Thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) gloves are a crucial supply for many industries. While it’s widely known that gloves serve as a critical form of protection for both workers and consumers, many are uncertain about the differences between types of disposable gloves, such as TPE gloves.  Knowing the best type of gloves for your industry is key to running a successful company. To help you understand which type of gloves are right for your business, learn what TPE gloves are and what sets them apart from other gloves below. You can then determine where to buy TPE gloves and how you could use them in your industry.

What Are TPE Gloves and What Is TPE Material?

Thermoplastic elastomer gloves are comfortable and disposable gloves designed to keep the wearer protected while working in their respective industry. Specifically, TPE gloves are an essential form of personal protective equipment (PPE) for keeping workers safe throughout everyday tasks. Because TPE gloves are non-toxic, eco-friendly, food-safe and hygienic, they’re suitable for a wide variety of activities from clinical use and food handling to hair and beauty applications.

What Are TPE Gloves Made From?

The thermoplastic elastomer material used to manufacture TPE gloves comes from a family of rubber-like materials that combines the qualities of rubber with the processing advantages and recyclability of plastics. TPE, in particular, is latex-free and powder-free, which makes it a great material for non-toxic elastic gloves. TPE can be easily molded when heated and has the same elasticity as rubber, making it easy to manufacture well-fitting and effective TPE gloves.

How Do TPE Gloves Differ From CPE and PE Gloves?

When it comes to purchasing PPE, you have numerous types of disposable gloves to choose from. To help make your decision simpler, consider the difference between TPE gloves and PE gloves, as well as TPE versus CPE gloves.

PE Gloves

PE stands for polyethylene, which is a lightweight and durable thermoplastic material. PE gloves tend to be popular because they are the cheapest option on the market. The low price of PE gloves is due to the material’s ability to be blown extremely thin, reducing the overall cost of the gloves. Because PE gloves are usually manufactured with food-safe plastic resin material, they’re most commonly used by fast-food restaurants and other businesses within the food industry.

CPE Gloves

CPE gloves were invented to serve as a more durable latex-free disposable glove option for the food service and food processing industries. CPE gloves typically fit the hands well, and a worker can wear them for an entire day without breaking their PPE, which is a feat PE gloves cannot accomplish. CPE gloves are strong and long-lasting, and they weigh more in grams than TPE gloves.

TPE Gloves

TPE gloves are the next step up from CPE gloves because they are incredibly durable while still being lightweight. Most TPE gloves are even stronger than CPE gloves without feeling bulky or cumbersome, making them preferable to both PE and CPE gloves. Food factories typically favor TPE gloves because they combine strength and comfort.