What Are Nitrile Gloves Made From?
Disposable nitrile gloves are made from synthetic nitrile butadiene rubber (NBR), a durable, latex-free material developed to provide excellent hand protection without the natural proteins found in latex.
As nitrile is a synthetic material, nitrile gloves have a longer shelf life than natural latex gloves when stored correctly. They also offer outstanding resistance to punctures, oils, greases and many chemicals, making them one of the most versatile disposable gloves available.
Modern manufacturing has significantly improved the flexibility and comfort of nitrile gloves, with many premium nitrile gloves now offering a close fit and tactile sensitivity comparable to latex. While nitrile is highly puncture resistant, any glove that becomes torn or damaged should be replaced immediately.
Are Nitrile Gloves Latex Free?
Yes. Nitrile gloves are completely latex free, making them an excellent choice for anyone with a natural rubber latex allergy or for workplaces that want to minimise the risk of allergic reactions.
Their combination of durability, comfort and allergy-friendly properties has made nitrile gloves the preferred disposable glove across healthcare, food processing, cleaning, manufacturing and many other industries.
What Are Nitrile Gloves Used For?
Nitrile gloves are one of the most popular types of disposable gloves because they provide excellent protection, comfort and versatility.
Depending on their certifications and intended use, they are suitable for a wide variety of applications, including:
Food Handling & Preparation
Healthcare and patient care (EN 455 certified medical gloves)
Tattooing and body piercingHairdressing and beauty salonsCleaning and janitorial work
Protection against dirt, oils and low-risk chemicals
Painting and decorating
Light DIY projects
Garage and Mechanical maintenance
Laboratory and
industrial environments
If nitrile gloves are certified to EN 455 and registered as a Class I Medical Device, they are suitable for medical examinations and patient care. Gloves should always be changed between patients and procedures to help prevent cross-contamination.
Can You Be Allergic to Nitrile Gloves?
Although allergic reactions to nitrile gloves are uncommon, they are still possible.
Unlike latex gloves, nitrile contains no natural rubber proteins, so it does not trigger latex allergies. However, some people may experience contact dermatitis or skin irritation caused by prolonged glove use, perspiration, or sensitivity to the chemical accelerators used during the manufacturing process.
If you notice redness, itching or skin irritation after wearing nitrile gloves, discontinue use and consider switching to accelerator-free nitrile gloves or consult a healthcare professional if symptoms persist.
Are Nitrile Gloves Powder Free?
Today, the vast majority of disposable nitrile gloves are powder free.
Powder-free nitrile gloves are preferred because they:
Reduce the risk of contamination in food preparation
Are suitable for healthcare and clinical environments
Help minimise skin irritation caused by glove powder
Leave no powder residue on hands or work surfaces
Provide excellent grip, comfort and dexterity
Powder-free nitrile gloves are now the industry standard across healthcare, food handling, cleaning and industrial workplaces.
Why Choose Nitrile Gloves?
Nitrile gloves have become the preferred disposable glove for many professionals because they offer:
Latex-free protection
Excellent puncture resistance
High resistance to oils, greases and many chemicals
Outstanding flexibility and comfort
Excellent tactile sensitivity
Long shelf life
Suitable options for medical, food handling, industrial and cleaning environments
At Gloveman Supplies, we stock a wide range of premium powder-free nitrile gloves, including medical-grade, food-safe and industrial nitrile gloves, available in a variety of sizes, colours and thicknesses to suit every workplace.
7.5g Industrial Nitrile Gloves -
G75 Gloveman® Diamogrip® Orange Nitrile Powder Free Disposable Gloves
3.2g Box of 150 Gloves -
Gloveman® Nitrile Powder-Free Royal Blue Gloves
3.5g Black Nitrile Gloves -
Gloveman® Black Nitrile Powder Free Disposable Gloves
3.0g White Nitrile Gloves -
Gloveman® Stretch White Nitrile Powder Free Disposable Gloves
3.5g Box of 100 Blue Nitrile Gloves -
Gloveman® Royal Blue Nitrile Powder Free Examination Gloves
3.0g Box of 200 Blue Nitrile Gloves -
Gloveman® Stretch Royal Blue Nitrile Powder Free Examination GlovesAre Nitrile Gloves Food Safe?
Yes, all of our Gloveman® nitrile gloves are food safe and are widely used in commercial kitchens, food manufacturing, catering and food processing environments.
Food-safe nitrile gloves help protect both the wearer and the food being handled by reducing the risk of contamination. They are also resistant to oils and fats, making them ideal for preparing meat, fish, dairy products and ready-to-eat foods.
Are Nitrile Gloves Waterproof?
Yes. Disposable nitrile gloves are waterproof, providing an effective barrier against water, bodily fluids and many other liquids.
This makes them an excellent choice for healthcare professionals, cleaners, mechanics, food handlers and anyone working in wet environments. However, if a glove becomes punctured or torn, it should be replaced immediately to maintain protection.
Are Nitrile Gloves Chemical Resistant?
Nitrile gloves offer excellent resistance to many oils, greases, fuels, solvents and low-risk chemicals, making them popular across industrial, automotive and cleaning sectors.
However, no disposable glove protects against every chemical. The level of protection depends on the glove's thickness, the type of chemical and the length of exposure.
If you're handling hazardous chemicals, always check the manufacturer's chemical resistance guide and ensure the gloves meet the relevant EN ISO 374 certification for chemical protection.
Nitrile vs Latex Gloves – Which Is Better?
Both nitrile and latex gloves provide excellent hand protection, but the best choice depends on your application.
Choose nitrile gloves if you need:
Latex-free protection
Higher puncture resistance
Better chemical resistance
Longer shelf life
Greater protection when handling oils and solvents
Choose latex gloves if you need:
Exceptional comfort and flexibility
Superior tactile sensitivity
A close, second-skin fit
A biodegradable natural rubber material
For most healthcare, food handling, cleaning and industrial environments, powder-free nitrile gloves have become the preferred choice because they combine durability, comfort and allergy-friendly protection.
How Long Do Nitrile Gloves Last?
The lifespan of nitrile gloves depends on both storage conditions and how they are used.
When stored in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures, unopened nitrile gloves typically have a shelf life of three to five years, although this may vary by manufacturer.
Disposable nitrile gloves are designed for single use only and should be replaced:
Between patients or food preparation tasks
After handling hazardous materials
If they become torn, punctured or heavily contaminated
Whenever they no longer provide a secure fit
Using a fresh pair of gloves whenever required helps maintain hygiene and reduces the risk of cross-contamination.
What Sizes Do Nitrile Gloves Come In?
Disposable nitrile gloves are available in a wide range of sizes to ensure a comfortable and secure fit. Most ranges include:
Extra Small (XS)
Small (S)
Medium (M)
Large (L)
Extra Large (XL)
XXL (selected products)
Choosing the correct glove size improves comfort, dexterity and grip while reducing the risk of tears during use.
Can Nitrile Gloves Be Recycled?
Most disposable nitrile gloves cannot be recycled through standard household recycling because they are contaminated after use.
Unused gloves and gloves used in non-contaminated industrial settings may be accepted by specialist recycling schemes, but this depends on local facilities. Used gloves should always be disposed of according to your workplace's waste management procedures, particularly in healthcare and food environments.