LATEX vs. NITRILE COATED:
WHICH IS THE RIGHT GLOVE FOR FOOD PROCESSING?

When it comes to food processing, safety and hygiene are non-negotiables. Selecting the right coated work gloves plays a crucial role in ensuring both. In this blog post, we'll compare latex-coated and nitrile-coated gloves – two popular choices in the food processing industry.

At RefrigiWear, we deliver performance and protection when you need it most. Not to brag, but we consider ourselves to be true workwear glove experts and can help you find your perfect pair, no matter what your job has in store. You could say we’re spreading the "glove," today and every day!

Nitrile Coated Gloves

Nitrile coated knit gloves are a popular choice for workers in refrigerated processing facilities. Here are a few pros and cons to help you decide if a nitrile coated glove is right for your work:

Pros:

• Durability and resistance: Nitrile gloves are made from synthetic rubber and known for their durability and resistance to punctures and chemicals.
• Latex-free: A huge benefit for those allergic to latex, nitrile coated gloves provide a safe alternative without compromising protection.
• Oil and grease resistance: Nitrile coated gloves are ideal for handling food products containing oils and grease, due to their resistance to these substances.

Cons:

• Less elastic: Compared to latex gloves, nitrile gloves are less elastic and can potentially be uncomfortable during long work days.
• Higher cost: Nitrile gloves are generally more expensive, which may be less for businesses on a tight budget or those who need to replace gloves very frequently for hygienic purposes.

Latex Coated Gloves

Latex coated knit gloves are also a popular choice for food processing workers. Here are a few pros and cons to help you decide if a latext coated glove is right for your work:

Pros:

• Elasticity and comfort: Latex gloves are made from natural rubber. They offer elasticity and comfort, making them a popular choice for a variety of workers.
• Affordability: Latex gloves are typically more economical than nitrile ones, and who doesn’t like that?

Cons:

• Latex allergies: Latex coated gloves can cause allergic reactions in individuals sensitive to latex. So, beware!
• Less chemical resistance: Compared to nitrile gloves, latex gloves are less resistant to chemicals. Depending on the type of work at hand, this may not deliver the right level of protection.

Other Factors to Consider

Let’s not forget, food processing jobs often come with a really chilly and often hazardous work environment. Standard unlined latex and nitrile gloves typically don’t add protection from the cold or dangers of the job, increasing the risk of cold stress and on-the-job injury. AKA, they protect the food but not the worker.

Your need for warmth and comfort is not lost on us! RefrigiWear coated knit and thermal gloves add an essential extra layer that ensures workers are protected in cold environments.

Food safety? Check. Your safety? Check!

For those who must use standard latex or nitrile coated gloves on the job, wearing RefrigiWear glove liners underneath them can significantly boost warmth and comfort.

Plus, our cut-resistant gloves can provide warmth and safeguard against injuries during tasks involving blades.

We can confidently say that we offer some of the warmest glove liners for food processing out there. No matter what your workplace has in store, we’ve got just the gloves!

Choose the Right Coated Glove for Your Job

So, what’s the verdict?

When it comes to choosing the best gloves for food processing, we have to consider quite a few different factors. Nitrile gloves offer great chemical resistance and are latex-free for those who need it, but typically come at a higher cost. Latex gloves, though more affordable and comfortable, may trigger latex allergies and offer less resistance to chemicals.

Consider your specific work environment, priorities, and preferences before picking the perfect gloves for you and your workers.

Your new favorite coated gloves for food processing are just around the corner - and by around the corner, we mean on pro.refrigiwear.com!

Still not sure which gloves are right for you? Check out this article on different glove dips and coatings.

As always, when the work environment gets tough, we’re here to protect your people, keep them comfortable and help maintain their productivity.