← Back to Blog

05 January 2021

Nitrile vs. Latex vs. Vinyl Disposable Gloves

 

Wearing a mask outside of home might have become the norm in 2020, but in many cases gloves have also been introduced as a must have piece of PPE at work. A common challenge for many people and businesses has been figuring out exactly which type of glove is best suited to the specific activities they might need them for. It’s a lot more simplified in industries where gloves have been the norm for decades, but not so much in spaces where additional health precautions have been introduced as a result of the pandemic. Today, we’ll touch on three different disposable glove options to choose from, namely nitrile, latex and vinyl, to make the decision as easy as possible.

 

Nitrile Disposable Gloves

Nitrile is a synthetic rubber compound that has been around for a while, but has only recently become more affordable. Food, cleaning and medical industries rely on it for the gloves they stock for their day-to-day operations, and because of their long standing popularity, other businesses have gone with them as a rule too. These gloves offer great chemical resistance, and offer protection from harsh corrosive chemicals unlike its counterparts. This makes them relatively niche in comparison to their latex and vinyl counterparts. Depending on your specific needs, it might be just what you’re looking for. 

 

Latex Disposable Gloves

Latex gloves are the most common choice for people all over the world, mostly because they offer high protection against bacteria and viruses. These gloves are “meeting the moment” in the world so to speak, in a time when COVID-19 has presented a lot of questions and uncertainty across the board. Latex gloves are often seen in medical, dental, senior care and food processing. The great thing about them is that they are relatively easy to clean with a mild detergent and hot water, so (depending on the industry, of course) you won’t necessarily have to replace them with each use. 

Vinyl Disposable Gloves

Vinyl disposable gloves are practical for one major reason: they are the cheapest out of the three materials. This makes them appealing in industries that need high volumes of gloves while dealing with non-hazardous materials. Vinyl gloves don’t offer a major level of protection, but they do protect the wearer from oily substances, liquids and emulsions that might contaminate a part of the supply chain in food preparation, for instance. Vinyl gloves are made with raw synthetic materials, unlike their latex counterpart, which is created using natural rubber from rubber trees. Keep this in mind if you’re looking for a more eco-friendly solution for your business. 

 

The Best PPE Gloves Supplier in South Africa

Now that you know a little more about each glove type, you’re just about ready to take the plunge. Whether you’re set on one, two or all three of these glove types for various uses, look no further than G.Fox to help you with a practical solution. With decades of experience in providing personal protective equipment to companies and individuals, their team of experts is always on hand to offer a great deal no matter where in the country you’re located. Their catalogue extends beyond disposable gloves, offering affordable choices in other ranges to help you make the best possible decision based on your needs on the ground. In 2021, what more can we ask for?

← Back to Blog