Disposable gloves, past, present and future

The concept for rubber gloves has been around for over 100 years when a doctor from Baltimore was asked by a nurse to create something that would protect her hands from the chemicals used during surgery. However, the first disposable latex gloves were manufactured in 1964 by the Ansell Rubber Company and were used in the medical industry. They were sterilised using gamma irradiation and disposed of after surgery.

Today, disposable gloves are used in a range of industries such as catering, food processing, cleaning, painting, plumbing and even the tattoo industry. Different types and colours of gloves are used in different industries and for various reasons. For example, in the medical industry, blue is most notably used to differentiate nitrile from latex gloves. Whereas, in industries like the automotive and tattoo industry black gloves are used to hide oil marks and blood and ink.

Disposable gloves are also available in powered and non-powered varieties. Powered gloves contain a starched powder that absorbs sweat, making them easier to slip on and off. This also reduces the build up of odour and residue inside the gloves while they work. Although, this powder has been known to irritate some user’s skin.

Latex gloves are made from natural rubber and are good protection against viruses and bacteria this is why they are used during operations because of their high touch sensitivity and in chemical labs due to the strong material and less chance of chemical transmission. Despite this, latex is not as durable as nitrile or vinyl gloves.

Nitrile gloves are made from a synthetic rubber called nitrile butadiene rubber (NBR) that is resistant to chemicals. They are often used in place of latex gloves for people who have latex allergies and offer good protection against infections. Nitrile gloves are used in hospitals because they are medical-grade and are highly durable. This durability also makes them suitable for use in industrial settings like food and drink processing plants and in construction.

Vinyl gloves are made from polyvinyl chloride or PVC. They are often seen as a cheaper alternative to produce and to purchase than nitrile and latex, but offer the least protection against infections. They are often used for short term use like handling and serving food to combat the transfer of bacteria onto food, looking after someone who is sick and light tasks such as painting and cleaning.

The manufacturing process for both nitrile and vinyl gloves is quite similar. Ceramic, hand-shaped moulds are cleaned with water and bleach to eliminate any residue, then dried. The moulds are submerged in a mixture of calcium carbonate and calcium nitrate, which helps the synthetic materials set. Polymer coating and chlorination processes can enhance the wearability by lubricating and smoothing the surface. Finally, the gloves are removed from the mould in the stripping phase.

The process of manufacturing natural latex gloves is slightly longer. The moulds are dipped in liquid latex, dried, and then submerged in a coagulation tank with calcium nitrate or calcium carbonate for even distribution. After drying again, the moulds are dipped in compounded mature latex, a blend of latex and various chemicals. This concentration is monitored and controlled to ensure quality and durability. A leaching process with hot water follows to dissolve proteins and residues, enhancing the latex film's strength.

In recent years, the demand for disposable gloves sky rocketed with the emergence of the deadly COVID pandemic which called for ordinary people to wear gloves and masks to stop the disease from spreading. This in turn has caused a global shortage as more and more needed to be produced this would also mean more people needed to work the machines. All of this, along with the rising cost of raw materials and supply chain issues has contributed to price rises of all disposable gloves, especially nitrile gloves.

The problem with billions of pairs of nitrile disposable gloves being used every day is that they are not entirely disposable. Once we dispose of the gloves and they end up in a sterilised bin, they are sent to a landfill where they take around 100 years to decompose, unlike latex which naturally decomposes because of its rubber origins.

As a result of this, BioTouch have developed 90% biodegradable Nitrile Disposable Gloves which only take little over a year to decompose (490 days). This breakthrough is all down a change in the manufacturing process which uses a polymerised ‘food source’ containing an enzyme which attracts bacteria and breaks down the polymer chains, allowing micro-organisms to break down any remaining polymers within the glove naturally.

In conclusion, disposable gloves play a crucial role in many industries, from healthcare and food processing to cleaning and tattooing. Their development has evolved significantly since the invention of rubber gloves over a century ago, with advancements leading to the first disposable latex gloves in 1964. Today, various types of gloves, including latex, nitrile, and vinyl, each designed for specific needs across diverse fields, offering protection for a range of tasks.

The COVID-19 pandemic, highlighted challenges such as supply shortages, rising costs, and environmental concerns that may be here for years to come. Non-biodegradable nitrile gloves, while durable and versatile, pose a significant environmental issue due to their long decomposition time.

But there is hope, companies like BioTouch are pioneering eco-friendly solutions with 90% biodegradable nitrile gloves that decompose in just over a year. This breakthrough in manufacturing uses an innovative enzyme to break down the glove’s polymers, making them much more sustainable.

As we continue to rely on disposable gloves for safety and hygiene, it is important to support and adopt greener alternatives. By doing so, we can help protect not only ourselves but also the environment, ensuring a healthier planet for future generations.