What is Latex?

"Latex" is a milky substance that many plants exude when they are cut. It is most commonly associated with the natural rubber tree (Hevea Braziliensis).

By extension, "Latex" is also used to describe the liquid form of several Latex-Free rubber and plastic materials, like Neoprene, Nitrile, etc.

Natural renewable source

Natural Rubber Latex is harvested from the Hevea tree by a process of shallow cuts in the bark, called Tapping. Latex coagulates on exposure to air, so the tapped liquid is "preserved" with Ammonia, and the solids are separated, like cream from milk.

The Latex used for surgical gloves is filtered and combined with selected chemical ingredients to enhance Elasticity, Strength, Durability, and resistance to damage from Ozone and other ageing effects.

Some people are contact-sensitive to the natural proteins in latex. The contact sensitivity of the product can be reduced by extensive Leaching during glove manufacturing, such as that done by Ansell.

Ideal barrier

Natural rubber latex offers superior Elasticity and Impermeability, so it's the preferred material for Surgical Glove manufacture. It's waterproof, airtight, capable of high-tensile strength and puncture resistance (even at extremely thin gauges) and conforms to the hand and fingers for maximum tactility. Natural rubber latex gloves can be disposed of by either land fill or incineration without environmental damage.

Alternative Films

For specific end-users, gloves are also made from alternative films, including Neoprene, Nitrile, Polyurethane, and Polyvinyl chloride.

If you need a different glove for a specific purpose, contact your Ansell glove specialist for advice.