Buying Guides & Industry Insights

A complete powder-free nitrile exam glove datasheet should state the material, grade, color, powder content, shape, cuff, surface finish, shelf life, AQL, force at break, elongation, dimensions by size, standards and packaging. If any of these lines are missing, ask the factory before you place an order. Below we walk through each specification using the real HM-1101 3.5g datasheet from our production line as the worked example.

Why Does the Datasheet Matter More Than the Brochure?

Importers often compare gloves on two numbers: price per box and gram weight. Both matter, but they do not tell you whether the glove will pass inspection in your market or survive a long sea voyage plus warehouse time. A proper specification sheet is the document your quality team, your customs broker and, in regulated markets, your local registration file will all refer back to. When a factory can hand you a one-page datasheet with measured values and tolerances, that is also a signal that the line runs under a documented quality system. Our plant in Taishan, Guangdong operates under ISO 13485, and the values below come from the same sheets we issue with export shipments.

What Do the General Description Lines Mean?

The top block of a nitrile glove datasheet defines what the glove is made of and how it is built.

Material: nitrile, latex-free. Nitrile butadiene rubber is the standard alternative to natural rubber latex. It removes the latex protein allergy risk for the wearer and offers better resistance to oils and many chemicals. "Latex-free" should be printed explicitly, because many tenders and hospital purchasing rules require the wording.

Grade: medical and food. A medical grade glove is manufactured and tested as an examination glove, referenced against standards such as EN 455. A food grade statement, typically tied to EN 1186 food-contact testing, means the same glove can be sold into food processing and catering channels. One SKU carrying both grades simplifies your inventory.

Color. Blue is the industry default for nitrile because it is easy to spot against skin and food, and fragments are visible if a glove tears during processing. Color is cosmetic, but for food buyers it is a practical requirement, so it belongs on the datasheet.

Powder content: powder-free. Older exam gloves used cornstarch powder to make donning easier. Powder can carry latex proteins into the air, contaminate wounds and food, and interfere with some laboratory work, so most regulated markets now expect powder-free as the default. We cover this in the FAQ below.

Shape, cuff and surface finish. Ambidextrous means one glove fits either hand, which doubles picking speed and halves SKU complexity versus handed gloves. A beaded cuff is a rolled rim that strengthens the cuff edge and makes the glove easier to pull on without tearing. The surface finish line tells you about grip and donning treatment: "textured fingertips" adds grip where you hold instruments, and "surface-chlorinated" means the glove was washed in a chlorine solution to reduce surface tack so it dons smoothly without powder.

What Do the Physical Property Numbers Mean?

This block is where quality is actually measured.

AQL 1.5. Acceptable Quality Limit defines the maximum defect rate for pinholes in a sampled batch. AQL 1.5 is the common requirement for medical examination gloves: the lower the number, the fewer leaking gloves you should expect per hundred.

Force at break. Measured in newtons, this is the tensile force needed to snap a standard test strip cut from the glove. Our HM-1101 3.5g nitrile gloves are specified at 6 N or more, both unaged and after accelerated aging. The aged value matters: it predicts how the glove performs at the end of its shelf life, not just fresh off the line. Heavier variants go higher; the 5.0g HM-1101 is specified at 7 N.

Elongation. A value of 400% means the test strip stretches to five times its original length before breaking. High elongation is what lets one glove size fit a range of hands and resist tearing at the cuff during donning.

Shelf life: 5 years. Nitrile degrades slowly through oxidation, and heat accelerates it. A stated five-year shelf life, backed by the aged physical values above, tells you the manufacturer has tested the glove after aging, not just at production. Our datasheets also state an application temperature limit of 40 degrees C, which is worth noting for warehouses without climate control.

Worked Example: The HM-1101 3.5g Datasheet

Here is the full specification block exactly as it appears on the HM-1101 3.5g sheet, so you can use it as a checklist against any supplier quote.

Specification	HM-1101 3.5g Value	What to Check
Item code	HM-1101	Matches the code printed on the box
Material	Nitrile, latex-free	“Latex-free” printed explicitly
Grade	Medical grade, food grade	Both channels covered by one SKU
Color	Blue	Industry default, visible against food
Powder content	Powder-free	Required by most regulated markets
Shape	Ambidextrous	One glove fits either hand
Cuff	Beaded cuff	Resists tearing during donning
Surface finish	Textured fingertips, surface-chlorinated	Grip plus powder-free donning
Shelf life	5 years	Backed by aged physical values
AQL level	1.5	Medical examination standard
Force at break	≥6 N	Unaged and after aging
Elongation	≥400%	Before and after aging
Standards	EN 455, EN 374, EN 1186	Medical, chemical, food contact
Packaging	100 pcs/box, 10 boxes/carton	Basis for carton and container math

How Should Dimensions Be Stated by Size?

A serious datasheet gives length, width and unit weight per size, with tolerances. Gloves are normally sold by gram weight at size M, so the width table is how you confirm the glove will actually fit your end users.

Size	Median Width (mm)	Unit Weight (g)	Length (mm)
XS	≤80	2.9±0.3	≥240
S	80±10	3.2±0.3	≥240
M	95±10	3.5±0.3	≥240
L	110±10	3.8±0.3	≥240
XL	≥110	4.1±0.3	≥240

Thickness is stated at three points on the 3.5g glove: 0.05±0.01 mm at the cuff, 0.06±0.01 mm at the palm and 0.09±0.02 mm at the finger. Thickness scales with gram weight across the range: the 3.0g HM-1101 is the lightest option for short-duration and food tasks, while the HM-1303 6.0g heavy duty nitrile is the medical and chemo grade option for extended wear.

What About Standards and Registration?

The standards line lists the test frameworks the glove is built to: EN 455 for medical examination gloves, EN 374 for chemical and microorganism protection, and EN 1186 for food contact. For regulated markets, ask the factory for its registration status in writing. Our nitrile glove products carry FDA and CE registration information, which our export team can supply together with the ISO 13485 certificate and test reports when you prepare your import file.

FAQ

Why powder-free instead of powdered?

Powdered gloves use cornstarch to ease donning, but the powder can carry allergens, contaminate wounds and food, and is restricted or unwanted in most medical and food markets. Powder-free gloves achieve easy donning through chlorination or polymer coating instead, so one powder-free SKU covers more channels.

What is chlorination?

Chlorination is a wash in a dilute chlorine solution during manufacturing. It reduces the natural tack of the nitrile surface so the glove slides onto the hand without powder. A surface-chlorinated glove feels smoother inside and leaves no residue on the wearer or the work.

How long do gloves last in storage?

HM-1101 nitrile gloves carry a stated shelf life of 5 years. Keep cartons in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat sources, below the 40 degrees C application temperature limit on the datasheet. Aged force-at-break and elongation values on the sheet show how the glove is expected to perform at the end of that period.

What size should I order?

Match the wearer’s palm width to the datasheet: about 80 mm for S, 95 mm for M and 110 mm for L. Most distributors stock M and L as the volume sizes with S and XL as complements. If you are unsure, ask for a sample box in two sizes before committing to a container.

Need a datasheet, samples or a quotation for any of the gloves above? Contact our export team and we will send the full specification sheets. You can also browse the range directly: HM-1101 3.5g, HM-1101 5.0g and our MXGUARD powder-free nitrile exam gloves.

Importing disposable gloves from China follows a fixed sequence: lock the specification in writing, approve production samples, agree on MOQ and lead time, then verify the goods before shipment and again on arrival. Most first-time problems come from a vague spec sheet or a skipped inspection, not from the factory. This guide walks through each step with the actual numbers buyers use when ordering nitrile examination gloves.

Step 1: What Should Your Spec Sheet Include?

Never start a sourcing conversation with "nitrile gloves, blue, medium." Factories quote and produce against numbers, so your purchase order should read like a datasheet. A complete spec sheet for disposable nitrile exam gloves covers:

• Material and grade: nitrile, medical grade or food grade, powder-free.
• Weight per glove by size: for example our HM-1101 series runs 3.0g, 3.5g, 4.0g and 5.0g in size M. Weight is the main cost driver, so fix it first.
• Dimensions: length 240 mm, width by size (95±10 mm for size M), palm thickness 0.06 mm at 3.5g, 0.07 mm at 4.0g and 0.09 mm at 5.0g.
• Physical performance: elongation at break 400%, force at break 6N for 3.5g/4.0g and 7N for 5.0g.
• Quality limits: AQL 1.5 for watertight integrity, which is the standard acceptance level for examination gloves.
• Standards: EN 455, EN 374 and EN 1186 for food contact, plus FDA and CE registration information where your market requires it.
• Shelf life and packaging: 5 years, 100 pcs per dispenser box, 10 boxes per carton.

If a supplier cannot fill in this level of detail, that is your first filter.

Step 2: Why Order Samples Before You Commit?

A sample order costs little and answers questions a datasheet cannot: cuff fit, fingertip texture, chlorination feel, dispenser box quality. Ask for samples of the exact SKU and size you plan to buy, not a generic "best seller." When samples arrive, weigh ten gloves on a 0.1g scale and compare against the spec (3.5 g ± 0.3 g for a size M 3.5g glove). Check the box print and inner packaging, because this is what your customers will see. Only after sample approval should you negotiate price and volume.

Step 3: What MOQ Should You Expect?

MOQ for disposable gloves is normally quoted in cartons, not boxes. For a factory running full production lines, a realistic starting point is a few hundred cartons per SKU per size, with container-load orders getting the best unit price. Two practical notes:

• Mixing sizes (S/M/L/XL) inside one order is standard, but each size still has its own minimum run.
• OEM packaging (your brand on the box) raises the MOQ because the box printing plates are made to order. A branded line like our MXGUARD nitrile exam gloves shows what a finished private-label pack looks like: 100 gloves per box, box roughly 21 x 11 x 6 cm.

Treat any MOQ quoted "per piece" with caution; serious glove factories plan in cartons and containers.

Step 4: How Long Do Production and Shipping Take?

Build your timeline from three blocks. Production for a confirmed order typically takes 3 to 6 weeks after deposit, depending on quantity and line scheduling. Ocean freight adds roughly 2 to 4 weeks to Southeast Asia, 3 to 5 weeks to Europe, and 3 to 6 weeks to North American ports, plus customs clearance on arrival. In total, plan for 8 to 12 weeks from deposit to warehouse for a first order, and keep buffer for peak seasons. Air freight exists but rarely makes sense for a low-value, high-volume product like gloves, except for sample cartons.

Step 5: Which HS Code Applies to Disposable Gloves?

Nitrile examination gloves are generally classified under HS heading 4015 (articles of apparel and clothing accessories of vulcanised rubber), commonly 4015.12 or 4015.19 depending on the destination tariff schedule. Plastic gloves such as PE or vinyl fall under heading 3926, typically 3926.20. The correct subheading varies by country and affects duty rate, so confirm the classification with your customs broker before the goods ship, and make sure the commercial invoice, packing list and bill of lading all use the same code.

Step 6: What Goes on a Pre-Shipment Inspection Checklist?

Inspect before the balance payment, either yourself, through a third-party inspector, or via a live video check with the factory. The checklist below uses our HM-1101 3.5g nitrile gloves as the reference SKU; adjust the numbers to whatever you ordered.

Check	Method	HM-1101 3.5g Reference
Piece count	Open random cartons, count boxes and pieces per box	100 pcs/box, 10 boxes/carton (1,000 pcs per carton)
Weight per glove	Weigh 10 gloves (size M), take the average	3.5 g ± 0.3 g
Palm thickness	Micrometer at palm centre	0.06 mm ± 0.01 mm
Dimensions	Measure length and width against size chart	Length 240 mm, width 95±10 mm (size M)
Watertight test	Fill glove with water, hang and check for leaks (EN 455-1 method)	Pass at AQL 1.5 sampling
Force at break	Tensile test on sampled gloves	≥ 6N (3.5g/4.0g); ≥ 7N for 5.0g
Packaging and labels	Check item code, size, lot number, production and expiry dates	5-year shelf life from production date

Record results with photos and keep the signed inspection report; it is your evidence if a dispute appears later.

What Mistakes Do First-Time Importers Make?

• Buying on price per box without fixing weight per glove. A cheaper quote often means a lighter glove, so compare grams first.
• Approving a sample of one SKU and ordering another. Heavy-duty products like the HM-1303 6.0g nitrile gloves behave very differently from a 3.0g food-service glove.
• Skipping the written tolerance range. "3.5g" without "± 0.3 g" leaves too much room for argument.
• Ignoring cartons and pallets in the freight plan. Confirm carton dimensions, gross weight and how many cartons fit the container before booking.
• Assuming registration transfers. FDA and CE registration information belongs to the manufacturer and product; ask for the documents and verify they name the factory and the glove model you are buying.

FAQ

What MOQ is normal when importing nitrile gloves from China?

Factories usually quote MOQ in cartons. A realistic starting point is a few hundred cartons per SKU and size, with full-container orders getting the lowest unit price. OEM printed boxes raise the MOQ because of plate costs.

How long does shipping from China take?

Production typically takes 3 to 6 weeks after deposit. Sea freight adds roughly 2 to 4 weeks to Southeast Asia, 3 to 5 weeks to Europe and 3 to 6 weeks to North America, so plan for 8 to 12 weeks door to door on a first order.

Which HS code do disposable gloves use?

Nitrile exam gloves generally fall under HS heading 4015 (rubber gloves), while plastic gloves such as PE or vinyl fall under 3926. The exact subheading depends on your destination country, so confirm it with your customs broker before shipment.

How do I check quality when the container arrives?

Repeat the pre-shipment checks on random cartons: piece count (100 pcs per box, 10 boxes per carton), weight per glove, palm thickness, dimensions and a water leak test at AQL 1.5 sampling. Compare results with your inspection report and the agreed spec sheet.

Planning a first order? Contact our export team with your target spec for samples and a quotation, or review the datasheet numbers on our HM-1101 nitrile glove series and the full nitrile gloves category.

Glove weight is the weight of one medium-size glove in grams, and it is the fastest proxy for how thick and durable a disposable nitrile glove will be. Lighter gloves (3.0g to 3.5g) give better tactile sensitivity and a lower cost per piece; heavier gloves (4.0g to 6.0g) add puncture resistance and chemical splash protection. On our HM-1101 production line, for example, palm thickness rises from 0.06 mm at 3.5g to 0.09 mm at 5.0g, while length (240 mm), AQL 1.5 and 400% elongation stay the same across the range.

What Does Glove Weight Actually Mean?

When a datasheet says "3.5g", it refers to the median weight of one size-M glove. The number is not a marketing label; it is a direct measure of how much nitrile compound goes into each piece. Because the glove shape, length and cuff design stay constant within a product family, more material means a thicker film at the palm, fingers and cuff.

Weight scales with size as well. In our HM-1101 3.5g specification, a size S glove weighs 3.2 g, the M weighs 3.5 g, the L weighs 3.8 g and the XL weighs 4.1 g, each with a tolerance of ±0.3 g. So when you compare offers from two factories, always compare the M-size reference weight, not a size you happened to sample.

For importers, gram weight matters for three practical reasons:

• Barrier performance. A thicker film is harder to puncture and holds up longer against chemical splash.
• Tactile sensitivity. A thinner film transmits more touch, which matters for examination, dental and precision work.
• Cost. Nitrile compound is the largest raw-material cost in the glove, so weight drives the unit price more than any other single spec.

How Do Weight, Thickness and Strength Relate?

The table below maps the five weights we produce to the measured values on their respective datasheets. Note how palm thickness and force at break climb with weight, while the general design parameters remain identical.

Spec (size M)	3.0g	3.5g	4.0g	5.0g	6.0g
Series	HM-1101	HM-1101	HM-1101	HM-1101	HM-1303
Palm thickness	0.055 mm	0.06 mm	0.07 mm	0.09 mm	0.10 mm
Finger thickness	0.09 mm	0.09 mm	0.11 mm	0.135 mm	0.155 mm
Force at break	≥5 N	≥6 N	≥6 N	≥7 N	≥6 N
Grade	Food grade	Medical + food grade	Medical + food grade	Medical + food grade	Medical + chemo grade
Recommended applications	Food processing, beauty, light cleaning	Medical examination, general purpose	Medical examination, laboratory	Dental, laboratory, industrial	Chemotherapy handling, heavy duty

Several specs do not change with weight. Every glove in this range is 240 mm long, powder-free, ambidextrous, surface-chlorinated with textured fingertips and a beaded cuff, rated AQL 1.5 for pinholes, with elongation after aging of at least 400% and a 5-year shelf life. Packaging is uniform at 100 pieces per box and 10 boxes per carton, so carton counts and container loading plans are the same whichever weight you buy.

The HM-1101 examination gloves (3.5g to 5.0g) are tested to EN 455, EN 374 and EN 1186, and our nitrile glove products carry FDA and CE registration information. The 6.0g HM-1303 adds chemo-grade testing under ASTM D6978 on top of ASTM D6319 and EN 455.

Which Weight Should You Choose for Your Application?

3.0g: food handling, beauty and light tasks

The HM-1101 3.0g is the food-grade entry point. At a 0.055 mm palm it is the thinnest glove in the range, which keeps hands cool during long shifts and keeps the per-piece cost at its lowest. It suits food processing lines, salons, janitorial work and any short-duration task where gloves are changed often. It is tested to EN 1186 for food contact and EN 374 Type C for chemical splash.

3.5g and 4.0g: medical examination

These are the standard examination weights. The HM-1101 3.5g at a 0.06 mm palm is the common hospital and clinic choice: thin enough for palpation and instrument handling, strong enough at ≥6 N force at break for routine patient contact. The HM-1101 4.0g moves the palm to 0.07 mm and the fingers to 0.11 mm, a step up that laboratories and users who tear lighter gloves tend to prefer. Both are medical grade and food grade.

5.0g: dental, laboratory and industrial

The HM-1101 5.0g is where durability becomes the priority. Palm thickness reaches 0.09 mm, finger thickness 0.135 mm, and force at break rises to ≥7 N. Dental practices, laboratories handling solvents, and industrial users doing maintenance or parts handling typically spec this weight because it survives longer wear times and rougher contact.

6.0g: chemo-grade and heavy duty

The HM-1303 6.0g is the heavy option in black, rated medical grade and chemo grade, with a 0.10 mm palm and 0.155 mm fingers. It is the weight to choose for chemotherapy drug handling, chemical cleanup and any task where a glove failure is not acceptable. The trade-off is the highest material cost per piece and the lowest tactile feedback in the range.

Does Glove Weight Affect Price?

Yes, and roughly in proportion. Nitrile compound is sold by weight, so a 5.0g glove consumes about 43% more raw material than a 3.5g glove. Other costs (energy, labor, packaging, freight) stay nearly flat because carton dimensions are identical across the range. In practice the unit price gap between adjacent weights is modest, but across a full container the difference between speccing 3.5g and 5.0g is significant. That is why we advise buyers to match the weight to the actual task rather than defaulting to the heaviest glove: you pay for every gram, whether the application needs it or not.

FAQ

Is a 3.5g nitrile glove good enough for medical use?

Yes. A 3.5g examination glove at 0.06 mm palm thickness, AQL 1.5 and ≥6 N force at break meets the routine needs of clinics and hospitals, and it is the most widely used exam weight worldwide. Step up to 4.0g or 5.0g only if your users report tearing or handle sharper instruments.

Is a heavier nitrile glove always better?

No. Heavier gloves are thicker and more durable, but they cost more per piece and reduce tactile sensitivity. A 6.0g glove is the right tool for chemo handling and heavy industrial work, and the wrong tool for a food line that changes gloves every hour. Match the weight to the task.

What weight nitrile glove is best for food handling?

3.0g to 3.5g. These weights are food grade, tested to EN 1186 for food contact, light enough for long shifts, and inexpensive to change frequently, which is what food hygiene protocols demand.

Does glove weight affect the price?

Yes. Raw nitrile is bought by weight, so heavier gloves use more compound per piece and cost more. A 5.0g glove uses roughly 43% more material than a 3.5g glove, while packaging and freight costs stay the same.

Need help matching glove weight to your market? Contact our export team for datasheets, samples and a quotation, or see the heavy-duty end of the range in our HM-1303 6.0g nitrile gloves.

For most medical and industrial buyers, nitrile is the right default: it is latex-free, puncture-resistant, and chemically robust, at a cost that sits between vinyl and premium latex. Latex still wins on elasticity and second-skin feel, but its protein allergy risk has pushed many hospitals and food processors to ban it. Vinyl is the budget option for short, low-risk tasks only. Below is a practical comparison for importers and distributors speccing a glove program.

What Are the Three Materials Actually Made Of?

Latex gloves are dipped from natural rubber latex, a plant-derived polymer. Natural rubber gives outstanding elasticity and comfort, but the material carries residual proteins that can trigger Type I allergic reactions in sensitized wearers and patients.

Nitrile gloves are dipped from nitrile butadiene rubber (NBR), a fully synthetic copolymer. NBR contains no latex proteins, resists a wider range of chemicals than natural rubber, and is roughly three times more puncture-resistant than latex at comparable thickness.

Vinyl gloves are made from polyvinyl chloride (PVC) softened with plasticizers. They are the cheapest of the three and latex-free, but the material has loose molecular bonds: it tears more easily, fits loosely around the wrist and fingers, and offers the weakest barrier of the three.

Which Material Carries the Lowest Allergy Risk?

Nitrile and vinyl are both free of natural latex proteins, so neither can cause latex allergy. That single fact drives most material switches in healthcare and food service procurement today.

Latex allergy is well documented: repeated exposure to natural rubber latex proteins can sensitize wearers, and reactions range from contact dermatitis to, in severe cases, anaphylaxis. Many hospital groups and food safety auditors now require latex-free environments regardless of cost. Nitrile itself can occasionally cause Type IV contact dermatitis from accelerator chemicals used in vulcanization, but this is far less common and far less severe than latex protein allergy. Modern surface-chlorinated, powder-free nitrile gloves minimize that residual risk further.

How Do They Compare on Strength and Chemical Resistance?

Puncture resistance is where the three materials separate most clearly. Nitrile is the strongest: a nitrile glove tears visibly when punctured, which also makes breaches easy to spot. Latex punctures more readily and the hole tends to reseal around the object, hiding the breach. Vinyl fails fastest under mechanical stress.

For chemical exposure, nitrile handles oils, greases, many solvents and a broad range of chemicals, which is why it dominates automotive, laboratory and cleaning-chemical work. Latex performs acceptably with water-based and biological hazards but degrades with oils and many solvents. Vinyl is suitable only for light, short-duration contact with non-hazardous materials.

Tactile feel runs in the opposite direction. Latex is still the benchmark for fit and fingertip sensitivity, which is why some surgeons and dentists prefer it. Modern thin nitrile formulations close much of that gap: our HM-1101 line is produced down to 3.0 g per glove with 400% elongation at break, so dexterity is no longer a reason to stay with latex for examination work.

Nitrile vs Latex vs Vinyl: Side-by-Side Comparison

Attribute	Nitrile	Latex	Vinyl
Base material	Synthetic nitrile butadiene rubber	Natural rubber latex	PVC with plasticizers
Latex protein allergy risk	None	Present (Type I)	None
Puncture resistance	High; tears visibly when breached	Moderate; hole can reseal and hide	Low
Chemical resistance	Good vs oils, solvents, many chemicals	Good vs biologicals; poor vs oils	Limited; light non-hazardous contact only
Tactile sensitivity	Good, and improving in thin gauges	Excellent; the reference standard	Fair
Fit and elasticity	Close fit, conforms with body heat	Best elasticity and memory	Loose fit, limited stretch
Relative cost	Medium	Medium to high, price-volatile with natural rubber	Lowest
Typical use cases	Medical exam, industrial, lab, food, cleaning	Medical exam, dental, surgical	Food prep, short low-risk tasks

Which Material Fits Your Application?

Medical examination and clinical work: nitrile is the standard recommendation for new glove programs. Our HM-1101 3.5g nitrile examination gloves are the volume SKU for general exam use, at 0.06 mm palm thickness, 240 mm length, 6 N force at break and AQL 1.5, tested to EN 455, EN 374 and EN 1186. Buyers needing more reserve strength move up to the 4.0g (0.07 mm palm) or 5.0g (0.09 mm palm, 7 N force at break) versions. Where latex is still specified by the end customer and allergy policy permits it, we also supply latex examination gloves.

Food handling and processing: vinyl is acceptable for very short, low-risk tasks and remains the cheapest way to stay latex-free, but many food buyers now standardize on light nitrile for its better barrier integrity over a full shift. The HM-1101 3.0g is our food-grade entry point.

Cleaning, janitorial and industrial: nitrile, full stop. Chemical splash resistance and puncture strength matter more than the unit price difference. For heavy-duty industrial or chemotherapy-related handling, our HM-1303 6.0g nitrile is built as the chemo-grade, heavy-duty option.

What About Cost and Shelf Life?

On unit price, vinyl is cheapest, nitrile sits in the middle, and latex fluctuates with natural rubber commodity pricing. Total cost of ownership usually favors nitrile: fewer mid-task glove changes from tears, one material that covers most departments, and no allergy-related liability. Shelf life also favors synthetics. Our HM-1101 nitrile gloves carry a 5-year shelf life in proper storage, while natural latex ages faster in heat and light.

FAQ

Is nitrile better than latex?

For most buyers, yes. Nitrile matches latex on barrier performance, beats it on puncture and chemical resistance, and carries no latex protein allergy risk. Latex still leads on elasticity and fingertip feel, which matters mainly in surgical and dental niches.

Do nitrile gloves cause allergies?

Nitrile gloves contain no natural latex proteins, so they cannot cause latex allergy. Rare Type IV contact dermatitis from vulcanization accelerators is possible with any synthetic glove; powder-free, surface-chlorinated nitrile reduces that risk significantly.

Which glove material is cheapest?

Vinyl has the lowest unit price, followed by nitrile, with latex varying by natural rubber markets. For tasks with any puncture or chemical exposure, the higher change-out rate of vinyl often erases its price advantage.

Can latex gloves be used for food handling?

Technically yes where local rules allow, but many food safety programs and buyers prohibit latex because of allergy risk to workers and consumers. Powder-free nitrile or vinyl is the safer specification for food contact.

Building or updating a glove program for your market? Contact our export team for datasheets, samples and a container-load quotation, or browse the full HM-1101 nitrile glove series alongside our latex examination gloves.