MALAYSIA: Kossan launches patented 'low derma' synthetic gloves

Kossan Rubber Industries Bhd launched its first patented "low derma" technology for synthetic gloves on Thursday (1 Sept 2016).

Founder and group managing director/CEO Datuk Lim Kuang Sia said Kossan was the first Malaysian glove manufacturer in the world to be granted the "low dermatitis potential" claim in gloves by the US Food & Drug Administration (FDA).

“The low derma technology works to eliminate allergy-causing accelerators in the glove-making process while still ensuring the gloves have the same or superior tensile strength, flexibility and sensitivity,” Lim told reporters at the launch of the technology.

Lim said the company has also been granted with patents in Japan, China, Hong Kong and Taiwan.

“The launch of low derma technology would be the starting point of the company to focus on R&D and we aim to introduce more products,” he said.

Quoting a previous study, Lim said between 2 % and 17 % of healthcare workers were sensitive to natural rubber latex.

He said Kossan would invest about MYR 100 million in the next five years to expand its lines, automate its plants and also R&D.

Source: Daily “The Star”, Kuala Lumpur; 1 Sept 2016

(Syed Rashid Ali, Karachi, Pakistan)