karex
Karex Berhad is the world's largest condom manufacturer, producing over 5 billion units annually (one-fifth of global supply) from four facilities in Malaysia and Thailand. It serves global consumer brands (Durex, Trojan) via OEM, sells owned brands directly to consumers, and supplies NHS and UN health programs across 130+ countries.
- Company typePublic
- Founded1988
- HeadquartersPort Klang, Malaysia
- Headcount1,001–5,000
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingHardware or Manufacturing
What karex does
Karex Berhad is the world's largest condom manufacturer, producing over 5 billion condoms annually — approximately one-fifth of global supply — across four manufacturing facilities in Malaysia (Port Klang, Pontian, Senai) and Thailand (Hat Yai), supported by a 2,980-person workforce. The company operates three distinct go-to-market motions: OEM contract manufacturing for global consumer brands including Durex and Trojan; direct-to-consumer sales of owned brands (ONE, MyONE, Carex, Pasante, Trustex, Atlas, Adore) through e-commerce and retail channels; and B2B supply to government health systems (NHS UK) and humanitarian organizations (UN aid programs). Manufacturing capabilities span latex and nitrile condom production, electronic testing for quality assurance, and adjacent medical products including personal lubricants, probe covers, Foley balloon catheters, and medical gloves. International sales offices in Boston (Global Protection Corp.) and Brighton (Pasante Healthcare) provide regional distribution depth across 130+ countries.
The company is publicly listed on Bursa Malaysia (KLSE:KAREX) since 2013 and headquartered in Port Klang, Selangor. Revenue is generated through quote-based B2B contracts with major brand clients, public-sector tenders, and distributed consumer product sales. The business model combines high-volume manufacturing scale with a diversified brand portfolio, cushioned by ESG positioning (FTSE4Good 4.5/5 rating, top 1% globally) and regulatory compliance (ISO 4074, ISO 14001, ISO 45001). Proprietary nitrile condom technology, custom-fit sizing under the MyONE brand, and ongoing R&D in dipping process innovation provide limited product differentiation within a commodity-adjacent category. Recent operating pressures include 20–30% announced price increases in April 2026 to offset raw material inflation (silicone oil +30%, nitrile latex +100%, natural rubber +33%) linked to Iran-war-related supply chain disruptions, against a backdrop of 30% demand surge driven by USAID funding contraction.
karex firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- karex
- Legal name
- Karex Berhad (1018579-U)
- Website
- https://karex.com.my
- Company type
- Public
- Founded year
- 1988
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 1,001–5,000 employees
- Short description
- Karex Berhad is the world's largest condom manufacturer, producing over 5 billion units annually (one-fifth of global supply) from four facilities in Malaysia and Thailand. It serves global consumer brands (Durex, Trojan) via OEM, sells owned brands directly to consumers, and supplies NHS and UN health programs across 130+ countries.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
karex industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Condom Manufacturing
- NAICS
- Surgical Appliance and Supplies Manufacturing (339113), Plastics and Rubber Products Manufacturing (326)
- SIC
- Plastic Materials, Synth Resins & Nonvulcan Elastomers (2821)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Sexual Wellness & Intimacy Products DTC (CRAFACAM)
- akta.pro secondary industry
- Protective Disposable Wear (Masks, Gloves, Shoe Covers, Hairnets) (CRADALAJ)
Keywords
Where karex is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Port Klang
- HQ country
- Malaysia
- HQ region
- Asia
Offices6 records
Markets served
karex business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Hardware or Manufacturing
- Cost components
- Supply Chain, Operations, Personnel, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales
Revenue model
- OEM/Contract Manufacturing: Manufacturing condoms for major global brands including Durex and Trojan under contract manufacturing arrangements. Represents core B2B revenue stream with established client relationships.
- Own Brand Portfolio Sales: Direct sales of proprietary brands including ONE, MyONE, Carex, Pasante, Trustex, Atlas, Adore through e-commerce and retail channels. Includes B2C sales to end consumers.
- Healthcare System Supply: Supply contracts with government health systems including NHS UK, UN aid programs, and public health organizations for HIV prevention and reproductive health initiatives.
- Diverse Healthcare Products: Manufacturing and sales of complementary products including personal lubricants, probe covers, Foley balloon catheters, and medical gloves.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Price increase announcement due to supply chain disruptions |
Go-to-market motion2 records
Distribution channels6 records
Marketing channels5 records
karex product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Karex is the world's largest condom manufacturer, producing over 5 billion condoms per year across facilities in Malaysia and Thailand, supplying roughly one-fifth of global demand. The company makes male and female condoms, personal lubricants, probe covers, Foley balloon catheters, and gloves through both contract manufacturing for international brands (e.g., Durex, Trojan) and its own consumer brands (ONE, MyONE, Carex, Pasante, Trustex).
Product overview
Karex operates as the world's largest condom manufacturer with a diversified portfolio of sexual wellness and healthcare products. The company produces male latex and nitrile condoms (their core product representing one-fifth of global supply at 5+ billion units annually), personal lubricants, probe covers, foley balloon catheters, and gloves. Products are marketed through multiple brand tiers: owned brands including ONE, MyONE, and Carex; and acquired brands including Pasante (UK), Trustex (US), and Atlas. The company operates globally through subsidiaries Global Protection Corp. (Boston, North/South America) and Pasante Healthcare (Brighton, Europe/Middle East), while manufacturing is centralized in Malaysia and Thailand facilities.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- ONE: Condom brand operating in US, Malaysia, Singapore, Vietnam, Indonesia, and Thailand markets
- MyONE
- Carex
- Pasante
- Trustex
- Inno
- Esp
- Fantasy
- Adore
- Atlas
- Uro
- Urocare
- Revoc
Products and services
- Male condoms Male condoms (latex and non-latex including proprietary nitrile) manufactured at scale for OEM customers such as Durex and Trojan and for the company's own consumer brands (ONE, MyONE, Carex, Pasante, Trustex).
- Female condoms Female condoms manufactured for global brand owners and public-health programs.
- Personal lubricants Personal lubricant products sold under Karex's owned brands and supplied to OEM customers, complementing its condom portfolio.
- Probe covers Latex probe covers used in medical/ultrasound applications, manufactured using the company's dipping-process know-how.
- Foley balloon catheters Foley balloon catheters produced for healthcare customers, leveraging existing latex manufacturing expertise.
- Examination gloves Examination gloves manufactured as part of the company's adjacent medical-products portfolio, primarily latex-based.
Quantifiable outcome
- Over 5 billion condoms produced annually - one-fifth of global supply
- +3 more outcomes
Companies that use karex
Customer profileNamed customers5 records
Segments4 records
Ideal customer profiles2 records
karex technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature3 records
karex partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Nine partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.
- Levanta Renewablescore15-year power purchase agreement to install a 2.2-MWp solar photovoltaic system at Karex's Innolatex Thailand Limited facility in Hat Yai city. Expected to generate approximately 44 GWh of green electricity annually, reducing carbon emissions by 26,000 tonnes and supporting Thailand's renewable energy targets.
- Ministry of Health MalaysiacorePartnership through the DHSKP (Differentiated HIV Services for Key Populations) Programme, distributing 700,000 condoms and 700,000 lubricants worth RM2.3 million in 2025. Products reach 50,000+ individuals through 200+ trained community healthcare workers at 52 outreach sites.
- Malaysian AIDS Foundation (MAF)coreCollaboration on DHSKP programme distributing 1.4 million protection units in 2025. Also supports art against AIDS (AAA) initiative which has raised over RM2 million since 2016 for HIV/AIDS programmes. MAF coordinates distribution through community organizations.
- Hilton Hotels MalaysiaminorPartnership to distribute 12,000+ awareness packs across Hilton properties in Malaysia including Kuala Lumpur, Kota Kinabalu, Kuching, and nine other locations, promoting HIV prevention and safe practices to hotel guests and employees.
- OCK RecycleminorPartnership to convert obsolete foil rolls into alternative fuel through Lafarge Malaysia cement kilns, replacing fossil fuels and reducing carbon emissions. Supports Karex's sustainable packaging and circular economy initiatives.
- Malaysian Rubber Council (MRC)minorCollaboration on MRC Scholarship Awards for Undergraduate Studies, supporting young Malaysians pursuing education in rubber industry fields. Strengthens future talent pipeline for Malaysia's rubber manufacturing sector.
- Fair Rubber AssociationminorMembership supporting fair trade practices and improving livelihoods of natural latex producers. Strengthens responsible sourcing and ethical supply chain practices across Karex's rubber supply chain.
- art against AIDS (AAA)coreYouth-led advocacy initiative using art to challenge HIV/AIDS stigma. Raised over RM2 million for Malaysian AIDS Foundation through collaborations with higher institutions, community clinics, government agencies, NGOs, and corporate partners. Annual exhibition showcases creative works supporting HIV prevention.
- PT FoundationminorCommunity health organization partner for HIV prevention programs. Residents from Rumah Inap PT Foundation participate in packing and distributing Sexual Transmission Prevention Kits, creating livelihood opportunities alongside health education.
Scale indicators8 records
Recent moves13 records
Expansion highlights7 records
karex competitors and assessment
Company assessmentBroad incumbents
- Okamoto Industries: Japanese manufacturer of condoms and other rubber-based consumer products (including gloves). Okamoto is a direct category competitor with both OEM and branded condom offerings across Asia, and is comparable in latex/rubber manufacturing expertise and global brand reach.
- Reckitt Benckiser (Durex): Reckitt owns the Durex brand — Karex's largest disclosed OEM customer. While Reckitt is a diversified consumer health conglomerate (not a pure-play condom manufacturer), it is the most strategically relevant counterparty for Karex and represents both a major revenue dependency and a comparable category leader in sexual wellness.
- Church & Dwight (Trojan): Church & Dwight owns the Trojan brand, the leading condom brand in the US and another of Karex's major OEM customers. Like Reckitt, it is a diversified consumer products company where condoms are a category within a broader household products portfolio, but it is a direct customer and brand owner in the same sexual wellness category.
Direct peers
- Sagami Rubber Industries: Japanese condom manufacturer specializing in polyurethane (non-latex) condoms as well as traditional latex. Sagami is comparable to Karex as a specialist condom manufacturer with proprietary non-latex technology, providing a relevant competitor in the premium and latex-allergy segments.
- Thai Nippon Rubber Industry (TNRI): Thailand-based condom manufacturer producing male latex condoms for global OEM clients. TNRI is a directly comparable regional manufacturing peer operating in the same Asian production corridor and serving the same global condom OEM customer base.
- HLL Lifecare: Indian government-owned condom and contraceptive manufacturer supplying public health programs and tenders. HLL is a direct peer to Karex in OEM-style condom manufacturing for institutional/government buyers (analogous to NHS/UN supply) and competes in the same humanitarian-aid supply ecosystem.
- Cupid Limited: Indian condom manufacturer producing male condoms for branded and OEM customers globally. Cupid is a direct peer in contract manufacturing scale, latex condom technology, and participation in UN/tender supply programs, and represents an alternative low-cost source for global condom buyers.
Emerging players
- Mankind Pharma: Indian pharmaceutical company that has entered condom manufacturing and was cited in the data as a competitor also warning of condom price increases due to similar supply chain disruptions. It represents a low-cost Asian competitor that could pressure Karex's OEM economics, especially in cost-sensitive markets.
- RFSU: Swedish sexual wellness brand and condom manufacturer with strong European presence. RFSU is comparable to Karex's owned-brand strategy (ONE, Pasante) as a branded sexual wellness player rather than a pure OEM, and competes for the same European premium-segment consumer.
Regional players
- Convex Latex: Indian condom manufacturer focused on domestic and emerging-market supply. Convex is a regional manufacturing peer competing in similar price-sensitive OEM and public-health tender markets, though it does not directly overlap with Karex's primary North American/European customer base.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat6 records
Key risks5 records
Key highlights6 records
Customer concentration
karex social profiles
Digital presencekarex compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance10 records
karex financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
karex leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles10 records
karex subsidiaries and ownership
Company hierarchySubsidiaries6 records
karex funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
karex M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about karex
What does karex do?
Karex is the world's largest condom manufacturer, producing over 5 billion condoms per year across facilities in Malaysia and Thailand, supplying roughly one-fifth of global demand. The company makes male and female condoms, personal lubricants, probe covers, Foley balloon catheters, and gloves through both contract manufacturing for international brands (e.g., Durex, Trojan) and its own consumer brands (ONE, MyONE, Carex, Pasante, Trustex).
Is karex a public or private company?
karex is a public company. It is classified as public and is currently operating.
When was karex founded?
karex was founded in 1988. It employs 1,001 to 5,000 people.
Where is karex based?
karex is headquartered in Port Klang, Malaysia, in the Asia region.
How does karex make money?
Four revenue lines are on record. OEM/Contract Manufacturing is the primary driver. The others are own Brand Portfolio Sales, healthcare System Supply and diverse Healthcare Products.
Who are karex's main competitors?
Broad incumbents on record are Okamoto Industries, Reckitt Benckiser (Durex) and Church & Dwight (Trojan). Direct peers are Sagami Rubber Industries, Thai Nippon Rubber Industry (TNRI), HLL Lifecare and Cupid Limited. Emerging players are Mankind Pharma and RFSU. Convex Latex is listed as a regional player.
Does karex have an API?
No public API is recorded for karex.
What industry is karex in?
karex's product category is Condom Manufacturing. Its primary akta.pro industry code is CRAFACAM, Sexual Wellness & Intimacy Products DTC, with a secondary code of CRADALAJ, Protective Disposable Wear (Masks, Gloves, Shoe Covers, Hairnets). Its NAICS code is 339113 and its SIC code is 2821.