VietNamNet Bridge – Vietnamese and Japanese scientists introduced the outcome of their latest joint research on methods to remove proteins from natural rubber at a recent workshop in Ho Chi Minh City.

Products made of natural rubber are environmentally friendly but may cause the rubber latex protein allergy. (Source: VNA)

The research will help establish standards for protein-free natural rubber in Vietnam, create the foundation for the future development of natural rubber in the country.

Products made of natural rubber are environmentally friendly but may cause the rubber latex protein allergy since current purifying measures are not able to remove all proteins.

The event saw the introduction of some achievements on measuring natural rubber, purifying rubber latex and developing new materials derived from purified rubber.

The workshop was co-organised by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), the Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST) and the Vietnam Standards Association. It is a part of the project “Establishment of Carbon-Cycle-System with Natural Rubber” (JST - JICA ESCANBER), which is being carried out from April 2011 to March 2016 with the participation of researchers from both countries.

Japanese project manager Professor Masao Fukuda said the project aims to assist Vietnam in replacing synthetic rubber made from fossil materials with natural rubber, which will help reduce green house gases.

Additionally, with the rapid growth of Vietnam’s rubber industry in recent years, promoting the use of products from natural rubber will fuel the country’s “green” development.

Source: Vietnam Plus