The Malaysian Rubber Board (MRB) is collaborating with Felda Global Ventures Holdings Bhd (FGV) and other rubber product manufacturers in a research agreement for the commercialisation of ekoprena and pureprena under the Project National Key Economic Area (NKEA)’s Entry Point Projects (EPP) 11: Commercialisation of Ekoprena and Pureprena.
Developed by the MRB through intensive research studies, ekoprena and pureprena are forms of advanced natural rubber that are categorised as environmental-friendly for its production using natural materials from renewable sources.
Usage of ekoprena and pureprena in the production of various rubber materials – such as shoes, motorcycle and light truck tyres, bearings, fenders, and other automotive products – is expected to increase through the collaboration.
The signing of the collaboration agreement was done in conjunction with the National Rubber Economic Conference (NREC) 2016, which was officiated by Malaysia’s Deputy Minister of Plantation Industries and Commodities, Datuk Datu Nasrun Datu Mansur.
FELDA Transport Services Sdn Bhd (FTSSB) and FGV Green Rubber Sdn Bhd (FGVGR), wholly-owned companies by FGV, are the end-users for the more environmental-friendly rubber.
While FTSSB is principally involved in the transportation business for FELDA, FGVGR is focused on activities involved in the manufacturing of the ekoprena and pureprena rubber.
Other companies involved in the research agreement are Kulitkraf Sdn Bhd, Doshin Rubber Products (M) Sdn Bhd, Everthrough Rubber Products Sdn Bhd and Kumpulan JEBCO (M) Sdn Bhd.