Most vinyl gloves are made in China, and tariffs have made those much more expensive. Now may be a time to shift from vinyl disposable gloves to lightweight nitrile. Nitrile offers several advantages: performance, safety, environmental impact, and user comfort.
Here’s an outline of the five key benefits:
1. Enhanced Protection and Performance
Nitrile gloves are more resistant to a wider range of chemicals, oils, and solvents than vinyl gloves. They are also more puncture-resistant than vinyl gloves, improving durability and protection.
2. Improved Comfort and Fit
Nitrile conforms more closely to the hand, providing a snug, comfortable fit and greater dexterity compared to gloves of similar thickness. The ergonomic fit of lightweight nitrile gloves helps minimize strain during extended use. Like vinyl, nitrile is latex-free but without the associated loss of stretch and comfort seen in vinyl.
3. Sustainability
Lightweight nitrile gloves are more durable and longer-lasting than vinyl gloves, which may require frequent changes and more gloves to complete the same task. Nitrile also has better aging properties than vinyl, reducing product waste from expired stock.
4. Regulatory and Industry Compliance
Nitrile gloves meet more stringent standards (e.g., ASTM, EN) for medical and industrial use and have fewer issues with chemical ingredients that are more common with vinyl.
5. Cost Efficiency Over Time
Nitrile gloves are more durable and reduce the need for frequent replacements, improving cost-effectiveness and sustainability. Nitrile gloves are suitable for a broader range of tasks, reducing the need for multiple glove types in one facility.
In sum, lightweight nitrile gloves offer a superior choice for hand protection. AMMEX provides a broad range of options in lightweight nitrile, such as X3 Industrial Blue or Black Nitrile Gloves and AMMEX Professional Exam Blue Nitrile gloves.
Check out our previous post about the benefits of lightweight nitrile here.