Surgical Gloves Market Expected to Reach $1.8 Billion by 2032—Allied Market Research

According to a new report published by Allied Market Research, titled, “Surgical Gloves Market," The surgical gloves market size was valued at $1.2 billion in 2022, and is estimated to reach $1.8 billion by 2032, growing at a CAGR of 4.5% from 2023 to 2032. The growth of the surgical gloves market size is primarily driven by the increasing prevalence of diseases, such as neurological disorders, cardiovascular diseases, and osteoarthritis. These medical conditions often necessitate surgical interventions, where the utilization of surgical gloves plays a crucial role in enhancing patient outcomes by reducing the risk of infections and cross-contamination. 

In addition, the growing number of surgical procedures is a significant growth driver during surgical gloves market analysis. For instance, in 2022, a White Paper from Etiometry Inc, a digital health company specializing in innovative software, reported that approximately 900,000 cardiac surgeries are performed annually in the U.S., with an average increase in surgery volume of 5% per year. Thus, the surge in surgical procedures is expected to boost the demand for surgical gloves, thereby stimulating growth during the surgical gloves market forecast. 

Furthermore, the increased focus of key players on research and development (R&D) is further contributing to market growth. As medical technology and surgical techniques advance, there is a growing demand for more specialized and advanced surgical gloves. This has prompted manufacturers to invest in R&D to create gloves that offer better protection, comfort, and tactile sensitivity, meeting the evolving needs of healthcare professionals. 

In addition, another crucial surgical gloves market trends which fueling growth is the shift towards reducing the environmental impact associated with the growing use of plastic gloves. Traditional latex gloves have been largely replaced by synthetic options, such as nitrile or neoprene, which are more environmentally friendly. Many government organizations, key players and healthcare facilities have adopted sustainability initiatives, promoting the use of eco-friendly materials and responsible disposal practices.

For instance, in May 2023, Ansell, the largest provider of branded surgical gloves, received the highest recyclability certification by Institut Cyclos-HTP (CHI), a globally recognized organization that assess and certifies the recyclability of packaging and goods, confirming a AAA rating for the SMART Pack packaging for surgical gloves. Ansell has been at the forefront of sustainable packaging design. Thus, these combined efforts in R&D and sustainability initiatives are expected to maintain the stability of the surgical gloves market. 

Furthermore, they contribute to a heightened sense of environmental responsibility within the healthcare sector, showcasing the industry's commitment to addressing evolving needs and global environmental concerns. This holistic approach ensures that healthcare professionals have access to advanced, eco-friendly products, ultimately benefiting both industry and the planet. 

However, stringent regulatory requirements and inherent risk factors can hinder market growth. Stringent regulations, such as quality and safety standards, can pose challenges for manufacturers and may lead to increased compliance costs. Additionally, despite their protective function, surgical gloves can carry certain risks, like allergies and reduced tactile sensitivity, which healthcare professionals need to manage. Balancing regulatory compliance and safety concerns remains a critical consideration for market growth. 

On the basis of type, the surgical gloves industry is categorized into natural rubber gloves, nitrile gloves, neoprene gloves, polyisoprene gloves and others. The natural rubber gloves segment accounted for the largest share in terms of revenue in 2022 and is expected to maintain its lead during the forecast period owing to the strong performance of natural rubber gloves in terms of elasticity, comfort, and tactile sensitivity, making them preferred choices in surgical and medical settings. Thus, its proven reliability and cost-effectiveness continue to drive their demand, ensuring their continued prominence in the market.

However, the polyisoprene gloves segment is expected to exhibit the fastest CAGR during the forecast period owing to its rising popularity in the medical and healthcare industry. These gloves offer latex-like properties without the risk of latex allergies, making them a preferred choice for healthcare professionals. Additionally, their superior elasticity and comfort contribute to their increasing demand, driving the segment's growth. 

On the basis of form, the surgical gloves industry is categorized into powdered and non-powdered. The non-powdered segment accounted for the largest surgical gloves market share in terms of revenue in 2022 and is expected to witness fastest CAGR during the forecast period. This is attributed to the guidelines set forth by the FDA. Non-powdered surgical gloves are favored for their lower risk of causing allergic reactions and particulate contamination. They align with the growing emphasis on infection control and safety in healthcare environments, making them the preferred choice. Their popularity is expected to endure in the years ahead. 

On the basis of End user, the market is categorized into hospital and others. The hospital segment accounted for the largest share in terms of revenue in 2022 and is expected to maintain its lead during the forecast period. This is primarily attributed to the increasing number of surgical procedures performed in hospitals. As healthcare facilities expand and surgical interventions become more prevalent, the demand for surgical gloves in hospitals is expected to surge, driving the segment's rapid growth.

However, the others segment is expected to exhibit the fastest CAGR during the forecast period. The specialized healthcare facilities require customized surgical gloves solutions to cater to their distinct requirements, leading to a rising adoption of specialized surgical gloves. The increasing acknowledgment of these segments and the necessity for highly tailored gloves to ensure top-tier patient care are projected to propel robust growth within this category.

Region wise, North America accounted for the largest surgical gloves market share in terms of revenue in 2022 and is expected to remain dominant during the forecast period owing to a robust healthcare infrastructure and high healthcare spending, which drives the demand for surgical gloves. In addition, stringent regulatory standards and guidelines set by agencies such as the FDA emphasize the importance of infection control and safety in medical settings, further boosting the market growth.

However, Asia-Pacific is anticipated to witness notable growth, owing to rise in implementation of infection control measures, rise in number of hospitals acquired infections such as surgical site infections and availability of wide range of surgical gloves products, thereby driving the growth of market during the forecast period. 
 
Key Findings of the Study 
• On the basis of type, natural rubber gloves segment dominated the market in terms of revenue in 2022. However, the polyisoprene gloves segment is anticipated to grow at the fastest CAGR during the forecast period. 
• On the basis of form, the non-powdered segment dominated the market in terms of revenue in 2022 and is expected to grow at the highest CAGR during the forecast period. 
• On the basis of end user, the hospital segment dominated the market in terms of revenue in 2022. However, the others segment is anticipated to grow at the fastest CAGR during the forecast period.
• Region wise, North America generated the largest revenue in 2022. However, Asia-Pacific is anticipated to grow at the highest CAGR during the forecast period.