A Buyer's Guide To Green Chemical Gloves
When Should You Use 15–28 Mil Green Nitrile Chemical Gloves?
Green nitrile chemical resistant gloves in the 15–28 mil range are built for heavy-duty industrial chemical handling — not light disposable tasks. These gloves are designed for splash, immersion, and repeated exposure to corrosives, oils, and industrial cleaning agents.
If your team is handling acids, caustics, solvents, or degreasers for extended periods, thicker unsupported nitrile gloves provide far more protection than thin disposable options.
What Does 15–28 Mil Thickness Mean?
Mil thickness refers to thousandths of an inch. Industrial green nitrile gloves typically start at 15 mil and can reach 28 mil or more, depending on the application.
- 15–18 mil: Good balance of dexterity and chemical splash protection.
- 22 mil: Stronger puncture resistance and longer chemical breakthrough times.
- 28 mil: Maximum durability for immersion, tank cleaning, and aggressive chemical handling.
The thicker the glove, the longer it can resist permeation and the more protection it offers during repeated use.
When to Choose 15–18 Mil Green Nitrile Gloves
Choose lighter industrial thickness when dexterity matters but chemical exposure is still significant.
Common tasks include:
- Parts washing with degreasers
- Handling hydraulic fluids
- Equipment cleaning with diluted acids
- General plant maintenance
This range works well for automotive shops, light manufacturing, and maintenance departments.
When to Choose 22–28 Mil Green Nitrile Gloves
Heavier thickness gloves are designed for more aggressive or prolonged exposure.
Recommended for handling:
- Sodium hydroxide (caustic soda)
- Sulfuric acid (battery maintenance)
- Phosphoric acid (metal treatment)
- Industrial degreasers
- Solvent-based cleaners
These gloves are commonly used in:
- Wastewater treatment facilities
- Chemical processing plants
- Battery manufacturing
- Industrial sanitation operations
- Tank cleaning or chemical transfer
When exposure time increases, stepping up to 22–28 mil significantly reduces glove failure risk.
Flocklined vs. Unsupported Industrial Nitrile
Flocklined (Cotton Lined) Gloves
- Easier to put on and remove
- Better for extended wear
- Improved moisture absorption
Ideal for maintenance crews and sanitation teams wearing gloves for long shifts.
Unsupported (Unlined) Gloves
- Slightly stronger chemical resistance
- Easier to rinse and decontaminate
- Often preferred for aggressive chemical immersion
Best for chemical handling stations and washdown environments.
When Not to Use Green Nitrile Chemical Gloves
While versatile, nitrile is not ideal for every exposure type.
- For ketones such as MEK or acetone, butyl gloves offer better protection.
- For strong oxidizers, neoprene may perform better.
- For light food prep, disposable food-safe nitrile is more appropriate.
Always verify breakthrough times and degradation ratings from the manufacturer before selecting PPE.
Key Takeaway
Green nitrile chemical resistant gloves in the 15–28 mil range are designed for industrial chemical handling where splash protection, immersion resistance, and durability matter.
Choose lighter thickness for dexterity-focused maintenance tasks and heavier thickness for aggressive chemical exposure and extended use. Matching glove thickness to chemical concentration and exposure time is critical for worker safety.
Explore our full range of industrial chemical gloves at Inland Empire Safety & Supply to find the right protection level for your facility.