THE RUBBER

AN ECO-FRIENDLY MATERIAL

Rubber, also known as natural rubber, is extracted from the latex of specific plants called Rubber Trees and is an important resource in the context of eco-friendly and sustainable solutions.

This material originates in tropical regions such as the Amazon and Southeast Asia and has been used since ancient times. Thanks to its versatile, elastic, and durable properties, rubber has played a fundamental role in numerous applications over the centuries, proving valuable for various industries. However, with the introduction of cheaper yet less sustainable synthetic rubbers, natural rubber has undergone a gradual replacement, and currently, only a few companies still use it for the production of shoe soles and accessories.

PRODUCTION AND ADVANTAGES OF RUBBER

The process of producing natural rubber is eco-friendly as it does not require tree felling. Extraction is carried out through incisions on the bark, allowing latex to ooze out and be collected in special containers.

The rubber extracted from the plant is made workable through vulcanization, a process discovered serendipitously in the 19th century. Vulcanization involves heating the rubber along with one or more additives, such as sulfur, in a press at high temperatures.

This process creates a three-dimensional network of bonds between rubber molecules, making the material elastic, durable, and suitable for shoe sole production, tires, and other rubber products. Companies embracing sustainable fashion prefer natural rubber for eco-friendly footwear, countering the trend that has seen this material used less and less over the years due to high processing costs and long production times.

Rubber soles, compared to those made from synthetic rubber, offer reliable traction on various surfaces, ensuring stability and safety while walking. Their resilience allows the soles to quickly return to their original shape after being subjected to pressure and repeated movements, providing lasting comfort for the wearer. Moreover, rubber is wear-resistant and can withstand adverse weather conditions, allowing the soles to endure abrasion and the effects of atmospheric agents, such as moisture and rain, without losing their functional properties. This makes rubber-soled shoes an excellent choice for everyday use, both in urban and outdoor settings. The natural waterproof nature of rubber also makes it ideal for waterproof footwear, such as rain boots or outdoor activity shoes, as it repels water and keeps the feet dry and protected from external elements. The key characteristics of this material can thus be summarized as follows:

• Sustainability

  Rubber tree cultivation is based on sustainable methods, requiring limited or no use of chemicals and developing autonomously and naturally.

• Biodegradability:

  Natural rubber is biodegradable, contributing to reducing the impact of waste on the environment.

• Strength:

  Footwear with rubber soles are renowned for their strength and durability. Soles made from this material offer significant grip and wear resistance.

• Elasticity and Flexibility:

  Rubber possesses high elastic and flexible properties, ensuring comfortable and flexible wear.

• Waterproof:

  Rubber is naturally waterproof, making shoes with soles of this material suitable for use in rainy or humid conditions.

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