Shortage of nitrile gloves due to COVID-19?

In early June 2020, the Malaysian Rubber Glove Manufacturers Association ( MARGMA ) warned that fraudsters had pretended to represent existing glove manufacturers on the market and were offering rubber gloves at “ridiculous” prices and short delivery times.

In this context, MARGMA said: “Buyers are reminded that glove prices have skyrocketed and demand is extremely high, while the industry’s supply volume is sold out until early next year. In such a situation, no one but the genuine manufacturers can provide a limited supply of gloves.”

The MARGMA association makes it clear that people should be on their guard against fraudsters, who can be recognized by the fact that they offer unlimited quantities at low prices.

MARGMA also reports that around 53 billion gloves were exported from Malaysia in the first quarter of 2020. In 2019 as a whole, a total of 187 billion gloves were exported, with an estimated global consumption of 296 billion units.

The association estimates that glove consumption will amount to 330 billion gloves in 2020, an increase of around 11% compared to the previous year. The share of gloves supplied from Malaysia will probably amount to 220 billion units.

In view of the enormous demand, MARGMA estimates that there will be a high glove shortage in 2020. This is likely to continue well into 2021. According to various sources, the global demand for disposable gloves is currently five times higher than before coronavirus.

The market research company “VynZ Research” reports that the global market for disposable gloves was estimated at USD 7.6 billion in 2019. It is expected to reach USD 11.8 billion in 2025. The average annual growth rate for the period from 2020 to 2025 is estimated at 7.7%. The reason for the growth of the disposable glove market is seen in infection control and the occurrence of pandemics.

However, increased demand from various sectors would also drive market growth. These sectors include the pharmaceutical and chemical industries, healthcare, the oil and gas industry and automotive finishing.

A report on the market research website “ReportLinker” even estimates an annual growth rate of 15 percent for the market for medical gloves between 2019 and 2025. The growth is attributed to increased demand in the medical sector, where the focus is on preventing contamination and infection, particularly during surgical procedures.

However, the report generally considers a stronger focus on safety and hygiene standards to be likely, as well as an ongoing effort to implement strict health regulations. Both would also be likely growth drivers in relation to the glove market. However, pandemics such as COVID-19 would also drive this growth.

The trend would be towards non-powdered medical gloves. This could be due to the fact that, according to “ReportLinker”, several studies have found that powder-free gloves are considered cleaner than powdered gloves.

The market research report on “ReportLinker” also states that demand for nitrile gloves is increasing. On the one hand, they are less likely to cause allergies. Secondly, nitrile gloves are more puncture-resistant and more resistant to chemicals than other gloves. In general, the switch from latex to nitrile is progressing. Manufacturers are also continuing to work on the comfort of nitrile gloves and developing new models that contain even fewer chemicals and are stronger than conventional nitrile gloves.

The protective glove manufacturer Ansell assumes that the cost of nitrile gloves will rise by 30 to 50 percent, as there is a shortage of the raw material acrylonitrile butadiene rubber (NBR, nitrile butadiene rubber). NBR is used for the production of nitrile gloves. Ansell also expects demand for disposable gloves to triple. The reason for this is, among other things, the need for medical staff to combat COVID-19. In addition, government and healthcare organizations are stockpiling to be prepared for another wave of COVID-19.

Among other things, we can offer our customers the nitrile glove “CELOS Glove 1.10“. This cleanroom glove has a length of 30 cm and is suitable for cleanroom classes ISO 4-9 or GMP C-D. The glove is latex-free. It also contains fewer chemical additives compared to other cleanroom gloves. This reduces the risk of allergic reactions. The disposable glove is ambidextrous and offers excellent dexterity and tactile sensitivity thanks to its unique fit, textured fingertips and pleasantly thin material.

If you have any questions about these nitrile gloves or another nitrile glove from our range, simply contact us. You can also conveniently order nitrile gloves via our online store and choose from various models with different properties, sizes and colors.