As condom sales decline, the world’s largest condom company plans to begin manufacturing medical gloves
The world’s largest condom manufacturer wasn’t spared by the coronavirus epidemic, as consumption of its product fell 40% in two years.
Contraception use did not rise since individuals stayed home to prevent virus transmission, according to Karex Bhd CEO Goh Miah Kiat.
During the epidemic, hotels and non-essential clinics like as sexual wellness centres closed, and governments suspended condom distribution programmes, Goh told Nikkei Asia.
The Malaysian firm produces one in every five condoms worldwide, totaling about 5.5 billion each year. It makes condoms for Durex as well as its own line of flavoured condoms.
Given the often crowded residences in the Third World, hotels and motels provide vital private sex settings, according to Goh.
Hotels were closed during lockdowns, and condom use in the sex business has fallen significantly in the previous two years.
Western governments have also stopped giving out condoms. “Governments around the world distribute a large portion (of condoms),” he added.
“In the UK, the NHS closed most non-essential clinics due to COVID, and condom distribution clinics were also closed.”
Amid global lockdowns forcing people to remain inside, Karex had predicted double-digit growth in condom consumption.
But it is now entering the lucrative medical glove market, with plans to start production in Thailand by mid-year.
Goh stated Karex will start with two production lines and 500 million pieces per year, eventually increasing to ten lines and 2.5 billion pieces. Goh said condoms and gloves are made using the same materials and technologies, but gloves have a lower entrance barrier.