansell's brands are synonymous with reliability. The company has operational headquarters in the USA, Belgium, and Malaysia, with its registered office in Melbourne, Australia.
Top Glove Corporation Bhd
Top Glove Corporation Bhd, established in 1991 and headquartered in Malaysia, is one of the world's largest gloves manufacturers. With origins as a local enterprise, it now commands 26% of the global market share for rubber gloves. Operating in Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, and China, the company also has marketing offices in the USA, Germany, and Brazil, exporting to over 2,000 customers in 195 countries worldwide.
Other disposable gloves market players include Jiangxi Kemei Medical Apparatus & Instruments Group Co., Ltd., Sri Trang Gloves (Thailand) Plc., Unigloves (UK) Ltd., Cardinal Health, Inc., Hartalega Holdings Berhad, Kossan Rubber Industries Bhd, and MCR Safety, among others.