MESA. Ariz.—ENSO Plastics L.L.C. has developed a new technology that it said increases the biodegradation of synthetic rubber in landfills.
The company has transferred its knowledge on biodegradable plastics to the rubber industry and come out with a product called ENSO Restore RL, according to Teresa Clark, vice president of product development for the Mesa-based company.
Clark will present the firm's findings as part of a paper—"Advancements in Rubber and Latex Disposal—Biodegradation and the Environment"—that she will present at the International Latex Conference, to be held July 23-24 in Fairlawn, Ohio, a suburb of Akron.
ENSO Restore RL issues in a new age of rubber, the firm said. It said that independent laboratory testing shows nitrile treated with Restore biodegrades about 17 percent in the first 20 days compared to nitrile showing no biodegradation during the same time frame.
The same holds true with test results found in polychloroprene, polyurethane and other synthetic materials when treated with the product, ENSO said.