Latex Stands the Test of Time

Hevea brasiliensis is the tree from which natural rubber latex is extracted. Indigenous to the Amazon basin, rubber has been used by American Indians for centuries. It is believed that the pre-Columbian people of South and Central America used rubber for balls, containers, shoes and for waterproofing fabrics.

1735 The French brought rubber back to Europe.

1803 The world’s first rubber factory opened near Paris.

1820 England’s first rubber factory was established.

1823 Charles Macintosh invented a practical process for waterproofing fabric.

1841 Charles Goodyear discovered the process of rubber vulcanization.

1850 Demand grew for rubber for electrical insulation and for pneumatic tires

1876 Seeds for the Hevea brasiliensis tree were smuggled to Asia and cultivation began.

20th Century Cultivation spread to 20 degrees north and south of the equator.

1987 Percent of natural rubber latex concentrate production as compared to total natural rubber product began to increase. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommended that health care workers practice universal precautions to protect themselves from HIV infection.

2005 Today more than 40,000 products are produced with latex components, with the demand for latex-safe products greatest in the health care industry.

2005 Vytex™ Natural Rubber Latex (NRL) introduced.