Key advancements in rubber disposal

The international environmental movement has not left the latex/rubber industry untouched, and disposal considerations are becoming more scrutinized. Most of these products are disposed of through incineration and landfill disposal. For products disposed of in landfills, the persistence of these products is a point of concern, and a means to induce biodegradation of these materials in anaerobic conditions is necessary. Discussed are recent advancements in technology that promote biodegradation to assimilate these products back into the natural cycle and compare these products to the biodegradation of natural rubber. The environmental impact of biodegrading these materials (landfill gas and residual chemicals) is reviewed, as well as the impact of using these novel materials on a products shelf stability, strength and physical properties.