Yulex Explained

Yulex Corporation
Type:Private Corporation
Industry:Rubber
Founder:Daniel R. Swiger, Jeffery A. Martin
Location City:Chandler, Arizona
Location Country:U.S.
Area Served:Worldwide
Key People:Jeffrey A. Martin
(Director, President and CEO)

Stephen James Mitchell
(Chief Technology & Operations Officer)

Products:Biorubber Emulsions, Biorubber Solids, Biomass

Yulex Corporation makes products from Guayule (Parthenium argentatum) a residual agricultural material.[1]

History

In 2008, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Yulex biorubber gloves for medical uses. Yulex is the first company to produce biobased, medical-grade latex that is safe for people with latex allergy.[2]

In 2012, Yulex received a $6.9 million USDA-DoE grant as part of a research consortium. Partnering with the Agricultural Research Service (ARS) and Cooper Tire, Yulex will research enhanced manufacturing processes, testing and utilization of guayule natural rubber as a strategic source of raw material in tires, and evaluate the remaining biomass of the guayule plant as a source of bio-fuel for the transportation industry, as well work on improving agronomic practices, developing genetic information and undertaking a lifecycle analysis.[3]

Also in 2012, Yulex released the first alternative to the traditional neoprene wetsuit in partnership with Patagonia,[4] the first guayule-based mattresses and pillows in partnership with Pure LatexBliss,[5] and the first plant-based, latex allergy-friendly dental dam in partnership with 4D Rubber.[6]

In 2013, Yulex formed a partnership with ENI's Versalis to expand the reach of guayule into European markets.[7]

See also

External links

Notes and References

  1. News: Green Matter: Another rubber revolution in the making?. Karen. Laird. Plastics Today . 11 February 2013 . 21 May 2013.
  2. Palmer . Craig . 'FDA Approves Glove Made from New Form of Natural Latex . The Journal of the American Dental Association . 139 . 6 . 2008 .
  3. Web site: Cooper, partners review progress in guayule program . 21 May 2013.
  4. News: Surfwear company markets organic wetsuits made of rubber from Arizona shrub . Steve . Shadley . KJZZ . 25 March 2013 . 21 May 2013.
  5. News: Power of pillows . Gary . James . BedTimes . January 2013 . 21 May 2013.
  6. News: Dental dam to use Yulex guayule . RubberNews.com . 14 December 2012 . 21 May 2013.
  7. News: Yulex, Versalis join forces to expand reach of guayule . Miles . Moore . RubberNews.com . 25 February 2013 . 21 May 2013.