Nitrile gloves are made from a petroleum-based synthetic material. It replicates many of the positive properties of latex (flexibility, strength, and durability) without the threat of latex allergies. Nitrile rubber is a synthetic material with rubber-like properties. When nitrile gloves were first introduced, they were stiff and uncomfortable to wear, but today’s nitrile gloves are more comfortable due to improvements and developments in new technology. Nitrile gloves are widely used in all industries, often to protect workers and the materials being handled.