Color is important in any discussion of disposable gloves, even if there are no industry standards for different colors of gloves. What makes it important is what you and your company do with it: Creating a color-coding scheme can prove beneficial in a variety of ways, from hygiene to general organization.
Thirty-five years ago, when AMMEX was just getting started, industrial gloves came in essentially two variations: ivory or off-white for latex, and for vinyl and poly, opaque or transparent.
In a fast-paced environment like meat processing, it can be challenging to maintain high safety ratings.
The industry operates under stringent hygiene regulations to prevent contamination and ensure food safety. Single-use nitrile gloves are integral to meeting those standards. Unlike latex gloves, nitrile gloves are resistant to oils, fats, and chemicals, which makes them ideal for handling meat products.
Disposable gloves can seem pretty, well, disposable sometimes. You get 100 in a box, 1,000 in a case, and if one or two prove defective, hey, those are the breaks (or rips or punctures). Why would that be a big deal to anyone?
Since 1988, AMMEX has protected countless hands across countless industries—but automotive service is one area we’ve always thrived.
Third of four parts
Currency performance was mixed at the end of last year and the start of 2024. The Malaysian ringgit, the Singapore dollar, and the Thai baht declined against the U.S. dollar. The ringgit specifically is close to its lowest level to the U.S. dollar since the Asian financial crisis in January 1998.
Second of four parts
Disposable glove factories, especially in SE Asia, continue to optimize their production lines and face issues with labor availability. Some of the world’s largest manufacturers of disposable gloves are working to return to profitability and have stated that it will take well into 2025 to do so.
Avoiding cross-contamination and the spread of bacteria in food service establishments is a perennial struggle. Washing dishes, pots, and pans at high temperatures, and thoroughly cleaning and sanitizing all surfaces, are common and effective means of combating germs and assorted microorganisms.
One of the most important defenses against food poisoning, however, is proper handwashing. Hands can spread germs in both the kitchen and the dining area; some of these germs, like salmonella, can make employees (and, even worse, customers) sick. Washing hands frequently with soap and warm water is an easy way to limit the spread of germs.
Last in a series
Currency has real impact on disposable glove prices. The currency exchange rate has been favorable to U.S. buyers in the single-use glove market the last few months, with a strong dollar trading at its highest rate in 20 years. If the dollar should stumble, glove prices are likely to feel upward pressure.
That is why it’s important to monitor international markets closely. If you hear the dollar is weakening, be prepared—and prepare your customers for what could lie ahead.
AMMEX wishes you the best of prosperity and success in the new year!
In 2024, we expect the disposable glove market to continue to grow and develop. We expect the same factors we’ve always believed in to be important again: fill rates, quality control, high compliance standards, and superior customer service.
AMMEX’s adherence to industry regulations and standards is not just a matter of procedure—it’s also a fundamental aspect of ensuring user safety and product excellence.
Non-compliance in the disposable glove industry can lead to severe consequences, including the risk of transmitting infections, particularly in sensitive environments like healthcare. Non-compliance also raises concerns about the presence of harmful substances, allergens, and insufficient protection against chemicals and pathogens.
