WORCESTER, Mass.—Vystar Corp., manufacturer of Vytex reduced-protein natural rubber latex, has received its second European patent for the material.
With the patent, European EP Patent No. 2238183, titled "Natural Rubber Latex Having Reduced Allergenicity and Method of Making Same," marks the 13th foreign patent that Vystar has secured for its latex deproteinization process.
"This patent extends important intellectual property protection for Vystar in the production and distribution of Vytex to Europe," said Vystar CEO Steve Rotman.
Vystar also has four U.S. patents related to the deproteinization process, which, Vystar claims, reduces the probability of allergic reaction to Vytex products by virtually eliminating latex proteins.
Worldwide, some 4.3 percent of people have some form of latex allergies, including 10 percent to 17 percent of health care workers, Vystar said. Allergic reactions to latex range from minor skin rashes to anaphylactic shock.
Vytex is currently used in multiple mattress lines, including the new Vytex Cloud Bed-in-a-Box available from Rotmans Furniture Store and Rotmans.com. It also is used in industrial adhesives, apparel padding and threads, shoes, sports equipment and electrical gloves.