Nitrile Gloves

Buy Nitrile Gloves – Your reliable protection for healthcare, industry, food production & more

Table of contents

1. Introduction
2. What is nitrile? Manufacturing process & material properties
   1. What exactly is NBR?
   2. Why is nitrile latex-free – and why does that matter?
   3. Manufacturing process for nitrile gloves
   4. Material properties of nitrile gloves
3. Surface finishing & grip of nitrile gloves
   1. Polymer coating
   2. Chlorination & double chlorination
   3. Grip & texturing
   4. The right texture for your sector
4. Applications for nitrile gloves
5. Coloured nitrile gloves & colour coding
6. Standards & quality specific to nitrile gloves
7. EN 374 test chemicals
8. Nature Gloves – more sustainable nitrile gloves
9. FAQ – frequently asked questions about nitrile gloves

1. Introduction

Nitrile gloves – also referred to as nitrile disposable gloves, nitrile examination gloves or simply nitrile gloves – are now among the most essential single-use products across healthcare, nursing, laboratories, industry, food processing, beauty and tattoo. They are tear-resistant, chemically resistant, completely latex-free, and therefore an ideal solution for professional users and consumers alike.

A particular highlight in our range is the MED-COMFORT nitrile glove 01198, a true all-rounder for everyday use. Since 2015, more than 11 million boxes have been sold (as of 06/2025) – clear proof of quality, comfort and reliability:
➡️ View bestseller 01198

Our nitrile range covers a broad spectrum: from lightweight nitrile disposable gloves for care settings and coloured Style variants for dental and beauty, through to particularly robust high-risk nitrile examination gloves for laboratories, chemicals and industry. As complementary materials, we also offer latex gloves, vinyl gloves, PE gloves as well as vitrile gloves. For users with particularly sensitive skin, our Low Derma™ nitrile gloves are an ideal solution.

2. What is nitrile? Manufacturing process & material properties

2.1 What exactly is NBR?

Nitrile gloves are made from nitrile butadiene rubber (NBR), a synthetic rubber produced by copolymerising the monomers acrylonitrile and butadiene. This combination delivers an ideal balance of:

• Acrylonitrile (ACN) – for resistance to oils, fats, many chemicals and solvents
• Butadiene – for elasticity, stretch and high wearing comfort

Depending on the mixing ratio, the material characteristics can be tailored precisely:

• Higher ACN content → stronger chemical protection
• Lower ACN content → softer, more stretchable and more skin-friendly formulations

The NBR formulations used by AMPri are specifically designed to combine long wearing times with high protection and excellent mechanical performance.

2.2 Why is nitrile latex-free – and why does that matter?

Unlike natural rubber latex, NBR contains no natural latex proteins that can trigger immediate allergic reactions (Type I allergies). Nitrile gloves are therefore:

• 100% latex-free
• ideal for latex allergy sufferers
• skin-friendly and low odour
• safe for use in all medical facilities

This makes nitrile disposable gloves the global standard for medical examination gloves and professional disposable gloves in critical environments.

2.3 Manufacturing process for nitrile gloves

Manufacturing modern nitrile gloves is a highly precise, multi-stage process. In simplified terms, it works as follows:

2.3.1 Cleaning & preparation of hand formers

Ceramic hand formers are:

• cleaned and degreased
• partly pre-heated
• coated with a coagulant film (usually a calcium salt solution)

This film ensures that the NBR dispersion later adheres reliably and forms an even layer.

2.3.2 Dipping process (“dipping”)

The prepared formers are dipped into a liquid NBR latex dispersion. The resulting wall thickness of the nitrile disposable glove is controlled by:

• dip time
• solids content of the dispersion
• line speed
• number of dips (single or multiple dipping)

High-risk nitrile gloves, for example, receive a thicker material layer through longer and/or double dipping times.

2.3.3 Gelation

The coated formers are then heated so that the NBR “gels” on the coagulant film:

• the nitrile layer is consolidated
• adhesion to the former is stabilised
• an even wall thickness is ensured

2.3.4 Vulcanisation – the decisive step

During vulcanisation, temperature and vulcanising chemicals create sulphur cross-links between the polymer chains. This is what gives the nitrile glove:

• its typical elasticity
• high tear resistance
• shape stability
• temperature resistance

AMPri uses precisely coordinated temperature profiles and formulations to achieve an optimum combination of protection, flexibility and wearing comfort.

2.3.5 Surface finishing

After vulcanisation, the surface is refined, e.g. via:

• polymer coating
• chlorination
• double chlorination

This has a major impact on donning behaviour, grip and skin feel (see Section 3: Surface finishing & grip).

2.3.6 Stripping, rinsing & drying

The gloves are then:

• removed from the hand formers fully automatically (“stripping”)
• washed to remove residual chemicals
• gently dried

2.3.7 Quality inspection & packaging

Before packaging, comprehensive testing takes place, including:

• AQL leak testing in accordance with EN 455-1
• tensile strength and elongation testing in accordance with EN 455-2

Only then are the nitrile gloves packaged under hygienically controlled conditions and placed on the market as a medical device and/or PPE.

2.4 Material properties of nitrile gloves

• Tear-resistant & elastic: Nitrile has “material memory”, adapts to the shape of the hand and remains stable even during prolonged use.
• High chemical resistance: very good resistance to oils, fats, many solvents, acids and alkalis.
• Excellent barrier performance: reliable protection against viruses, bacteria, fungi and body fluids.
• High wearing comfort: modern NBR formulations provide soft, flexible nitrile disposable gloves with pleasant donning behaviour.
• Allergy-friendly: completely latex-free, and in special variants also available as Low Derma™.

3. Surface finishing & grip of nitrile gloves

Surface finishing is a key factor in how nitrile gloves feel and perform in day-to-day use. It influences:

• donning comfort
• skin feel
• grip on dry, wet or oily surfaces
• suitable applications
• wearing comfort over longer periods

AMPri uses a range of technologies to tailor nitrile disposable gloves precisely to the requirements of each sector.

3.1 Polymer coating

A polymer coating is the most modern and skin-friendly type of surface finishing for nitrile disposable gloves.

Benefits:

• very pleasant, soft feel
• makes gloves easier to don
• reduced friction between skin and glove
• powder-free solution → high skin compatibility

Typical areas of use:

• hospitals & GP practices
• care facilities
• dental
• food processing

Many popular AMPri lines – such as the bestseller 01198 or various Style by AMPri models – use polymer coatings for maximum comfort.

3.2 Chlorination & double chlorination

3.2.1 Chlorination

With chlorination, the glove is passed through a mild chlorine solution, which purposefully modifies the nitrile’s surface structure.

Benefits:

• smoother donning
• reduced tackiness on the inner surface
• comfortable wear, particularly when changing gloves frequently

Chlorinated nitrile gloves are commonly used in:

• food businesses
• kitchens & catering
• cleaning & building services
• tattoo and beauty studios

3.2.2 Double chlorination

Double chlorination is a premium process used particularly for high-risk nitrile gloves.

Benefits:

• extremely smooth inner surface → especially quick donning
• very comfortable wear, even during prolonged use
• reduction of residual chemicals on the glove surface

Typical areas of use:

• laboratories & chemicals
• pharmaceutical production
• ambulance services & emergency medicine
• high-risk areas involving hazardous substances

Example: SolidSafety High Risk Pro 081307
➡️ https://www.ampri.de/081307

3.3 Grip & texturing

Surface texturing determines how securely an object sits in the hand – whether dry, wet or oily. Nitrile gloves offer a wide range of options:

3.3.1 Smooth (non-textured)

Characteristics:

• maximum tactile sensitivity
• very good fine touch

Areas of use:

• dental
• cosmetics & fine work
• medical examinations
• laboratory work without strong liquid chemicals

3.3.2 Finger-textured

The most common texture for medical nitrile disposable gloves.

Benefits:

• improved grip at the fingertips
• secure handling of instruments, needles and devices
• good balance between grip and tactile sensitivity

Areas of use:

• healthcare & care
• tattoo
• dental
• food processing
• all-round applications

This texture can be found, among others, on: 01198 and many Style by AMPri models.

3.3.3 Fully textured (“High Grip”)

Benefits:

• maximum grip even with oil, grease or moisture
• robust handling of tools
• ideal for heavy mechanical work

Typical applications:

• car and commercial vehicle workshops
• metalworking
• industry & assembly
• areas with oily or greasy surfaces

Fully textured gloves include 081307 and 01196.

Top product with diamond texture: ALPHA High Grip AL-001

➡️ https://www.ampri.de/AL-001

3.4 The right texture for your sector

4. Applications for nitrile gloves

Nitrile gloves, nitrile disposable gloves and nitrile examination gloves are among the most versatile single-use products available. Thanks to high tear resistance, very good chemical resistance and allergy-friendly properties, they are now the standard in many sectors.

4.1 Healthcare, care & health services

In medical environments, nitrile examination gloves are indispensable. They protect against blood, secretions and infectious agents, and provide a reliable barrier against micro-organisms.

Typical areas of use:

• hospitals & clinics
• GP practices & medical centres
• outpatient & inpatient care
• accident & emergency departments & ambulance services
• care homes & retirement residences

Benefits of nitrile:

• high barrier performance against viruses, bacteria & fungi
• excellent fit & tactile feel
• latex-free and therefore ideal for allergy sufferers
• powder-free variants for optimal skin compatibility

Product recommendations:

• MED-COMFORT High Risk 01196
  ➡️ https://www.ampri.de/01196
• Bestseller 01198 – all-round nitrile glove for many applications
  ➡️ https://www.ampri.de/01198

4.2 Laboratory, chemicals & high-risk applications

In laboratories and chemical environments, nitrile disposable gloves are preferred due to their high resistance to many chemicals. EN ISO 374 defines exactly which test chemicals are assessed and what level of protection the glove provides.

Typical areas of use:

• pharmaceutical laboratories
• research & development
• analytical laboratories
• chemical production
• handling solvents, cytostatics and hormone preparations

Why nitrile?

• excellent chemical resistance
• high tear resistance
• suitable for long wearing times (model-dependent)
• no latex allergies

Product recommendation:

• SolidSafety High Risk Pro 081307
  ➡️ https://www.ampri.de/081307

4.3 Food industry & catering

For handling food, nitrile gloves are ideal because they are taste-neutral and low odour, and offer high resistance to fats and oils. All AMPri nitrile disposable gloves are approved for contact with food.

Typical areas of use:

• food manufacturing & food processing
• meat and fish processing
• bakeries & patisseries
• catering & hospitality
• commercial kitchens & chain catering

Benefits of nitrile in food settings:

• resistant to fats, oils and many spice extracts
• no latex proteins → no risk of allergic reactions for staff or customers
• high-visibility colours (e.g. blue, green, black) within HACCP concepts

4.4 Dental

In dental settings, coloured nitrile disposable gloves are standard. They combine hygiene with a professional, modern appearance.

Typical applications:

• prophylaxis & professional dental cleaning
• chairside assistance
• preparation and follow-up of treatment rooms
• laboratory work in the practice lab

Modern colours such as pink, Clean Ocean and Platinum are particularly popular.
➡️ View colour range: Coloured and bright nitrile gloves

4.5 Beauty, cosmetics & tattoo

In the beauty and tattoo sector, nitrile examination gloves are the first choice – for hygiene, appearance and comfort.

Typical areas of use:

• nail studios
• beauty salons
• lash & brow treatments
• tattoo studios & permanent make-up
• barbers & hair salons

Benefits:

• skin-friendly & latex-free
• good grip with oils, dyes and lotions
• attractive colours as part of brand identity

Beauty product recommendation:

• Peppermint Rosie 118-300
  ➡️ https://www.ampri.de/118-300

4.6 Industry, trades & workshops

In workshops, trades and industry, nitrile disposable gloves stand out thanks to their durability and resistance to oils, lubricants and fuels.

Typical areas of use:

• car and commercial vehicle workshops
• metalworking
• mechanical engineering & plant construction
• assembly & maintenance
• paint shops (depending on model)

Benefits of nitrile:

• high stability when exposed to oil, grease and chemicals
• abrasion-resistant & robust
• excellent grip with the right texture

Product recommendation:

• ALPHA High Grip AL-001
  ➡️ https://www.ampri.de/AL-001

4.7 Cleaning & building services

In professional cleaning, nitrile gloves protect against cleaning and disinfecting agents and help reduce skin irritation.

Typical areas of use:

• building cleaning
• hotel and property cleaning
• sanitary cleaning
• kitchen and commercial kitchen cleaning

Benefits:

• good resistance to commonly used cleaning agents
• high tear resistance, even under mechanical stress
• easy implementation of hygienic single-use concepts

5. Coloured nitrile gloves & colour coding

Coloured nitrile gloves – i.e. coloured nitrile disposable gloves and nitrile examination gloves – are long since more than just a visual detail. They support modern hygiene concepts, streamline workflows and reinforce a professional appearance for practices, studios and businesses.

5.1 Why choose coloured nitrile gloves?

Visual hygiene structures:

• Red – sanitary or disinfection areas
• Blue – food areas
• Yellow – prophylaxis & assistance
• Black – tattoo & workshop
• Pink / Clean Ocean – dental & beauty

Professionalism & corporate identity:

• colours support the practice concept
• match interior design and brand presence
• visibly differentiate your business from competitors

Psychological effect: Friendly colours such as pink, Clean Ocean or yellow feel welcoming and can reduce anxiety – especially for children.

HACCP support: Blue and green are highly visible in food environments and help implement hygiene concepts reliably.

➡️ Full range: Coloured gloves

5.2 Sector solutions for coloured nitrile gloves

Dental

The dental sector is increasingly using coloured nitrile gloves to combine hygiene, professionalism and practice design. Popular colours include:

• pink
• Clean Ocean
• Platinum

➡️ View colour range: Coloured nitrile gloves

Beauty, cosmetics & nail studios

In the beauty sector, colours are part of brand identity. Depending on the studio design, commonly selected options include:

• pink
• turquoise / Clean Ocean
• black
• purple

Product recommendation:

• Peppermint Rosie 118-300
  ➡️ https://www.ampri.de/118-300

Tattoo & PMU

Black nitrile gloves have become established in tattoo studios:

• they look professional and clean
• they mask ink, colour and blood
• they perfectly match studio aesthetics

Food industry & HACCP

Food businesses typically prefer:

• blue
• green

because these colours are easy to spot in the product and support HACCP concepts.

Workshops & industry

In workshops and industry, the dominant choices are:

• black nitrile gloves
• fully textured high-grip models

Recommendation: ALPHA High Grip AL-001
 ➡️ https://www.ampri.de/AL-001

5.3 The Style by AMPri colour palette

The Style by AMPri range offers a broad spectrum of modern colours:

• pink
• Clean Ocean (turquoise / aqua)
• Platinum (grey / silver)
• yellow
• purple
• blue
• green
• black

➡️ All variants: Coloured gloves

5.4 NEW: Style by AMPri White Plus – comfort redefined

Style by AMPri White Plus is more than a classic white nitrile glove – it represents a completely new wearing experience. Developed for professionals who deliver at their best every day, without compromising on comfort.

Exceptionally soft & flexible:

• innovative material additives make the glove especially soft
• feels like a second skin
• ideal for sensitive hands
• offers excellent fingertip sensitivity, even for precise tasks

Around 20% more material thickness than classic 3 g nitrile gloves:

• higher tear resistance
• improved barrier performance
• yet still surprisingly soft and flexible

Many thicker nitrile gloves can quickly cause hand fatigue and an uncomfortable wearing sensation – White Plus has been designed to solve exactly this. It provides the protection of a stronger glove combined with the comfort of lighter models.

For every sector. For every hand. For every day.
Whether in healthcare, care, cosmetics, food processing or industry – Style by AMPri White Plus is the smart choice for anyone who values safety and noticeable comfort.

5.5 Matching surgical masks in the colour system

For a consistent overall look, coloured nitrile gloves can be combined with matching surgical masks.

Example:

• Yellow surgical mask – matching yellow nitrile gloves
  ➡️ Type IIR surgical mask Yellow (02201-Y)

5.6 Benefits of coloured nitrile gloves at a glance

6. Standards & quality specific to nitrile gloves

In Europe, the quality and safety of nitrile gloves are regulated through several standards and testing procedures. These ensure that nitrile disposable gloves perform reliably in healthcare, laboratories, industry and food processing.

AMPri works with certified production partners in accordance with ISO 13485 (medical devices) and ISO 9001 (quality management) to ensure consistently high quality.

6.1 EN 455 – standard for medical nitrile gloves

EN 455 consists of four parts and defines the requirements for medical disposable gloves:

• EN 455-1 – Freedom from holes: testing for microscopic holes using a watertightness test.
• EN 455-2 – Physical properties: minimum requirements for tensile strength, elongation and wall thickness.
• EN 455-3 – Biological evaluation: skin compatibility, allergen and residue testing.
• EN 455-4 – Shelf life: definition of minimum shelf life and ageing tests.
• EN 455-5: Extractable chemical residues

Example model:
MED-COMFORT High Risk 01196
➡️ https://www.ampri.de/01196

6.2 EN ISO 374 – protection against chemicals & micro-organisms

EN ISO 374 defines the chemical and micro-organism protection of nitrile gloves. Three types are distinguished:

• Type A: protection against at least 6 test chemicals with breakthrough time ≥ 30 minutes.
• Type B: protection against at least 3 test chemicals.
• Type C: protection against at least 1 test chemical.

Examples:

• SolidSafety High Risk Pro 081307 – Type A
  ➡️ https://www.ampri.de/081307
• MED-COMFORT High Risk 01196 – Type A
  ➡️ https://www.ampri.de/01196

You can find details of the individual test chemicals (code letters A–T) in the next section.

6.3 AQL – acceptable quality level

The AQL value (“Acceptable Quality Level”) describes the glove’s leak tightness. The lower the value, the tighter the glove.

• AQL 1.5 – standard for medical nitrile gloves
• AQL 0.65 – high-risk quality with particularly high leak tightness
• AQL 4.0 – only for basic applications without high protection requirements

AMPri primarily offers nitrile disposable gloves with AQL 1.5, as well as high-risk nitrile gloves with AQL 0.65.

6.4 Wall thickness & material thickness

The wall thickness of a nitrile glove influences protection, tear resistance and dexterity.

Examples:

• 01198 – approx. 3 g, ideal all-round nitrile disposable glove
• ALPHA High Grip AL-001 – approx. 6 g, robust for industry & workshops
• 081307 – high-risk class, particularly thick and stable

6.5 Glove length – 240 mm, 300 mm, 400 mm

• 240 mm (standard length): suitable for healthcare, care, beauty, tattoo and many all-round applications.
• 300 mm (extended cuff): provides additional forearm protection, e.g. in food production, cleaning or wet areas.
• 400 mm (extra-long): ideal for high-risk chemical work, commercial kitchens and laboratory areas with a high risk of splashes or immersion.

6.6 Batch-by-batch quality control at AMPri

Each glove batch undergoes comprehensive testing:

• leak testing in accordance with EN 455
• tensile strength and elongation values
• dimensional accuracy & material defect control

This ensures that nitrile gloves from AMPri remain reliably safe and consistently high quality.

7. EN 374 test chemicals

EN ISO 374 is the key standard for chemical protection in nitrile gloves. It defines which test chemicals a glove has been tested against and how long the breakthrough times are. This is crucial when selecting the right nitrile disposable glove for laboratory, chemical, cleaning or industrial applications.

7.1 How EN 374 testing works

EN 374 testing measures how long a chemical takes to fully permeate the glove layer – the so-called breakthrough time.

• ≥ 30 minutes: minimum requirement for Type A (at least 6 test chemicals)
• ≥ 30 minutes: minimum requirement for Type B (at least 3 test chemicals)
• ≥ 10 minutes: minimum requirement for Type C (at least 1 test chemical)

The longer the breakthrough time, the higher the protection. AMPri uses specialised NBR formulations to achieve particularly strong breakthrough times against many chemicals.

7.2 Table of EN 374 test chemicals (A–T)

7.3 Which AMPri models meet which protection types?

8. Nature Gloves – more sustainable nitrile gloves from AMPri

With Nature Gloves, AMPri offers an innovative, more sustainable alternative to classic nitrile gloves. These nitrile disposable gloves are made from a biologically optimised nitrile rubber and, under certain conditions, break down significantly faster than conventional nitrile gloves – without compromising on protection.

8.1 What makes Nature Gloves more sustainable?

• Biologically optimised NBR: special additives make it easier for micro-organisms to break down the material.
• Up to approx. 30 % faster biodegradation (under defined conditions compared with standard nitrile).
• Full protective performance: tear resistance, barrier effect and standard compliance remain at the usual high level.
• Latex-free & allergy-friendly: like all nitrile gloves.

8.2 Sectors where Nature Gloves are ideal

Nature Gloves are suitable for anyone looking to combine sustainability and safety:

• healthcare & care
• beauty, cosmetics & tattoo
• food processing & catering
• cleaning & building services
• laboratories & industry
• private use

8.3 Nature Gloves variants

• Nature Gloves Green 118-069
  ✔ environmentally conscious
  ✔ modern & friendly
  ✔ ideal for food, cleaning & care
  ➡️ Nature Gloves Green 118-069
• Nature Gloves Black 118-108
  ✔ stylish & professional
  ✔ popular in tattoo, cosmetics & industry
  ➡️ Nature Gloves Black 118-108

8.4 Environmental benefits at a glance

9. FAQ – frequently asked questions about nitrile gloves