The Export Development Board (EDB) with the assistance of the Sri Lanka High Commission in Malaysia, recently organised a technical training program for the latex rubber products sector.
It was held at the Academy of Hevea Malaysia of the Malaysian Rubber Board (AHM), with 12 technical representatives of leading companies engaged in manufacture/export of latex products, taking part.
The objectives of the program were to understand the global challenges and trends in the latex products industry, improve competitiveness, acquire theoretical and practical experience in the testing of latex materials/products using advanced equipment, and to spark interest in Research and Development.
The companies that participated were Lak Methodic Co., Latex Green, Richard Pieris Natural Foams, Textrip, Westbury International, Ansell Lanka, Midas Safety (Prime Polymer Division), Lak Latex Centrifuge, Lalan Eco Latex, Hanwella Rubber Products, Dipped Products, and DPL Premier Gloves.
The subjects covered included latex technology, Nano Material applications for latex products, specialty lattices, health related issues, Rubber latex thread and draft for polymerisation, waste management for latex processing and products manufacturing, latex paints and adhesives, synthetic latex, and foam manufacturing. The program included lab visits.
AHM which was established in 2006 as a research centre for the Malaysian Rubber Board, is committed to provide industry - oriented skills training, expedite technology transfer through technical training, and the production of skilled manpower for the industry. Malaysia is one of the largest producers of natural rubber in the world. The latex products sector is the largest sub-sector within its rubber industry and comprises 125 manufacturers, producing gloves, condom, catheters, latex thread and other items, accounting for 81% of the total value of rubber exports. Malaysia continued to maintain its position as the world’s leading producer and exporter of these items. The rubber products sector is the fourth largest export earning sector and has established a reputation for quality and reliability. This is a technology intensive industry, and requires skilled personnel with expertise in modern machinery and equipment, mature processing technology and a high level of product development in line with global market trends - such as sustainability concepts and cost effective production processes.
The rubber manufacturing sector in Sri Lanka can be classified mainly into two sectors; latex based and dry rubber based products. Tyres of various varieties comprise the majority of dry rubber based products exported from Sri Lanka.
Sri Lanka caters to over 7% of the global demand for medical gloves including sterile surgical and dental gloves designed for specific functions. Other latex products are balloons, rubber bands, mattresses and pillows, rubber threads, and toys.
Last year, the EDB and the Sri Lanka High Commission in the UK organised a technical training and exposure program for representatives of rubber products and manufacturing companies, at Tun Abdul Razake Research Centre (TARRC), the UK based research and promotion centre of the Malaysian Rubber Board.