AMMEX has been in business for more than 35 years. During that time, except for a few divergences, we have been intensely focused on disposable gloves. We think about them all the time—and not many companies can say that.
Last of three parts
As 2024 winds down, it’s becoming increasingly challenging to establish consistent and predictable supply—especially at volume—while keeping costs in check. Along with reliable supply, the benchmarks of quality, compliance, and sustainability continue to become more important in the disposable glove market.
The dangers of fentanyl have been widely reported. The drug, developed in 1959 as an intravenous analgesic and anesthetic, is one of the most abused synthetic opioids in North America and a primary driver of overdose deaths among young people.
First of three parts
The disposable glove market continues to have several unique cost drivers impacting the industry. Factories have reduced the number of production lines from pandemic highs, increasing utilization rates and reducing excess supply. Raw materials, from chemicals to synthetic rubber, are rising in cost. Other drivers, such as labor supply in Southeast Asia, packaging material increases, logistics, and a weakening U.S. dollar, are also playing a role.
Sustainability is getting plenty of attention these days, and rightfully so. It’s not some marketing-driven buzzword foisted upon the public in the last few years; its roots go back to ancient times. Environmental problems like deforestation, soil loss, and salinization were topics of discussion for Egyptians, Mesopotamians, Greeks, and Romans.
We love the fact that our customers are not easily satisfied.
That has been one of AMMEX’s central tenets over our 35-plus years in business. It prevents taking anybody for granted and motivates us to do whatever it takes to keep customers happy.
Second of four parts
Disposable glove factories, especially in Southeast Asia, continue to optimize their production lines. Some of the world’s largest makers of disposable gloves are working to return to profitability and expect it will take well into 2025 to do so.
The current state of the disposable glove market is defined by several factors that have become common over the last few years.
On the surface, the market appears to be in good shape. Acute glove shortages are behind us, pricing has returned to favorable levels, the supply chain has seen many broken links repaired, and there is no longer a sense of emergency weighing heavily on the entire glove trade.
Compliance is not a flashy topic in the realm of disposable gloves.
Despite its lofty position as one of four pillars in AMMEX’s core capabilities—along with fill rates, quality control, and customer service—it may not enjoy the buzz that surrounds the other three.
What do you think constitutes superior customer service?
The answers to that question are myriad, of course, and depend largely on the type of business one is referring to. What’s tops in jet engines is different from ubiquitous online retailers or answering the phone at Butterball Turkey’s Thanksgiving hotline.
