The versatility of disposable poly gloves makes them an excellent choice for many people. They are mostly preferred in the foodservice industry. Like any other type of disposable glove, it’s affordable and easily accessible. However, its ability to withstand short duration chores makes it stand out from others.
An employee in a restaurant can easily change and replace it with a new one while serving customers. Besides, it is free of latex and other substances that can cause allergies. Given that it comes in close contact with food, the chances of poly gloves causing allergies for both the customers and workers is relatively low.
Therefore, it’s no surprise that several industries find it a safer alternative for their workers. Perhaps you’re unsure about its properties? Or maybe you want to know how effective poly gloves will be in your workplace? This article discusses everything you need to know about poly gloves. We will explore just how effective poly gloves can be, the benefits of using one, and the ideal application.
What are Disposable Poly Gloves?
Polythene gloves offer excellent protection for your hands. They are synthesized from a thermoplastic that is shaped into several molds as it cools. They are also referred to as low-density polythene (LDPE). This means they’re thinner and lighter than other plastics.
Poly gloves are commonly used to make dispensing bottles and grocery bags. They are a core part of a market size of 6.71 billion, one that is expected to have an annual increase of 11.2%.
The unique features of poly gloves prevent them from slipping when wet. This type of disposable glove has a loose fit design that allows for easy on and off applications. Accompanied by proper handwashing guidelines, it can improve the flexibility of workers when changing gloves between tasks.
Of all the types of disposable gloves, the cost of poly gloves is the least expensive. It’s produced in low density, high density, and cast poly. You can also find it at any store in either blue or white color. Plus, it encourages a hygienic environment that’s free from foodborne diseases. The only downside is that it can’t withstand high temperatures and hot surfaces. As a result, it’s not advisable to use poly gloves for medical reasons.
Related Article: Types of Disposable Gloves: Latex vs Nitrile
When is the best time to use poly gloves?
Disposable poly gloves offer protection from oils, fats, and other low strength chemical substances. They’re available in different sizes, thicknesses, and lengths. However, they’re only recommended for single-use. No matter how thick or clean they are, you cannot reuse poly gloves.
You may be wondering, are poly gloves any good? Well, its component material complies with the Food Drug Administration (FDA) regulations for making contact with food.
Therefore, it’s commonly used for various activities like:
- Food service
- Food preparation (especially in Deli’s bars)
- Farming
Benefits of Poly Gloves
Disposable poly gloves don’t make use of talcum powder and latex. These chemical substances, especially powder, are notorious for inflation and skin scarring when used in gloves. This is not the only advantage you stand to enjoy when you buy poly gloves. Others include:
Cost-effective
Among the many types of disposable gloves, poly gloves are the most economical. This is because of the frequency the food industry requires in changing them, unlike other durable gloves which can be used for long duty tasks. After you use a poly glove to attend to a customer, you’ll have to wear a new pair for the next person.
Therefore, it’s no surprise that they’re relatively cheap. Again, the affordability can be ascribed to the industry it’s associated with. Food is a basic need. Undoubtedly, the demand for it will always remain high.
Low resistance to friction
Disposable poly gloves provide lower resistance to friction. During the manufacturing process, specific finishes are applied to them. This allows you to wear and take them off seamlessly. Not only that, its polythene coating enables it to slip on and off the hands in a slick way.
The advantage of this special manufacturing process is that it will reduce the tackiness of the material. Furthermore, it will also absorb excess moisture in sweaty palms. This means that poly gloves will not affect your dexterity and handling in any way.
Provides a comfortable fit
If you wear disposable gloves, there’s every possibility your body heat will produce moisture. This can make you feel uncomfortable and lower your working time. Poly gloves, on the other hand, are loose-fitting and allow your palms to breathe.
This is a far cry from other types of disposable gloves that may slip during usage because they’re either heavy or thick. They have an impressive fit that gives you a non-slip grip even if they’re dry or wet. According to the FDA, premium polythene grade glove is 50% lighter than standard latex for added comfort.
Latex-free
Poly gloves have become the preferred synthetic option where latex allergies are concerned. Many people rely on the latex-free dependability they offer.
If poly gloves had latex components, it will likely lead to reactions that can be detrimental to your health. However, with poly gloves, your health and safety can be assured.
Resistance to pores
Disposable poly gloves offer average porous resistance to chemicals and substances. They are relatively thin and susceptible to having holes. However, when used with short volume tasks like washing the dishes and making meals, they’re impenetrable. They remain home-free so you don’t have to worry about particles while working.
Prevents skin-related irritation
Its impenetrable feature protects your sensitive skin from irritation caused by hot spices and acid juices. They also prevent your palm from absorbing strong food odors like garlic, onion, and fish. Despite its thin and light feature, in this capacity, poly gloves function as well as thick gloves.
What are Poly Gloves Made of?
Poly gloves are generally described as rubber gloves. In truth, they are made from a variety of materials. All of these components combine to offer the different features we have described in the last section.
Ethylene
Typically, this component of poly gloves is produced under high pressure with vinyl. It is this component that makes poly gloves permeable to moisture and gas. Plus, it provides it with better resistance to oil and grease. Ethylene is usually used in packaging films, wire tubings, gaskets, and adhesives.
Low-density polythene
The thin and light features of poly gloves are a result of the addition of this component. It is a softer form of polythene that is transparent and flexible. Furthermore, low-density polythene (LDPE) allows you to remove and wear them quickly.
However, this material is not durable when used alone. This is why it is combined with high molecular weight polythene and ethylene.
In its natural state, low-density polythene non-leaching. This means it can’t release harmful chemicals into foods. LDPE is also used for making trash bags, squeeze bottles, agricultural mulch, and cables.
Ultra-high molecular-weight polythene
This allows the gloves to stretch. Its principal uses are in creative packaging film for food. Aside from that, it’s also useful for making grocery bags and housewares.
How Effective are Poly Gloves?
Beyond the safety measures, they offer to both workers and customers in the food industry. They help keep the environment clean. Outside meal service, poly gloves can be useful in controlling the spread of infections. Because they don’t have latex, like nitrile and neoprene, you can efficiently use poly gloves to perform any duty.
Furthermore, there’s no fear of allergies while using poly gloves. The fact they’re widely used in big supermarkets, fruit stores, and restaurants mean they’re very reliable and efficient. Additionally, its low cost, protection, and seamless passage of time prove its effectiveness. Still, wondering if poly gloves are any good?
Related Article: How to Protect Yourself With Disposable Gloves in Miami
Final Wrap on What Poly Gloves are
To reiterate, disposable poly gloves serve as a barrier between your hand and external surfaces. As an employer in the foodservice, they are the right choice for your business. You can also utilize these gloves in your kitchen for your fresh food prep.
However, poly gloves are not just for use in a place of business. Everyday people can also use poly gloves to protect themselves during their daily routines. With the coronavirus pandemic and not to mention other infections out there, this is a smart choice.
Plus, it offers you economical and allergen-free protection that’s absent with other types of in others. With them, you can practice food hygiene and improve the quality of your health and environment.
Are you looking for where to get poly gloves? Look no more! Here at Buy Gloves, our online store for different types of disposable gloves will help you buy the products you need to keep your workplace safe. We also offer disposable gloves for everyday use. Look through our collections today!
