Introduction
Durex was founded in 1929, when LRC (The London Rubber Company) registered the brand name. Durex released its first lubricated condoms in 1950s and became the first company to perform electronic testing. Durex is also the innovator of anatomically shaped condoms that revolutionized protected intercourse with the addition of lubricants and sex toys (Durex). The contraception industry has been growing for past few decades throughout the world, as condoms have been useful in the prevention of STDs, especially the fatal disease called AIDS. In addition, condoms have also been successful in protecting pregnancies and helping many families plan their children without the medical aftereffects of using pills. Historically, it has been proven that Durex is impacted by the environment it has been operating as new competitors emerge and substitutes are invented for preventing pregnancies.
Technological Factors
Technological Innovations
Innovations are one of the major concerns that affect the contraceptive industry as the introduction of a breakthrough technology can shift the market share of current industry leaders. Latex was the first technological invention that brought condoms to the world. In many ways, technology has played a major role in changing the fortune of condom companies such as Durex. Technology helped Durex to build the anatomically designed condoms and revolutionize the contraception industry. Durex has always been interested in improving the condom technology by investing in the development of better condoms in terms of texture, flavour, sizes, gender, etc. In every few years, there is a new type of condom technology, sex toy or lubricant launched by Durex or its competitors. Durex has a history of investing in R&D, especially in testing condoms produced by their factory. Every single condom gets tested or strength by inflating it with air, which helps in identifying if there are holes in product.
Rate of Technological Change
The speed of technological change also affects the contraceptive industry as companies like Durex need to make continuous changes to match the industry standards. Within the contraceptive industry, there are other products such as contraceptive pills that provide a significant level of competition to condoms, but pills have their limitations as they do not protect from STDs. Durex has also been involved in several research projects that has helped them to develop new product ideas and eventually new products for increasing the sexual pleasure of their customers (Durex). The rate of technological change halted after the introduction of contraceptive pills in the early 1980s, as the condom market was saturated. But, with the prevalence of AIDS in 1980s, condoms became popular again. Technological change in the contraceptive industry has been significantly higher in the past decade as new products and designs have been added to the product list manufactured by Durex and its competitors.
Technology Incentives
The incentives associated with the use of contraceptive affects the condom makers like Durex as customers prefer to use the products that give them the highest satisfaction. The contraceptive industry is ruled by companies that provide its customers with the best quality condoms and other products such as sex toys and lubricants. Durex prides itself as the most technologically advanced condom manufacturer that is always seeking to innovate. In addition, Durex has also added a special range of lubricants and sex toys to make their customers feel extra pleasure during sex. As a technological incentive, Durex products are expected to be of the highest standards and technologically advanced in terms of its competitors.
Works Cited
Reckitt Benckiser. History of Durex. Durex USA. Durexusa.com. 2013. Web. 15 April 2016.
Reckitt Benckiser. Why Durex? We Make the Best Condoms. Durex USA. Durexusa.com. 2013. Web. 15 April 2016
