Disposable Gloves

ANRPC Director: High rubber prices may linger

Adam Bowers — Fri, 14 May 2010 15:56:10 +0000

In a recent article published by The Star (Malaysia), The Association of Natural Rubber Producing Countries (ANRPC) Director-General Prof Djoko Said Damardjati predicted that “[natural rubber] prices will remain firm . . . until supply recovers by early 2012″. While rubber supplies are expected to rise this year, the added supplies are not likely to offset building demand from the recovering global economy. According to a report released by the ANRPC, Chinese natural rubber imports alone rose by an astounding 63% from January to February.

The Star: Rubber prices reach new highs

Global demand for latex still outpacing supplies

Adam Bowers — Fri, 30 Apr 2010 13:11:23 +0000

Latex prices continue to surge as rising global demand outpaces supplies. Natural rubber latex prices are now up more than 23% year-to-date and have nearly doubled since July last year (Source: Malaysian Rubber Board).

In March, the Association of Natural Rubber Producing Countries cautiously predicted supplies would rise 6% globally in 2010, but warning that factors like drought and replanting may hinder this prediction. Meanwhile, rubber consumption in China, India and Malaysia has skyrocketed, spurred by heightened demand from the automotive industry.

Read more on this Topic:
Bloomberg: Rubber Prices to Stay ‘High’ Until June

Vinyl Prices Increasing Steadily

Adam Bowers — Tue, 27 Apr 2010 15:15:19 +0000

While recent news has focused primarily on rising latex glove prices, cost factors associated with vinyl gloves have also been steadily increasing. Since July of 2009, polyvinyl chloride (PVC) prices have risen 32.6%. Plasticizer, used to soften the gloves, is up 56.9%! These worrisome trends have shown no signs of letting up, with PVC and plasticizer costs up 19.2% and 26.7%, respectively year-to-date.

Since PVC is an oil based derivative, increasing oil prices are a significant variable in the rising PVC pricing. Oil prices have jumped more than 6% since mid-March and 22.7% since July of last year, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration. As oil prices continue to climb, the price of vinyl is projected to as well.

OSHA Training Video: Donning and Doffing Respirators

Michael Prather — Mon, 22 Mar 2010 13:09:24 +0000

This training video, produced by the US Occupational Safety and Health Administration, shows proper procedures for donning (putting on) and doffing (taking off) all types of respirators.

OSHA Training Video: Facemasks vs. respirators

Michael Prather — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 13:59:56 +0000

Published by the US Occupational Safety and Health Administration in December, this new training video clarifies the differences between facemasks and respriators.

Asian Freight Backlog Forcing Delays, Higher Rates

Lindsay Nemastil — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 16:36:17 +0000

Despite the Chinese New Year celebration coming to a close, a backlog of Asian freight persists. Despite heavy demand generated by the recovering global economy, capacity is down between 30-45% from this time last year according to one freight forwarder. Reports from several Chinese ports suggest ships are sailing above capacity, and experts predict it may take months before backlogs clear.

With limited space, shippers have been forced to pay elevated rates to secure cargo space aboard overbooked ships. New rate increases as high as 15% took effect March 1, but with carriers eager to recoup loses from 2009, more increases likely loom ahead.

OSHA, NIOSH budgets increase as part of appropriations bill

Lindsay Nemastil — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 14:05:43 +0000

President Obama has approved legislation to increase the budgets to two of the key government agencies responsible for ensuring occupational safety. The appropriations bill, signed into law in December, will increase 2010 OSHA and NIOSH budgets by 8% and 5%, respectively. According to Safety + Health magazine, the agencies expect to use the additional funds to hire compliance officers and expand pandemic flu preparedness.

Latex production improves, but supplies still slow to market

Lindsay Nemastil — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 19:08:48 +0000

Months after first beginning their climb, natural rubber latex prices continue to hover near record levels set earlier this month closing at 742 sen/kg Thursday (Source: Malaysian Rubber Board). Despite improved production, supplies have been slow to reach the market in recent weeks as dealers hold stock in anticipation of higher prices.

Driving the higher prices:

- Weakened supplies due to lower winter season production
- Stronger than anticipated global economic recovery
- Increased demand from the Chinese automotive industry
- Rising crude oil prices

Natural rubber latex price pushes past 740 sen/kg; up 21.5% since January 1

Michael Prather — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 20:00:37 +0000

Natural rubber latex prices closed the week over 740 sen/kg, up 21.5% since year-to-date and over 70% from this time last year (Source: Malaysian Rubber Board).

Latex rubber price closes above 700 sen/kg for first time since ‘08

Michael Prather — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 14:45:54 +0000

Natural rubber latex prices surpassed 700 sen/kg today to close at 703. The rally marked the first time prices closed above the 700 milestone since July 2008, when rising oil prices, new regulatory standards, and factory shutdowns sent disposable glove prices soaring to record highs.