The "Purple" Alternative: Why 2026 is the Year to Switch to Hospeco®

The "Purple" Alternative: Why 2026 is the Year to Switch to Hospeco®

If you’ve been using Kimtech Purple Nitrile for years, you’ve likely relied on their 6-mil thickness and chemical resistance. But as a distributor, I’m seeing a major shift. Facility managers are realizing they can get the same—or better—protection by matching their specific needs to the Hospeco® ProWorks® lineup.

Here is how three Hospeco powerhouses stack up as direct replacements for the "Purple" standard.

1. The Elasticity Upgrade: ProWorks® Blue Nitrile (5.5 mil)

If you want a glove that feels less like a "shell" and more like a second skin, the GL-N106F is your match.

  • The Specs: 5.5 mil, Examination Grade, meets ASTM D6319.

  • The "Purple" Comparison: While Kimtech is known for being sturdy, it can be stiff. These ProWorks gloves are formulated to be softer and more elastic, reducing hand fatigue during long shifts while maintaining superior puncture and tear resistance.

  • Best For: High-volume lab work and food-safe environments (FDA CFR Title 21 compliant).

2. The "Protector of Protectors": KODA® (5.5 mil)

If you are using Purple Nitrile for high-stakes chemical or medical protection, the KODA® isn't just an alternative—it’s an upgrade.

  • The Specs: 5.5 mil, Low Derma™ technology, Fentanyl and Chemotherapy resistant (ASTM D6978).

  • The "Purple" Comparison: KODA® goes a step further by being accelerator-free. It protects the wearer from Type 1 and Type 5 allergic reactions (redness, itching) caused by the sulfurs and proteins found in standard nitrile.

  • Best For: First responders, oncology clinics, and labs where skin sensitivity is as important as chemical barriers.

3. The Heavy-Duty Standard: Shadow® Black Nitrile (6 mil)

For those who specifically rely on the 6-mil thickness of the Kimtech Purple, the Shadow® is the industrial heavyweight.

  • The Specs: 6 mil, Examination Grade, all-over textured surface.

  • The "Purple" Comparison: The Shadow® matches the 6-mil thickness but adds an all-over textured surface (not just the fingertips) for a grip that outperforms Kimtech in wet or oily conditions. Plus, the distinct black color makes light-colored powders or hazardous substances instantly visible.

  • Best For: Law enforcement, heavy manufacturing, and rugged industrial applications where a "tough" image and high dexterity are required.

The Bottom Line: Protection Without the "Legacy Tax"

When we perform our Price Audits, gloves are often the biggest area of overspending. By choosing a Hospeco glove that matches your specific ASTM requirement:

  1. You maintain 100% compliance.

  2. You often improve wearer comfort (especially with Koda’s skin-safe tech).

  3. You free up significant budget for life-saving essentials like NARCAN and Transcend Glucose Gels.

Which Hospeco glove fits your mission? I have the spec sheets and samples ready for all three. Let’s do a side-by-side test at your facility.

11th Feb 2026

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