When it comes to gloves, nitrile can be used in an almost unlimited number of ways and across dozens, if not hundreds, of professions. In fact, thanks to the nature of these gloves, nitrile has often become the first choice for many professionals throughout the globe. Nitrile gloves are often used in the following ways, though this is certainly not a complete list:

• The medical industry loves this material, as it provides great protection against contamination and better durability than latex.

• Scientists handling caustic or dangerous materials rely on these gloves to ensure they have enough dexterity to handle samples safely.

• Tattoo artists and body piercers use these gloves to keep their customers safe and healthy while performing body modifications.

• Food service professionals use nitrile gloves as the material can be made food-safe, making these gloves an excellent choice for preparing, handling, and serving food.

• Hairdressers often wear these gloves while dyeing or treating customers’ hair to protect themselves from hair chemicals and to provide a sterile environment for their customers.

• Auto mechanics and other tradesmen use nitrile gloves to protect themselves from grease, oil, and other related damage while working on engines, transmissions, and other components.

• While Carpenters and construction workers don’t use disposable nitrile gloves very often, many wear cloth or canvas safety gloves coated in nitrile to provide an extra layer of protection and grip while on the job.

Disposing of Nitrile Gloves

Since a nitrile glove is created through a synthetic process, many may think that these types of gloves may not be as easy to dispose of as a traditional latex glove or one made from a different type of material. While it is true that nitrile is much more durable than traditional latex, a nitrile glove is indeed biodegradable, just like its traditional latex cousin. This process does take longer than natural latex, however, due to the synthetic nature of this latex.

At the same time, nitrile gloves have an advantage over latex in that they can be recycled, whereas a typical latex glove cannot. Recycling nitrile gloves isn’t as easy as typical consumer recyclables, though. Instead, nitrile glove manufacturers have programs where they offer collection and return services for their own personal protective equipment made out of recyclable materials (including nitrile) so that this equipment can be recycled properly.