How to Save Money When Buying latex vs nitrile gloves

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Here are several tips for saving money on disposable gloves amid the soaring prices due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Numerous companies and countless employees have been compelled to seek new suppliers of disposable gloves due to shortages, investing endless hours in finding better pricing. This was driven by an unexpected surge in demand for disposable gloves, crucial for preventing and containing the transmission of Covid-19 virus droplets, also recognized as Coronavirus Disease.

Understanding the Disposable Glove Situation

To provide some context, it is necessary to highlight my experience developing various types of gloves to address issues arising from glove usage during the HIV/AIDS crisis in the late 1980s. At that time, the healthcare community, encompassing millions of professionals, began wearing gloves due to the emergence of this blood-borne pathogen. Consequently, several complications associated with prolonged glove wear were identified, primarily linked to the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV).

The initial glove I engineered was a high-performance polyurethane glove, which was entirely biocompatible, hypoallergenic, and exceptionally thin (1.2 mil), setting a new standard in the market.

The subsequent product was a unique protective nylon glove liner designed to act as a barrier against latex (proteins), rubber, and plastic gloves. These glove liners remain popular today, assisting many users in alleviating discomfort when wearing gloves for extended periods. For further information on these liners, look out for a new post.

Reasons Behind the Surge in Disposable Glove Prices

The explanation is straightforward. A rising demand coupled with factory shutdowns in Asia due to the pandemic, along with a scarcity of raw materials, has resulted in price hikes exceeding 1,000 percent.

Nitrile vs. Latex:

Nitrile gloves have emerged as the preferred disposable choice in healthcare, primarily due to latex allergies. Nitrile gloves outperform latex in chemical resistance and strength. However, their availability and pricing have seen significant fluctuations recently, attributable to raw material shortages.

Vinyl (PVC) Gloves

Although vinyl gloves are popular, they are typically not used in healthcare settings due to strict FDA regulations. Nonetheless, they are generally regarded as safe for a wide range of other applications, as they conform well like nitrile and latex gloves.

PE (Polyethylene) Gloves

Commonly known as cafeteria gloves, PE gloves are widely utilized in food service settings. They are not form-fitting like nitrile or latex gloves, but they are incredibly thin, with some variations featuring an embossed surface for enhanced grip.

Cost Overview:

For an approximate idea of costs by case (best pricing), consider the following:

Nitrile: ~$0.51/Pair

Contact us to explore your options regarding latex vs nitrile gloves. Our knowledgeable sales team can assist you in identifying the best choices for your needs.

Latex: ~$0.31/Pair

Vinyl: ~$0.21/Pair

PE Gloves: Less than $0.01/Pair

Final Thoughts:

Many users do not consider alternative options for disposable gloves, and I hope this article offers valuable insights and assistance. Depending on your specific application, switching to an alternative model while prioritizing safety can help reduce costs and broaden your purchasing options.

Link: Disposable Gloves

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Joe McGarry

The Glove Guru

Strategies for Managing Disposable Glove Expenses

Disposable gloves are not only becoming hard to find but also exorbitantly priced, emphasizing the necessity for alternatives.

In our current unpredictable climate, you may need innovative strategies to protect your workforce without straining your budget. The dramatic price hikes in disposable gloves signal an urgent need for creative solutions.

What Causes the Surge in Disposable Glove Prices?

The disposable glove market recently encountered a confluence of challenges. Rubber trees, the source for materials like latex and nitrile, thrive in hot tropical regions, making single-use gloves largely dependent on exports from Malaysia and China, which dominate the rubber trade.

This unprecedented spike in disposable glove demand, initiated by COVID-19, coincided with high infection rates in China and Malaysia early in the pandemic, leading to factory shutdowns and a slow return to production. Even as many nations continue grappling with the virus, the availability of these materials remains critically low, resulting in price surges that can reach 300% or even 1,200%. Buyers are left with little choice but to raise their bids to secure supplies, while cash buyers have been seen purchasing large quantities to resell at inflated prices.

Under normal circumstances, buyers could easily find another supplier offering better rates. However, the current landscape means that all disposable glove suppliers are facing similar challenges. Prices continue to fluctuate as buyers must meet market prices at the time of shipment rather than when they place their orders, leading to unexpected costs. Unfortunately, this trend is expected to endure.

Affordable Disposable Glove Alternatives

Fortunately, there are alternatives! Start by examining the types of gloves and other supplies you typically purchase. Many companies shifted to nitrile gloves as latex allergies became prevalent, but the prices for nitrile have fluctuated significantly due to raw material shortages, seeing increases over 1,000%. A viable solution is to reevaluate the applications of your nitrile gloves to explore if another glove type can replace them without compromising safety or operational efficiency.

This article originally appeared in the January/February issue of Occupational Health & Safety.

For more information on are vinyl gloves safe, feel free to reach out. We are ready to provide professional guidance.