Disposable gloves have many uses for different purposes, whether for medical, industrial, food preparation, or cleaning. They are one of the standard protective equipment that has been a necessity for a long time. However, their function is classified as to where and when they are going to be used. Hence, they have different types and characteristics. 

We may notice that gloves used in metal works and construction sites are made from different fabrics than those used in hospitals. It is because gloves are manufactured concerning the purpose they will serve. The material, coating, thickness, functionality, and testing of gloves differ from maximizing safety. 

Confusion cannot be avoided when you are unsure about the type of glove you will use in your home or the workplace. With that in mind, it is necessary to always choose a pair of gloves according to the task to be one. Thus, in the following sections, we’ll get into detail the difference between plastic and latex gloves. 

The difference between plastic and latex gloves

The difference between plastic gloves and latex gloves is easy to notice. Aside from the type of material used, other factors differentiate plastic or polyethylene gloves from latex gloves. Here are some of them: 

  • Material 

It is common knowledge that latex is the most common type of glove used. They are made from the extract of rubber trees called latex. Indeed, latex gloves are the most elastic, resilient, durable, and snug-fitting gloves ideal for surgeries, auto-repair, cleaning, and giving aid to people with incontinence. Also, due to its organic material, the comfort, dexterity, and tactility are unmatched. 

Meanwhile, plastic gloves are made from high-quality polyethylene that is light and thin. Poly gloves are also loose-fitting, breathable, and easy to take off, making them ideal for busy kitchens and the food servicing industry. Plastic gloves are often made from either high-density or low-density polyethylene material to adjust their cost. 

  • Uses 

Since plastic gloves and latex gloves are made from different materials, they have a different use. Polyethylene gloves are commonly used as food guard gloves. Since they are powder-free, with an embossed design, and transparent colors, they are perfect for restaurants and food stalls to prepare and handle food items. It is recommended that we should use high-density polyethylene gloves in the food industry. 

Plastic gloves are commonly used in the kitchens to make sandwiches, toss salads, and complete other food preparation tasks without any inconvenience. Also, poly gloves have an embossed design which makes them have exceptional wet barrier protection. Lastly, they have no allergic effects on anyone with sensitive skin. 

Polyethylene gloves can also be used as podcast gloves. These types of the poly glove are commonly used in restaurants when dealing with wet ingredients. Like the ones mentioned above, they are powder-free, clear color but tight-fitting. With this, slipping or losing grip can be avoided. 

Latex gloves have many uses, especially in the medical and food industry. The only problem with them is that some people have latex allergies which prevent them from using latex gloves. Powder-free latex gloves are used on surgeries and other primary operations in the medical field due to their second-skin feeling and snug fit. They also have a texture that prevents slipping. It also applies to the food industry in doing complex tasks like kneading dough, chopping vegetables, and scaling fish. 

  • Glove fitting and size

Plastic gloves are manufactured from a cost-effective synthetic composition, making them the most affordable disposable gloves on the market. They’re lightweight and have a loose fit, making them perfect for circumstances where employees must change gloves often. Polyethylene is one of the first items to address the latex glove allergy problem. It has a mid-range sensitivity and tactile comfort. P Poly gloves are more breathable than others, allowing them to heat up and get sticky more slowly. With that in mind, we can conclude they are not suitable for handling powerful chemicals, unlike latex, nitrile, and vinyl gloves.

On the other hand, latex gloves are extracted from natural rubber, making them inexpensive and practical. They’re convenient because of how quickly they can be put on – the comfortable, flexible, and versatile of all disposable gloves. They’re also inexpensive because they’re effective while being thin. Latex has one of the highest tactile sensitivity among any other gloves. Best of all, latex rubber gloves offer good antibacterial and antiviral protection. These gloves are ideal for precise or delicate tasks, such as surgery, due to their great tactile sensitivity. 

  • Protection

When it comes to protection, latex gloves can outrank poly gloves. Latex gloves, whether they are sterile or not, are durable, have high resistance to abrasion, flexible and tactile, which makes them useful in different fields of work. 

Latex is not a good choice when working with some substances, such as organic solvents and hydrocarbons. But when it comes to protection, grip, and suction, latex is the ideal substance since it has a high plasticity index, making them agile and flexible. Unfortunately, produce allergic responses, especially to those with sensitive skins. Also, they are sensitive to harsh chemicals and organic solvents.

Meanwhile, polyethylene gloves protect users because they have non-leaching plastic in their natural state. Poly gloves are excellent for the foodservice sector since they do not emit undesired chemicals into food. One of its substances, Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE), is also utilized to produce the protective film for food packaging. However, Individuals should still wash and sanitize their hands instead of using plastic gloves, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), since bacteria and pathogens can attach to gloves and can transfer from one person to another. 

  • Costing 

When it comes to cost, the most cost-effective glove material is polyethylene, which is widely utilized in the foodservice industry. Poly gloves are the best choice for food service personnel who require a glove with appropriate durability for short-term tasks. Second to poly gloves are latex gloves. Given the amount of durability, versatility, and convenience, the price of latex gloves is worth it. 

The Takeaway

When looking for gloves, there are so many alternatives available that it might be challenging to decide. With that in mind, we should ensure that we have the correct information and we follow safety protocol to pass all of our health inspections and provide excellent service to your clients or visitors, regardless of which disposable glove you choose to use. 

You can find a wide variety of gloves from Avacare Medical. The best part is, we will assist you choose the best one that will suit you or your needs. Don’t hesitate to call us at 1-877-813-7799 or visit our website to learn more.