Shop Now

Comparing Disposable Gloves

Date: 29-06-2026

Gloves

Nitrile vs Latex vs Vinyl vs Polyethylene Gloves: Which Disposable Glove Is Best?

Disposable gloves are one of the most commonly used personal protective products across New Zealand workplaces. Whether you're cleaning an office, preparing food, working in healthcare or handling industrial chemicals, selecting the right glove improves safety, comfort and efficiency.

However, many people simply purchase whichever glove is cheapest or currently available. While this may seem economical, choosing the wrong glove can reduce protection, increase waste and even create health risks.

This guide explains the differences between nitrile, latex, vinyl and polyethylene gloves, helping you choose the best option for your business.

Why Choosing the Correct Disposable Glove Matters

Different glove materials are designed for different applications.

The right glove helps:

Protect workers from contaminants
Reduce cross-contamination
Improve hygiene standards
Provide better grip
Increase comfort during long periods of wear
Reduce glove failures and tearing
Improve productivity

Choosing the wrong glove may result in:

Frequent glove changes
Increased costs
Reduced dexterity
Chemical exposure
Allergic reactions
Food safety risks

Understanding each glove material makes purchasing decisions much easier.

Nitrile Gloves

Nitrile gloves have become the preferred disposable glove for many industries because they offer excellent strength, chemical resistance and durability.

Originally developed as an alternative for people with latex allergies, nitrile has rapidly become the premium disposable glove choice.

Best suited for:

Commercial cleaners
Healthcare
Automotive workshops
Engineering
Laboratories
Schools
Food processing
Manufacturing

Advantages

✔ Excellent puncture resistance

✔ Strong chemical resistance

✔ Latex-free

✔ Comfortable fit

✔ Excellent touch sensitivity

✔ Suitable for prolonged wear

✔ Resistant to oils and greases

Considerations

Usually the highest purchase price
Can feel slightly firmer than latex

For businesses wanting one glove suitable for almost every task, nitrile is generally the best all-round option.

Latex Gloves

Latex gloves are manufactured from natural rubber and remain one of the most comfortable disposable gloves available.

They offer exceptional flexibility and a close fit, making them popular where fine motor skills are important.

Best suited for:

Medical examinations
Beauty salons
Laboratory work
Cleaning
Food preparation (where allergies are managed)

Advantages

✔ Excellent comfort

✔ Outstanding flexibility

✔ Superior tactile sensitivity

✔ Natural stretch

✔ Comfortable for extended use

Considerations

Can trigger latex allergies
Less resistant to some chemicals than nitrile
Some workplaces no longer permit latex products

Latex remains an excellent glove where comfort and precision are the priority, provided allergy risks are considered.

Vinyl Gloves

Vinyl gloves provide an economical solution for low-risk applications.

Manufactured from PVC rather than rubber, vinyl gloves are popular where gloves are changed frequently throughout the day.

Best suited for:

Food preparation
Hospitality
Cleaning light-duty surfaces
Retail
Customer service
General handling

Advantages

✔ Cost-effective

✔ Latex-free

✔ Comfortable

✔ Easy to put on and remove

✔ Good for short-duration tasks

Considerations

Lower puncture resistance
Less flexibility
Reduced durability
Not suitable for handling many chemicals

Vinyl gloves are an excellent choice when protection requirements are relatively low and glove changes are frequent.

Polyethylene Gloves

Polyethylene gloves are the lightweight disposable gloves commonly seen in supermarkets, delicatessens and food service areas.

These loose-fitting gloves are designed for quick changes rather than prolonged wear.

Best suited for:

Sandwich bars
Bakeries
Cafés
Supermarkets
Fresh produce
Food sampling
Short food handling tasks

Advantages

✔ Very economical

✔ Fast to change

✔ Suitable for food contact

✔ Lightweight

✔ Excellent for high-frequency glove changes

Considerations

Minimal puncture resistance
Loose fit
Limited dexterity
Not suitable for cleaning chemicals
Not suitable for extended wear

Polyethylene gloves are ideal where speed and hygiene are more important than protection.

Comparison Table

Feature	Nitrile	Latex	Vinyl	Polyethylene
Strength	Excellent	Very Good	Moderate	Low
Comfort	Excellent	Excellent	Good	Fair
Flexibility	Excellent	Outstanding	Moderate	Low
Chemical Resistance	Excellent	Good	Limited	Very Limited
Puncture Resistance	Excellent	Good	Moderate	Low
Latex-Free	Yes	No	Yes	Yes
Food Safe	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Best for Heavy Duty	Yes	Sometimes	No	No
Cost	Higher	Medium	Lower	Lowest

Which Industries Use Each Glove?

Commercial Cleaning

Most professional cleaning companies choose nitrile gloves because they resist cleaning chemicals while remaining comfortable during extended use.

Healthcare

Healthcare professionals often select nitrile due to its excellent protection and latex-free properties.

Hospitality

Restaurants, cafés and takeaway businesses commonly use vinyl or polyethylene gloves depending on the task being performed.

Food Manufacturing

Food processors frequently choose blue nitrile gloves because they combine durability with food safety and are easy to identify if accidentally introduced into food production.

Schools

Caretakers and cleaners often use nitrile gloves for washroom cleaning and chemical handling, while vinyl gloves may be suitable for lighter cleaning tasks.

How to Choose the Right Disposable Glove

Before purchasing gloves, ask yourself:

What task will the gloves be used for?
Will chemicals be handled?
Is puncture resistance important?
How long will the gloves be worn?
Is there a risk of latex allergies?
Will workers require good grip and dexterity?
How frequently will gloves be changed?

Answering these questions helps narrow down the most suitable glove material.

Why Buy Gloves from HBPCS?

At Hawke's Bay Packaging & Cleaning Supplies (HBPCS), we supply quality disposable gloves to businesses across New Zealand.

Our range includes nitrile, latex, vinyl and polyethylene gloves suitable for industries including:

Commercial cleaning
Hospitality
Food manufacturing
Schools
Healthcare
Industrial workplaces
Automotive
Retail

Our experienced team can help you select the right glove based on your application, budget and workplace requirements, ensuring you receive the best combination of protection, comfort and value.

Conclusion

No single disposable glove is perfect for every task.

Nitrile gloves provide the highest level of durability and chemical resistance, making them the preferred choice for many professional workplaces. Latex gloves continue to offer exceptional comfort and dexterity where allergies are not a concern. Vinyl gloves deliver an affordable solution for general-purpose applications, while polyethylene gloves are ideal for fast-paced food handling where gloves are changed frequently.

Selecting the right glove not only improves workplace safety but can also reduce waste, improve productivity and ensure compliance with hygiene standards.

If you're unsure which glove is best for your business, the team at HBPCS can help you choose the most suitable option for your specific workplace needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are nitrile gloves better than latex gloves?

Nitrile gloves generally offer better chemical resistance, puncture protection and are latex-free, making them the preferred option for many commercial workplaces.

Are vinyl gloves suitable for cleaning?

Vinyl gloves are suitable for light cleaning tasks but are not recommended for prolonged exposure to strong cleaning chemicals or heavy-duty work.

Can polyethylene gloves be used with cleaning chemicals?

No. Polyethylene gloves are designed primarily for food handling and offer minimal protection against chemicals.

Which disposable glove is best for food preparation?

Nitrile, vinyl and polyethylene gloves are all commonly used in food preparation, depending on the task. Nitrile provides the highest level of durability, while polyethylene gloves are ideal for quick, frequent glove changes.

How often should disposable gloves be changed?

Disposable gloves should be changed whenever they become damaged, contaminated, after completing a task, or when moving between different work areas to reduce the risk of cross-contamination.

Need Help Getting The Correct Glove

Looking for the right disposable gloves for your workplace? HBPCS stocks a comprehensive range of nitrile, latex, vinyl and polyethylene gloves to suit commercial cleaning, hospitality, healthcare, food processing and industrial applications. Contact our team today for expert advice and quality glove solutions delivered throughout New Zealand.

Article Information

Published: June 2026

Category: Washroom Hygiene

Reading Time: Approximately 7 minutes

Disclaimer

This article is intended as a general guide only. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions for dispensers, paper products and washroom consumables. Product selection should reflect your workplace requirements, expected usage levels and applicable health and safety standards.