ATLANTA—Vystar Corp., Atlanta-based manufacturer of Vytex deproteinized natural rubber latex, and Nature Solutions, its foam distribution partner, are joining with Blue Bell Mattress Co. to make the Natura Vytex Collection, a line of luxury mattresses designed to provide a healthier, more comfortable sleep environment for customers.
Vystar CEO William Doyle said the release of the Natura Vytex Collection marks a milestone in the history of his company.
"It's the first time we've had an entire co-marketing effort with another company," Doyle said. "We have that with the folks at Blue Bell.
"It's almost the first time we've been able to go out with a general marketing effort geared toward the public," he said. "With the Natura line, we have a chance to take our message public."
East Windsor, Conn.-based Blue Bell expanded its brand assortment to include Natura in January 2016, according to a company slide presentation.
Natura World, which is licensing its name and technology to Blue Bell to produce the new mattresses, was founded in 1994 in Cambridge, Ontario.
The philosophy of Natura is to use natural latex, wool and organic cotton to improve sleep health and well-being, according to Blue Bell.
Blue Bell chose Vytex for its Natura mattress line because it is all-natural, durable, long-lasting and biodegradable, according to the slide presentation. Its deproteinized technology makes it virtually non-allergenic, and it has no odor, the company said.
Blue Bell's Natura mattresses have had an extraordinary effect on some customers, according to Doyle. One customer, a Middle East war veteran suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, found that his night sweats went away because his Natura mattress allowed him to sleep cooler.
"That response shocked me," Doyle said. "It's one of those extraordinary things."
Blue Bell Natura mattresses come in four models—the Anise Firm, the Annato Plush, the Nutmeg Euro Top and the Caraway Euro Top Plush—ranging in price from $1,999 to $3,999.
"What needs to follow up is a complete effort on foam topping," Doyle said. "Mattresses and foam topping go hand in hand."
The mattresses represent only one of many market segments Vystar is focusing on to provide significant opportunities for Vytex, according to the company.
These include disposable and di-electric gloves, apparel, foams for furniture and sports equipment, adhesives, balloons and condoms.
Vystar's patented deproteinization process gives customers a latex that is cleaner, stronger, more consistent, more tightly bonded, more resilient and more durable latex, according to the company.
Vytex also saves time and money in the manufacturing process, according to the company.
Because of its lack of impurities, it doesn't clog sprayers, and it has both reduced odor and reduced ammonia, it said. Its reduced permeability by gases and liquids make it superior for condoms, gloves and balloons, and its low electrical conductivity makes it ideal for electronic applications, the company said.
In addition, Vystar R&D Director Ranjit Matthan and his team have developed new techniques that promise further expansions of Vytex's product range, according to Vystar.
Vystar's non-enzymatic protein removal process, coupled with a new pretreatment process developed by Matthan and his colleagues, eliminates the formation of cancer-causing nitrosamines, the company said.
Also, Matthan and his team have done preliminary work on Vytex solid natural rubber for engineering and medical grade applications.
Vystar has even sent samples of solid rubber to tire manufacturers, according to Doyle. The company hopes to make some major announcements in about 12 months, he said.