Yulex

Yulex Corporation makes products from Guayule (Parthenium argentatum) a residual agricultural material.

History
In 2008, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Yulex biorubber gloves for medical uses. Yulex is the first company to produce biobased, medical-grade latex that is safe for people with latex allergy.

In 2012, Yulex received a $6.9 million USDA-DoE grant as part of a research consortium. Partnering with the Agricultural Research Service (ARS) and Cooper Tire, Yulex will research enhanced manufacturing processes, testing and utilization of guayule natural rubber as a strategic source of raw material in tires, and evaluate the remaining biomass of the guayule plant as a source of bio-fuel for the transportation industry, as well work on improving agronomic practices, developing genetic information and undertaking a lifecycle analysis.

Also in 2012, Yulex released the first alternative to the traditional neoprene wetsuit in partnership with Patagonia, the first guayule-based mattresses and pillows in partnership with Pure LatexBliss, and the first plant-based, latex allergy-friendly dental dam in partnership with 4D Rubber.

In 2013, Yulex formed a partnership with ENI's Versalis to expand the reach of guayule into European markets.