How Are Nitrile Gloves Made?

If you’ve used nitrile gloves, you’re in good company: they’re some of the most popular disposable gloves on the market in a wide variety of industries.

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If you’ve also got no idea what the heck nitrile gloves are made from, you’re also in good company: they haven’t been on the market all that long compared to latex gloves, not to mention most of us aren’t chemists.

We’re here to help clear things up. With over 30 years in the business, we’ve found that when it comes to gloves, how it’s made makes a world of difference in the final product. That means it’s important to shop smart.

In this article, we’ll take a look at what goes into making the synthetic rubber at the heart of nitrile gloves, how the gloves themselves are manufactured, and what kind of testing nitrile gloves go through to make sure they’re ready to use.

At the end of the article, you might not be whipping up a batch of nitrile gloves in your basement (trust us, you don’t want to try this at home), but you’ll have a basic understanding of the process that can help you make an informed decision as you shop.

Nitrile Gloves Materials

First of all, it helps to understand what nitrile gloves are actually made from.

Nitrile, also called nitrile butadiene rubber, is a copolymer of butadiene and acrylonitrile. A copolymer is simply a polymer made up of two or more monomers.

To put it in simpler terms, Nitrile is a combination of those two substances.

That combination means nitrile has the benefits of both butadiene and acrylonitrile. Butadiene provides nitrile’s famed flexibility and puncture resistance, while acrylonitrile enhances chemical resistance.

Since nitrile is a completely synthetic material, there are no natural proteins involved that can trigger a reaction. That means nitrile gloves are an excellent choice for people who suffer from a latex allergy or skin sensitivities.

Nitrile Gloves Manufacturing Process

Aside from the chemical composition, nitrile gloves are made using a similar process to latex gloves and others. Here’s how it works:

Producing the Material

First things first: to make a nitrile glove, you need to make nitrile. This part of the process is unique to nitrile gloves, because chemists have to synthesize the specific material — in this case, molecularly bonding butadiene and acrylonitrile monomers.

To do this, they essentially let the chemicals react with each other in water with catalysts and emulsifiers for about 5 to 12 hours. Once the reaction has taken place, the nitrile butadiene rubber is run through a series of filters, stabilized with antioxidants, and then mixed with coagulating agents and washed to get the final result.

Depending on the manufacturer and what the nitrile’s going to be used for (there are other uses besides just gloves!), different proportions of acrylonitrile and butadiene can be added to the mixture. This means some nitrile can have more or less flexibility and strength than others.

Once the nitrile butadiene rubber is synthesized, the raw material goes to a factory for manufacturing nitrile gloves.

Producing Protective Gloves

The basic process begins with an aluminum or ceramic hand-shaped mold on a conveyor. The molds are dipped in hot water and bleach or chlorine and then dried, which gets rid of any lingering residue from previous batches.

Next, the molds are coated in a rubber stick, which means dipping them in calcium nitrate solution (to coagulate the rubber) and calcium carbonate (to keep the gloves from sticking to the molds). After the molds dry, they’re dipped into a tank of nitrile.

Once they’ve been dipped, the forms are heated to help dry the nitrile into the correct shape. They may also be exposed to chlorine (which would make them easier to take off) or coated with polymer (which lubricates them).

After coatings are added, the gloves are stripped from their molds. This is usually done by human workers, since nitrile is stickier than latex.

Testing Nitrile Gloves for Quality Control

At this point, the nitrile gloves are fully manufactured, but they don’t head to the shelves yet. First, they have to be inspected to make sure they’re ready for primetime.

Most nitrile gloves go through two main categories of tests: ones to ensure they meet regulatory requirements, and ones to ensure quality. The specific tests can vary a little bit depending on the manufacturer, the locale, and the application the gloves are intended for.

Regulatory Tests

The regulatory tests ensure that a glove is safe enough to warrant a medical rating (the highest safety rating a glove can achieve), while batch tests ensure quality aligned with standards set by the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM).

After regulatory testing, ratings are granted based on how many gloves fail the test. For example, if 1.5 out of 100 gloves fail, the glove batch is acceptable for use in medical applications. Industrial-grade glove batches can have 2.5 gloves per 100 fail.

Quality Tests

On the quality side, nitrile gloves are tested for their physical properties, which ensures their thickness, puncture resistance, and strength are adequate for protecting the hands from, well, physical hazards.

Chemical resistance tests also measure nitrile gloves’ resistance to hazardous materials or solvents they might be exposed to.

Other tests include sterility tests (which ensure the gloves are sterile), pinhole tests (which check for leakage of liquids and microscopic organisms), dimension tests (which check thickness), and aging tests (which check tensile and elongation performance over several hours).

Once a pair of nitrile gloves passes all of those tests, they’re good to head to a distribution facility to be packaged, sold, and used.

Nitrile Gloves Your Whole Team Can Trust

As you read this article, you might have noticed that while the process for making nitrile gloves is pretty standard, there are some key areas where differences in the manufacturing process can affect quality and safety.

Some gloves can be higher quality or be required to meet stricter regulatory requirements than others. If you want the best nitrile gloves, it’s important to make sure you’re getting your nitrile gloves from a reputable source.

That’s where we come in. We only sell the highest-quality nitrile gloves we can find that are tested to meet rigorous FDA and ASTM testing standards, and we sell them at affordable prices you’d be hard-pressed to beat elsewhere.

Choosing the right disposable gloves is more important than ever in . Whether it's maintaining hygiene, protecting sensitive skin, or ensuring durability during rigorous tasks, your glove selection plays a pivotal role in day-to-day food handling and preparation. Among the most common types of disposable gloves are nitrile gloves and latex gloves—both offering specific benefits but catering to different needs.

This guide breaks down the key differences, benefits, and considerations to help buyers make informed decisions. With evolving health regulations and an increasing emphasis on safety and efficiency, knowing what sets these gloves apart is critical.

What Are Nitrile Gloves?

Nitrile gloves are made from synthetic rubber and are known for their strength, chemical resistance, and durability. Originally developed as an alternative for those with latex allergies, they’ve become a top choice across many industries—including food service.

Key Benefits Of Using Nitrile Gloves

• Allergy-Friendly: Free from latex proteins, making them safe for users with latex sensitivities.

• High Puncture Resistance: Stronger than latex gloves, making them ideal for high-risk tasks.

• Chemical Resistance: Effective against oils, fats, and a wide range of chemicals.

• Long Shelf Life: Less prone to degradation over time compared to latex gloves.

• Textured Grip: Many nitrile gloves feature a textured surface for enhanced grip in wet or greasy environments.

What Are Latex Gloves?

Latex gloves are made from natural rubber and have long been a staple in the food and healthcare industries. They're prized for their fit, flexibility, and tactile sensitivity.

Key Benefits Of Using Latex Gloves

• Excellent Fit: Offers a snug, form-fitting design for improved dexterity.

• Superior Tactile Sensitivity: Ideal for tasks requiring precise hand movements.

• Biodegradable: Made from natural rubber, making them a more eco-friendly option.

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• Elasticity: High stretchability makes them less likely to tear during use.

Nitrile Vs Latex Gloves: Key Differences

Both glove types have distinct properties, and the right choice depends on your specific needs. Here’s a side-by-side comparison:

Feature

Nitrile Gloves

Latex Gloves

Material

Synthetic rubber

Natural rubber

Allergy Risk

Low (latex-free)

High (contains latex proteins)

Fit & Comfort

Less form-fitting

High comfort and flexibility

Tactile Sensitivity

Moderate

Excellent

Puncture Resistance

High

Moderate

Chemical Resistance

Excellent

Limited

Environmental Impact

Less biodegradable

More biodegradable

Are Nitrile Gloves Safe For Food Handling?

Yes, nitrile gloves are FDA-approved for food contact and are widely used in commercial kitchens, catering services, and food production facilities. They provide a strong barrier against cross-contamination and are resistant to oils and fats commonly found in food prep.

Are Latex Gloves Still A Good Choice In ?

Absolutely—if latex allergies are not a concern. Latex gloves remain a reliable option for those prioritizing comfort and touch sensitivity. They are especially suitable for short-term tasks that require precision and are generally more cost-effective than nitrile.

When Should You Choose Nitrile Over Latex?

Consider using nitrile gloves when:

• You or your team members have latex allergies.

• You need gloves that can withstand punctures or exposure to chemicals.

• You require a glove that lasts longer during use.

When Should You Choose Latex Over Nitrile?

Latex gloves may be the better choice when:

• Tasks demand high tactile precision (e.g., garnishing or plating).

• Budget constraints are a factor and allergies aren’t an issue.

• You prefer an eco-friendly, biodegradable option.

Can You Reuse Nitrile Or Latex Gloves?

No, both nitrile gloves and latex gloves are designed for single-use. Reusing them increases the risk of contamination and compromise in material integrity.

Which Glove Is More Comfortable For Long-Term Wear?

Latex gloves typically offer more flexibility and comfort for extended use. However, advances in nitrile glove technology have greatly improved their comfort and fit, making them more competitive than ever.

Do Nitrile Gloves Contain Any Allergens?

Nitrile gloves are latex-free and contain no natural rubber proteins, which makes them hypoallergenic and safe for users with latex sensitivities.

Make The Right Choice For Your Needs

Both nitrile and latex gloves have unique strengths, and understanding their differences is essential to choosing the best fit for your kitchen or food service operation in . Nitrile gloves shine in durability and allergy protection, while latex gloves remain unmatched in fit and tactile feel.

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Explore our latest glove options designed to meet the demands of modern food service environments. Contact us to get expert insights, product updates, and tips to find the best glove solution for your team today.

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