Gloves are protective clothing items designed to cover the hands and wrists. They are made from various materials, including leather, cloth, latex and plastic.

As for disposable gloves, as the name suggests, these are meant to be used once and discarded. They are commonly used in industries like food handling, healthcare, cleaning and maintenance, pet care, grooming, laundry, automotive maintenance, painting, gardening and dishwashing. Disposable gloves are favoured for their ease of use, convenience and cost-effectiveness, as they do not require washing or maintenance and can be easily disposed of after use.

 

Applications of Gloves

 

When gloves should be worn depends on the industry it is used in. Below are the many ways gloves can be used.

  • Healthcare Industry

Gloves are crucial in healthcare situations. In the medical and dental fields, disposable gloves help prevent the spread of infection. Medical and dental personnel use gloves to protect themselves and their patients from exposure to bodily fluids, such as blood and saliva, and to prevent contamination from one patient to another. 

Disposable gloves are also used during medical and dental procedures to protect against exposure to hazardous materials, such as chemicals or needles.

  • Food Handling

In the food service industry, disposable or compostable gloves are commonly used to maintain hygiene and prevent food contamination. Food handlers wear gloves to protect food from contamination by skin oils, bacteria and other harmful substances. This helps to ensure that food is safe for consumption. 

  •  Cleaning and Janitorial Work

Disposable gloves are also essential in cleaning and janitorial work, where hands are frequently exposed to harsh chemicals, dust and dirt. Gloves provide a barrier between the skin and the cleaning agent, protecting hands from irritation, cuts and other hazards. In addition, disposable gloves make it easier to clean and maintain hygiene, as gloves can be changed frequently to prevent the transfer of dirt, sweat and bacteria.

  • Painting

In painting and similar applications, disposable gloves are used to protect hands from exposure to paint. Most paints contain dangerous chemicals and substances that may be harmful, especially if your skin has tiny, unnoticeable cuts. 

In addition, no one wants to get paint on their hands. Using disposable gloves while painting also helps improve grip when handling wet or slippery paint brushes. This makes painting tasks more manageable and reduces the risk of spillage.

  • Gardening

While gardening, disposable gloves protect hands from cuts, scratches and exposure to dirt and chemicals. Soil and other garden materials can contain chemicals, such as pesticides and fertilisers, that can irritate the skin. Some plants may even contain dangerous substances, such as toxic chemicals and pathogens, that can cause harm if they come into contact with your hands. Disposable gloves provide a barrier against the transfer of these substances, reducing the associated risks. 

  • General Hygiene

Disposable gloves are widely used in various general hygiene situations to prevent the spread of germs and diseases. The awareness and usage of gloves have increased significantly since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Germs and bacteria are often found in areas frequently handled by human hands. Wearing disposable gloves can reduce stress and anxiety about germs and viruses as you deal with railings, door handles and car doors. It also helps maintain a more comfortable working environment.

 

Why Compostable Gloves Are Better Than Plastic

 

Plastic gloves are widely used in many industries and applications but can harm the environment. Since they are made from non-renewable resources and do not biodegrade, they contribute to the growing problem of plastic waste and pollution. In addition, they can harm wildlife and the ecosystem, and their production can have a significant carbon footprint. 

On the other hand, compostable gloves are more environmentally friendly than traditional plastic and latex gloves. They are made from renewable, biodegradable materials, such as corn starch, and are designed to break down into natural materials in a composting environment. And they do this while offering comparable performance to traditional gloves. 

 

Bonnie Bio: Sustainable Compostable Packaging in Australia

 

Disposable gloves have a wide range of applications, from medical and dental procedures to industrial work and laboratory settings. The disposable nature of gloves makes them an ideal solution for industries where hygiene and protection are critical.

However, with the growing concerns over the dangers of plastic waste, we wanted to take a stand. That’s why here at Bonnie Bio, we provide compostable gloves that can be safely disposed of without worrying about the planet. Made from corn starch, our gloves are BPI-certified for commercial use. Even the ink used is soy-based. You won’t be able to tell the difference either! 

Try our gloves, biodegradable dog poop bags, bin liners and more today. Contact us for more details.