Malaysian condom maker selects US NR latex for new products

Atlanta, Georgia -- Richter Rubber Technology Sdn Bhd, a Malaysian condom and medical products maker, will use natural rubber latex prepared by Vystar Corp in two new product lines: Vytex NRL condoms and ultrasound probe covers.

In a 16 Nov announcement, Vystar says its Vytex NR latex is a patented, all-natural raw material that significantly reduces antigenic proteins found in natural rubber latex,

The line of Viva condoms and probe covers made with Vytex NRL is expected to be commercially available by the end of the year through Richter Rubber's established distribution channels and retail outlets, the announcment added. Richter Rubber will announce the launch and showcase the new line of products at Medica 2010, the 42nd World Forum for Medicine/International Trade Fair, running 17-20 Nov in Dusseldorf, Germany. Medica is the world's largest medical trade show, attracting over 138 000 attendees in 2009, the Vystar announcement said.

With over 85 years of manufacturing expertise, Richter Rubber markets its own 'Viva' line of condoms throughout Europe and provides contract manufacturing for manufacturers seeking preferred German quality combined with the competitive advantages of Malaysian manufacturing, Vystar said.

The Vytex NRL probe covers, which are structurally identical to condoms, are designed to protect both the patient and the equipment when ultrasound procedures are being performed.

"Our condoms and probe covers made with Vytex NRL will provide our customers with the best protective material, natural rubber latex, enhanced by the performance benefits of Vytex NRL, with virtually undetectable levels of antigenic proteins." says Klaus Richter, president, Richter Rubber Technology.

"The condom and probe-cover markets are highly competitive and require continual innovation to retain and grow share," Klaus continued, adding "we are confident that Vytex NRL will provide us with this competitive advantage."

William Doyle, Vystar's president and CEO, says "We are pleased to see the adoption of Vytex NRL and look forward to working with Richter Rubber on their new lines of condoms and ultrasound probe covers. Richter Rubber represents high quality and innovation from a long-tenured condom manufacturer in the industry. Vytex NRL is well positioned for the condom market where natural rubber latex remains the consumer's material of choice. With Vytex NRL there is no trade-off for fit, comfort, and sensitivity in condoms."

Richter Rubber Technology, headquartered in Kedah Darul Aman, Malaysia, is a pioneer in the condom industry with over 85 years in the manufacturing of own-brand and third party branded condoms. The firm was the developer of the first automatic latex condom dipping line in Germany, Vystar's announcement claimed.

The Viva brand is sold throughout Europe and is known for its specialty line to meet the growing demand of consumers worldwide. Richter Rubber production facilities are ISO-9001-2000 Certified and RRT holds CE (Europe) Certification, EN (Europe), ISO (International), and U.S. FDA 510(k) market clearance for their condom line. For more information, visit www.richterrubber.com.

Based in Duluth, Georgia, Vystar is the exclusive creator of Vytex Natural Rubber Latex (Vytex NRL), a multi-patented, all-natural, raw material that contains significantly reduced levels of antigenic proteins found in natural rubber latex and can be used in over 40,000 products. Vytex NRL is a 100% renewable resource, environmentally safe, "green" and fully biodegradable.

Vystar is working with manufacturers across a broad range of consumer and medical products to bring Vytex NRL to market in adhesives, balloons, surgical and exam gloves, other medical devices and natural rubber latex foam mattresses, pillows and sponges. For more information, visit www.vytex.com.