KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 21 —NanoMalaysia Bhd and Bonric Sdn Bhd have jointly developed graphene infused electrostatic discharge (ESD) latex gloves with a projected revenue impact of more than RM100 million over the next five years.
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ESD gloves are usually made of synthetic rubber and used to handle sensitive electronic parts in the electrical and electronics (E&E) industry.
However, these ESD latex gloves have been enhanced with nanotechnology, making them thinner, tear-proof, biodegradable, and less susceptible to Type IV chemical allergy which allows extensive application in numerous industries such as electronic disk drive; semiconductor; avionics; space technology; and even healthcare.
Bonric Sdn Bhd Group managing director Dr Supramaniam Shanmugam in a statement said the company is a pioneer in the manufacturing and distribution of specialty and innovative gloves for the critical environment use, exporting their products to more than 75 countries.
The current global value of the ESD glove market is estimated at RM640 million and Bonric is confident that this innovative graphene infused latex glove will be able to garner 15 – 20 per cent of the market share, over the next five years.
“These gloves are sustainable, comfortable, cost effective, exhibit far less hand fatigue, and have excellent ESD properties, besides being far more biodegradable.
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“Once we have established market presence, and firmed up its intellectual property (IP), these gloves will be licensed to other Malaysian players to manufacture and export,” he said, adding, the goal is to increase export earnings for Malaysia.
According to him, distributors and end users in many countries, especially in Europe, North East Asia and USA have expressed interest in the gloves.
NanoMalaysia Bhd is a company limited by guarantee under the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MOSTI) to act as a business entity entrusted with nanotechnology commercialisation and industrialisation activities through a venture builder model which has invested RM1 million in the project.
Its chief executive officer, Dr Rezal Khairi Ahmad said one of Malaysia’s goals is to add value to traditional sectors including agri-commodity.
“These gloves will enable that. Firstly, latex concentrate is the principal raw material used in these gloves, benefiting natural rubber producers. Secondly, a new graphene supply chain business opportunity can emerge here.
“It is crucial to localise the source of graphene, which can be tapped sustainably from the biogas in the palm oil industry. This synergy between Malaysia’s two perennial commodity-based sectors creates compelling investment prospects for both local and foreign investors,” he said. – BERNAMA