Don’t Sweat It: Sweat-Absorbing Disposable Nitrile Gloves

A study by Grandview Research showed that disposable nitrile gloves are used across numerous industries, with more than eight billion dollars of gloves purchased in 2021, and in another study by GM Insights that figure is expected to double by 2028. North America alone makes up almost 40% of the global market share.

These types of gloves have become trusted PPE over the years, though not without some issues.

With a very thin-mil glove, there is a danger of tearing or pinholes, which can create exposure to contaminants. Nitrile gloves are intended to be used only as a physical barrier against brief contact with chemicals, and they need to be removed and discarded immediately after becoming contaminated.

Problems with Nitrile Gloves

Nitrile does not “breathe” so wearers’ hands become hot and sweaty while using the gloves. This can be problematic by creating discomfort and with extended wear, creating skin irritation. In hot, humid conditions, the wearer will often remove the gloves to allow air to dry the skin and then replace that pair with a new pair. This can happen multiple times during a shift, multiplied by the number of people needing to wear the gloves. In addition, a wearer taking a break or stopping work to eat requires the removal of the gloves and donning a new pair before starting back to work.

In addition to wearer discomfort, the frequency of changing gloves, and the inventory needed that result in financial and storage space costs, these disposable gloves must be discarded and, often, sent to the landfill. Companies concerned with sustainability and green initiatives continue to look for ways to reduce the impact of glove waste. A regular nitrile glove can take hundreds of years to degrade in a landfill. If recycling exchange programs are initiated for glove waste, there is still a cost associated with the collection, pick-up, and disposal of the gloves in manpower, transportation, and time, adding to the carbon footprint.

The Challenge for Workers

Disposable nitrile gloves have become popular because of the convenience and protection level offered. These gloves generally fit so the wearer can maintain dexterity in feel and touch when handling small parts and still protect the hands while keeping them clean.

Attempting to improve protection, comfort, and productivity with thicker or more chemical-resistant gloves is difficult. Typically, with more thickness comes less dexterity, grip, and the ability to feel parts or tools effectively. A more chemical-resistant glove requires heavier, non-breathable materials that add to the weight and bulk of the gloves.

Extended-wear reusable gloves may provide comfort and protection but lose productivity and efficiency. Wearers then remove the gloves to perform simple tasks, creating exposures to the hazards that require using the gloves in the first place, now creating compliance issues.

The Solution for Disposable Glove Wearers

For years, we’ve been searching for the solution to clammy hands. It turns out, we struck gold with this latest development.

We ran over 1000 tests and finally found the solution to keeping hands dry and comfortable while wearing disposable gloves. Mechanix Wear puts an end to sweaty, hot hands without compromising protection, productivity, and efficiency in performing assigned tasks. The Nickelbacks 6-mil Sweat-Absorbing Nitrile Glove is the single answer to solving multiple challenges in protection, waste, and budget.

The Nickelbacks 6-Mil Sweat-Absorbing Nitrile glove uses the latest innovative materials from DriTek® and EcoTek® so wearers can keep their hands dry longer and know once the gloves are discarded, biograde in landfills in as little as 2.5 years – not 100+ years, as traditional thin-mil gloves.

DriTek® is a moisture-wicking flock-lined system that gives the wearer drier, cooler, and more comfortable hands, especially if worn for extended periods during a shift. This reduces the risk of the skin becoming irritated and itchy with the long-term potential of rash or overly sensitive skin. This lining also eases donning and doffing of the gloves which also reduces the risk of spreading any contamination from the gloves onto clothing or other surfaces during removal.