Synthetic hybrid technology combines vinyl with elastomers to produce a disposable glove that is both versatile and value-oriented.
With COVID-19 stretching on for nearly a year and no relief in sight, the disposable glove market faces what may be its greatest challenges ever.
Nitrile and latex products are expensive and hard to come by, largely because of raw material shortages. And the end of 2020—a year many of us will be only too happy to see in the rear-view mirror—is not likely to bring much improvement.
Glove availability and pricing will continue to be problematic in 2021. Fortunately, vinyl is proving to be an excellent alternative for millions of users.
This is not old-school vinyl
Even after 25 years on the market, vinyl—also known as polyvinyl chloride, or PVC—generates skepticism from those who are convinced it is not strong enough, or not comfortable enough, or has a strange fit, smells funny, etc. But vinyl manufacturers are making tremendous strides, thanks to a renaissance for hybrids.
These synthetic blends, which first appeared on the market more than a decade ago, combine many of the attributes that make vinyl a great choice (versatility, lower cost, greater availability) with some of the qualities one sees in elastomers like nitrile: better fit and feel, greater comfort, stronger barrier protection.
Adding synthetic rubber to vinyl gloves enhances their elongation rate, elasticity, and flexibility, and increases their tensile strength. Their higher weight and reduced permeability improve protection against chemicals, but not to a level equal to pure nitrile gloves.
Vinyl is just more available
Because they are constructed primarily from a material in polyvinyl chloride that is not suffering from supply shortages, they can be produced in greater quantities, and often at a lower price point, than gloves made from NBR.
Some of these synthetic hybrid gloves include:
Gloveworks Industrial Black Synthetic Vinyl Gloves (GWBKQV): Black is the hottest color for looking cool—and professional. This blend of synthetic rubber elastomers and vinyl polymers creates a soft, supple glove that delivers high elasticity and comfort. Versatile for lightweight tasks from food service and processing to salon & beauty to janitorial, and lots more.
Gloveworks Industrial Blue Synthetic Vinyl Gloves (GWQIV): Remarkable comfort, with nearly the fit and feel of nitrile. Made of synthetic stretch vinyl, a latex-free and powder-free blend of elastomers and PVC. The gloves reduce hand strain while sporting high tactile sensitivity. They give you dependable barrier protection for food service, janitorial and sanitation, nail & beauty, plumbing, and lots more.
Gloveworks Industrial Blue Synthetic Vinyl Gloves (QIV): An awesome, latex-free blend of elastomers and PVC. This material combines advanced synthetic rubber with vinyl polymers to create an exceptionally soft and elastic glove that features unique shape memory. Great for food service, janitorial & sanitation, salon & beauty, painting, and more lightweight applications.
AMMEX X3 White Stretch Hybrid Poly Gloves (TEX3): Try these stretch hybrid polyethylene gloves for versatility and value. More form-fitting than regular polyethylene, they deliver good comfort while remaining loose enough for frequent glove changes. Great for restaurants, food trucks, salon & beauty, janitorial, and more. Sold 200 per box, so you will restock less frequently.
Latex proteins, be gone
Like nitrile- and vinyl-based gloves, hybrids contain no latex proteins and will not aggravate sensitivities to natural latex rubber. They have a better fit than poly or pure vinyl gloves, yet they are still easy-on, easy-off.
Hybrid gloves are especially well-suited for food service and food processing, as they are a natural fit for any application that requires frequent glove changes.
In exam grade, use them in any environment to prevent the spread of infection in healthcare, food preparation/food service, child or senior care, cleaning, sanitation, and other applications.
Are synthetic vinyl gloves for everyone? Possibly not. Nitrile purists may be disinclined to deviate from their norm. But with prices going higher and nitrile availability extremely limited, this is an excellent opportunity to see if synthetic vinyl will meet your customers’ needs.
Talk to your AMMEX sales representative about what these gloves can do for you moving forward.