Ranjit K. Matthan, Ph.D., an internationally renowned latex and rubber expert, has joined Vystar Corporation’s (OTC Pink: VYST) Board of Directors. Dr. Matthan has been a consultant to Vystar since 2008 and has played a significant role in the manufacturing scale up of reduced-protein Vytex® natural rubber latex (NRL) in Malaysia and refining the research and development of manufacturing processes for applications using Vytex NRL, such as latex foam, condoms, adhesives, medical devices, etc.
“Dr. Matthan’s overall rubber industry acumen and his knowledge of natural rubber latex from seed to end products, coupled with his understanding of Vystar’s technology and methodology to physically remove proteins and non-rubbers in producing reduced-protein Vytex® NRL has been invaluable,” stated William Doyle, CEO of Vystar. “As a member of our board of directors, we believe he will continue to play a very hands-on role in Vytex specialty product development, as all our board members play active roles. Dr. Matthan most recently has been involved in the R & D that opened the doors for ultra-low ammonia, pre-vulcanized and reduced-nitrosamine versions of Vytex NRL. Moving forward, we will be tapping his expertise to expand product development internationally, such as for threads to be used in a myriad of fabrics and materials.”
“Dr. Ranjit Matthan is considered a foremost expert in NRL technology. His understanding of the formulas and processes behind the manufacturing scale-up of the purest foam latex in the universe give Vystar a competitive advantage in developing new uses for its revolutionary Vytex NRL product,” noted Steve Rotman, CEO of Nature’s Home Solutions (NHS), the domestic exclusive distributor of Vytex NRL foam. “His appointment to Vystar’s Board will allow much faster development of exciting new sustainable, allergy-friendly products that NHS can bring to the market.”
Dr. Matthan has been associated with the development of natural rubber and rubber based industries manufacturing in South Asia since the 1970s and introduced technically specified natural rubber into India. He has advised national and international companies and research bodies including the Government of India, the Malaysian Rubber Research and Development Board, Asian Development Bank, Industrial Development Bank of India, Revertex (Malaysia) as well as many private companies engaged in latex production and manufacturing. A founding Director of the Bangkok-based Asia Pacific Elastomer Science and Technology (APEST), he has played a key role in sustainability initiatives for natural rubber. He has also been associated with the development and commercial introduction of several eco-friendly natural rubber grades, including Vytex NRL.
Dr. Matthan has received numerous industry awards, including: the prestigious 2014 Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining, U.K.’s Hancock Medal for his contributions to the development of the environmentally friendly sustainable growth of the global natural rubber industry, and the 2006 KMPhilip Award from the All India Rubber Industries Association for significant contributions toward the development of the Indian Rubber Industry. Dr. Matthan has published over 50 scientific and technical papers on natural rubber and lattices and is an invited speaker at several international conferences including the International Latex Conference.