Amid Decline, Condom Maker to Make Medical Gloves

U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Vincent Soles, 81st Medical Group, puts on gloves to prepare for incoming patients during in Exercise Vibrant Response at Camp Atterbury, Ind., Aug. 20, 2011
Photo/Eric Harris

With sales down during the COVID-19 pandemic, the world’s largest condom maker is going to start protecting another appendage – hands.

Karex will be expanding its business into the now-lucrative medical glove market, Nikkei Asia reported. Production is expected to begin in Thailand later this year.

The Malaysia-based company makes one out of every five condoms worldwide. Goh Miah Kiat, the company’s chief executive officer, said use of its products declined 40% in the past two years.

The company said hotel closures coupled with governments slashing its condom handout programs contributed to the decline in condom sales.

The pandemic wasn’t all bad for Karex. Goh said the company saw increased sales in probe covers for medical devices and foley balloon catheters.

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