We think that it would be good for the industry to standardize on a process that can reduce the level of allergenic proteins in latex, says Cilley. Tillotson has set up a separate company that will provide access to this enzyme treatment process to other interested parties. We think that it would be good for the industry to standardize on a process that can reduce the level of allergenic proteins in latex, says Cilley. Today's manufacturers are forced to allocate resources among a variety of problems. Process improvements in manufacturing can be expensive.
Regulatory issues are complex and require an attentive eye.
Legal entanglements eat up even more dollars and can drag out for years. Synthetic alternatives to latex are becoming very popular, but are more expensive than latex. Given the uncertainty and confusion over what latex allergies are and how they are caused and one can better understand what the manufacturers are up against. Once the producers learn more about the intricacies of latex problems and solutions, they must educate the marketplace. The market is huge and the stakes are high, so look for continuing efforts from manufacturers to build a better mousetrap and gain larger marketshare.