Key Takeaways
- Malaysia remains the world’s No. 1 glove exporter, supplying over 65% of global demand.
- The top five manufacturers, Top Glove, Hartalega, Supermax, Kossan, and Careplus, all which are leaders in scale, innovation, and ESG compliance.
- Buyers choose them for production capacity, product quality, global certifications, and supply reliability.
- Each manufacturer has distinct strengths, from nitrile glove innovation (Hartalega) to branded exports (Supermax).
- Malaysia’s glove sector continues to underpin the world’s healthcare and industrial supply chains even in 2025
In 2025, five names continue to dominate the glove manufacturing industry: Top Glove, Hartalega, Supermax, Kossan, and Careplus.
Each brings something unique to the table, from pioneering nitrile glove technology to delivering branded gloves you’ll find in hospitals and clinics worldwide.
Today, we will break down what makes each glove manufacturer stand out, their strengths, and who they’re best suited for, helping buyers, distributors, and industry professionals understand why Malaysia’s local brand remains the world’s most trusted source for gloves.
Table of Contents
Comparison Table: Malaysia’s Leading Glove Makers (2025)
Manufacturer | Capacity* | Known For | Best For |
Top Glove | 95B/year | Largest global producer, 47 factories, 195-country exports | Bulk buyers, governments, hospitals |
Hartalega | 37B/year | Nitrile pioneer, ESG leader, high-speed automation | Healthcare, nitrile-focused buyers |
Supermax | 26–36B/year | Own brands (Aurelia, Maxter), retail presence | Buyers needing branded supply |
Kossan | 25–32B/year | Medical + industrial expertise, cleanroom gloves | Hospitals, labs, industrial users |
Careplus | 1.5–2B/year | Agile, eco-friendly, niche export markets | Eco-conscious, smaller batch buyers |
*Capacity = estimated maximum output; actual production varies by market demand.
1. Top Glove Corporation
World’s largest glove producer with unmatched scale.
Top Glove produces around 95 billion gloves annually, operating 47 factories across Malaysia, Thailand, China, and Vietnam. The company supplies more than 2,000 customers in 195 countries, making it the largest global player.
What Makes Top Glove Stand Out:
- 47 factories with global operations
- Wide product portfolio: nitrile, latex, surgical, household, and industrial gloves
- Strong international certifications: FDA, CE, ISO
- Capacity to handle massive bulk orders for governments and healthcare networks
Best For: Healthcare systems, distributors, and governments needing reliable, large-scale supply with global distribution.
2. Hartalega Holdings
Pioneer in nitrile gloves and innovation leader.
Founded in 1988, Hartalega pioneered the world’s first lightweight nitrile gloves and continues to lead in glove R&D. With a capacity of 37 billion gloves annually, it’s a trusted name in healthcare worldwide.
What Makes Hartalega Stand Out:
- Pioneered nitrile glove production, now industry standard
- Introduced antimicrobial and skin-friendly coatings ( COATS™ gloves)
- Strong ESG commitments: carbon footprint transparency, WRAP Gold certifications
- High-speed automated lines producing up to 45,000 gloves per hour
Best For: Healthcare sectors prioritising nitrile quality, safety, and sustainable manufacturing practices.
3. Supermax Corporation
Malaysia’s strongest own-brand exporter.
Supermax, founded in 1987, differs from peers by building its own global brands such as Aurelia and Maxter, sold in over 160 countries. With capacity expanding from 24B to 36B gloves per year, Supermax balances OEM with retail-ready branding.
What Makes Supermax Stand Out:
- Largest Own Brand Manufacturer (OBM) among Malaysian glove makers
- Brands available globally in clinics, pharmacies, and hospitals
- Broad range: latex and nitrile gloves
- Recognised for strong global distribution channels
Best For: Retail chains, distributors, and markets preferring established branded gloves with international visibility.
Read more: Top 10 Helmet Brands Malaysians Trust (With Prices & Styles)
4. Kossan Rubber Industries
Technical expertise across medical and industrial gloves.
Founded in 1979, Kossan is a diversified player producing 25–32 billion gloves annually. Beyond medical gloves, it also manufactures industrial, cleanroom, and technical rubber products.
What Makes Kossan Stand Out:
- Over 50 years of industry experience
- Balanced portfolio: medical, cleanroom, and industrial gloves
- Strong global exports (190+ countries)
- Consistent quality with international standards (ISO 13485, CE)
Best For: Hospitals, laboratories, and industrial sectors needing both medical-grade and specialty gloves.
5. Careplus Group
Agile, eco-conscious glove manufacturer.
Careplus, though smaller, is a nimble and sustainability-focused manufacturer with capacity of 1.5–2 billion gloves annually. It has a strong export footprint, with Brazil being one of its key markets.
What Makes Careplus Stand Out:
- Focus on latex and nitrile exam gloves, plus surgical gloves
- Growing partnerships with international distributors
- Emphasis on sustainable, eco-friendly production methods
- Agility in serving niche and premium markets
Best For: Buyers looking for eco-conscious glove supply, smaller batch orders, and agile customer service.
What Buyers Should Look For When Choosing a Manufacturer
Gloves may look similar on the surface, but the right manufacturer makes all the difference in supply reliability, compliance, and long-term partnerships.
Whether you’re sourcing for hospitals, retail chains, or industrial use, here are the main factors to evaluate:
Production Capacity
Large-scale buyers need manufacturers that can meet global demand without disruption.
For example, Top Glove can deliver orders in the billions, while Careplus is better suited for smaller, more niche batches.
Certifications and Compliance
Look for internationally recognised standards such as FDA, CE, and ISO 13485.
These certifications ensure gloves meet strict healthcare regulations, a non-negotiable for medical buyers in the US, EU, and beyond.
Product Mix and Innovation
Each Malaysian company has its specialty.
- Hartalega is known for nitrile innovation
- Kossan balances medical and industrial
- Supermax brings strong branded offerings.
Choosing the right supplier often depends on whether you prioritise advanced materials, technical precision, or brand recognition.
ESG and Sustainability
Procurement teams are increasingly factoring in ESG commitments.
Companies like Hartalega and Careplus highlight eco-friendly practices, while larger players are catching up with renewable energy use and labour welfare improvements.
Delivery Reliability and Support
A good glove supplier doesn’t just produce, they provide on-time delivery, customer support, and transparent monitoring of capacity.
For industries such as healthcare and manufacturing, reliable delivery is just as important as glove quality.
“Malaysia’s glove makers aren’t just manufacturers, they’re global supply chain partners. Buyers must balance cost, compliance, and sustainability when making long-term decisions.”
Malaysia’s Role in the Global Glove Market
From Top Glove to Hartalega, Malaysia isn’t just a big player in glove production, it’s the undisputed leader in glove manufacturing.
According to the Malaysian Rubber Glove Manufacturers Association (MARGMA), the country accounts for more than 65% of the world’s disposable glove supply, serving over 190 countries!
Now that’s impressive.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Top 5 Glove Manufacturer in Malaysia
Why is Malaysia the global leader in glove manufacturing?
Malaysia dominates due to decades of expertise, massive scale, reliable supply chains, and strong government support.
Which company pioneered nitrile gloves?
Hartalega Holdings is credited with pioneering nitrile glove technology in the 1990s.
Do Malaysian glove makers export worldwide?
Yes. Collectively, they export to over 190 countries, serving hospitals, industries, and retail markets.
Are Malaysian gloves sustainable?
Most are improving ESG practices, with Hartalega and Careplus leading in carbon reduction and eco-friendly initiatives.
Which is the largest glove producer in Malaysia?
Top Glove remains the largest, producing ~95 billion gloves per year across 47 factories.
Are Careplus gloves certified for healthcare use?
Yes, Careplus produces ISO-certified latex, nitrile, and surgical gloves for both local and international markets.
