At about 7.2 billion people, the world's population has doubled since 1970 and is expected to exceed 8 billion by 2025. Amid dwindling natural resources, governments face the challenge of controlling the global headcount from growing by about 9,000 people per hour. Okamoto Industries supports this campaign through its distinct line of quality condoms. "We always strive to be a step ahead of the competition as part of our commitment to provide consumers with a healthy, comfortable and enjoyable lifestyle," says Yoshiyuki Okamoto, president of Okamoto Industries. Indeed, the company was the first in the market to produce latex condoms. This variety outperforms its rubber counterpart in terms of softness and thinness. For people allergic to latex, Okamoto Industries came up with a special line of polyurethane condoms. Its 0.02 Hydro Polyurethane brand is one of the thinnest polyurethane condoms in the world featuring an even 0.02mm thickness across the whole surface area. To ensure safety and quality, Okamoto Industries complies strictly with global standards. These include regulations imposed by the United States Food and Drug Administration and the Conformite Europeenne of the European Economic Area. The company is also open to regular client audits. Although known by most consumers as a condom manufacturer, Okamoto Industries has grown to become a leading integrated global producer of rubber and plastic products. "We own leading technologies in various sectors ranging from rubber and plastics, to latex," Okamoto says. "By combining our expertise across these industries, we are able to produce a wide array of products." With three production facilities in Japan, two subsidiaries on the mainland and one each in Hong Kong, Thailand, Vietnam and the United States, Okamoto Industries produces thousands of other consumer and industrial items. These products range from heating pads, gloves and dehumidifiers, to vehicle seat covers, wallpaper, adhesive tapes and sneakers. Accounting for 8 per cent of overall sales, condoms, however, remain Okamoto Industries' core offering. Helping governments worldwide promote the contraceptive method, Okamoto Industries has donated US$1 million to Ghana and contributed to campaigns in countries such as India. To further broaden its market reach in China and Southeast Asia, especially in Thailand, Vietnam and Indonesia, Okamoto Industries welcomes partnerships with local distributors. "We would like to promote the Okamoto brand across Asia and beyond," Okamoto says. "We want people to associate our name with excellent product quality and dependability." Okamoto Industries www.okamoto-inc.jp
