Environment: Improvement options for rubber

The downloadable document gives environmentally sound options for producing rubber products. The document starts with a short description of the rubber industry followed by a MET matrix, which is a relatively simple method of listing environmental impacts that should be taken into account. The given improvement options are not meant to give tailor-made solutions.

The production of rubber can be very environmentally unsound. The most prominent issue seems to be the emission of toxic substances in the compounding and moulding stage of the production process. Additives, degreasers and cleaning agents that contain less volatile organic compounds or water based additives and agents should be used. Manufacturers should be aware that legislation in the EU regarding rubber mostly concerns additives that are used. Besides emissions of toxic substances, the use of energy in the compounding and the vulcanising stage is a point of concern.