Researchers present biodegradablity solution for rubber waste

ERJ staff report (LMH)

Mesa, Arizona – A team of US researchers say they have developed a new technology that “accelerates the natural biodegradation of synthetic rubber in landfills”.

Teresa Clark, a researcher for biodegradable plastics firm ENSO Plastics, will present the results of the company’s R&D at the International Latex conference, to be held in role 23-24 July in Akron, Ohio.

ENSO said that it has managed to transfer its knowledge on biodegradable plastics to the rubber industry. The researchers claim that testing on nitrile treated with its ENSO Restore RL technology showed biodegradation of 16.9% in the first 20 days compared to untreated nitrile showing no biodegradation during the same period. ENSO added that similar accelerated biodegradation results are seen in polychloroprene, polyurethane and other synthetic materials when treated with the Restore material.

ENSO says that its developments could help reduce the huge amount of rubber waste going into landfill. It added that although much work has been done to examine biodegradability in plastics, until now rubber has not received the same attention.

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Press release from ENSO Plastics