SMARTLine™ NEO NITRILE™ 290: an innovation in laboratory comfort and chemical protection.

Disposable gloves and laboratories are an inseparable duo. Researchers work daily with chemical substances, biological agents and sensitive instruments, protecting both themselves and their samples with the right gloves. “It is precisely in this segment that SHIELD Scientific’s expertise lies, and where potential for improvement has been identified.

“We currently offer a broad range of disposable gloves, yet our customers are increasingly seeking a solution that combines strong protection with comfort — all at a more competitive price”, says Sébastien Freismuth, Sales Account Manager at SHIELD Scientific.

Achieving the right balance between glove thickness, comfort, and protection is a challenge: greater thickness enhances protection, but often reduces comfort. The new SMARTLine™ NEO NITRILE™ 290 has been engineered to deliver the perfect equilibrium. This breakthrough reflects SHIELD Scientific’s mastery of premium materials and advanced technical design.

What makes the SMARTLine™ NEO NITRILE™ 290 so unique?

The biggest advantage of this model, and the main reason it was developed, is the optimal balance between chemical protection, tactile sensitivity and comfort.

With a thickness of 0.19 mm at the palm and 0.28 mm at the textured fingertips, these gloves provide an effective barrier against a broad range of chemical substances* (ISO 374-1 Type A) while maintaining dexterity. The enhanced fingertip texturing ensures greater accuracy in delicate tasks, especially those involving glassware.

The gloves are made from a bi-layer neoprene-nitrile structure, a specialty of SHIELD Scientific, ensuring enhanced chemical and biological resistance.

Another notable benefit is the extended length of 290 mm. “By making the glove longer, we also protect the wrist. This can be important when working on the bench or in case of spills,” emphasizes Mr. Freismuth. Especially in high-risk environments, this added protection is far from a luxury.

In developing the SMARTLine™ NEO NITRILE™ 290, no detail was overlooked, including its advanced double-wall design. This innovation combines a soft, comfortable inner layer (purple), ideal for prolonged wear, with a protective outer layer (green) featuring a pronounced grip for secure handling. Entirely free from natural latex, the glove addresses the requirements of users sensitive to Type I allergy.

*A complete list of tested chemical substances and their breakthrough times is available on the SHIELD Scientific website and accessible via this link. This list is currently being expanded, do not hesitate to contact us if you are unsure.

Where does this glove fit within the SHIELD Scientific range?

This new disposable glove is far from SHIELD Scientific’s first innovation. With more than a dozen models in the assortment, the SMARTLine™ NEO NITRILE™ 290 forms a smart addition to the existing range. This new model positions itself as a complementary alternative in the category of chemical protective gloves, offering an intermediate thickness level.

• The SHIELDskin CHEM™ NEO NITRILE™ 300 (Chemical Risk) glove has been engineered to deliver maximum protection against chemical hazards, while remaining within the disposable glove category. With reinforced thickness, 0.40 mm at the fingertips and 0.31 mm at the palm, it offers exceptional performance, making it the glove of choice for handling chemicals unsuitable for other models. Featuring an extended 300 mm length, it meets the most stringent protection standards.
• The SHIELDskin™ ORANGE NITRILE™ 260 and 300 (Biological Risk) gloves combine exceptional sensitivity with outstanding comfort, thanks to their thinner design, 0.19 mm at the fingers and 0.14 mm at the palm. While compatible with a wide range of common laboratory chemicals (ISO 374-1 Type B), their reduced thickness offers less protection than thicker models in the portfolio. Perfectly suited for high biological risk and intermediate-risk applications, they deliver both safety and flexibility, with two length options: 260 mm and 300 mm.

The ecoSHIELD™ Eco Nitrile PF 250 (General Risk) glove complements the portfolio as the ideal solution for routine laboratory tasks. With a thinner profile, 0.10 mm at the palm and 0.17 mm at the fingers, it ensures user safety in everyday applications. Its 250 mm length provides reliable wrist protection, while SHIELD Scientific enhances its eco credentials by optimizing packaging, storage, and transport, all without sacrificing comfort.

Novolab’s analysis

The introduction of the SMARTLine™ NEO NITRILE™ 290 shows how SHIELD Scientific continues to respond to the evolving needs of modern laboratory environments. Combining compliance, comfort, and protection, it stands as the glove of choice for researchers working with chemicals who also require outstanding tactile sensitivity. With this hybrid solution, SHIELD Scientific fills a niche between existing models, which remain valuable, but adds a much-needed option to the market.

Choosing the right disposable glove remains crucial. The new model is not the best choice for every situation. Unsure which glove best fits your tasks? Need more information about the different types of disposable gloves?

Do not hesitate to contact us. At Novolab, we also offer training on regulations and selecting the right glove for every application.