Natural rubber: production, properties and impact

Natural rubber is a plant-based material obtained mainly from rubber tree latex. Flexible, strong and elastic, it is used in many sectors, notably for shoe soles. But natural does not automatically mean eco-friendly: its impact depends heavily on its origin and growing conditions. Here is how it is made, what its properties are and how it differs from synthetic rubber.

What is natural rubber?

Natural rubber is an elastic material made from latex, a substance produced by certain plants. On an industrial scale, most of it comes from the rubber tree (Hevea brasiliensis), a tree grown in tropical regions.

Latex, the liquid collected from the tree, should therefore not be confused with rubber, which is obtained after it has been processed.

How is natural rubber made?

Harvesting begins with a shallow cut into the rubber tree bark. The latex then flows into a container. This process, known as tapping, can be repeated on the tree when carried out correctly.

After harvesting, the latex is stabilized or coagulated depending on the desired product, and then processed. It can be pressed, dried and subjected to various formulation stages before industrial use.

What are the properties of natural rubber?

Natural rubber is valued for several characteristics:

• its elasticity;
• its flexibility;
• its mechanical and abrasion resistance depending on its formulation;
• its ability to absorb shocks and vibrations;
• its grip, which is useful for certain soles.

However, its final properties depend on the mixtures and treatments used during manufacturing.

Natural rubber or synthetic rubber: what is the difference?

The main difference is their origin. Natural rubber comes from a renewable plant resource, while many synthetic rubbers are made from fossil-based raw materials.

This alone does not determine which has the better environmental impact. Factors such as cultivation, processing, transport, the product's lifespan and its end-of-life must also be taken into account.

Is natural rubber eco-friendly?

Its plant origin is a positive point, but rubber tree cultivation can also have significant impacts when it contributes to the conversion of natural ecosystems, intensive monoculture or poor soil management.

Conversely, better-managed supply chains, traceability and certain agroforestry practices can help reduce these impacts. It is therefore more accurate to speak of more responsibly produced natural rubber than to consider any natural material eco-friendly by definition.

Why is natural rubber used in shoes?

In shoes, rubber is mainly used for soles because of its flexibility, grip and durability. Depending on the model, a sole may contain natural rubber, synthetic rubber, recycled rubber or a mixture of several materials.

To learn more about this other sector, also read our article on recycled rubber.

Natural rubber at VEJA

VEJA is notably known for using natural rubber from the Amazon in some of its soles. The brand works with local producers and organizations to source latex from wild rubber trees, with the aim of giving economic value to standing forests.

As compositions vary depending on the models and collections, always check the product page to find out the proportion and nature of the materials used. You can also discover our article about VEJA and its approach.

Natural rubber and recycled rubber: what are the differences?

The first describes the origin of the material: plant-based latex. The second describes its life cycle: a material made from waste or already manufactured products and reintroduced into new production. A product can therefore combine virgin natural rubber and recycled rubber.

Frequently asked questions about natural rubber

Where does natural rubber come from?

It comes mainly from latex harvested from the rubber tree, a tree grown in tropical regions.

Are latex and rubber the same thing?

Not exactly. Latex is the liquid collected from the tree. It is then processed to obtain the rubber used in finished products.

Is natural rubber biodegradable?

Raw natural rubber is of biological origin, but finished products generally contain additives and undergo processing that changes their properties. A rubber sole should therefore not automatically be considered easily biodegradable or compostable.

How can I tell if a shoe contains natural rubber?

Check the composition provided by the brand or the product page. A sole may be made from several types of rubber and other materials.

To learn more about the fibers and materials used in clothing, check out our textile materials guide.