The Inventor of the First Nitrile Glove | Showa® Best Gloves

SHOWA® | THE ORIGINAL INVENTOR OF THE SINGLE-USE NITRILE GLOVE

SHOWA® 7705PFT Single-Use Hi-Viz Biodegradable EBT Nitrile Gloves

We Can't Change Earth's Past, But We Can Change Its Future

During the AIDS epidemic, people sought disposable gloves to protect themselves against the HIV virus. This caused a significant increase in the use of single-use latex gloves which exposed glove wearers and patients to natural latex proteins on a large scale. As a result, it became evident that a certain percentage of the human population was allergic to natural latex, which ranged from contact dermatitis to severe allergic reactions that require first aid.

THE ORIGINATOR OF THE FIRST NITRILE GLOVE | A GROUND BREAKING INNOVATION

Commercialized by Best® Manufacturing Company back in 1991, N-DEX® brand was the first family of low-modulus, single use latex-free gloves that solved this protein allergy issue and provided wearers with a semi-elastic, tactile and form-fitting glove with more tensile strength and durability. Intended for use in medical and dental examinations, disposable nitrile had the fit and feel of natural latex assuring first responders, TSA, physicians, laboratory professionals and food handlers with the highest level of single use hand protection.

BACKGROUND | BEST® GLOVE MEETS SHOWA®

Founded in 1954, SHOWA® is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of medical, cut resistant, general purpose, chemical resistant and specialty hand protection. Boasting nine production facilities strategically located around the globe with over 5,000 team members, including a staff of 100 in Research and Development, SHOWA® Glove Japan acquired Best® Manufacturing Company in 2007. This acquisition allowed SHOWA® R&D to work in concert with the Best® R&D on the development of countless innovations since the acquisition that continues to raise the bar and change the future of disposable hand protection.

TODAY | A BROAD NITRILE GLOVE PORTFOLIO

Fast forward to today, SHOWA® is able to distribute the most comprehensive and evolving single use nitrile glove solution innovations, and offer the broadest line of superior quality, high performing gloves that includes the first of their kind GreenCircle® certified single-use biodegradable nitrile gloves that feature Eco-Best Technology® (EBT). Gloves with this technology offer accelerated break down (82% within 386 days per ASTM D5526 test standard) in landfill for reduced impact on the environment without a loss in performance, fit, feel or protection.

SUSTAINABLE | SINGLE-USE NITRILE GLOVES

+ SHOWA® 6112PF Black Biodegradable EBT Nitrile Gloves, 4-mil

+ SHOWA® 6110PF Green Biodegradable EBT Nitrile Gloves, 4-mil

+ SHOWA® 7500PF Biodegradable EBT Nitrile Gloves, 4-mil

+ SHOWA® 7502PF Accelerator-Free Biodegradable EBT Nitrile Gloves, 2.5-mil

+ SHOWA® N-DEX® 7700PFT Accelerator-Free Black Biodegradable EBT Nitrile Gloves, 4-mil

+ SHOWA® N-DEX® 7705PFT Accelerator-Free Hi-Viz Biodegradable EBT Nitrile Gloves, 4-mil

+ SHOWA® N-DEX® 9700PF Black Biodegradable EBT Nitrile Gloves, 6-mil 11-in

+ SHOWA® N-DEX® 9905PF Blue Biodegradable EBT Nitrile Gloves, 6-mil 11-in

+ SHOWA® N-DEX® 8005PF Biodegradable EBT Nitrile Gloves, 8-mil

ADVANTAGE | SHOWA® NITRILE GLOVES

  • 100% nitrile to avoid latex allergy risks
  • Chlorination for more comfort, grip and increased chemical resistance
  • Silicone free for safer skin
  • Wide range of colors, lengths and thicknesses
  • Powder free to avoid workplace contamination
  • Low modulus: molds to your hand for greater fit
  • Accelerator-free for sensitive skin
  • Chemical resistance
  • Heavy exposure chemical permeation testing
  • Inspection and quality control requirements – AQL 0.65 to 1.5
  • Force at break >10N
  • Elongation up to 500%
  • Textured finish on fingertips to enhance grip
  • FDA food compliant
  • Biodegradable Eco-Best Technology® (EBT)
  • Fentanyl Rated

Single-use gloves are a popular and sustainable choice for frontline workers, zoos, healthcare providers, first responders, gardeners/growers, automotive mechanics, tattoo artists, cannabis processors, salon/spa professionals or for operators handling food as they provide a protective barrier between the hands and the various substances.

TAA compliant nitrile gloves are ideal for federal, state government facilities, GSA schedules and GPOs. Whether you need protection from bacteria, viruses, liquids or chemicals encountered throughout the day, every day, remember that SHOWA® offers single-use gloves perfect for any workplace setting or environment.

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