Are Your 4 Mil Gloves Quietly Shrinking?

Ask GIA™ Blog

Glove Intelligent Assistant
10.21.2025

In today’s market, many companies are feeling the pinch of rising costs — and not just in raw materials or shipping fees. In some cases, the “cost-cutting” is happening in places you might not immediately notice… like your disposable gloves.
That’s right: your 4 mil gloves might not actually be 4 mil anymore.

The Hidden Impact of Shrinkflation in Gloves

Shrinkflation — the practice of reducing product quantity or quality while keeping prices the same — isn’t just happening in snack bags or bottled drinks. It’s quietly made its way into the glove industry too.
A box that once held gloves with a true 4 mil thickness may now contain gloves closer to 3.5 or 3.2 mil. The difference sounds small, but in practice, it can have a big impact product integrity and performance:

  • Faster tearing and higher failure rates during use.
  • Reduced protection from chemicals or punctures.
  • Increased waste, as workers go through more gloves to complete the same task.
  • Unexpected costs, as replacement rates climb and downtime increases.

What looks like a cost-saving measure can actually lead to higher total expenses and lower workplace protection efficiency.

Why SW Doesn’t Compromise on Quality

At SW Sustainability Solutions, we take a different approach. Instead of quietly shrinking our gloves, we engineer smarter materials and processes to deliver consistent quality and sustain the product value.
Our gloves are designed and tested to meet or exceed industry standard by its structure and performance specifications. That means:

  • Durability you can rely on. Each glove maintains consistent strength from cuff to fingertip.
  • Performance that lasts. Less tearing means fewer changeouts and less waste.
  • Long-term cost savings. Better performing gloves reduce total consumption — and your budget stretches further.

Sustainable Manufacturing Meets Consistent Performance

Through advancing in manufacturing and proprietary technologies like EcoTek® Sustainable Technology, SW ensures each glove delivers on performance while helping organizations reduce waste and carbon footprint.
Our approach combines responsible innovation with practical efficiency — because sustainability shouldn’t come at the expense of quality.

The Bottom Line

True sustainability means delivering lasting value — not less glove for the same price.
At SW, we believe in transparency, innovation, and performance you can count on. So, if your “4 mil” gloves aren’t holding up like they used to, maybe it’s time to switch to a glove partner that doesn’t cut corners — or thickness.
SW Sustainability Solutions: Built to perform. Engineered to last. Designed for a sustainable future.

About SW Sustainability Solutions

At SW, we are committed to leading the glove industry in environmental, social, and governance (ESG) practices. Our innovative EcoTek® technology exemplifies our dedication to sustainable solutions, while our expertise in sweat management ensures comfort and performance. We also offer specialized chemical compatibility support, assisting customers in selecting gloves tailored to their unique needs. Our mission is to provide products that prioritize safety, health, and environmental responsibility for our customers and the planet