Disposable Medical Gloves Market Size (2024 - 2029)

Disposable Medical Gloves Market Analysis

The Disposable Medical Gloves Market size is estimated at USD 9.49 billion in 2024, and is expected to reach USD 15.57 billion by 2029, growing at a CAGR of 10.40% during the forecast period (2024-2029).

The rise in infectious disease instances and the increasing number of hospital/medical facilities are actively impacting the growth of the market.

As reusable medical devices are used for multiple patients, there is a chance of inadequate cleaning of the devices, which increases the risk of infection. For instance, a Food Drug and Administration (FDA) article updated in April 2022 reported inadequate cleaning between patient uses can leave behind blood, tissue, and other biological debris (soil) in certain reusable medical devices, like endoscopes. This residual debris can enable microbes to endure the following disinfection or sterilization process, potentially resulting in healthcare-associated infections (HAIs).

In addition to the above context, inadequate reprocessing can lead to adverse patient outcomes, including tissue irritation caused by residual reprocessing materials, such as chemical disinfectants. Hence, it is advisable to use disposable gloves in hospitals and clinics while using any medical device or during surgical procedures to mitigate the transmission risk of bacteria and viruses to patients, thereby propelling the utility of disposable medical gloves.

Further, an increase in hospital-acquired infection (HAI) is likely to propel the adoption of disposable gloves in medical settings, contributing to market growth. For instance, as per the European Center for Disease Prevention and Control in May 2024, each year, 4.3 million patients in hospitals in the European Union acquire at least one healthcare-associated infection during their stay in the hospital. Thus, the high burden of HAI is expected to increase demand for disposable gloves, contributing to market growth.

The strategic initiatives by industry players, such as partnerships, product launches, and expansions, also contribute to the market growth during the forecast period. For instance, in February 2022, Kimberly-Clark Worldwide Inc. introduced the Kimtech Opal Nitrile Gloves, which guard against contamination by chemical splash and microorganism hazards. The gloves are efficient because they are free of natural rubber latex and vulcanizing agents, reducing the risk of Type I and Type IV glove-associated skin reactions. Also, in April 2022, Unigloves introduced BioTouch, a new line of biodegradable disposable nitrile gloves. BioTouch, an eco-friendly and hygienic protective glove, finds extensive application in gastronomy, the food industry, and hospitals. Such innovations are poised to drive market growth in the coming years.

Therefore, owing to the aforementioned factors, such as rising HAIs leading to high demand for disposable medical gloves and expansion initiatives by market players for medical gloves manufacturing and supply, the market is anticipated to grow during the study period. However, the environmental impact associated with the disposal of these gloves is expected to restrain the market growth during the forecast period.

Disposable Medical Gloves Industry Segmentation

Disposable medical gloves are single-use gloves that protect the hands from possible infections and diseases.

The disposable medical gloves market is segmented by application, material, end user, and geography. By application, the market is segmented as surgical and examination. By material, the market is segmented as latex, vinyl, nitrile, and other materials. By end user, the market is segmented as hospitals, diagnostic laboratories, and home care. By geography, the market is segmented into North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, the Middle East and Africa, and South America. The market report also covers the estimated market sizes and trends of 17 countries across major regions globally.

The report offers market size and forecasts for the disposable medical gloves market in value (USD) for the above segments.