Synthomer advances nitrile latex for gloves manufacturers

Kuala Lumpur –  Nitrile rubber manufacturer Synthomer has introduced an “innovative” latex product for the gloves industry, the company announced 28 Sept:

The SyNovus-branded material is claimed to increase manufacturing efficiency and lower production cost by using fewer additives. It is also said to cut raw materials and energy consumption while maintaining barrier performance.

Billed as a ‘low-energy nitrile with no maturation needed’, Synthomer said the latex also offers enhanced tensile strength properties and higher levels of durability and chemical resistance.

“An unprecedented colour & odour improvement makes [it] a superior product of choice for the glove industry,“ said Jason Davies, the company's SBU director of health & protection.

“It is the answer to the industry’s need [for] lower operating costs and efficiency, besides the accelerator free feature that appeals to manufacturers,” added Davies.

The new material is the product of an 18-month R&D effort focused on the glove dipping industry, according to Derick Whyte, executive vice president Asia at Synthomer plc.

Synthomer, noted Whyte, has to date invested close to RM1 billion (around €200 million) in its nitrile rubber business in Malaysia. This includes RM265-million in a project underway at its Pasir Gudang facility.

“The installation of this new generation of reactor is capable of producing an additional 60% of NBR in comparison to its existing reactor streams in Kluang, Johor,” stated Whyte.

Synthomer is a FTSE 250 listed company headquartered in London, with group sales of £1.05 billion. It employs 2,700 people with manufacturing plants, technology centres and sales offices in Europe, Middle East, Asia and the US.

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