Nitrile gloves

What are nitrile gloves?

Nitrile gloves are disposable protective gloves made from nitrile – a synthetic rubber produced by the polymerization of acrylonitrile and butadiene. Unlike latex, which comes from a natural source, nitrile is synthetic, significantly reducing the risk of allergic reactions. During manufacturing, molds for gloves are dipped in a nitrile rubber solution, which is then vulcanized to achieve the necessary elasticity, strength, and durability.

These gloves are primarily used in healthcare, laboratories, food processing, and industry, where reliable protection against chemicals, oils, and mechanical damage is crucial. Nitrile gloves have higher puncture resistance than latex, while maintaining good flexibility and comfort, making them ideal for tasks that require precision and dexterity in the fingers.

Main advantages and benefits of nitrile gloves

Latex-free – suitable for allergy sufferers, does not cause allergic reactions

High chemical resistance – protects against oils, fats, solvents, and other chemicals

Excellent puncture resistance – safer than latex or vinyl for high-risk tasks

Flexible and comfortable – fits well on the hand and maintains sensitivity in the fingers

Versatile use – ideal for healthcare, food industry, manufacturing, and household use

Available in various thicknesses and colors – allows customization for specific purposes

How to choose nitrile gloves? Size, color, features

Nitrile gloves are made in various colors, thicknesses, with or without powder, and also in different levels of resistance. Each of these parameters affects what type of work the gloves are most suitable for. In the following sections, we will go over each feature in more detail, so you can choose gloves that perfectly match your needs.

Blue, green, or black nitrile gloves

The color of nitrile gloves is not just an aesthetic matter – in practice, it often serves to distinguish tasks, operations, or levels of protection. Different industries prefer specific colors not only for hygiene reasons but also for the visibility of dirt or safety standards. Here are the most commonly used colors and their typical applications:

• Blue and purple gloves - Commonly used in healthcare, laboratories, and food processing. Blue gloves are the standard in many professional operations. Purple gloves are often used to visually distinguish activities or hazardous environments, especially where chemicals are handled.
• Black gloves - Particularly popular in the automotive industry, tattoo studios, hospitality, and cleaning services. Their advantage is that they mask dirt, grease, or stains, creating a professional appearance and allowing longer use without visible wear.
• Green and orange gloves - Green gloves are primarily used when working with chemicals or in laboratories, where higher visibility is required. Orange models stand out for their high visibility and are used in hazardous environments such as maintenance work, waste management, or security personnel.
• White gloves - Preferred in the food and pharmaceutical industries, where quick visual identification of contamination or dirt is necessary. They are also used in environments requiring a high level of cleanliness and hygiene.

Powdered or powder-free?

Nitrile gloves are available in two variants: powdered and powder-free. The difference between them lies in the presence or absence of cornstarch (powder) on the inside of the gloves, which affects their properties and suitability for different work environments.

Thickness and material of gloves

The thickness of nitrile gloves represents the level of durability and protection the gloves provide. It is most commonly measured in millimeters (mm) or mils (mil = thousandth of an inch, 1 mil ≈ 0.0254 mm). This figure affects the gloves' resistance to tearing, punctures, and chemicals, as well as the feel and sensitivity during work.

• 0.05 – 0.07 mm (2–3 mil) – very thin gloves, high sensitivity, suitable for delicate tasks and short-term use
• 0.08 – 0.10 mm (3–4 mil) – standard disposable gloves, a good balance between comfort and protection
• 0.12 – 0.15 mm (5–6 mil) – reinforced gloves, higher resistance to punctures and chemicals
• 0.20 mm and above (8 mil +) – extra thick gloves, ideal for working with aggressive substances or in demanding conditions

The thicker the glove, the more protection it provides, but it also reduces sensitivity during delicate tasks. When choosing, it is important to consider the balance between protection and comfort during work.

AQL value: What does it mean?

AQL (Acceptable Quality Level) is an international standard that specifies the maximum acceptable percentage of defective items in the total production. For nitrile gloves, this figure indicates how many gloves in a sample can be defective (e.g., cracked or leaked) and the product will still pass quality control. The lower the AQL value, the higher the reliability and safety of the gloves – it is one of the main indicators of quality for disposable gloves.

How to read AQL in practice:

• AQL 4.0 means that up to 40 defective gloves out of 1000 can be allowed – this is basic quality, suitable for tasks like cleaning
• AQL 1.5 allows a maximum of 15 defective gloves per 1000 – this is standard healthcare quality, also suitable for food handling
• AQL 0.65 means that a maximum of 6 to 7 defective gloves per 1000 is allowed – these are gloves for laboratory, sterile, or surgical use

Glove size chart

Most work gloves use a numerical size range from 6 to 11. Of course, there are also larger or smaller gloves. The standard men's sizes are 9 - 11, while women's sizes are 6 - 8. The correct size ensures that the gloves fit the hand perfectly. We also provide an informative size chart for gloves.

Where are nitrile gloves used?

Nitrile gloves are exceptionally versatile and suitable for a variety of work and everyday environments where hygiene, hand protection, and safe contact with chemicals or contaminated surfaces are important. Due to their resistance to oils, fats, punctures, and chemicals, as well as the absence of latex allergens, they are ideal for sensitive and demanding applications.

They are used both in professional operations and for everyday hygiene, whether at home, in workshops, or when working with food.

• ➡️ Healthcare (doctors, nurses, paramedics, laboratory technicians)
• ➡️ Food industry and catering establishments
• ➡️ Laboratories and chemical operations
• ➡️ Automotive industry and service workshops
• ➡️ Tattoo and beauty salons
• ➡️ Cleaning and hygiene services
• ➡️ Industrial production lines and packaging
• ➡️ Household chores, maintenance, hobby workshops
• ➡️ Pharmaceutical manufacturing
• ➡️ Electronics and precision engineering (due to the powder-free version)

Disposable gloves are also made from other materials

Although nitrile gloves are the most popular today, disposable gloves are also made from several other materials. Each of them has its own specifics and uses – from high elasticity to low cost and simple protection against dirt. The choice depends on the intended use, safety requirements, and wearing comfort.

• Nitrile – synthetic rubber, high resistance to chemicals, does not contain latex allergens
• Latex – natural material, very elastic and touch-sensitive, but may cause allergies
• Vinyl (PVC) – affordable material, suitable for short-term and low-risk tasks
• PE (Polyethylene) – inexpensive, loose-fitting gloves mainly used in food processing
• TPE (Thermoplastic Elastomer) – more flexible than PE, suitable for short tasks with higher comfort
• Neoprene – less common, but offers good chemical resistance and flexibility
• Polyurethane (PU) – used mainly as a coating, especially for dipped gloves

Nitrile vs. latex gloves: Which are better?

Nitrile and latex gloves are among the most commonly used disposable protective gloves on the market. Both materials offer high levels of protection, flexibility, and comfort, but each has its own specifics. This is why customers often hesitate about which type to choose – especially in healthcare, food handling, services, or industry.